For the Good of the Order

Marion Recognized by APWA for Streetscape Project
The City of Marion and its partners were recognized with the Project of the Year Award for transportation projects greater than $2.5 million for the Central Corridor 7th Avenue, 8th Street to 12th Street, Pavement Reconstruction and Streetscaping Project. The award was presented at the American Public Works Association (APWA) Iowa Chapter Fall Conference in Iowa City yesterday. This was a two-year construction project that transformed the 7th Avenue Corridor into a curbless festival street that provided much-needed infrastructure upgrades and improved accessibility. Congrats to all who had a hand in making this project happen!

Public Hearing for Development Moratorium on Next Council Agenda
A public hearing regarding a moratorium related to commercial uses along portions of Tower Terrace Road, Highway and the Central Corridor is on next week’s City Council agenda. The proposed commercial moratorium will serve as a temporary restriction of select commercial uses in the identified commercial districts. The moratorium will provide time for the City to assess and plan for the potential impacts of specific commercial development within those geographic areas. This will ensure that adequate time is provided to evaluate zoning regulations, design standards, infrastructure needs and other relevant factors to make informed decisions about the future growth and development of these areas. This pause in commercial activities aims to strike a balance between economic progress and safeguarding the well-being of neighborhoods and the environment, ultimately promoting responsible and sustainable development practices.

Online Survey Available to Gather Input on Parking/Wayfinding 
The City of Marion is undergoing two simultaneous projects to improve the user experience for both residents and visitors of the community. The first study will result in a wayfinding system designed to guide residents and guests to key destinations throughout the community using vehicular and pedestrian signage. The second study will help determine current and future parking needs for businesses, customers and residents of the Uptown District. Resident and visitor input will help inform both plans. An online survey is now available at www.polco.us/marionIA and will be open through Oct. 15, 2023. The survey should take approximately 4 minutes to complete. Members of the project team will be on hand at the Fall Marion Market in Uptown Marion this Saturday, Sept. 30, to gather additional input. The booth will be located in the North Plaza.

City Leaders Participate in Emergency Preparedness Training
September is National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder for all of us to prepare throughout the year for a wide range of emergencies. This week the City facilitated a workshop with Atchison Consulting Services to learn about the Emergency Management Program for the City of Marion. City staff and community partners were able to discuss emergency management scenarios and become familiar with the City's new Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan. It is all part of our commitment to a safe community!

Housing Rehabilitation Opportunity for Marion Residents
Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the City of Marion has partnered with the Housing Fund for Linn County to fund an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program for Marion residents. The program can assist income-qualified Marion homeowners with up to $20,000 in project-related costs, with additional funding possible. Both interior and exterior repairs are eligible.

City Participates in Quarterly Meeting with Gazette Editorial Board
City leaders continue to meet with members of the Gazette Editorial Board on a quarterly basis. Earlier this week, the City provided updates on automated enforcement cameras, firefighter recruitment and hiring, the Uptown Parking Study, the National Community Survey and the Belltower Lofts project. We always appreciate the open dialogue with our partners at The Gazette.

Marion Civil Rights Commission Seeking New Members
The Marion Civil Rights Commission currently has three openings for 2024! The commission envisions a community that is welcoming and inclusive, and preserves the personal dignity of all people. It serves as a source of information relative to civil rights and is involved in various community outreach activities. Join the commission in time to assist with their 2024 outreach plan! Learn more about the commission and how to apply at www.cityofmarion.org/civilrights.

Upcoming City and School Board Elections
City and School Board officials will be on the ballot for the upcoming election on Nov. 7, 2023. The seats for Mayor, At-Large, Ward 1, Ward 2 and Ward 3 will all be included for the City of Marion. All incumbent members are running uncontested. Residents have until Oct. 23 to return voter registration or absentee ballot request forms. More information regarding your polling location or your current representatives can be viewed on the Linn County Elections website.

Parks and Recreation Department tests Robotic Lawn Mower
The future is upon us! The Parks and Recreation Department will be testing a robotic lawn mower through the end of this mowing season. The mower will be used in the bowl between the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center and the Klopfenstein Amphitheater stage. The unit features wireless control, automatic charging and a GPS-tracked theft protection system. The mower will operate multiple times per week to maintain the length of the grass.

7th Avenue to Close on Saturday for Fall Marion Market
The Fall Marion Market is happening in Uptown Marion this Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8 a.m. to noon. Seventh Avenue from 10th to 12th Streets will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. A detour will be posted.

3rd Avenue Reconstruction Completed
The 3rd Avenue Reconstruction project is substantially completed and 3rd Avenue from 22nd Street to 26th Street is fully open to traffic. Punchlist items remain and will be completed in the coming weeks.

Tailgate in the Park this Saturday
Come root for the Hawkeyes on the BIG screen at this family-friendly tailgate atmosphere at Lowe Park this Saturday. Iowa will be playing Michigan State. Come any time after 5:30 p.m., kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. Play classic tailgate games, enjoy kids’ inflatables and activities and test your football skills. The event is free and open to the public. Bring chairs/blankets for open lawn seating. Outside food and drink are permitted.

Marion Makers Market to Benefit the Library Bookmobile
This Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., visit the first Marion Makers Market hosted by the Friends of the Marion Public Library at the Marion Public Library. Shop the many items donated by local crafters and artists and enjoy coffee and sweet treats from the bake sale. All proceeds will benefit the library’s new bookmobile. For more information and to see what is for sale, visit mpliowafriends.org.

Healthiest State Walk Happening Oct. 4
Join friends and community members for Marion's Healthiest State Walk beginning at Marion City Hall at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. After a brief welcome by Mayor Nick, attendees will take a 30-minute walk on the sidepaths along 6th Avenue. Participants are eligible to enter a drawing for a prize basket provided by the Marion Chamber of Commerce. The winner will be drawn at City Hall at the end of the walk. Lace up your sneakers, invite a friend and take part in this state-wide initiative.

Calling all Euchre Players
The Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center is home to a full line-up of free senior activities that happen each week. The programs and activities are geared towards adults ages 55 and up. The Parks and Recreation Department is adding a new card game to the rotation – Euchre! It’s a Midwest favorite, so come join us on Tuesdays between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Sunburst Room at Lowe Park.  

Linn-Mar to Host Lion Learning Session
Please join Linn-Mar Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer as she hosts the first Lion Learning session of the new school year. It will be held Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. in the boardroom of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at 2999 N 10th Street in Marion. Superintendent Kortemeyer will go over key objectives in the district’s new Strategic Plan. There will also be time set aside for questions. Everyone is welcome. Guests are asked to enter the parking lot from 10th Street near the electronic sign. The LRC is the building to your right as you drive onto the campus. The boardroom is inside the LRC’s north entrance. Look for the white awning.

New Faces in New Places
Please join us in welcoming Courtney Casady to Team Marion as a communications operator with the Police Department. She comes to us from the Des Moines County Correctional Center. Welcome to the team, Courtney!

Word on the Street

This feature provides answers to some of the questions our City Council members are hearing:

• What is under construction at the corner of 44th Street and Hwy 100?
  ITC Midwest is constructing a regional power substation to transport more energy, operate more reliably than existing facilities and enable them to serve both existing and future customers in the area.
  
  
• Are the power poles going up along Hwy 100 related to this project?
  Yes, ITC Midwest has been erecting power poles along Hwy 100 related to the substation construction at the corner of 44th Street and Hwy 100 ahead of the project to ensure that all infrastructure is in place with the construction of the substation.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion this weekend and next week.

• Saturday, Sept. 30 – Last Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Taube Park
• Saturday, Sept. 30 – Fall Marion Market – 8 a.m.-noon – 7th Avenue between 10th & 12th Streets
• Saturday, Sept. 30 – Marion Makers Market hosted by the Friends of the Library – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Marion Public Library
• Saturday, Sept. 30 – Dog Fashion Show sponsored by Apple Creek Canine Resort – 10 a.m. – Uptown Artway
• Saturday, Sept. 30 – Tailgate in the Park featuring the Iowa vs. Michigan State game – 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. kick-off – Lowe Park
• Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Healthiest State Walk – noon – Marion City Hall
• Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Safety Matters: Fire Safety – noon – Fire Station No. 1

Future Project Updates

Here’s a look at the tentative agenda containing a list 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 Seda Consulting
• Meeting with Marty Lenss
• City Council Work Session
• Time out of the office for Leadership Iowa

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