City of Marion, IA
03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2024 16:40
IN FOCUS: 3.28.24 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller
For the Good of the Order
City Celebrates the Completion of Indian Creek Trail
Community leaders, City staff and Chamber ambassadors gathered at Lininger Park earlier this week to celebrate the completion of the Indian Creek Trail. This project consisted of a 2-mile, 10-foot wide, hard surface trail that follows along Indian Creek from the Boyson Trail to Tower Terrace Road and is another important connection in Marion's trail network.
It's Severe Weather Awareness Week
Are you weather-aware? This past week was Severe Weather Awareness Week. Fittingly, it provides us with reminders to have an emergency plan and an emergency kit and to sign up for emergency alerts. As a reminder, outdoor warning sirens are only intended to reach people who are outdoors; the sirens are not meant to serve as a warning system for people inside homes or other buildings. The best preparedness plans include multiple weather warning notification systems, including weather radios and text and email alerts. Learn more at BeReadyIowa.gov.
Marion Police Department Warns of Business Scam
Some Marion businesses have recently been targeted by scammers posing as law enforcement. The scammers tell employees that the business has deposited counterfeit bills into their bank account and to avoid criminal charges being filed the business must provide funds immediately via bank or wire transfer. They are then instructed to transfer or wire the funds. No law enforcement agency will ever contact someone by phone and demand immediate payment of a debt (real or imaginary) via wire or bank transfer. Should someone receive such a call, they should hang up and contact their local police department or sheriff's office by using the appropriate non-emergency number.
City Offices will be Closed on March29
Marion City Hall and other City offices will be closed on Friday, March 29. Regular business hours resume on Monday, April 1. Police, Fire and other critical City services will continue to be provided. The Marion Public Library will be closed for staff training on Friday, March 29. The library will be open during normal hours on Saturday, March 30, and will be closed on Sunday, March 31, in observance of Easter. Garbage, recycling and yard waste will be collected according to the normal schedule. The Public Services office and Yard Waste Facility will be closed on Friday, March 29. The Recycling Drop-off Center and Yard Waste Facility, both located at 195 35th Street, will maintain normal hours of operation from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. Utility payments will be accepted online or via the drive-up drop box located outside the Marion Water Department office at 3050 5th Avenue.
Trail Closures Extended Until April 5 Due to Weather
Portions of Boyson and Indian Creek trails remain closed to allow crews to complete tree removals and install creek crossings. Due to the recent precipitation, the closure has been extended until April 5, weather permitting. Boyson Trail is closed between the Boyson Road Trailhead and Willow Park. The Indian Creek Trail is closed between Lininger Park and Willow Park. Trail users are reminded to observe the posted signage and stay out of the construction zone.
11thStreet Road Closure Continues
The cool/wet weather earlier in the week has slowed progress on 11th Street between 6th Avenue and the Marion Public Library's parking lot entrance. This area is closed so that the contractor can perform work associated with the Central Plaza Project. The road is expected to open by April 12, weather permitting.
Curbside Yard Waste Collection Resumes
The Public Services Department has resumed curbside collection of yard waste. Residents must place their yard waste in a 32-gallon can marked with a "Y" or a biodegradable bag. Sticks, limbs and brush larger than 1 inch and no greater than 4 inches must be bundled at the curb and cannot measure more than 3 feet in length or width. Marion residents who receive municipal solid waste collection can use the Yard Waste Drop-Off Facility located at 195 35th Street year-round. Residents are also welcome to compost, wood chips and mulch free of charge. Please call the Marion Public Services Department at 319-377-6367 with any questions.
Marion Parks and Recreation Looking to Expand Program Offerings
Do you have a talent or skill you would like to teach others within the community? The Marion Parks and Recreation Department would love to hear your ideas for future classes or programs. Examples include art classes, teaching knitting/crocheting, a love for cooking, and more. Check out the current programs being offered and share your ideas for something new with Recreation Superintendent Karlene Hummel via email.
Adopt-A-Spot ProgramAccepting Volunteers
The Parks and Recreation Department is expanding its list of adoptable spaces throughout the City as part of its Adopt-A-Spot program. Individuals and groups will be able to adopt select areas in the Marion park system and maintain them from April to November. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting litter in the designated area once per month during this period. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide the necessary personal protective equipment, training and colored garbage bags. The department will also collect the bagged garbage. Each area will have signage installed to recognize the volunteers for their efforts. Learn more online or call 319-447-3580 to inquire.
Adopt-A-Flowerbed Program Also AcceptingVolunteers
Marion Parks and Recreation invites you to Adopt-A-Flowerbed and take pride in making our community a more beautiful place to be. This program allows volunteers of all skill levels, ages and group sizes to adopt a flowerbed - with more beds available this season! Volunteers will plant annuals or perennials (provided by the City) and help maintain the flowerbed throughout the growing season. Flowerbeds vary in size, so choose one that fits your group size and a time commitment you're comfortable with. Volunteers will be recognized with a personalized sign in their adopted bed and the option of participating in a friendly end-of-season award contest. Learn more online or call 319-447-3580 to inquire.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Generous support from businesses makes many of Marion's events possible. The annual Fireworks & Fireflies event would not be possible without our valued sponsors. As logistical needs grow, so do expenses. We would love to be able to have an even bigger and better fireworks display in 2024, but we can only do so with additional sponsorship support. Are you part of a business or organization that is in a position to contribute to this signature Marion celebration? Learn more about the opportunities. The deadline to participate and receive all sponsor benefits is March 31.
"Be Green at Home" Event to Provide Tips for Saving Money while Helping the Environment
The City of Marion will host "Be Green at Home" on Saturday, April 13, at the Marion Public Library Community Room A at 2 p.m. Linn County Master Gardeners and representatives of the City of Marion Engineering and Parks and Recreation Departments will share tangible things residents can do in the home and yard to save money - and help the environment at the same time.
Board and Commission Openings
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape both our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are upcoming openings anticipated on the Library Board of Trustees. To be considered, please submit an online application.
New Faces in New Places
Please join us in welcoming Maquoi Moyers to the Marion Police Department on April 1. Maquoi is joining Team Marion as a Communications Operator and comes to us with experience as an EMT and obtained her EMT Certification from Kirkwood Community College. We are excited to have her skill set as part of our team!
Word on the Street
Can you share some simple reminders for residents to keep their garbage/recycling contained if it's windy on their collection day?
Here are a few simple tips that will keep your neighborhood looking nice and your neighbors a little happier.
- Put the lids on your receptacles, add a brick or paver for extra weight
- If you've lost the lid to your recycling bin, the Public Services Department does sell replacements
- Make sure all the garbage within your bin is bagged
- The same can be done with recycling, put it in a paper bag and seal the bag with tape
- If your bin isn't already full, consider waiting a week before putting it at the curb. Flattening any boxes will make more room.
What is the plan for landscaping and green space in the Central Plaza?
The Central Plaza may not be showing signs of springtime flowers this year; however, 69 shrubs and 880 perennials will be planted as part of the project. Throughout the design process, the Central Plaza Steering Committee and staff wanted to make sure that the new plaza was beaming with life, including a diversity of native plants. There will be over 5,000 square feet of planting beds strategically placed throughout the plaza to balance the hardscape elements, which create a connection between the North Plaza, Central Plaza and future South Plaza. In addition to the plantings, five new trees will be planted within the plaza to replace those that were removed due to health concerns.
Upcoming Events
Here's a look at what's happening in Marion:
- Thursday, March 28 - Groundbreaking for Central Plaza - 4 p.m. - City Square Park
- Friday, March 29 - City Offices Closed
- Saturday, March 30 - No City Council Office Hours
- Sunday, March 31 - Marion Public Library Closed
- Friday, April 5 - Coffeehouse Nights featuring Deep Dish Divas - 7-8:30 p.m. - Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
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
- Meeting with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school district representatives
- City Council Work Session
- Time out of the office for Leadership Iowa