IN FOCUS: 7.17.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Earns Special Achievement in GIS Award
Please join us in celebrating members of Team Marion who are doing awesome things behind the scenes! This week, the City of Marion was recognized with the Special Achievement in GIS Award for innovative use of mapping and data in public safety planning. GIS Data Analyst Rachael Murtaugh, in partnership with members of the Marion Fire Department, led a project to evaluate potential sites for relocating an existing fire station and to identify properties suitable for an additional station. To ensure the analysis reflected real-world conditions, firefighters collected data on how long it takes to navigate Marion's streets and intersections during emergency responses. Rachael used that information to build a detailed model showing how different station locations would impact response times across the community. The City of Marion was the only Iowa community to achieve this worldwide recognition. Congratulations to Rachael and members of the Marion Fire Department for their innovative thinking and use of technology.

Marion Fire Hosts Fire Training
This week, the Marion Fire Department hosted the National Fire Academy Fire Investigation: Fire as a Weapon course, bringing together fire service, law enforcement and investigative professionals from 10 agencies. The specialized training provided advanced training in criminal investigations of fire-related incidents, strengthening investigative capabilities and enhancing public safety. Thank you for hosting, MFD!

Marion Fire Department Undergoing Insurance Services Office Assessment
The Marion Fire Department will be undergoing a special assessment of its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating. This opportunity was identified during the department's accreditation process with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. The ISO assessment reviews key components of a community's fire protection system, including emergency communications, fire department capabilities, water supply, training and community risk reduction efforts. A favorable ISO rating reflects the strength of the community's fire protection services and may positively influence property insurance premiums for residents and businesses. The assessment will kick off in August with completion expected by the end of 2026.

"Beyond the Blonde" to Perform at Lowe Park this Saturday
Music Under the Moon returns to Lowe Park, 4500 N. 10th Street, this Saturday with "Beyond the Blonde," a high-energy tribute to the powerhouse divas P!NK, Gwen Stefani and Lady Gaga! Grab a blanket, lawn chair and cooler, and join in the ultimate celebration of female pop power. Activities and food trucks will be available starting at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m. This free event is sponsored by Veridian Credit Union and supported by Marion's Hotel/Motel Grant program.

Can Donation Day at the Marion Pool Happening July 19
It's time to cool off and give back! Visit the Marion Pool on Sunday, July 19, from 1-5 p.m. for Can Donation Day. Bring one canned food item and enjoy $1 admission. Every donation helps support neighbors in need. Pool passes are not valid on this special admission day.

Contractor to Spray for Noxious Weeds Later this Month
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 on or about July 27 and take three weeks.

Volunteers Needed for Indian Creek Clean Up Day
The City of Marion is teaming up with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds. The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Help maintain Indian Creek's beauty by signing up to volunteer at signup.com/go/NOBMLAL.

Finding and Eliminating Illicit Discharges
Since stormwater isn't treated like the sanitary sewer, anything that gets into the storm sewer system eventually gets into the creeks in the area. This includes paints, oils, industrial discharge, concrete washout, etc. Illicit discharges negatively impact water quality and aquatic life in the waterways. The City of Marion has a permit with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to regulate our storm sewer system, which includes finding and eliminating illicit discharges. If you see an illicit discharge, please call 319-743-6340 to report it.

Southbound Traffic Now Detoured on 10th Street
Today, work switched to the west side of 10th Street between Indian Creek Road and 29th Avenue. During this phase of construction, 10th Street will be reduced to Northbound traffic only. Southbound traffic will be detoured using 29th Avenue and Indian Creek Road. This phase is expected to take four weeks, weather permitting.

Next Phases of Asphalt Overlay Program to Begin Next Week
Mobilization #3 of the 2026 Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Resurfacing Project is expected to be fully completed by Tuesday, July 21. Beginning Wednesday, July 22, LL Pelling will begin work on Mobilization #4. This phase includes 8th Avenue from 22nd Street to 25th Street, S 12th Street from A Avenue to F Avenue and F Avenue from S 12th Street to S 14th Street. These sections of roadway will be closed to through traffic during construction. Flaggers will be present to assist local traffic during working hours. This work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Road Construction Updates
Road construction season is upon us! As always, slow down in construction zones and watch for workers. Stay up-to-date on these and other projects by subscribing to the Public Works Project Newsletter. Here's a look at the latest.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale Happening This Weekend
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening this weekend. Today's sale, from 4-5 p.m., is reserved for Friends members only, but all are welcome to attend on tomorrow, July 18, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 1-5 p.m. Today and tomorrow, hardcopy books are $3, paperback books are $2, children's books are $2 for hardcopy and paperbacks are $1. On Sunday, a bag of books is $5. The event will be in the Marion Public Library in the Community Room and all proceeds will support the Library. Hope to see you this weekend!

We're Hiring
If you're looking to make a positive impact in the community, the City of Marion is currently hiring for multiple positions. Current full-time openings include a police officer, 911 communications operator, public works project assistant, public works equipment operator, chief building inspector, administrative assistant and general manager of the Marion Water Department. There is a seasonal opening for a public works worker and we're also hiring a part-time 911 communications operator and part-time bookmobile staff. Find the details at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
We are thrilled to have two new faces joining Team Marion on Monday. Please join in welcoming Tina Affield as our new permit clerk with the Community Development Department. She was most recently with Bye Aerospace. Welcome aboard, Tina!

Steven Moore is also joining the team. Steven will join the Marion Water Department as a water system utility worker and comes to us from Abode Companies. Congrats, Steven! Welcome.

Word on the Street

• When the Alburnett Road extension is complete, will it include a roundabout to accommodate increased traffic?
  Although a roundabout was considered, it was determined traffic signals would be the most efficient model for this project. Three new signals will be installed at the intersections of 7th Avenue/Marion Boulevard and Alburnett Road, 8th Avenue and Alburnett Road and Boyson Road and Alburnett Road.
• Is it legal for people to park their vehicles across the sidewalk?
  No, it is not. Under Marion Code, stopping, standing or parking a vehicle "on or across a sidewalk" is prohibited. This is an enforceable violation, and residents are encouraged to report these violations directly to the Police Department's non-emergency line at 319-377-1511 when they are actively occurring so officers can respond and issue citations.
• Are people allowed to park utility trailers on the street?
  There are certain limitations under Marion Code. No person is allowed to park any trailer that exceeds 72 inches in width and/or 18 feet in length on any street or alley for longer than 60 minutes between sunrise and sunset, or between sunset and sunrise for a period longer than 30 minutes, except for loading or unloading purposes. Additionally, standard parking rules state no vehicle or property may be left parked on public property for more than 48 hours continuously. Residents are encouraged to report potential violations directly to the Police Department's non-emergency line at 319-377-1511 when they are actively occurring so officers can respond and investigate.
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between July 15-19, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 1400 block of 10th Street. Between July 21-25, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 1500 block of 50th Street, northbound.

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
• MEDCO board meeting
• City Council Work Session
• Meeting with Emily Blomme
• City Council meeting

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