IN FOCUS: 2.20.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Skate Rentals and Concessions Offered this Weekend at the Ice Loop
Winter has returned! Thanks to the temps, our thorough maintenance crew and the community's attention to the posted closure, the skating surface has been restored and we are able to reopen the Ice Loop this Saturday and Sunday! Thank you for staying off the ice during the closure, it truly helped protect the surface and made this reopening possible. We've had a great inaugural season at the Ice Loop and have learned a lot along the way - especially how weather-dependent outdoor skating can be. Bundle up, lace up and come skate this weekend! Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/iceloop.

Marion Business Expo Happening This Weekend
The Marion Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first Marion Business Expo presented by Farmers State Bank at Vernon Middle School this weekend. The event is free and open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, inviting community members to explore local businesses, products, services and organizations - all under one roof.

Proposed Utility Rates Presented During Council Work Session
During this week's work session, City Council reviewed the proposed utility rate updates for FY27. The average user of 1,200 cubic feet of water in a two-month billing cycle would see an increase of $6.60 (3.08%) on their two-month bill, based on the proposed rates. City Council will revisit the proposal in May, prior to formal action in June. If approved, the updated rates would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Deadline Approaching for Tickets to Marion's State of the City Event
Marion's State of the City event will be held on Monday, March 9, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Tickets are available at www.cityofmarion.org/SOC through Friday, Feb. 27. The City is pleased to have the sponsorship support of several local businesses to help make this event possible. Sponsors include Alliant Energy, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Mercy Medical Park of Marion, MidAmerican Energy, Ohnward Bank & Trust, Rinderknecht Associates, Simmons Perrine PLC and TrueNorth Companies.

Public Input Requested for Transit, Trail and Road Projects
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking public input on the transit, trail and road projects applying for federal transportation funds in the Cedar Rapids metro. The public is invited to attend one of four in-person events to assist decision-makers in determining where millions of dollars in federal funds will be invested over the next five years. Funding could support major road upgrades, new bike trails and transit improvements. Information on all projects seeking funds will be provided at the in-person events, as well as a survey. Please consider attending and providing your input. Additional information is also available at www.corridormpo.com.

• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Cedar Rapids Ladd Library - 3750 Williams Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Marion Public Library - 1101 6th Avenue, Marion
• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Hiawatha Public Library - 150 W Willman Street, Hiawatha
• Thursday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Hall - 7005 Tower Road SW, Cedar Rapids

3rd Avenue Closed between 31st and 35th Street for Sanitary Service Work
Earlier this week, Rathje Construction closed 3rd Avenue east of 31st Street for sanitary service work. Through traffic will be detoured to Munier Road. Local driveway access on 3rd Avenue between 31st and 35th Street will be available via 35th Street. This closure is expected to last 1.5 weeks, weather dependent. For questions or status updates, please contact the Public Works Department at 319-377-6367.

Fireworks & Fireflies Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Generous support from businesses makes many of Marion's events possible. The annual Fireworks & Fireflies event would not be possible without our valued sponsors. As logistical needs grow, so do expenses. We would love to be able to have an even bigger fireworks display in 2026, but we can only do so with additional sponsorship support. Are you part of a business or organization that is in a position to contribute to this signature Marion celebration? Learn more about the opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/sponsorships. The deadline to participate and receive all sponsor benefits is March 31.

Uptown Marion to Host Enchanted Blooms Fundraiser
Step into an elevated evening of flowers and community at Enchanted Blooms on Friday, March 27 from 6-9 p.m. This unique shopping experience guides guests through Uptown Marion, collecting pieces of a beautiful bouquet at each stop before assembling it at the end of the evening. Each ticket holder will receive a market tote, a raffle ticket, an event booklet with promotions from participating businesses and the materials to create their own floral masterpiece. Explore local shops, discover one-of-a-kind items and enjoy a night of creativity and connection - all while supporting Uptown Marion. Purchase tickets here.

Marion Police Department's 5K4K9 Returns in May
The Marion Police Department is proud to announce the return of its 5K4K9 fun run/walk to help support the K9 program and create a Crisis K9 Team. The event will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Linn-Mar High School and will include bounce houses, a kids' fun run and the 5K event. Activities start at 9 a.m. The Police Department invites you to participate in the 5K by running or walking the course, or making a donation to support this meaningful initiative. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/5K4K9.

Marion Police Department Hosts Stress Management Course
Last week, the Marion Police Department hosted a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) course, welcoming first responders from across the state. Being a first responder is a tough job. Our team faces high-stress situations and trauma daily. Training is vital to our employee wellness initiative and teaches students to provide peer support to their coworkers. The training was led by Police Chief Jeremy Sprague with a room full of dedicated students and several crisis K9s who provided emotional support throughout the training. Kudos to Chief Sprague and the Marion Police Department for ensuring our first responders have this vital training.

Community Garden Plots Available
A limited number of community garden plots are available at Lowe Park (4500 N. 10th Street) for the upcoming season. The plots measure 20 feet by 20 feet and cost $20 for the season. To be eligible, you must be a Marion resident. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a plot, email [email protected].

2026 Pool Memberships Now Available
The heat wave we had earlier in the week had us thinking about summer. Why not start the countdown to those sunny days at the Marion Pool. Individual memberships are available for $115 and family memberships are available for $200. Find all the details and purchase your membership at www.cityofmarion.org/aquatics.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board and Park Board. To be considered, please submit an online application.

We're Hiring
If you're looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community, look no further. Current full-time openings include a 911 communications operator, patron services support staff at the library, an equipment operator in the Public Works Department and project assistant in Public Works. We're also looking to fill several seasonal openings in our Parks and Recreation Department. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Feb. 21-25, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 50th Street. Between Feb. 27-March 3, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5200 block of Winslow Road.

Upcoming Events

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

• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, Marion Public Library
• Marion Business Expo presented by Farmers State Bank, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, Vernon Middle School
• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, Marion Public Library

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
• Solid Waste working group meeting
• Scheduled time out of the office

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