IN FOCUS: 11.6.26 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller

For the Good of the Order

Cairy Appointed to State's City Finance Committee
Lianne Cairy, finance director for the City of Marion, was recently appointed to the State of Iowa's City Finance Committee through April 30, 2030. The City Finance Committee helps cities manage public funds responsibly by providing guidance on budgeting and accounting, reviewing how cities plan to spend funds, studying local revenues and costs and making recommendations to state leaders. It also reviews certain city budget-related appeals. The appointment is a testament to Lianne's financial expertise and the City of Marion's sound financial practices. Congratulations on this appointment!

Central Plaza Project Recognized by the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects
Marion's Central Plaza and RDG Planning & Design received the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects' Design Built Merit Award during last night's awards banquet in Des Moines. The award recognizes well-executed, high-caliber landscape architecture projects. Honorees are chosen by a visiting jury of qualified professionals based on design quality, context, environmental sensitivity and impact on the community. The project has transformed the heart of the community into a vibrant year-round destination featuring an ice-skating loop, live performance space, engaging water features, a play sculpture, public art, seating and other amenities. Congrats to all who had a hand in bringing this project to life!

City Council Office Hours Return to Marion Public Library
Marion City Council weekly office hours will resume at the Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue, starting this Saturday. One or more City Council members will be available to visit with residents each Saturday between 9-11 a.m. through the fall and winter months. Residents can also call or email City Council members directly with their questions and input. Contact information is available at www.cityofmarion.org.

Most City Offices to Close in Observance of Veterans Day
Marion City Hall, Marion Public Library and other City offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Emergency services will continue to be provided. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected according to the normal schedule all week. Pre-scheduled vacuum leaf collection will be delayed until Thursday. The Yard Waste Facility and Recycling Center, located at 195 35th Street, will be closed on Wednesday. The library's bookmobile will also not operate on Wednesday.

Register for an Upcoming Virtual Author Talk
Did you know the Marion Public Library offers online author talks in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium? Community members can enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors each month. These events can be watched live at their scheduled date and time or streamed later at your convenience. November's events include talks about life on Mars, wealth, Native American and Mexican cooking and more. Explore and register for these talks at www.marionpubliclibrary.org.

Holiday Decor Pass-Along Happening November 8
The Marion Public Library's first-ever Holiday Decor Pass-Along will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2-4 p.m. This event is an opportunity for community members to donate, or "pass along," gently used, functional holiday decorations, allowing themselves and anyone interested to shop for free amongst donated items. Items for the pass-along must be dropped off on Saturday, Nov. 7, between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All items not passed along during the event will be donated locally. Find a full list of accepted items at marionpubliclibrary.org/events.

City Budget 101/Town Hall Meeting Planned for November 9
To provide residents with the opportunity to learn about city budgeting, Marion City leaders are hosting a Budget 101/Town Hall meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue. The City is partnering with Linn-Mar High School students in the Venture Academics civics program to explain City budgeting in an easy-to-understand manner. Students will explain key elements of property taxes and how they relate to local government services. After the student presentations, City leaders will answer residents' questions during an open Q&A session. Community members are encouraged to attend and engage in the City's budgeting process.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale November 13-15
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening Nov. 13-15. The sale on Friday, Nov. 13, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but all are welcome to attend on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 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 (bags provided). Jigsaw puzzles are $3 and DVDs are $1. The event will be in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library and all proceeds will support the library. Hope to see you then!

Open House Planned for Uptown Parking Study on November 19
On Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4-5:30 p.m., City of Marion representatives and consultant Fishbeck will host an open house to gather feedback on Uptown parking management strategies. It will be held at Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue. During this open house, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas about parking and access throughout the Uptown Marion district. The public is encouraged to attend this interactive session and provide the feedback that could shape the final recommendations for parking in Uptown Marion.

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.

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 Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Water Board, Tree Board, Nuisance Enforcement or Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

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. Find a full listing of both full- and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
We are thrilled to have several new faces joining the City of Marion on Monday, Nov. 9. Please join us in welcoming Jason Potts as a police officer for the Marion Police Department. He comes to us as the founder of Lead Connector, LLC. We look forward to working with you, Jason!

Abby Buechel will join the team as a part-time patron services team member with the Marion Public Library. Abby previously worked at the Coralville Public Library. Welcome aboard, Abby.

Also on Monday, Blake Ryerson will join the Public Works Department as an equipment operator. He comes to us from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Welcome to Team Marion, Blake.

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Nov. 6-10, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue. Between Nov. 12-16, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of 10th Avenue.

Upcoming Events

Future Council Items

Here's an overview of several items that will be coming before the City Council in the weeks ahead.

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