IN FOCUS: 9.11.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Mission Marion to Connect Volunteers with Those in Need of Assistance
We're pleased to share the launch of Mission Marion, the City's new volunteer-matching service. Through a partnership with students enrolled in last year's Linn-Mar High School Venture Academics program, this new service will help vulnerable residents find the help they need to complete tasks such as shoveling, raking, or mowing. United Way of East Central Iowa's VolunteerNow portal will connect volunteers with those in need of assistance. Residents are encouraged to visit www.cityofmarion.org/MissionMarion to sign up for volunteer opportunities or request assistance.

September is Suicide Prevention Month
Mental health is a community concern and during last week's City Council meeting, a proclamation was issued to recognize Suicide Prevention Month and to bring awareness and promote hope, connection and community support. In Marion, the Police Department partners with Foundation 2 to connect those in need with resources and support. The department employs a mental health liaison through this partnership, and a crisis canine recently joined the department. Last year, the City also added 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline decals to 18 vehicles across the Police, Fire, and Public Works departments. Together, we can build a compassionate community where everyone knows they matter. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - available 24/7, free and confidential.

Budget Planning for FY28 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2028 (FY28) continues. The third budget discussion with Marion City Council will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 15, where we'll review the environmental scan. This scan reviews internal and external factors expected to impact fiscal planning for FY28. A series of discussions will occur over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget work session at the end of January. Stay informed by visiting the City's budget page.

ITC Midwest to Conduct Aerial Patrols of Transmission Lines
Between now and Oct. 2, ITC Midwest will conduct aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission structures and lines throughout its service territory, which includes Marion. These patrols are required for ITC Midwest's vegetation management program and support proactive maintenance objectives. Patrols include the inspection of vegetation in the vicinity of transmission structures, wood poles, conductors/wires, insulators and other equipment. These inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes and there is no cause for alarm if a low-altitude helicopter is sighted near a transmission line during this time frame. Learn more at www.itc-holdings.com.

Election Sign Placement Reminders
As election season approaches, we want to remind everyone of the rules for the placement of political signs in Marion. Signs may not be placed in the City right-of-way, between the sidewalk and curb, per City code. In areas where there is no sidewalk, typically 15 feet from the back of the curb is considered to be the start of private property. Please be mindful of the placement of signs on corner lots so that they do not obstruct driver and pedestrian visibility of oncoming traffic. If you have questions regarding the placement of signs, please contact the Planning Division at [email protected].

Road Construction Updates
Stay up-to-date on road construction projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Pavement Repairs Associated with Sanitary Trunk Sewer Project 4 & 5
Today, Boomerang Corp. will close a section of the Indian Creek Trail, just west of 10th Street, to complete pavement repairs associated with the Sanitary Trunk Sewer Project 4 & 5. This closure is expected to last approximately one week, weather permitting. On Monday, Sept. 14, the contractor will close Geode Street at Central Avenue to complete pavement repairs associated with the same project. This closure is also expected to last approximately one week, weather permitting.

Wallace Street to Close for Culvert Replacement
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16, Rathje Construction will close Wallace Street between Tower Terrace Road and Winslow Road to complete a culvert replacement and associated roadway patching. The roadway will be completely closed to all traffic during this work. Motorists are encouraged to use 10th Street or 35th Street/Lucore Road as alternate routes. The closure is expected to remain in place until Sept. 21, weather permitting. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.

Fall Into Marion Parade Happening Tomorrow
The "Fall Into Marion" Parade sponsored by Farmers State Bank will take place in Uptown Marion this Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. This year's theme celebrates our nation's 250th anniversary. The parade will line up at the corner of 1st Avenue and 15th Street. It will travel north on 15th Street and then west on 6th Avenue from 15th Street to 9th Street. Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands will be featured, along with a variety of nonprofits, businesses and organizations. There is no parking along the parade route from 5 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Parking is available on the side streets and in any City-owned parking lots.

The Marion Big Read Begins Tomorrow
Join the excitement at the kickoff event for Marion's community-wide read! Attendees can pick up information for the program, their book selection, and enjoy activities and refreshments on Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon - 5 p.m. at the library. Visit the library's website to find additional event information and answers to frequently asked questions. The Big Marion Read is made possible through the support of NEA Big Read, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Marion Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Marion Public Library. NEA Big Read is a program of The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival Happening Sunday
On Sunday, Sept. 13, YENKO will host its third annual Spark in the Park Multicultural Festival. This free event will take place at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy international food sampling, yoga, cultural performances, a pickleball tournament and more! All are welcome to participate to ignite wellness and celebrate culture. For more information visit: yenko.org.

A Forum on Aging Happening at Marion Public Library
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Bickford Senior Living, St. Croix Hospice and Right at Home will host a Forum on Aging: Resources for Your Journey. This free event will take place at the Marion Public Library from 5-7:30 p.m. Hear from a panel of experts and gain guidance on Medicare plans, funeral planning, selling your home and more! All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Oktoberfest Returns on September 19
Oktoberfest, presented by Club Pilates, returns for the fifth year on Saturday, Sept. 19. It will feature the best breweries in Iowa and surrounding areas, sampling a wide variety of styles. Each brewery will have representatives on hand to visit with and educate fans on their beers. Attendees will also enjoy live music and traditional and non-traditional German games. The event will benefit the Winter Lights program. Tickets are available at givebutter.com/MarionOktoberfest. Participants must be 21+ years of age. Tickets and IDs will be scanned at the entrance to the event.

Red Cedar Chamber Music Returns to the Uptown Artway
Visit the Uptown Artway on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to hear Red Cedar Chamber Music present "Cactus Quintet". This special performance, beginning at noon, features Clarinet Quintet by Christine Bellomy and dances from Gumboots by David Bruce, inspired by the gumboot dance of oppressed miners in South African gold mines. The event will wrap up with a Gershwin medley arranged by Steve Shanley.

Marion Police Department Hosting Stuffed Animal Drive
The Marion Police Department is partnering with the Child Protection Center to collect new stuffed animals for children who may be experiencing a difficult or traumatic time. Donations of new stuffed animals can be brought to the Marion Police Department on Highway 151 for collection between now and Sept. 30.

We're Hiring!
Curious about the current openings with the City of Marion? They include entry-level police officer, lateral police officer, entry-level firefighter, assistant building official, parks seasonal maintenance worker, library patron services staff and part-time ice loop positions. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/employment and apply today.

New Faces in New Places
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Liz Fontenot will join Team Marion. Liz will be a part-time patron services team member with the Marion Public Library. She comes to us from Linn-Mar Community School District, where she worked as a choir teacher. Congrats, Liz! Welcome aboard.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Sept. 7-12, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2500 block of 29th Avenue. Between Sept. 13-17, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 29th 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 Todd & Tami Culver
• Meeting with Kaeding Properties representatives
• MEDCO board meeting
• Meeting with Julie Stow
• City Council Work Session
• MEDCO Development Tour
• Marion Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting
• City Council Meeting
• Scheduled time out of the office

Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting www.cityofmarion.org/text