IN FOCUS: 5.1.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Marion Partners for Emergency Preparedness Training
Strong partnerships and preparation are key to keeping our community safe. This week, Linn County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) hosted a training at the Marion Fire Department Headquarters, bringing together the City team, Area Ambulance Service and Linn County EMA for a tabletop exercise on severe weather. This exercise provided a structured opportunity to walk through realistic storm scenarios, test decision-making processes and evaluate existing emergency response plans. The topic was timely and supports ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, identified as an opportunity in our 2025 National Community Survey, for Marion and the surrounding region.

Schedule Change for May 5 Council Meetings
Due to multiple scheduling conflicts, the City Council meetings on May 5 and 7 will be consolidated. The regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7, will be combined with the Tuesday, May 5, meeting at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue, and is also available to stream live online. Agendas, minutes and video recordings are available on the City's meeting portal.

10th Street to Reopen Monday
This week, crews from Boomerang Corp completed pavement replacement work on 10th Street near the Indian Creek Bridge. As a result, 10th Street will reopen Monday mid-morning, and traffic signals will return to normal operation. Construction activities will now shift back to Central Avenue, where crews will resume sanitary sewer and water main replacement in the east ditch. During this work, the northbound lane of Central Avenue will be closed during the daytime working hours. Northbound Central Avenue traffic will be allowed to proceed after yielding to southbound traffic.

S. 15th Street Near Marion High School
Starting Monday, May 4, a contractor will be working on water service line reconnections on S. 15th Street near Marion High School. A signed detour will be in place for northbound traffic on S. 15th Street. Southbound traffic on S. 15th Street will be allowed and reduced to one lane. This detour will remain in place for approximately 10 days as work is completed and the concrete cures.

Tick Awareness on Trails and in Parks
As we move into warmer weather, it's a good time to refresh residents on tick safety. This time of year is when ticks are most active throughout Iowa, including in park and trail systems. Although our team regularly maintains vegetation along our trails, ticks can still be present. This is especially true near grassy edges, wooded areas and in damp conditions. When enjoying Marion's park and trail amenities, we encourage residents to take a few simple precautions:

• Stay on the trails when possible.
• Avoid brushing against tall grass or vegetation.
• Wear light-colored clothing to help spot ticks.
• Perform a tick check after spending time outdoors.

Our goal is to provide safe, well-maintained spaces for the community, while ensuring residents stay informed about seasonal conditions. Learn more about tick safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

Rebates Available for Residential Stormwater Practices
The City of Marion offers rebates to residents who want to improve water quality and decrease runoff on their property. Residents can qualify for rebates for projects like native plantings, soil quality restoration, rain gardens and pervious pavers and get reimbursed for 50% of the project cost (up to $1,000). The program also provides $50 for new rain barrels and trees (up to 3 per household). Learn how to make your yard more sustainable and save money in the process. Find the details at www.cityofmarion.org/stormwater.

Last Call: Hotel/Motel Grant Applications Due May 4
The City of Marion is accepting grant applications from any non-profit organization for a project that increases tourism within Marion. The funding source for these grants is the City's share of taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels within the city. Approximately $50,000 is expected to be available for the competitive grant program in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Applications will be accepted online at www.cityofmarion.org/HotelMotel through May 4, 2026. Award allocations are expected during the June 18, 2026, City Council meeting.

Marion Farmers Market Opens Saturday
The Marion Farmers Market reopens for the season tomorrow. It will be held at Willowood Park, 1855 35th Street. The market will be open every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. through the end of September. The first market is expected to host more than 30 vendors, including select vendors enrolled in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and the Linn County Master Gardeners. Attendees will find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, jewelry, woodworking, crafts and more at this neighborhood farmers market. In addition, Marion City Council members will hold their weekly office hours at the market. Every Saturday, beginning May 2, one or more council members will be available for questions and conversation during market hours.

Movies on the Move Series Slated to Return to Neighborhood Parks
The Marion Parks and Recreation Department and ImOn Communications are pleased to announce the return of the Movies on the Move series. One Friday per month in June, July and August, an outdoor movie will be shown at select neighborhood parks in Marion. The 2026 season includes:

• Friday, June 26, featuring "Superman" at Hanna Park, 775 Fairview Drive
• Friday, July 24, featuring "Freakier Friday" at Thomas Park, 343 Marion Boulevard
• Friday, Aug. 21, featuring "Jurassic World Rebirth" at Lowe Park Playground, 4401 Irish Drive

Open House Planned for Gill Park Playground
On Monday, May 4, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the Marion Parks and Recreation Department will host an open house to gather input on the new playground design elements being considered for Gill Park, located at 3450 Hawthorne Street. The open house will be held at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street. The City is working with a vendor to finalize the design elements of the playground. Staff began gathering community input during the Healthy Kids Day and Marion City Showcase and will share three playground layouts at the open house for public consideration and input. Then, the vendor will finalize the design for installation later this summer. Community members are encouraged to attend and help shape the future of Gill Park.

Indian Creek Master Plan Open House Happening May 4
On Monday, May 4, from 6-7 p.m., City of Marion representatives and the Creekside Pride committee will host an open house to share updates on the Indian Creek Master Plan and next steps for activating the creek. It will be held at the Marion Public Works Facility, 202 44th Street. Information will be shared regarding construction at Site 1, located near Wallace Road, as well as Sites 5 and 6. During this open house, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback, connect with project partners and committee members, explore ongoing water quality efforts and learn more about creek access, its use and future plans.

Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration Happening May 9
Marion's Migratory Bird and Arbor Day Celebration is planned for Saturday, May 9, at Thomas Park from Noon to 3 p.m. This popular event will provide resources to help keep birds, our community and the environment healthy and thriving. Activities include guided bird hikes, a tree-climbing demonstration, a goat grazing demo, a live raptor presentation, informational displays, nature-themed gifts and gear for sale, and make-and-take crafts. Visit https://www.cityofmarion.org/birdfriendly for the full schedule of events.

5K4K9 Fun Run/Walk Happening May 9
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the return of the 5K4K9 fun run/walk hosted by the Marion Police Department (MPD). The family-friendly community event will be held at Linn-Mar High School and include bounce houses, a kids' fun run and the 5K event. Be sure to stick around to see the MPD K9s and their handlers in action. Event activities start at 9 a.m. The cost is $35 for those running/walking the 5K and $25 for those participating in the kids' fun run. Register online at www.cityofmarion.org/5K4K9.

Stormwater Open House Happening May 11
A public open house is being held on Monday, May 11, to share updates regarding Marion's stormwater master plan project. The open house will be from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Marion Public Works Facility, 202 44th Street. Representatives from the City and its engineering consultant will be on hand to answer questions. There is no formal presentation planned, so residents can come and go as they please.

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.

New Faces in New Places
We want to congratulate Rachel Kimble and Alex Felker on being promoted to patron services leads for the Marion Public Library. Rachel started as one of our patron services staff members back in February 2023. Alex started as a patron services staff member in October 2024. Congrats, Rachel and Alex!

Word on the Street

• What is the yellow pipe going in along Lucore Road between Tower Terrace and Silver Oak Trail?
  MidAmerican Energy is working to relocate a gas main in the area. This work is in preparation for the Lucore Road Pedestrian Bridge Project.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between April 28-May 2, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue. Between May 4-May 8, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of 10th Avenue

Upcoming Events

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

• Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours, Saturday, May 2, 8-11 a.m., Willowood Park
• Gill Park Playground Open House, Monday, May 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
• Indian Creek Master Plan Open House, Monday, May 4, 6-7 p.m., Marion Public Works Facility

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:

• Employee Appreciation Week activities
• Internal meetings
• Tour of City Hall with Venture Academics students
• City Council Meeting
• Meeting with Brandy Meisheid
• Meeting with Wade Hiner

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