For the Good of the Order

IT Team Restoring Systems Impacted by Global Technology Outage
Like many other local government entities, businesses and organizations, the City of Marion’s IT Department spent much of today restoring City computer systems following the global technology outage associated with the CrowdStrike cybersecurity software. The issue was not caused by a cyber attack. The outage was first detected overnight, and staff responded immediately. All public safety systems have been restored and are fully operational. Work continues on other online systems and workstations, and the IT Department anticipates having everything restored by the end of the day. I applaud IT Director Terrell Hunter, Deputy Director Nicholas Terbovic and the entire team for their swift response. This is reaching higher!  

Curbside Collection of Tree Debris Happening Next Week
In response to Monday’s storm, the City will be performing curbside collection of tree debris beginning Monday, July 22. Residents are asked to place tree limbs and branches no more than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet long between the sidewalk and the curb for collection. The Public Services Department will collect the tree debris next Monday-Friday, according to the regular garbage/recycling/yard waste collection schedule. Residents may also take tree debris to Marion’s Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility at 195 35th Street. The Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility will be open from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Larger tree debris can be taken to the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency at 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids.

Marion Hosts Visit of Iraqi High School Students
Mayor AbouAssaly, Councilmember Miskimen and members of the Mayor’s Youth Council had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 20+ Iraqi high school students to Marion to learn about youth engagement in local government. The visit was arranged by Global Ties Iowa. The group discussed leadership and the ways young people can bring about change and impact their communities. Thank you for your part in sharing Marion’s story!  

Intersection Improvements at Highway 100 and East Post Road
Construction work continues to progress at the intersection of Highway 100 and East Post Road. With more than 35,000 vehicles traveling through this intersection daily, traffic will be impacted. The outside lanes of Highway 100 in each direction will be closed. During this time the speed limit on Highway 100 will be reduced to 45 mph. The Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) cameras at this intersection will remain operational during this project. The cameras will be adjusted to account for the speed limit change, and fines will double within the work zone. Drivers are reminded to slow down and give crews room to work. This project is expected to take approximately three months. Commuters should consider finding an alternate route while the work is underway.

Central Plaza Construction Update
Progress continues on the Central Plaza in City Square Park. In recent weeks, work continued on the ice loop foundations, the interior chimney structure of the Depot was removed and interior rough-in occurred. In the coming weeks, crews will continue to work on the ice loop, water features and Depot. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/centralplaza.

2024 Storm Intake Project
On Thursday, July 18, Eastern Iowa Excavating began installing a storm sewer intake north of 5th Avenue and 26th Street to address an erosion issue on the 6th Avenue pedestrian trail. This intake is on private property and construction work will not impact traffic. Work is expected to take one week, weather permitting. On Tuesday, July 23, Eastern Iowa Excavating will begin replacing a storm sewer intake in front of Villa’s Patio Mexican Restaurant, 433 7th Avenue. Eastbound 7th Avenue will be closed to traffic and westbound will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction. Work is expected to take one week, weather permitting.

Crews to Begin Next Stage of Pavement Patching on Tower Terrace Road
On Tuesday, July 23, Eastern Iowa Excavating will transition to the next stage of the 2024 Pavement Patching Project. Tower Terrace Road will be closed from 3rd Street to Stonefield Drive. Traffic will be detoured to W 29th Avenue. Work is expected to take 2-3 weeks, weather permitting.

Hanna Park Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled for Monday
Due to last Monday’s weather, the Hanna Park ribbon cutting has been rescheduled for Monday, July 22. Community leaders, City staff and Chamber ambassadors will gather to celebrate the completion of the Hanna Park upgrades. This project consisted of a new pavilion and restroom facility, along with a playground for children ages 2 to 5. More recently, new concrete games were installed and native prairie grasses and wildflowers were planted to enhance the urban ecosystem. The ceremony will be held at Hanna Park, 755 Fairview Drive, at 4 p.m.

Commemorative Bricks for Central Plaza Project
The Marion Parks and Recreation Foundation is leading a $1.3 million capital campaign to support the Central Plaza. Community members have an opportunity to support the campaign and celebrate their connection to Uptown Marion by purchasing commemorative bricks. The bricks are available for $100 each and will be a permanent feature on display in the plaza. Learn more about the brick campaign and complete an order form along with online payment at www.cityofmarion.org/plazabricks. The deadline to participate is Aug. 11, 2024.

Oak Shade Cemetery Gravestone Preservation Workshop
Join the Friends of Oak Shade Cemetery on Thursday, July 25, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. as they host a 48State Tour! event. Jonathan Appell, an expert in monument restoration, will be leading the workshop. The day begins with a walking tour to survey the existing conditions of the cemetery and gravestones. Cleaning methods will be discussed and demonstrated, followed by hands-on work at Oak Shade Cemetery. This event is free to attend and participants are encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and bring a chair, cooler, water and snacks. Learn more on the 48StateTour! website. Questions may be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 319-447-3580.

Uptown Marion Seeks Input Via Online Survey
Uptown Marion Main Street is seeking feedback to shape the future of the district through a new online survey. The survey aims to gather valuable insights into experiences, preferences and ideas for future improvements in the area. The survey is completely anonymous and takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential. To participate, please visit polco.us/sbfmaa between now and Aug. 16, 2024.

Marion Fire Department Seeks CERT Volunteers
The Fire Department is seeking 15 volunteers to establish a new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for Marion. Designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), CERTs provide volunteers who are integrated into the community response structure. The City of Marion’s new CERT team will receive training from Linn County Emergency Management and the Marion Fire Department. Previous experience is not required and applications will be accepted through July 31. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/employment. Questions may be directed to the Marion Fire Department at 319-377-8237.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, July 19 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Joel Sires Trio – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway
• Friday, June 19 – Moonlit Movie Series featuring Minions: Rise of Gru – activities at 7 p.m., movie starts at 8 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, July 20 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, July 20 – Marion Farmers Market – 8-11 a.m. – Taube Park
• Monday, July 22 – Hanna Park Ribbon Cutting – 4 p.m. – Hanna Park
• Friday, July 26 – Movies on the Move featuring Barbie – 8:30 p.m. – Ascension Park

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:

• Scheduled time out of the office
• Internal meetings
• Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting

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