For the Good of the Order
Legislative Day at the Capitol
On Tuesday, we had a great delegation of community leaders make the trip to Des Moines to connect with many of our elected officials at the Capitol. During our visit we shared information on positive and negative impacts of different legislation and programs to our community. While in Des Moines, we also met with a representative from the Iowa Economic Development Agency (IEDA) and reviewed our community’s application for the Enhance Iowa Grant to help fund the Uptown Plaza Project. Thank you to our elected officials for their accessibility and to our partners at MEDCO and the Chamber who organized the trip.
Opposition to Legislative Action Regarding the Sale of Fireworks
In other legislative news, the City worked swiftly to respond to a last-minute amendment and approval of SF2285 as it relates to the sale of fireworks. The bill passed through both the senate and the house on party lines and was awaiting the governor’s signature. As proposed, cities would no longer be able to restrict where fireworks could be sold. The proposed legislation is concerning as it is yet another case of the state legislature taking away local control on matters that are best handled within the purview of local governments. Issues of public safety don’t always have one-size-fits-all solutions and cities must have the powers to fulfill this basic function of local government. Here is an article that appeared in the Gazette on this legislation.
Department Visits
As part of my continued onboarding with the organization, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to meet with employees in every department. Earlier this week I enjoyed a couple of late-night and early-morning check-ins with members of our police department. My deep appreciation to these members of Team Marion, and their families, for the unconventional schedules they keep and the sacrifices they make to keep our community safe.
State of the City Recording Now Available
If you weren't able to attend Marion's State of the City event earlier this month, the recording is now available. Take a listen as Mayor AbouAssaly recaps a year marked by significant progress and forward momentum even as the City continued its response to the pandemic and derecho. It's full steam and PROGRESS AHEAD: https://youtu.be/cew94j_6VTU.
Marion PD and Cedar Valley Humane Society Forge Partnership
The Marion Police Department has formalized a new partnership with the Cedar Valley Humane Society to provide animal control services within Marion city limits. The partnership, which went into effect today, improves the services available to residents and frees up officers to do other things. Going forward, anytime residents encounter a stray domesticated animal, they can take them to the Cedar Valley Humane Society location at 7411 Mt. Vernon Road, Cedar Rapids. Business hours are noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon-4 p.m. on Saturday. For animal control needs outside of the Cedar Valley Humane Society’s normal hours, residents should contact the Marion Police Department’s non-emergency number 319-377-1511 and a dispatcher will contact the on-call designee to meet the resident at the Mt. Vernon Road facility.
7th Avenue Reconstruction and Streetscaping Project Resumes
Earlier this week, Rathje Construction began Phase 2 of the 7th Avenue Reconstruction and Streetscape Project. During Phase 2, 10th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues will be closed to traffic. The work is expected to last several months. On March 31, the contractor closed eastbound 8th Avenue at 10th Street to make a sanitary sewer connection. This closure is expected to last 7-10 days. A signed detour is in place routing eastbound traffic from 7th Street to 6th Avenue to 12th Street. Find the latest project update and the phasing plan at www.cityofmarion.org/7thAveStreetscape. Sign up to receive future updates for this project and others at www.cityofmarion.org/enotify.
Prescribed Prairie Burns Planned on Select Days through April
Prescribed burning is a common tool used in the management of natural areas. It promotes the development of a diverse selection of native grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees. Between now and the end of April, the Marion Fire Department and Marion Parks and Recreation Department will be conducting prescribed prairie burns of natural areas at Lowe Park, Faulkes Heritage Woods, Waldo’s Rock Park and roadway medians throughout Marion. The burning will occur on select dates with suitable conditions.
Kudos to Tony Ireland
Tony Ireland, recreation supervisor with the Parks and Recreation Department, recently received word that he passed the test to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). The CPRP certification is the national standard for all park and recreation professionals. The designation shows that recipients have met education and experience qualifications and illustrates their commitment to the profession as well as their knowledge and understanding of key concepts within parks and recreation. Tony is at the forefront of many of the recreation programs and events produced by Marion Parks and Recreation. Congrats, Tony!
Diligence Results in Cost Savings
Lt. Jeff Hoover of the Marion Fire Department recently solicited bids for new thermal imagers that the department uses to locate fire victims, hot spots in hidden areas, or individuals who may be lost at night or in vegetation. The budgeted amount for this purchase in the equipment reserve fund was $44,000. Thanks to Lt. Hoover’s work, the department will be receiving four units from Heiman Fire Equipment for a total of $25,800 (and a cost savings of $18,200). Thanks for reaching higher, Jeff.
New Faces in New Places
Garrett Linderwell is joining Team Marion on Monday, April 4. Garrett has been hired as an equipment operator in the Public Services Department. Previously he worked for Price Farm Trucking. We look forward to working with you, Garrett.
The Marion Water Department is pleased to announce that Mary Ann Bries has been hired to be the new utility services office assistant. Her first day will be Monday, April 4. For those who recognize her name, a few years ago Mary Ann worked for the Parks and Recreation Department. Please join us in welcoming her back to Team Marion!
Future Project Updates
City Council meets next week. You may view the published agenda here. Additionally, here’s a look at the tentative agenda containing a list of several items that will be coming before City Council in the weeks ahead.
On the Docket
The following are a few major activities on my calendar for the coming week:
- Lunch with Doug Neumann with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
- Friends of the Corridor Lunch to discuss upcoming events it the Corridor
- Lunch with Darrin Gage with Linn County
- Wake Up Marion meeting
- First monthly Coffee Talk meeting with City employees
Original source can be found here
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