For the Good of the Order

Congratulations to Sergeant Paulsen
Tuesday’s City Council Work Session began with the promotion of Officer Adam Paulsen to the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Paulsen is a 10-year veteran of the Marion Police Department and a trustworthy leader. He has served as part of the investigations team and special response team, is a K9 handler, a union officer and serves as a field training officer for the department. Thank you for your service, Adam and congratulations!!

Marion Pool Closed Through the Weekend
The Marion Municipal Pool is closed due to broken glass in the pool, which was caused by a broken light. The pool must be drained and refilled. It will be closed through the weekend and a status update will be provided on Monday morning. Additional updates will be provided as they become available via the City website and social media channels.

Comprehensive Plan Workshop Happening June 12
The public is invited to participate in a workshop on Wednesday, June 12, to assist the City and RDG Planning and Design in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Two sessions will be held at the Marion Public Library from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and again from 4-6 p.m. This is a come-and-go workshop where residents are encouraged to share their ideas about future land uses, identify growth and enhancement areas and give input on key areas such as housing, community services and business growth. Those unable to attend are invited to visit cityofmarion.org/CompPlan to share comments via the interactive map and stay up-to-date on additional public participation opportunities. Development of the plan is expected to conclude by March 2025.

Choose Automated Collection Cart Sizes by June 15
As we begin to transition to automated garbage, recycling and yard waste collection, it is time for Marion residents who currently receive this service from the city to choose their preferred cart sizes. If you want something other than the large 64/68-gallon carts for garbage and recycling, we need to hear from you. The deadline to respond is June 15. Thank you to so many who have already done so!

1. If you misplaced your mailer, here’s the digital copy.
2. If you want to see the carts in person, stop by the Uptown Marion Market tomorrow, June 8. We'll have sample carts on display at the City booth in the North Plaza. We can even collect your cards.
3. Sample carts continue to be on display at City Hall, Marion Public Library and Lowe Park.
4. To learn more about the program, submit your preferences online, or review the FAQs, visit cityofmarion.org/automatedcollection.

Marion Public Library Launches Learn-to-Code Software
Earlier this month, the Marion Public Library launched Fiero Code, a new learn-to-code software for patrons interested in computer programming education. Patrons can work towards building websites, video games, phone apps, animations and more through a series of tutorials, games and projects. You are invited to participate from the comfort of your home or through an event at the Marion Public Library. Learn more at marionpubliclibrary.org/fiero.

RFP for Financial and Accounting Consulting Services Released
The City has released a request for proposals (RFP) for financial and accounting consulting services. The main objective of the engagement is to develop a cost allocation methodology to ensure the City’s enterprise funds (utilities) are providing an equitable share of the cost for services such as human resources, information technology, finance, etc., which are generally funded by property taxes. Proposals are due June 17.

Butterfield Park Playground Upgrade
This spring, the Parks and Recreation Department removed the play structure from Butterfield Park and installed a new one. The basketball hoop was also removed and a new adjustable hoop is scheduled to be installed this month. Due to wet weather and competing projects, the installation of a six-foot-boarder sidewalk will not occur until August. Playground chips were added to allow the playground to be used until then. Thank you for your patience as these improvements are made.

Legion Park Disc Golf Course Returning Soon
The City is working to bring back the Legion Park Disc Golf Course, which was significantly impacted by the derecho. A temporary 18-hole course will be complete by June 8, with a semi-permanent course open for public play starting July 1. Key tasks include pouring additional tee pads, adjusting pin placements, improving drainage, adding signage and making the course available on the UDisc app. Landscaping and the installation of benches will occur later this summer or early this fall. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (319) 447-3580.

Indian Creek Trunk Sewer Segment 7 Project Update
Even with the continued wet weather this spring, Boomerang Corp has been making progress on the Indian Creek Trunk Sewer Segment 7 project. Work is currently underway along Indian Creek near the Highway 100 bridge. The remaining sewer installation for this project is expected to be completed in the next two months, weather permitting. During this time the Grand Ave Trail Spur, just west of Menards, will remain closed. The contractor is using this route for site access and heavy vehicles will be in this area daily. This closure is necessary for the safety of trail users and construction workers. Trail users are reminded to obey the posted signage and stay out of the work zone. 

2024 Pavement Patching Project to begin June 11
The City’s Pavement Patching Program is designed to extend the life of existing roadways that are showing signs of deterioration. Two projects are included in this year’s program – 1. Tower Terrace Road from Alburnett Road to 10th Street and 2. the east crosswalk at 6th Avenue and 9th Street. By replacing failed panels and reinforcing cracks, the pavement can be salvaged rather than allowing it to continue to deteriorate. Stage 1 of the Tower Terrace Road project will begin on June 11 from Alburnett Road to Irish Drive. This segment will take approximately three weeks to complete, weather permitting, and will progress to the east towards 10th Street in three additional stages.

Central Plaza Project Update
Progress continues on Marion's Central Plaza in City Square Park. In the last couple of weeks, the Depot addition and mezzanine foundation walls were poured, underground plumbing piping and electrical rough-ins occurred for the Depot, the ice loop layout started to take shape, and concrete pours for the fountain and snow melt pit occurred. Here's a look at the latest bi-weekly update.

Stream Monitoring Event happening June 15
Be a resident scientist during this hands-on experience in water quality monitoring on Saturday, June 15, at Wanatee Park. A healthy stream is filled with a fascinating web of life. Learn to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates (stream bugs), assess stream habitat, and take water samples. The number and variety of creatures we find helps indicate how clean the water is and will be reported through the Save our Streams program. Representatives from our Engineering Department will assist with the event. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. No prior experience is required. There is no cost for this event, but you will need to register.

Word on the Street

Here are some of the questions we’ve received since last week’s IN FOCUS update.

• I’ve noticed City employees spray-painting pink markings on my sidewalk. What does this mean?
  This is part of our 2024 Sidewalk Inspection Program that occurs every other year. The City evaluates public sidewalks for code compliance to minimize public injury liability and ensure that sidewalks are user-friendly and safe for residents. Once all inspections are complete and the data is processed, property owners of non-compliant sidewalks will be notified via mail. The letters are expected to go out in mid-June. The notification will detail the non-compliance, appropriate means of correction and the date by which the correction needs to be completed. Property owners typically have until the end of August to make repairs and correct deficiencies.

• Does the City have plans to install additional pickleball courts?
  Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America and has had a surge in popularity in the Marion metro area. The City currently offers three courts at Hanna Park and residents can access the nets by calling Lowe Park at (319) 447-3590. Additionally, pickleball lines are painted at the tennis courts of Marion Independent and there are indoor drop-in pickleball sessions at the Marion YMCA held Monday through Friday from 8-11 a.m. The City is continuously exploring future opportunities within our long-term Capital Improvement Project budget, including opportunities to include dedicated pickleball courts adjacent to the aquatic center. We value community input on these matters to ensure we provide high-quality services and address the needs within our community.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, June 7 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Matt Gogel – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway
• Friday, June 7 – Moonlit Movie Series featuring Wonka – activities at 7 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, June 8 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, June 8 – Marion Farmers Market – 8-11 a.m. – Taube Park
• Saturday, June 8 – Uptown Marion Market & City Council Office Hours – 8 a.m.-noon – 7th Avenue/North Plaza
• Saturday, June 8 – Music Under the Moon featuring The Beat Goes On starring Lisa McClowry as Cher – 7:30 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Thursday, June 13 – Marion by Moonlight featuring Crazy Delicious – 6-9 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Friday, June 14 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring The Drive Ins – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway

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
• Scheduled time out of the office

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