IN FOCUS: 10.17.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

City and Marion YMCA Announce Community Days
The City of Marion and Marion YMCA & Community Rec Center are pleased to announce Community Days, a new opportunity for Marion residents to experience the YMCA at a special one-day rate. Beginning this fall, the Marion YMCA, located at 3740 Irish Drive, will open its doors on the last Sunday of each month to give community members full access to its facilities. Community Day rates are $10 for youth, $20 for adults and $35 for families. Waivers will be required at check-in if not already on file. The next Community Day will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26, with additional dates on the last Sunday of every month moving forward. Sunday fall/winter operating hours will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Indian Creek Trail Reopens
Earlier today, the Indian Creek Trail from Boyson Road to Lininger Park reopened. The trail was closed in the spring to allow Boomerang Corp to begin work on the Sanitary Trunk Sewer Projects 4 & 5. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this closure.

49th Street Patching Project to Begin on Monday
On Monday, Oct. 20, Marion Public Works will close 49th Street, just south of 8th Avenue, for street patching. This full closure will be in place for two days, with one lane reopening on Wednesday. Local traffic should use 51st Street to access businesses south of this closure.

8th Avenue Bridge Repair and Boyson Trail Improvement Project Update
Construction crews have finished stabilizing the streambank and started paving the Boyson Trail from the Grant Wood Trail to the pedestrian bridge over Dry Creek. This work will take approximately 2-3 weeks, weather permitting. Given the nature of the work, it is imperative that trail users observe the posted closures and stay out of the construction zone.

On Oct. 21, construction crews will begin work to repair the W 8th Avenue Bridge over Indian Creek. The work includes repairing the bridge deck, handrails and piers. During the duration of the bridge work, westbound traffic will be maintained on the bridge while eastbound traffic will be closed west of the bridge. Resident and business access will remain open during this closure. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted to Blairs Ferry Road and Marion Boulevard. The work is expected to take 3-4 weeks, weather permitting.

Central Avenue Bridge to Close to Southbound Traffic Next Week
On Thursday, Oct. 23 (tentatively), crews from Boomerang Corp will close the southbound lanes of Central Avenue for bridge repair work. Work is expected to take two days, weather permitting. During the duration of the work, southbound traffic on Central Avenue will be rerouted to Boyson Road and 10th Street. Additional updates will be provided via the City's social media channels.

National Community Survey for Marion Coming Soon
This fall, the City of Marion is asking residents to participate in The National Community Survey™ (NCS™). A random, scientific sample of 3,000 households in Marion has been selected to participate in The NCS™. If you receive an invitation to participate, please do so! A paper copy of the survey with a self-addressed stamped envelope will be forthcoming for those in the random sample. The data gathered will inform the City's Strategic Plan and the budget process. To provide all residents with the opportunity to weigh in, an online link to The NCS™ will be available next month.

Budget Planning for FY27 Continues
The annual budget development process for Fiscal Year 2027 continues. The next budget discussion with Marion City Council is happening on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a focus on the Asset Replacement Program. Data will be analyzed to help guide future funding priorities. A series of discussions will occur over the coming months, leading up to our annual budget work session at the end of January. Stay informed by visiting the City's budget page.

Marion Monster Mash Happening October 25
Something spooky is brewing in Uptown Marion! Join us for the first-ever Marion Monster Mash on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Central Plaza at City Square Park. The Monster Mash will feature pumpkin decorating, a costume parade, spooky stories, face painting and more. Thank you to the event sponsors - Farmers State Bank, Uptown Marion, East Post Pumpkins and KidStrong Cedar Rapids.

Trick-or-Treat at City Hall on October 31
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 Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Children can dress up in their Halloween costumes and collect candy and other treats from staff on both floors at Marion City Hall. Some visitors from the Marion Police and Fire Departments as well as Marion Parks and Recreation will also be part of the fun!

Trick-or-Treat on Halloween
Trick-or-treating in Marion takes place on Oct. 31. Those wishing to participate should turn their porch lights on; those choosing not to participate should leave their porch lights off. There is no set start time, but trick-or-treating should conclude by 8 p.m.

Solid Waste Agency Blanket Drive
The Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, Central Furniture Rescue and Waypoint are partnering to keep people warm this winter. Blankets, hats, gloves and pillows can be dropped off at both Solid Waste Agency locations between now and the end of November, to be donated to support the Cedar Rapids Winter Weather Shelter. Materials collected must be clean and dry. Drop off locations include:

• 1954 County Home Road, Marion (inside the Resource Recovery building); Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids (inside Building 948); Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-noon

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 public works fleet supervisor, police officer, library patron services manager, library patron services lead (bookmobile) and an operations/payroll coordinator. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at https://www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Oct. 17-21, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2500 block of 29th Avenue. Then, between Oct. 23-27, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 50th Street.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Oct. 17 - BINGO Night - 6-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park This event has been cancelled.
• Saturday, Oct. 25 - Marion Monster Mash - 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square 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 Destiny Hastings
• MEDCO board meeting
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with representatives from TrueNorth
• Marion Chamber of Commerce annual meeting
• Legislative Roundtable event
• Young Parents Network Board meeting
• City Council Meeting

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