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IN FOCUS: 12.5.25 A Weekly Update from City Manager Ryan Waller
For the Good of the Order
Community Food Drive Collects over 1,500 lbs. of Food
Our community food drive, spearheaded by the Marion Fire Department, has officially wrapped up and thanks to the generosity of our residents, we collected approximately 1,500 lbs. of food for HACAP. Without a doubt, this response will make a real difference for families in need right here in Marion. To everyone involved in coordinating donation sites, managing food pickups and keeping this effort running smoothly, THANK YOU. A special shout-out to Fire Department Management Analyst Jamie Doyle for her efforts in making it happen.
Our community food drive, spearheaded by the Marion Fire Department, has officially wrapped up and thanks to the generosity of our residents, we collected approximately 1,500 lbs. of food for HACAP. Without a doubt, this response will make a real difference for families in need right here in Marion. To everyone involved in coordinating donation sites, managing food pickups and keeping this effort running smoothly, THANK YOU. A special shout-out to Fire Department Management Analyst Jamie Doyle for her efforts in making it happen.
Christmas in the Park is Happening Today
Marion’s annual Christmas in the Park celebration promises an evening of festive traditions – and new exciting features – on Friday, Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m. in Uptown Marion. The event will welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the newly refurbished Depot at 4 p.m. This year also marks the debut of Marion’s Ice Loop, a new skating feature that circles the City’s 42-foot LED panel tree. Following the tree lighting at 6 p.m., the Eastern Iowa Figure Skating Club will take to the ice loop for a special skating demonstration to mark its opening. Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy several returning favorites, including the Peppermint Walk, a holiday shopping event featuring a variety of Uptown Marion businesses decked out for the holidays. Find the full schedule of events at www.marioncc.org.
Road Closures in Uptown Marion
Please note that 7th Avenue will be closed to traffic from 2-9 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 5. Drivers using 6th and 8th Avenues are asked to use caution and yield to pedestrians due to increased event activity. Additionally, a short stretch of 8th Avenue, east of 10th Street, remains closed for water main installation.
Ice Loop to Celebrate Opening Day
Marion is lacing up for winter fun with the debut of the Ice Loop in the Central Plaza at City Square Park (1001 7th Avenue) this evening. This unique seasonal attraction promises to create a new level of winter magic in Uptown Marion from now through February, weather permitting. Operating hours are Thursday and Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from noon-10 p.m. and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. During operating hours, staff will be on-site, admission will be charged and skate rentals will be offered. Open skating is available anytime outside of these hours for no charge (unless maintenance is being performed), visitors will need to bring their own skates. Concessions and a warming area are available during operating hours in the Depot. As you plan your visit, please note the Ice Loop point-of-sale system is cashless. Winter break, holidays, special events and program hours will vary. Learn more at www.cityofmarion.org/iceloop.
Sign Up to Receive Text or Email Alerts
The City of Marion has launched a new text and email alert program to provide updates on important things like garbage delays, winter storm parking alerts, upcoming events and more. By visiting www.cityofmarion.org/text, residents and anyone interested can sign up for updates from the City of Marion.
Reminder of Schedule Change for December City Council Meetings
Renovation work is coming soon to Marion City Hall. Part of the project includes a refresh of the Council Chambers where City Council meetings are held. To prepare for the renovation work, the City Council meetings scheduled for December will be consolidated. The regular meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18, will be combined with the Tuesday, Dec. 16, meeting at 4 p.m. The Tuesday meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Marion City Hall, 1225 6th Avenue, and are also available to stream live online. Agendas, minutes and video recordings are available on the City’s meeting portal.
Local Warming Centers Available
During periods of extreme cold, Marion City Hall, Marion Public Library, Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, Thomas Park Safe Room and the Marion Police Department lobby are available for use as warming centers in Marion. Warming centers are facilities where people can temporarily go during periods of extreme temperatures to get out of dangerous weather conditions. Few services are provided beyond what is normally available in that building during their normal operational hours. A full list of all locations in Linn County has been compiled by Linn County Emergency Management.
Snow and Ice Removal Reminders
Winter arrived in force last weekend. As a reminder, property owners are required to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Per city ordinance, snow and ice shall be cleared within 36 hours after the snow or ice stops. The entire sidewalk along the property must be cleared, including any corners leading into the street. If the snow/ice is not removed in a timely manner and a complaint is received, the City will clear the sidewalk. The resulting charges will be 85 cents per square foot, plus a $125 administrative fee. Questions or concerns about snow removal on sidewalks can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at (319) 447-3580.
Board and Commission Openings
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Park Board and Planning & Zoning Commission. To be considered, please submit an online application.
Do you want to provide input on City policies and help shape our city and its government? Apply to be one of 100+ volunteers who serve on Marion boards and commissions. There are openings on the Arts Council, Civil Service Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Library Board, Park Board and Planning & Zoning Commission. To be considered, please submit an online application.
Marion Police Department is Hiring
If you have integrity, common sense and a strong work ethic - we want you on our team! The Marion Police Department is now hiring entry-level police officers. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and career advancement opportunities. Already certified? We offer up to a $15,000 hiring bonus and credit given for prior continuous law enforcement experience. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.
Kudos to Officer Bartlett
Props to Officer Bartlett for coming to the rescue earlier this week when a resident closed the keys in the trunk of their van. It wasn't an easy fix, but he found a way. Thanks for reaching higher and going to such lengths to help, Officer Bartlett!
Word on the Street
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With the holidays approaching, can you tell me if wrapping paper is recyclable in Marion?It is not. The foil, glitter and plastic used in wrapping paper make it non-recyclable. Even wrapping paper that says it's recyclable should not be placed in your recycling cart. Sadly, wrapping paper and tissue paper cause issues and become contamination in the recycling process. Please dispose of them in your garbage cart.
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Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?Between Dec. 5-10, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2800 block of 1st Avenue. Between Dec. 11-15, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5400 block of Kacena Avenue.
Upcoming Events
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:
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Friday, Dec. 5 – Christmas in the Park & Peppermint Walk – 4-8 p.m. – Uptown Marion
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Friday, Dec. 5 – Coffeehouse Night featuring Terry McCauley – 7-8:30 p.m. – Lowe Park
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Saturday, Dec. 6 – City Council Office Hours – 9-11 a.m. – Marion Public Library
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Friday, Dec. 12 - Bingo Night - 6-8:30 p.m. - Lowe 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:
- Internal meetings
- Meeting with Kelvin Unemin
- 2026 Legislative Launch Reception
- Meeting with Katie Curtis
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