IN FOCUS: 9.25.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Congratulations to Mayor Nick AbouAssaly on Hall of Fame Induction
Great leaders do more than build successful businesses; they strengthen communities, create opportunities and leave a lasting legacy. Earlier this week, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa honored four outstanding business leaders and inducted them into the 2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame. Please join us in congratulating 2026 Laureate and our Mayor, Nick AbouAssaly, for his professional leadership, public service and commitment to strengthening Eastern Iowa. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and on the lasting impact you continue to make in our community!

Hupp Electric Motors to Expand Marion Headquarters
Hupp Electric Motors, located on Highway 13 in Marion, is expanding its headquarters facility. The expansion follows growth in service, increased involvement in high-volume machine work from companies throughout the Midwest and more inquiries from customers about motor storage across the U.S. The expansion will add 34,600 sq. ft., bringing Hupp's facility footprint to 163,500 sq. ft., and will create the need for 24 new employees. The project has a capital investment of $6 million. Construction of the new addition is already underway with anticipated completion in September 2027. Learn more at www.medcoiowa.org.

7th Avenue to Close on Saturday for the Uptown Marion Market
The Uptown Marion Market is happening this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon. Seventh Avenue from 10th to 12th Streets will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. A detour will be posted. This month's market features the produce, baked goods and artisan items you know and love - along with the highly acclaimed Dog Fashion Show happening at 10 a.m. in the Central Plaza at City Square Park.

Bulk Item Collection Offered for Residents Impacted by Flash Flooding
The Marion Public Works Department will collect bulky items from residents impacted by the flash flooding event on Sept. 20, 2026, offered free of charge. Any item that sustained water damage from the recent flash flooding event should be placed in the right-of-way for collection. The City will not collect toxic/hazardous materials, propane tanks, auto parts, concrete or roofing materials. To schedule a pick-up, residents must complete the online request form or call the Public Works Department at 319-377-6367. The department anticipates performing collections now through Oct. 2.

Update on Parks and Trails Throughout Marion
As of Tuesday, Indian Creek returned to its banks. Some areas are still saturated, but most of Marion's parks and trails have reopened. The unpaved stretch of the Boyson Trail between Boyson Road and the Donnelly Park bridge will remain closed as repairs are completed. The sandbox at Thomas Park sustained flood damage and was removed and the splash pad at Thomas Park also sustained surface damage. Staff are working on a replacement plan for both items. Residents are reminded to obey any posted signage as staff work to complete repairs.

Storm-Related Damage Survey Available for Linn County Residents
Linn County Emergency Management is conducting a Resident Damage Survey to understand the extent and location of impacts resulting from the heavy rainfall on Sept. 19-20. Residents or businesses that experienced basement or structural flooding, water intrusion, damage to personal property, erosion, culvert or drainage impacts or other significant effects are encouraged to complete the survey. The information collected helps develop a more complete picture of impacts across the county. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org.

Saturday's Picnic on the Prairie Event Cancelled
The Marion Arts Council and Parks and Recreation Department have cancelled Picnic on the Prairie, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at Lowe Park. Because of the forecast for cool temperatures and potential rain, the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra's outdoor performance does not meet the temperature threshold for string instruments. For updates on upcoming events and programs, visit www.cityofmarion.org or follow Marion Parks and Recreation on social media.

Sunday's Classic Car Show Cancelled
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department and CR Corvette Club have announced the cancellation of the Classic Car Show & Shine, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, at Thomas Park. Due to the saturated conditions at Thomas Park, the cancellation helps to protect the park grounds and ensure the safety of event participants and attendees.

Wallace Street to Remain Closed for Culvert Replacement
Last week, Rathje Construction closed Wallace Street between Tower Terrace Road and Winslow Road to complete a culvert replacement and associated roadway patching. Recent rainfall slowed progress on the project. The closure is now expected to remain in place until Sept. 28, weather permitting. The roadway remains completely closed to all traffic during this work. Motorists are encouraged to use 10th Street or 35th Street/Lucore Road as alternate routes. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Alburnett Road Extension - Phase 1 Project Advances Toward Construction
Recently Marion City Council accepted bids, awarded, and executed a contract with Rathje Construction for the Alburnett Road Extension Project - Phase 1. This week a preconstruction meeting was held with Rathje Construction, and the contractor plans to begin a portion of the project this fall, mainly including the earthwork and bridge construction in the Willow Park Area. During this work, and until all bridge work is completed, the Indian Creek Trail will be closed from the Boyson Trail to Central Avenue. Please do not enter the construction area until the trail is officially opened. Your cooperation helps keep the project on schedule. Additional updates will be provided as the work progresses.

Road Construction Updates
Stay up-to-date on road construction projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Marion Introducing Pilot Program for Vacuum Leaf Collection This Fall
The City is launching a pilot program for vacuum leaf collection this fall, giving residents an additional option for disposing of loose leaves. The pilot program will run between Oct. 7 and Nov. 25, weather permitting. Follow the link to understand the details of the program. There is currently no cost to participate in the pilot program. The City will reevaluate the program in the future based on usage and the overall results of the pilot to determine an appropriate rate structure to continue to fund the program. Residents may continue to use the City's existing Yard Waste Drop-off Facility at 195 35th Street. Leaves and other yard waste will also continue to be collected in the designated yard waste carts through the end of November.

Right-of-Way Tree Planting Coming to Wards 1, 2 & 3
The City of Marion will begin planting trees in the right-of-way this fall in Council Wards 1, 2 and 3 as part of its Urban Reforestation Plan and grant-funded projects. Residents in upcoming planting areas should keep an eye out for information from the City, including postcards in the mail, curb markings and marker flags identifying proposed planting locations. If you have concerns about a proposed planting, please contact the Marion Parks and Recreation Department before planting takes place by calling (319) 447-3580. Residents can visit www.cityofmarion.org/urbanforestry to explore the interactive planting map, read frequently asked questions and learn more about the program.

Corridor MPO Survey: Share Your Input on Local Trails & Bikeways
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) is launching its "Connecting Great Places" plan to enhance trails and bikeways throughout Marion and the surrounding communities of Ely, Fairfax, Hiawatha, Palo and Robins. Residents are encouraged to share how they currently use local trails and bikeways and what improvements they'd like to see by completing the survey at connectinggreatplaces.com by Monday, Oct. 19. The survey results will help guide the next steps of the plan, including identifying future projects and shaping each community's trail and bikeway goals.

Mission Marion Volunteers Needed
Are you in a position to help your neighbors in need? Our first volunteer requests have been posted via Mission Marion, the City's new volunteer-matching service. Learn more about the current needs or request assistance by visiting www.cityofmarion.org/MissionMarion.

Chocolate Walk & Shop Happening Next Friday
Fall's favorite night returns to Uptown Marion on Friday, Oct. 2. This after-hours, adult-focused shopping event will take place from 6-9 p.m. Visit your favorite stores, listen to live music and savor a sweet treat from participating businesses. The Chocolate Walk & Shop event is hosted by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion District and supported by the Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners.

Upcoming General Election
The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Linn County has released important dates and shared resources to help residents prepare. Residents have until Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. Early and satellite voting also opens on Oct. 14. For details on registration, absentee voting, early voting locations and more, visit Linn County Elections website. Residents can also look up their polling place, sample ballot and elected officials using the Election Lookup tool.

Marion to Host Budget 101/ Town Hall Meeting in November
To help residents understand the complexities of city budgeting, City leaders are planning to host a Budget 101/Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. To help shape the presentation, community members are invited to submit questions via this form.

New Faces in New Places
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Maura Wright will join Team Marion. Maura will be a part-time patron services team member with the Marion Public Library. She comes to us from RAYGUN. Congrats, Maura! Welcome aboard.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Sept. 25-29, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 3200 block of 29th Avenue. Between Oct. 1-5, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road.

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:

• Internal meetings
• Meeting with Ana Stomp
• Meeting with Holly Corkery
• Meeting with Chad Alley
• Candidate Forum with Zach Lahn
• Wake Up Marion

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