IN FOCUS: 7.24.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Bob Reynolds Named Reach Higher! Award Recipient
The Reach Higher! Awards recognize City employees who exemplify excellence and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to service. Bob Reynolds, youth services manager for the library, has been named the recipient of the Spring 2026 Reach Higher! Award. Bob was instrumental in creating and launching the library's new food pantry. From the beginning, Bob took ownership of every aspect of this initiative. He researched best practices, coordinated infrastructure, secured equipment, organized food resources, coordinated volunteers and built strong partnerships to ensure the pantry would be successful. Bob's thoughtful planning and attention to detail ensured the project came together seamlessly. Bob's work transformed an idea into a community resource that improves the lives of residents. Thank you for reaching higher, Bob!

Marion Hosts Visit of International Young Leaders
Yesterday, Mayor AbouAssaly and members of the Mayor's Youth Council had the pleasure of welcoming a group of more than 20 Iraqi young leaders to Marion to learn about youth engagement in local government. Global Ties Iowa arranged the visit. The group discussed leadership and the ways young people can bring about change and impact their communities. Thank you for your part in sharing Marion's story!

Tree Carving Returns to City Square Park

Summer Sidewalk Sales Happening This Weekend in Uptown

Summer Sidewalk Sales return to Uptown Marion this Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25. Local businesses will be offering special promotions, sidewalk displays and seasonal savings throughout the district. Check your favorite Uptown shops' social media pages for sale details, participating businesses and store hours.

Marion to Celebrate National Night Out on August 4

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year, National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The Marion Police Department is partnering with the Marion Fire Department and other City departments to organize a community-wide event from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Park, 343 Marion Blvd. Enjoy K9 demonstrations, police and fire equipment on display, games, giveaways and more. Come early to enjoy hotdogs, chips and water courtesy of Hy-Vee.

Contractor to Spray for Noxious Weeds Next Week

The City has contracted with UltraLawn to spray areas in the rural ditches, right-of-way and other identified City properties for noxious weeds. The contractor will be spot spraying using a selective herbicide and targeting only the areas that have patches of noxious weeds. This aligns with the recent adoption of the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) Plan. This work is expected to begin next week and take three weeks.

Heat Relief Locations in Marion
Temperatures are expected to heat up again this weekend, and the Marion Fire Department reminds residents to check on neighbors, family members and friends who are especially vulnerable to high heat indices due to age, medical or other conditions. Anyone seeking a break from the heat is welcome at any of the following air-conditioned heat relief locations in Marion. Each location is available the following days and times during periods of extreme temperatures:

• Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue, Marion [M-Th, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., F-Sa, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Su, 1-5 p.m.]

• Thomas Park Safe Room, 343 Marion Boulevard, Marion [M-F, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.]

• Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street, Marion [M-Sa, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.]

• Marion City Hall Lobby, 1225 6th Avenue, Marion [M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.]

• Marion Police Department Lobby, 6315 Highway 151, Marion [M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.]

Traffic Patterns to Change on Monday on 10th Street

On Monday, July 27, at noon, the City's contractor is planning to reduce traffic to southbound only on 10th Street from Tower Terrace Road to the Excelsior Middle School driveway. Northbound traffic will be detoured using Tower Terrace Road, Winslow Road and Connection Avenue. This phase is expected to take two weeks, weather permitting.

1st Avenue Reconstruction Update

South End of Isham Drive to Close Monday

On Monday, July 27, 2026, Boomerang Corp will close the south end of Isham Drive at Alburnett Road to complete a water main crossing associated with the Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5 Project. Isham Drive residents will have access from the north end of Isham Drive. This closure is expected to last two weeks, weather dependent.

We're Hiring

Word on the Street

• Has the City considered installing a pedestrian bridge on Winslow Road over Berry's Run?

  At this time, this project is not included in any funding plans. However, the request may be considered for future planning and prioritization as funding opportunities and capital improvement projects are evaluated.

• Will mile markers be installed on trails to assist in emergencies?

  Mile markers are not the most feasible emergency location tool because they are only helpful when an incident occurs near one. In an emergency, calling 911 is always the best option and will allow dispatchers to pinpoint the location. Trail etiquette signs are expected to be installed this fall with information directing users to call 911 for emergencies.

• Will Site 1 along Indian Creek, part of the Indian Creek Master Plan, include amenities beyond an entry point for kayaking?

  Yes! The site will allow for creek access for recreation and educational purposes, including kayak entry. It also includes a trailhead connection to Tower Terrace Roadside paths and the broader trail system, as well as picnic opportunities. Site 1 is the first of several locations along Indian Creek that will offer new amenities for residents to enjoy the creek.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?

  Between July 21-25, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street, northbound. Between July 27-31, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street, southbound.

Upcoming Events

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:

• Scheduled time out of the office
• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Katie Curtis
• Meeting with Daryl High & Steve Dolezal

Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting www.cityofmarion.org/text