For the Good of the Order

Friends of the Marion Public Library Receive Governor's Volunteer Award
Congratulations to the Friends of the Marion Public Library on their nomination and receipt of a Governor's Volunteer Award from the State of Iowa this week! For 36 years, the Friends of the Marion Public Library have provided ongoing support of the library's programs and initiatives, which benefit the greater Marion community. More information about the Friends can be found at mpliowafriends.org.

Road Closures to Occur for BBQ Rendezvous
The 14th annual Marion Metro Kiwanis BBQ Rendezvous returns to Uptown Marion this Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of localized road closures that will be in place to accommodate the event. Seventh Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets will close at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, for vendor move-in and will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Detours are posted. Parking is available on-street surrounding the event, in the City lot at the corner of 8th Avenue and 12th Street and in the City Hall lot at 1225 6th Avenue.  The day of music, food and fun supports the Kiwanis Miracle League field at Prospect Meadows. 

Fireworks & Fireflies Returns July 3
On Thursday, July 3, Marion will host its 6th annual Fireworks & Fireflies celebration. This free event will take place at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Ice Breakers starting at 7 p.m. Food trucks, face painting and a grand fireworks finale will round out the event. Organizers are pleased to welcome Conlon Construction as the event’s presenting sponsor. The Red-level sponsors are the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Mediacom, Corda Credit Union and the City of Marion. Additional details, including a list of frequently asked questions and a printable parking map, are available at www.cityofmarion.org/fireworks.

Walk Your Wheels Signage Installed 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 conflict points. 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. Earlier this week, crews began installing signage in the designated zone to educate and promote safe practices. Together we can keep Uptown Marion a safe place for all ages and abilities.

2025 Sidewalk Ramp Project to begin June 10
In 2013, the City adopted the “Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan” as required by the ADA Act of 1990 and Title II. Per the plan, the City committed annual funding to provide for the reconstruction of non-compliant ramps. This annual program uses bond funding and includes the reconstruction of sidewalks, sidewalk ramps and associated work. Work will occur at various locations throughout the City over the next two to three months, including 29th Avenue, 11th Street, 31st Street and 10th Avenue, among others. Construction crews will utilize parking areas for staging and work will have minimal traffic impacts. 

Legislative Changes to Fireworks Use in Marion
Recently, the state legislature approved a bill that prohibits local governments from restricting consumer fireworks use on July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31. For the upcoming holiday season, the use of consumer fireworks will be allowed on July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks may be purchased and used only by persons 18 years of age or older, and used only with the property owner’s permission. Fireworks may NOT be used in public parks. Any other dates and times are authorized by permit only. Using fireworks outside of the designated dates and times is considered a nuisance in Marion’s code. Property owners allowing fireworks to be discharged on their property outside of the established dates/times may be subject to citation for a municipal infraction. The fees for a municipal infraction are $750 for the first infraction and $1,000 for each subsequent infraction. Residents can report fireworks usage outside of the permissible dates by calling the Marion Police Department's non-emergency line at 319-377-1511.

Volunteers Needed for Indian Creek Clean-Up Day
The City of Marion is partnering with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds. The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers will remove debris by boat and by foot along the paths of Indian Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that can get dirty and will protect them from moderate hazards. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Lunch, sponsored by Cargill, will also be offered. Help maintain Indian Creek’s beauty by signing up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/YBJQFtG.

Friends of the Marion Parks Scavenger Hunt
The Friends of the Marion Parks put together another scavenger hunt to encourage exploration of our community’s greatest assets– THE PARKS! Take advantage of all Marion has to offer this summer. Download a copy of the Scavenger Hunt Form to locate each park and find the pictured items shown in the grid. Happy hunting!

Outdoor Yoga in the North Plaza
Calling all yogis! Downdogs in Uptown is a free outdoor yoga class being offered on June 11 and June 25 in the Central Plaza at City Square Park. Classes will take place from 6-7 p.m. This event is a collaboration between Be Well Marion and Vella Yoga. Waivers can be completed in advance and brought to the first session. Copies will also be available on-site.

Last Call – Regional Transportation Investments and Priorities Survey
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is requesting the public weigh-in on the region’s long-range transportation plan (LRTP). This input will address federal requirements and act as a guide for transportation investment in the region. To participate, please review the draft LRTP and complete the public comment form. Comments can also be sent via email to MPO staff at corridormpo@corridormpo.com. Comments must be received by June 12, 2025. To learn more, visit www.corridormpo.com.

• What is the City doing about the automated curbside collection containers falling over?
  We are currently working with our vendor to determine how to address the issue. This includes reviewing what has worked for other municipalities and testing different materials (i.e. axles). As we work to evaluate our options, additional staff are deployed to assist with collection on windy days. Additionally, we encourage residents to place their containers on hard surfaces.

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between June 3-7, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5200 block of Winslow Road, northbound. Then, between June 9-13, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2500 block of 29th Avenue, westbound.

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, June 6 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Madison Kolbet – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway
• Saturday, June 7 – Sunrise Yoga – 7:30 a.m. – Lowe Park
• Saturday, June 7 – Marion Farmers Market & City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Willowood Park
• Saturday, June 7 – BBQ Rendezvous – 11 a.m.-9 p.m. – 7th Avenue & City Square Park
• Wednesday, June 11 – Downdogs in Uptown – 6-7 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Thursday, June 12 – Marion by Moonlight hosted by Farmers State Bank featuring Birdchild – 6-9 p.m. – Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Friday, June 13 – Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring S, P & B – 6-8 p.m. – Uptown Artway

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:

• Internal meetings
• Time out of the office for Leadership Iowa graduation

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