For the Good of the Order

Congratulations to the New and Re-Elected City Council Members
Please join us in congratulating our new and returning City Council members. Ward 2 representative Grant Harper and Ward 4 representative Sara Mentzer will continue to serve their respective districts, and Kelvin Unemin joins the City Council in an At-Large capacity. Mayor Nick AbouAssaly administered the oaths of office as the first order of business during last night's City Council meeting. Congratulations to all, we are thankful for your commitment to the Marion community!

Marion Fire Department Announces Two Promotions
Last night’s City Council meeting agenda also included two special promotions. Firefighter Zachary Brunscheen was promoted to the rank of captain and Captain Nathan Rompot was promoted to the rank of battalion chief for the Marion Fire Department. Zachary has been with the department since 2017. He is a certified paramedic, a credentialed Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and a peer support person for the Marion Fire Department. Nathan has been with the City for 17 years and was promoted to captain in 2024. He is a certified paramedic and a credentialed Managing Officer through the National Fire Academy. Thank you for your service, Captain Brunscheen and Battalion Chief Rompot. Congratulations!

Please Excuse our Mess
Construction is underway at Marion City Hall to improve public access and enhance employee safety. Currently, all departments are located on the second floor and all services are available. Public access is available via the elevator or stairs. All City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings will be temporarily moved to the Linn-Mar Educational Leadership Center, located at 3556 Winslow Road. Project completion is anticipated in Spring 2026.

Crews to Collect Real Christmas Trees through January 16
Curbside collection of real Christmas trees will be provided now through Jan. 16, 2026. Trees, free of stands and decorations, should be placed at the curb on your designated collection day. Flocked trees or those in bags will not be collected. This service is available to all households regardless of whether they subscribe to curbside yard waste service.

Open House Set to Share Plans for Next Phase of 7th Avenue Reconstruction 
The City of Marion, along with its partners Anderson Bogert and Universal Field Services, is ready to share the plans for the next phase of construction on 7th Avenue from 12th to 22nd Streets. An open house and input session is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Marion Public Library. A presentation is planned for 6:30 p.m.

Impacted building/business owners and community members are invited to attend to learn about the project scope, temporary easements required and construction phasing for 10 City blocks on the eastern edge of Uptown Marion. The project includes full reconstruction of the roadway and the replacement of underground sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water infrastructure. The roadway will be converted from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane. Additionally, streetscape improvements will occur between 12th and 15th Streets to enhance the walkability of the district. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and span two construction seasons.

Builder/Contractor Open House Happening February 3
The City of Marion invites area commercial contractors, builders and developers to an informational session on Tuesday, Feb. 3, between 9-10:30 a.m. at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street. Representatives from City departments and economic development partners will be on hand to discuss topics that impact those in the building construction industry. The morning session will be geared toward commercial contractors and developers.

Then, at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 3, the focus will shift to residential contractors. Members of the Marion Community Development Department (Planning and Building Divisions), Marion Water Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department will offer the latest development news for residential builders. A box lunch will be provided. Attendees are asked to call the Community Development Department at 319-743-6330 by Thursday, Jan. 29 to RSVP.

Experience the Ice Loop in City Square Park 
The Ice Loop in the Central Plaza at City Square Park (1001 7th Avenue) is open and available for use seven days a week between 6 a.m.-10 p.m. for those who have skates. It is available for use free of charge anytime the Skate Shack is not open. For a heightened skating experience, visit when skate rental and the warming house are open for a minimal fee. Skate rentals and the warming house are offered Thursday/Friday - 5-10 p.m., Saturday - noon-10 p.m. and Sunday - noon-6 p.m. This is when admission is charged, ice skates will be available to rent and additional services like ice resurfacing, outdoor heaters and concessions are offered. Visit www.cityofmarion.org/iceloop for additional details.

Share Your Library Story
The impact of a public library is reflected in the difference it makes in our community. We’d love to hear your story about how the Marion Public Library has made a positive impact on your life or someone close to you, whether it's a memorable experience, a meaningful connection or an interaction with a library staff member. Share your story at marionpubliclibrary.org/librarystory.

Nominate a Stand-Out Volunteer for the Community Impact Award
Have you nominated someone for the Morris F. Neighbor Community Impact Award presented by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and the City of Marion? Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2026. Community Impact Award nominees may be an individual, couple or organization whose volunteerism, outstanding service and dedication have impacted the Marion community. The honoree will be announced by Mayor AbouAssaly during the Marion State of the City event in March. Visit marioncc.org/community-impact-award to access the nomination form.

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, Park Board, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application. 

We’re Hiring
If you’re looking for a collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community, look no further. Current full-time openings include police officer, 911 communications operator and library patron services manager. And it’s never too early to think about fun in the sun! Seasonal positions have been posted for the pool and Parks and Recreation Department, in addition to two internship opportunities. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
Please join us in welcoming several new faces to the Public Works Department. Jacob Huff joined Team Marion on Monday, Dec. 29, as an equipment operator. He comes to us from the City of Cedar Rapids. Brad Kester joined the team on Monday, Jan. 5, as an equipment operator. He comes from Premier Plus Siding and Windows LLC and also works for Martin Brothers Basketball. Mitch Wehling will join Team Marion on Monday, Jan. 12, as a fleet supervisor. He most recently worked for the Anamosa Community School District. Welcome aboard, Jacob, Brad and Mitch. We look forward to working with you!

Word on the Street

• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Jan. 10-15, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5400 block of Kacena Avenue. Between Jan. 16-21, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2100 block of 50th Street. 

Upcoming Events

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

• Friday, Jan. 9, Bingo Night, 6-8:30 p.m., Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
• Saturday, Jan. 10, City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Marion Public Library
• Saturday, Jan. 17, City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Marion Public Library 

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
• Monthly check-in with Linn-Mar & Marion Independent school districts
• Meeting with Wade Britt
• Meeting with Phil High
• Meeting with Jeff Pomeranz & Dennis Marks
• Meeting with Ben Rogers

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