For the Good of the Order

Commemorating Five Years since the Derecho
During last night’s City Council meeting, Mayor AbouAssaly issued a proclamation commemorating the fifth anniversary of the historic 2020 derecho. premier communities. On Aug. 10, 2020, winds of more than 140 miles per hour swept through the region and caused unbelievable devastation. A great majority of structures in our community sustained some amount of damage and at least 225 were destroyed. Nearly 41.5% of trees on public property and many more on private property were lost. Crews collected approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of tree debris and 10,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, and the City’s recovery efforts totaled more than $33 million. Volunteers from Marion and across the nation generously offered their time and resources to help thousands of families in need. Since then, much of the damage has been repaired and nearly 8,500 trees have been planted in public spaces and thousands more have been planted on private property. Marion’s response was rooted in an exemplary community spirit, cooperation and concern for the well-being of people. This video, produced in the months after the derecho, captures the power of commUNITY.

Marion and Monarch Research Partner on Community-Wide Tree-Planting Program
The City of Marion and Monarch Research are pleased to announce the next community-wide tree-planting program. The primary goal of the initiative is to provide residents with native Iowa trees to plant in the right-of-way along City streets adjacent to their property. Marion residents and landowners who commit to planting, watering and protecting the trees as they become established can register online for up to three free, 3-gallon trees provided by Monarch Research. Program registration is currently open and will remain open through Saturday, Sept. 13, at www.cityofmarion.org. Please register early to secure your tree selection and join us in planting forward, together! 

Fall Into Marion Parade Returns to Uptown Marion
For the third year, the City of Marion is pleased to host the Fall Into Marion Parade sponsored by Farmers State Bank. It will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m. as part of a full slate of “Fall Into Marion” events happening this fall. Both Marion and Linn-Mar High School marching bands plan to participate, along with a variety of nonprofits and area businesses. Floats are encouraged and prizes will be awarded. To sign up to participate, please visit www.cityofmarion.org/fallintomarion and register online by Sept. 9. Registration is $40 for for-profit organizations and $5 for all others. We look forward to a great celebration of community!

Marion Fire Department Radio Encryption Changes
The Marion Fire Department, along with Cedar Rapids Fire and Area Ambulance, with assistance from RACOM, switched all of their radio systems talk groups from open to an encrypted status on Aug. 5. Moving to encrypted radio communications will increase the consistency of radio traffic by aligning with other local and regional agencies with encrypted systems. Encryption will provide a higher level of privacy for victims during medical responses and protect the people we serve during fireground operations, also adding a level of security for our emergency responders. Encryption has been a standard for law enforcement for many years, and moving to encrypted traffic will ensure emergency radio communications are received by the responders who need to communicate. This project was completed with no cost to the City.  

Corridor Corporate Games
The City of Marion participated in the Corridor Corporate Games again this year. The games are an opportunity for team building, networking and friendly competition among other like-sized businesses in the Corridor. Organizations earn points through employee participation, performance and volunteering. Team Marion participated in 22 different events this year and placed 4th overall in the top division. Way to go Team Marion!

Ascension Park Update
Installation of the new play structure at Ascension Park on S. 22nd Street is underway. This project is part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s equipment replacement program, which aims to provide updated, safe and accessible play structures across Marion.

Gill Park Update
Earlier this season the play structure at Gill Park failed and had to be removed to maintain a safe environment for our park visitors. Park replacement projects are planned years in advance, which is why you see other park projects happening ahead of Gill Park. With the unexpected failure of this structure, replacement is anticipated in FY 2027. Unfortunately, we've also been dealing with issues related to the wireless activator at the splash pad at Gill Park. In June, we ordered a hard-wired activator and are still waiting for the manufacturer to ship it. As soon as it arrives, it will be installed without hesitation.

29th Avenue Construction Update
Today, 29th Avenue, just east of 35th Street, was closed as part of the 2025 Pavement Patching Project. This temporary road closure includes diamond grinding, partial patching, crack sealing and pavement markings. Work is expected to last one week, weather permitting. The previously established detour will be reinstated during this closure to maintain traffic access, with local residential access to driveways from the east. The roadway is expected to reopen by Aug.15.

Ongoing Work on 35th Street
Diamond grinding operations on 35th Street south of 29th Avenue did not start this week as anticipated. The project will now begin on Monday, Aug. 11. This work is expected to take two days. Upon completion, additional improvements including partial patching, crack sealing and pavement markings will follow. Full project completion is anticipated by Aug. 22, weather permitting. 

Boyson Road Construction Update
Earlier this week, crews from Cedar Falls Construction completed the full-depth patching work on Phase 1 of Boyson Road from the city limits to Alburnett Road. Following completion of diamond grinding operations on 35th Street next week, crews will begin diamond grinding work on Boyson Road – Phase 1. Upon completion, additional improvements including partial patching, crack sealing and pavement markings will follow. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, weather permitting. 

We make every effort to provide the most accurate information, but City employees are human, too. Unfortunately, there was an error in the initial timeline that was communicated for this project - which was supposed to be 6 weeks for Phase 1. We apologize and hope the long-term improvements outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

After Phase 1 is completed, work will then shift to Boyson Road – Phase 2, which includes a closure of Boyson Road from the new Alburnett Road to Central Avenue. This closure is expected to last 4-5 weeks, weather permitting. Additional updates regarding Boyson Road – Phase 2 will be shared as the project progresses.

Walk Your Wheels in Uptown
Marion’s shared-use paths are intended for use by people, pets and bicyclists. To ensure safety in the Uptown Marion District, the Walk Your Wheels program aims to avoid bike and pedestrian collisions. Walk Your Wheels zones are located on 6th, 7th and 8th Avenues from 10th to 13th Streets. Riders have the option to move to the street or walk their wheels in the established zones.

Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale this Weekend
The Friends of the Marion Library Book Sale is happening this weekend. The sale today, Aug. 8, from 4-5 p.m. is reserved for Friends members only, but memberships will be sold at the door. All are welcome to attend on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 10, from 2-4 p.m. Tonight 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. In addition, puzzles will be available for $3. 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!

Regional Transportation Investments and Priorities Survey
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is requesting the public weigh-in on Iowa’s long-range transportation plan (LRTP). This plan will help guide future transportation funding decisions and build a plan for Iowa roads, bridges, trails, railroads and more. To participate, please complete the online survey. Comments must be received by Aug. 31, 2025. To learn more, visit www.iowadot.gov.  

Kudos to Steve Cooper
Kudos to Steve Cooper for taking the time to listen to a resident to address her concerns, and thanks to the resident for taking the time to drop us a line. “He was so efficient, explained everything and offered solutions. We appreciate how quickly he handled this!” Good work, Steve!

New Faces in New Places
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, Ellie Pins will join the Marion Public Library as a part-time patron services support team member! She currently works for Orange Theory Fitness. Welcome aboard, Ellie!

Word on the Street

• What is going into the new building at the Indian Creek Mall on Marion Boulevard?
  The building currently under construction is planned to house a restaurant. At this time, a specific restaurant has not been identified by the property owner.

•  What are the plans for the property located at Lindale Drive north of Blairs Ferry Road?
  City Council recently approved a preliminary plat for the Lindale Commercial Park Addition, which would divide the property into seven separate lots. The property is zoned BR - Regional Business, allowing any permitted use with that zoning district – including restaurants, retail, personal service, office and mixed-use buildings allowing for residential on the upper stories – to locate on the property. Prior to any construction, a final plat will need to be considered and approved by City Council. At this time, a final plat has not been submitted for review and consideration.

• Why are there utility marker flags along Grand Avenue near Valley Park Street?
  Earlier this week, Abode Construction started work on a water main project. Grand Avenue is currently closed to traffic at Valley Park Street, and detour signs are posted. The roadway is expected to be open by Tuesday, Aug. 12. Questions can be directed to (319) 743-6311.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Aug. 8-11, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2700 block of 10th Avenue, westbound. Between Aug. 13-17, it will be located in the 2800 block of 10th Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Aug. 8 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Matt Torronez – 6-8 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 8 – Bingo Night– 6 p.m. – Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
• Saturday, Aug. 9 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, Aug. 9 – Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m.– Willowood Park
• Saturday, Aug. 9 – Uptown Marion Market & Youth Entrepreneur Fair – 8 a.m.-noon – 7th Avenue/Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Saturday, Aug. 9 – Music Under the Moon featuring Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience – 7:30 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Zumba: Fit Fun at the Park – 6 p.m. – Lowe Park
• Thursday, Aug. 14 – Uptown Getdown featuring New Trick – 6-9 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park

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

The following are a few of the major activities on my calendar for the coming week:

• Scheduled time out of the office

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