IN FOCUS: 6.26.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Independence Day Holiday Hours
Marion City Hall and other City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Regular business hours resume on Monday, July 6. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection will not be impacted. Collection will take place on the regularly scheduled day. The Yard Waste Facility is also closed on Friday, and both the Recycling and Yard Waste Facilities will be closed on Saturday. On July 3 and July 4, the Marion Pool will be open for lap swim from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and open swim from 1-5 p.m. The Marion Public Library will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on July 3 and closed on Saturday, July 4. The bookmobile will not run on Saturday, July 4.

No Parking Proposed for Area 4
Earlier this week, letters were sent to all residents directly impacted by a proposal to designate Area 4 of the city as "No Parking" on one side of the street. Area 4 is bound by 10th Street to the west, 31st Street to the east, 10th Avenue to the south and McGowan Boulevard to the north. This change is recommended to improve emergency vehicle access and assist other larger vehicles such as garbage trucks, snow plows, etc. to maneuver the street more easily. City Council will review and discuss the proposed changes on Tuesday, July 7, at 4 p.m. at Marion City Hall. Any interested person may appear and provide comments in support of or objection to the proposed action during the applicable public comment period. Comments may also be submitted via email to the City Clerk at [email protected] by 3 p.m. on July 7 to be shared during the meeting. For a full list of impacted streets or to learn more visit www.cityofmarion.org.

Sidewalk Inspection Program Underway
In May, the Public Works Department began its annual sidewalk inspection program in Marion. Previously, this was a biannual program evaluating the condition of half of Marion every two years. Now, this program has been modified to inspect one quadrant every year in a four-year rotation. Earlier this week, letters were sent to residents in the southwest quadrant with defectives panels in need of repair. Under City code, property owners are responsible for maintaining the public sidewalk adjacent to their property. Impacted property owners can fix the sidewalk panels themselves, no later than July 26, 2026, or elect to have the City complete the repairs. A Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 7 at 4 p.m. at Marion City Hall. Any affected property owner may appear and provide comments in support of or objection to the proposed action during the applicable public hearing. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org.

Reminder about Fireworks Rules
In accordance with State law, consumer fireworks are only allowed to be launched in Marion on July 3, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and July 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. this time of year. Fireworks may be purchased and used only by persons 18 years of age or older, and used only with the property owner's permission. Fireworks may NOT be used in public parks. Any other dates and times are authorized by permit only. The use of fireworks outside of the designated dates and times is considered a nuisance in Marion's code. Property owners allowing fireworks to be discharged on their property outside of the established dates/times may be subject to citation for a municipal infraction. The fees for a municipal infraction are $750 for the first infraction and $1,000 for each subsequent infraction. Residents can report fireworks usage outside of the permissible dates by calling the Marion Police Department's non-emergency line at 319-377-1511.

Fireworks & Fireflies Returns July 3
On Friday, July 3, Marion will host its 6th annual Fireworks & Fireflies celebration. This free event will take place at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Well Lit starting at 7 p.m. An additional performance stage, featuring School of Rock, the Barnyard Discoveries petting zoo and an expanded Family Fun Zone, will be located near Irish Drive. Food trucks, face painting and a grand fireworks finale will round out the event. Organizers are pleased to welcome the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Klingler Paint, Mediacom and the City of Marion as the event's red-level sponsors. Additional details, including a list of frequently asked questions and a printable parking map, are available at www.cityofmarion.org/fireworks.

Eat. Drink. & Be Marion: Pub Crawl Fundraiser
Uptown Marion will host its 12th annual Eat. Drink. & Be Marion: Food & Pub Crawl Fundraiser on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5-9 p.m. With a ticket, you will receive a complimentary glass, t-shirt and exclusive deals from participating businesses in the Uptown Marion District. Also, enjoy live entertainment, $1 bar specials, food samples and extended shopping hours as you walk to each participating establishment. Ticket proceeds benefit the ongoing revitalization and beautification efforts of Uptown Marion - A Main Street Iowa District. Must be 21 years or older to participate. For more information visit: UptownMarion.com.

Heat Relief Locations for Marion Residents
As temperatures rise next week, the Marion Fire Department encourages residents to check on neighbors, family members and friends who are especially vulnerable to high heat indices due to age, medical or other conditions. Anyone seeking a break from the heat is welcome at any of the following air-conditioned heat relief locations in Marion. Each location is available the following days and times during periods of extreme temperatures:

• Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue, Marion [M-Th, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., F-Sa, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Su, 1-5 p.m.]
• Thomas Park Safe Room, 343 Marion Boulevard, Marion [M-F, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.]
• Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street, Marion [M-Sa, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.]
• Marion City Hall Lobby, 1225 6th Avenue, Marion [M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.]
• Marion Police Department Lobby, 6315 Highway 151, Marion [M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.]

A list of other Linn County heat relief centers is available through Linn County Emergency Management or may be obtained by calling 2-1-1.

Road Construction Updates
Road construction season is upon us! As always, slow down in construction zones and watch for workers. Stay up-to-date on these and other projects by subscribing to the Public Works project newsletter.

We're Hiring
If you're looking to make a positive impact in the community, the City of Marion is currently hiring for multiple positions. Current full-time openings include a police officer, project assistant, permit clerk or permit technician I and public works equipment operator. There are seasonal openings for a mower and a public works worker. We're also hiring a part-time 911 communications operator. Find the details at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
On Wednesday, July 1, Brittanie DiMichele will be joining the Marion Police Department as a police officer. She comes to us from the Talbot County Sheriff's Office in Easton, Maryland. We look forward to working with you, Brittanie!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between June 27-July 1, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 10th Avenue.

Upcoming Events

Future Council Items

Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

On the Docket

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Landon Burg
• Meeting with Ellie Evans
• Fireworks & Fireflies event
• Offices closed on July 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday

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