IN FOCUS: 10.31.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Officer Brian Davis recognized with Reach Higher! Award
Please join us in congratulating Police Officer Brian Davis as the recipient of the Summer 2025 Reach Higher! Award. Officer Davis serves as a school resource officer for Marion Independent School District, where he has built trust, fostered positive relationships and made a lasting impact in the lives of students through his exceptional communication skills and unwavering dedication. He has been a vital member of Team Marion, leading ALICE drills for the organization, which demonstrate his commitment to safety, as well as his ability to empower others in moments that matter most. Officer Davis collaborated with the City to improve pedestrian safety around Vernon Middle School. Students now have safer routes to school when crossing busy intersections, giving peace of mind to families and the community. Officer Davis demonstrates the spirit of "Reach Higher" as a mentor, protector and role model - congrats Brian!

Thank You to our First Responders
National First Responders Day occurred earlier this week on Oct. 28. This is a time to recognize the brave individuals who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. Join us in thanking our police officers, firefighters, EMTs and all first responders. Their courage and commitment deserve our gratitude not just on one day, but every day.

Linn County Food Pantry Map
Linn County, in collaboration with multiple community partners, created a comprehensive food pantry map to help those in need of food assistance. Residents can use the map to find food pantry locations throughout the county. Information provided includes food pantry addresses, hours of operation, contact information and directions (walking, driving and bus routes). For additional community resources please visit the Linn County website.

Election Day is Tuesday
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day. Polling places will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. More information regarding your polling location or your current representatives can be viewed on the Linn County Elections website.

City Council Office Hours Return to Marion Public Library Marion City Council weekly office hours will resume at the Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue, starting this Saturday. One or more City Council members will be available to visit with residents each Saturday between 9-11 a.m. through the fall and winter months. Residents can also call or email City Council members directly with their questions and input. Contact information is available at https://www.cityofmarion.org.

Ascension Park Playground Upgrade
We are pleased to share that the new playground at Ascension Park, 875 S. 22nd Street, is completed! It features a structure for 2-to 5-year-olds and a structure for 5-to 12-year-olds, as well as artificial turf for better ADA accessibility. When visiting the park, you may notice a small area near the sidewalk that is fenced off for some finishing touches. Thank you for your patience as these improvements are made.

Park Winterization Underway
With the overnight lows getting below freezing, the Parks and Recreation Department has begun the task of winterizing our restrooms, splash pads, irrigation lines and other water lines throughout the parks system. None of the flush restrooms located throughout the parks are heated. To mitigate any damage to the plumbing, we must turn off the water to keep the pipes from freezing and bursting. All-season portable restrooms will be available through the winter months at the Lowe Park playground on Irish Drive, the Boyson Park trailhead on Boyson Road, Thomas Park on Marion Boulevard and Prairie Hill Park on 29th Avenue. Please continue to use our beautiful park system, but plan accordingly!

Depot Closed for Rentals
The Depot at City Square Park is closed to private rentals for the season. During the winter months, the Depot will be used as a warming house and concession stand for the Ice Loop. Private reservations of the Depot will reopen in the spring.

Marion Police Department Hosting Coloring Contest
The Marion Police Department is hosting a coloring contest to coincide with its Halloween festivities. Children up to the age of 8 can choose from one of the coloring sheets featuring Officer Daubs or K9 Taj. A panel of judges will select one winner from each age category (0-2, 3-5 and 6-8) who will have the opportunity to host a 1-hour birthday party at the Marion Police Department. Completed coloring sheets are due on or before Friday, Nov. 7.

New Faces in New Places
We want to congratulate Chloe Parenteau on being promoted to patron services bookmobile lead for the Marion Public Library. She started as one of our patron services staff members back in October 2024. Congrats, Chloe!

Word on the Street

• I noticed the carved railroad signal being removed from City Square Park. Is it being relocated or removed permanently?
  Staff determined it was necessary to remove the 18-foot Hackberry tree wood carving for a few reasons. The primary reason is that the lawn area is scheduled for installation of a new irrigation system, and frequent water exposure would accelerate existing wood decay. Over the winter months, staff will work to address the decay as well as treat the wood to extend its lifespan. Once restored, the carving will be relocated to a yet-to-be-determined location that will ensure its long-term preservation.

• How are locations for the mobile traffic camera chosen?
  Previously, the placement was based on resident and neighborhood requests. However, state law changed last year, and placements are now based on the limited number of locations approved by the state. There are 20 in total. While we continue to get requests for placement, we unfortunately cannot honor them if they are not on the approved list. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Oct. 29-Nov. 3, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road. Then, between Nov. 5-9, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 700 block of Barrington Parkway.

Upcoming Events

Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:

• Friday, Oct. 31 - Trick-or-Treat at the Marion Police Department - 1-3 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 31 - Trick-or-Treat at Marion City Hall - 3-5 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 31 - Trick-or-Treat throughout Marion - no set start time, ends at 8 p.m., obey porch lights
• Saturday, Nov. 1 - City Council Office Hours - 9-11 a.m. - Marion Public Library
• Friday, Nov. 7 - Coffeehouse Night featuring The High Crest - 7-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park

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 Tara Allen
• Meeting with Dave Sorg
• City Council Work Session
• Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
• City Council Meeting
• Meeting with Okpara Rice

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