IN FOCUS: 10.14.22 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

By Press release submission

Oct 21, 2022

For the Good of the Order

Marion Parks and Recreation Secures $150,000 REAP Grant

At yesterday’s Natural Resource Commission meeting, Marion was awarded a $150,000 REAP Grant from the City Parks and Open Spaces category. The funds will be used to help purchase five acres of land near Lucore Road for future parkland. The Parks and Recreation Department anticipates using the land to implement native conservation practices and bring outdoor recreation to the neighborhood.

Marion Public Library Employees Honored with 2022 Citation of Merit Award by Iowa Library Association

Congratulations to the Marion Public Library team for being honored on Thursday with a Citation of Merit Award from the Iowa Library Association. The award recognizes groups or individuals who made contributions to, or advanced the principles of, quality library service. The team was recognized for their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional library service through both a pandemic and the derecho of 2020 - always putting the community first. Way to reach higher!

Marion Honored with Urban Design Award from the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association

Congratulations to Marion’s Planning and Development Division and Uptown Marion for bringing home some hardware from the American Planning Association Iowa Chapter Conference this week. The Uptown Master Plan was selected for the Urban Design Award. The plan was developed with support from RDG Planning & Design and served as the basis for the 7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape Project as well as the Central Plaza.

Marion Public Library Board Sets November 10 Opening Date

The Marion Library Board of Trustees has set the opening date for the new Marion Public Library facility at 1101 6th Ave., Marion. The library will open to patrons on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at 9 a.m. When occupancy is granted, patrons can expect to access the entire library collection, enjoy on-site programming for all age groups, use WiFi, computer stations, laptops or tablets, schedule meeting and study rooms, access the outdoor reading terrace, use the maker space, enjoy curbside delivery service, and more. Some minor construction work will continue during business hours in the coming months but should not further delay the opening of the facility.

Fire Prevention is Important Year Round

Tomorrow concludes the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week™ but the Marion Fire Department is a proponent of practicing fire prevention year round. The theme of the week was "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape." Ask your students if they heard any fire prevention messages in school this week – or visit the National Fire Prevention Association website and find tons of resources for creating your home fire escape plan.

Progress is Happening on the Tower Terrace Road Interchange

The new Tower Terrace Interchange being constructed in Hiawatha is an important one for Marion, too - and a great example of regional partnership. This video recaps a discussion that happened last month with officials from the Iowa Department of Transportation and highlights what’s on the horizon for infrastructure in the metro area.

Falliday Market is Happening Saturday at Lowe Park

As the temperatures drop and seasons change, the Marion Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its inaugural Falliday Market at Lowe Park, 4500 N 10th St, Marion, this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. With nearly 50 vendors participating, attendees will find delicious baked goods, meat, hot grilled sandwiches, honey, sweet treats, coffee beans, fresh and silk flowers, pottery, paintings, photography, gifts and crafts of all kinds. Organizers anticipate the perfect blend of seasonal fall and holiday treasures. Vendors will be set up in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape Project Nearing Completion

Make plans to help celebrate the completion of the two-year 7th Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape project. Community leaders, contractors and the business community will gather with Marion Chamber ambassadors for the ribbon cutting on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. in the North Plaza, located at 7th Avenue and 11th Street in Uptown Marion. The agenda includes brief remarks, a display of items that were found during construction and a warm cider toast. All are welcome to attend. Find the latest, in this week’s project update.

Roof Replacement to Occur on City Council Chambers

The barrel roof above the City Council Chambers was damaged during the derecho. At its last meeting, the City Council approved a contract with T & K Roofing to replace it. The materials are expected to arrive in the next 3-4 weeks and once everything has arrived, the contractor will schedule the replacement. This work is expected to impact at least one City Council meeting. Additional information will be shared when the time comes.

Marion Public Library and United Way to Host Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture: Lunch & Learn

Join Marion Public Library and United Way of East Central Iowa for a free in-person event centered on creating a welcoming and inclusive community and workplace culture! Watch a live, virtual presentation from Kwame Christian, author of How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race: Practical Tools for Necessary Change in the Workplace and Beyond, followed by a facilitated and interactive conversation about race and equity in a safe, supportive forum. Special thanks to Friends of Marion Public Library for providing lunch and a copy of the author’s book to all participants. Advance registration is required. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the author’s talk to begin at 11 a.m., followed by a community discussion.

Trick-or-Treat at City Hall

Princesses, superheroes, ghosts and goblins are invited to include a stop at Marion City Hall in their Halloween plans. The City of Marion will host a trick-or-treat event at City Hall (1225 6th Ave.) from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Children can dress up in their Halloween costumes and collect candy and other treats from staff on both floors at Marion City Hall. Marion firefighters and police officers are expected to stop by City Hall, as well.

Trick-or-Treating in Marion

Community-wide trick-or-treating in Marion takes place on Halloween. There is no set start time but trick-or-treating should conclude by 8 p.m. Participating residents should turn on their porch lights when they are ready to greet trick-or-treaters and turn them off when finished. Trick-or-treaters are reminded to obey porch lights and watch for traffic.

Share Your Thoughts with Linn-Mar

The Linn-Mar Community School District is seeking input from the community as they work to update the district's Strategic Plan and determine the priorities for the next five years. The short survey consists of six questions and asks for input on what the district should start, stop or continue prioritizing as the new Strategic Plan is developed. The goal of this process is to have an approved plan by May/June 2023.

New Faces in New Places

Ashley Osborn is joining Team Marion as our new Marketing & Special Events Manager with the Marion Public Library next week. She comes to us from United Way where she served as a Strategic Communications Specialist. Congrats, Ashley! We look forward to working with you.

Upcoming Events

Friday, Oct. 14

BINGO Night – Lowe Park – 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15

Falliday Market – Lowe Park – 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

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: