For the Good of the Order
Marion Launches Business Innovation & Support Grant for Small Businesses
The City of Marion, in partnership with the Marion Chamber of Commerce, recently launched a Business Innovation & Support Grant specifically for small businesses in the community who have navigated the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant is designed to provide financial relief on a matching basis for innovation, expansion, and growth to Marion businesses. The funding comes from Marion’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Approximately $450,000 is designated through the Marion program for local small business support. Businesses must be located in Marion and priority will be given to small businesses in the retail, food service, arts and entertainment, hospitality and service, fitness, personal service, and transportation sectors. Applications will be accepted until the funds have been exhausted. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/businessinnovationgrant.
FEMA Reimbursement Update
As the two-year anniversary of the August 10, 2020 Derecho approaches, the City of Marion has received $14.6 million in public assistance reimbursements from FEMA (Federal and State combined). Thus far, FEMA has obligated a total of $18.75 million and the City has an additional $14.7 million in requests at various stages of the FEMA process. Thank you to Rita Packingham and Tidal Basin Group for their hard work to fast track the City’s reimbursements.
Derecho Cleanup
Staff continues to work with property owners to mitigate damaged property from the August 10, 2020 Derecho. While most property damage has been repaired, there are a few properties that still have significant damage. For those owners, please coordinate with the City staff to remedy the items to avoid nuisance violations. The building at 901 7th Avenue is likely the most visible property with significant damage. The City’s enforcement and legal teams continue to pursue all avenues to ensure this property is brought into compliance with our code and our community’s vision of “reaching higher”.
7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape Project Update
Earlier this week, Rathje Construction began working on the south half of 9th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue. Rathje is currently working to the south of the alley to remove the brick street and pallet the bricks, while also working on the storm sewer, sidewalk and street paving work. This closure is expected to last two to three weeks and the contractor will contact local businesses to coordinate access during this time. The work is happening concurrently with the work happening in the 600 block of 10th Street.
Additionally, design efforts are underway to continue 7th Avenue improvements via reconstruction of 7th Avenue from 12th Street to 22nd Street. Field crews will be performing survey and historical/archaeological investigations through the summer and early fall. Utility locate flags and paint will be visible along the roadway. This step helps ease the process of utility coordination during the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.
August Pop-Up Acts in the Artway Announced
The City of Marion is pleased to host another month of Pop-Up Acts in the Artway through the month of August. Enjoy free live music in the Uptown Artway or from the patio of a nearby business from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays. The following musicians will be performing:
Aug. 5 - Benny Bassett
Aug. 12 - Pandelirium
Aug. 19 - Billy Heller
Aug. 26 - Kevin Moore
New Faces in New Places
We want to welcome Logan Viktora to Team Marion! Logan will be joining us on Monday, August 1 starting as an Equipment Operator with Public Service. He’s coming from Viktora Contracting. Congrats, Logan!
Shawna Mahoney is joining Team Marion! Shawna will be our new Permit Technician with our Community Development department. She comes from Mount Vernon Eye Clinic. Congrats, Shawna!
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at the free events that are scheduled in City spaces this weekend. Get out and enjoy!
Saturday, July 30
Sunrise Yoga (followed by a release of 50-100 monarch butterflies) – 7:30 a.m. – Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park
Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Taube Park
Future Project Updates
Here’s a look at the tentative agenda containing a list 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:
- Wastewater agreement discussion with the cities of Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha
- Tour of Iowa City Airport
- Wake Up Marion meeting
- Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
- Various internal meetings
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