For the Good of the Order

Eric Freese Recognized with Fall 2025 Reach Higher! Award
Please join us in congratulating Building Inspector Eric Freese of the Community Development Department as the recipient of the Fall 2025 Reach Higher! Award. Eric was nominated for his selfless actions following a recent house fire in a rental property. The affected resident was a single mom with children who needed temporary relocation.  After the fire was extinguished and inspectors visited the site, Eric noticed the resident's need for temporary storage. He ran home and grabbed coolers to store groceries and freezer items for the displaced resident. He did this knowing it was the right thing to do, even if he never saw the woman or his coolers again. Eric was kind, treating this individual and her family like they were neighbors, extending his hand in a time of need. Congratulations, Eric - well deserved!

Marion to Receive Funding through Iowa’s Clean Air Attainment Program
The City of Marion recently received news of an award of $653,840 from Iowa’s Clean Air Attainment Program to assist in updating traffic signal cabinets in Marion. This funding, along with a 20 percent match ($163,460) in City funds, will be used to install the necessary fiber to bring all traffic signal cabinets onto the same network. The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has provided an opportunity for the public to comment on this award. To learn more or to provide comments, please visit the Corridor MPO’s website. Public comments are due by Feb. 19, 2026.

Public Works Employees Attend Coffee & Conversations
Last week, members of our Public Works Department's leadership team attended a community engagement event hosted by the Iowa Army National Guard – Coffee & Conversations. The event brought together local organizations, employers and community partners to discuss opportunities for collaboration and relationship building. Conversations were geared toward agencies working with the National Guard to support soldiers, including bridging employment gaps, identifying workforce opportunities and strengthening connections between military service members and civilian careers. This engagement reinforces the City’s commitment to community partnership, collaboration and workforce development, while supporting those who serve our state and country. Way to Reach Higher, team!

Public Notices posted regarding the Alburnett Road Improvements Project
The City of Marion is requesting public comments regarding the proposed Alburnett Road Improvements Project impacting Merrill Gardens and Willow Park. Follow the links to read the full public notices, including further information and directions on where to submit comments. The public comment period ends Jan. 30, 2026.

Local Warming Centers Identified
In partnership with Linn County EMA, the following locations have been identified as warming centers, facilities where people can temporarily go during periods of extreme temperatures to get out of dangerous weather conditions. These facilities may be accessed during their normal hours of operation. Services are not provided beyond what is normally available at these facilities.  

• Marion City Hall - 2nd Floor Lobby, 1225 6th Avenue [Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.]
• Marion Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street [Mon - Fri 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.]
• Marion Thomas Park Safe Room, 343 Marion Boulevard [Mon - Fri 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.]
• Marion Police Department Lobby, 6315 Highway 151 [Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.] open 24 hours for emergencies
• Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Avenue [Mon - Thurs 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri - Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.]

Marion Farmers Market Accepting Applications
The weekly Marion Farmers Market will return to Willowood Park (1855 35th Street) again this year. The market will run each Saturday from May 2-Sept. 26, 2026, from 8-11 a.m. Vendor applications are currently being accepted, with the first review beginning in mid-February. Learn more and apply at www.cityofmarion.org/farmersmarket.

Responsible Pet Ownership and Marion's Leash Law
The City of Marion leash law regulations are in place to ensure animals are safely controlled when outside their owner’s property. The leash law helps prevent dog bites, fights between animals and makes others feel safe as they walk by. Even well-behaved pets can act unpredictably if they are startled. Having them on a leash will help control and protect them. City code states that any animal off the owner’s premises must be on a leash, cord, chain or similar restraint no longer than six feet, and under the direct control of the person holding it. Penalties for violation of the leash law are $75 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense within one calendar year, and $300 for the third and subsequent offenses within one calendar year. Additionally, police service dogs of the Marion Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the City are fully exempt from these provisions. Being a responsible pet owner and following the leash law, residents help maintain a safe and enjoyable community for everyone.

Open House Set to Share Plans for Next Phase of 7th Avenue Reconstruction
The City of Marion and its partners are 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. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and span two construction seasons.

Meeting Planned to Share Plans for Cul-de-Sacs with Landscaped Islands
The City of Marion recently sent a letter to 168 households located on a cul-de-sac with landscaped islands regarding the maintenance and upkeep of the islands. An open house and input session is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Oaks Room at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, 4500 N. 10th Street. A presentation is planned to share how the City plans to contract the maintenance of the islands to a third party, starting this spring. If residents prefer to maintain the island, a memorandum of understanding will be available at the open house that can be completed and kept on file with the City. Questions can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 319-447-3580.

Builder/Contractor Open House Happening February 3
Area commercial contractors, builders and developers are invited to attend 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. A box lunch will be provided for the lunch hour meeting. Attendees are asked to call the Community Development Department at 319-743-6330 by Thursday, Jan. 29, to RSVP.

Shop Local Year-Round
While November and December are typically the best months for local businesses, they are quickly followed by two of the most challenging months - January and February. Help our local businesses get through the winter by supporting local even after the holidays. Be a Shop Local supporter by pledging to do these three things:

• Try out a new local restaurant or explore a new shop.
• Stop at your three favorite local establishments that you would miss if they closed.
• Share your local recommendations with friends or post on social media.

Marion Business Expo Happening February 20-21
The Marion Chamber of Commerce will host the first Marion Business Expo on Feb. 20–21, 2026, at Vernon Middle School, bringing together local businesses and the community for a two-day event. The Marion Business Expo is presented by Farmers State Bank. The expo will begin Friday evening, Feb. 20, with vendor setup followed by a Business-to-Business Reception from 5-7 p.m., offering participating businesses an opportunity to network and build relationships. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the event will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., inviting community members to explore local businesses, products, services and organizations - all under one roof. For more information about the Marion Business Expo, vendor registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit marioncc.org/business-expo-vendor  or contact the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

City-Owned Items Available for Bid 
Marion invites interested bidders to explore online bidding opportunities for surplus items from various City departments. Bidding is year-round on the GovDeals platform. Items for sale range from office furniture, tools, equipment parts and more. The current selection offers a variety of items available from the City Hall renovation project. The auctions can be accessed on www.govdeals.com/CityofMarionIA. Participants must register before placing bids.

Nominate a Stand-Out Volunteer for the Community Impact Award
Don't miss out! Nominations for the Morris F. Neighbor Community Impact Award 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 and Chamber President Jill Ackerman during Marion's State of the City event on March 9. Visit marioncc.org/community-impact-award to access the nomination form.

Apply to Join a Board or Commission
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 and Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application. 

We’re Hiring for Seasonal Positions
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. Find a full listing of both full and part-time opportunities at www.cityofmarion.org/employment.

New Faces in New Places
We want to congratulate Edwina Higgins on being promoted to patron services manager for the Marion Public Library. She started as a part-time library patron services employee in June 2023. Congrats, Edwina!

Word on the Street

• What is the timeline for the CeMar Trail project completion?
  The last section of the CeMar Trail, which ultimately connects Cedar Rapids and Marion by trail, is slated for completion later this year. The project was bid in June, with a contract awarded to Peterson Contractors (PCI). PCI mobilized on the site in November and has been working on minor tree removals, temporary creek crossings, grading and storm sewer as weather permits. Pre-manufactured bridges are currently being fabricated off-site, with delivery expected this spring. The intent is to complete the project over the spring and summer months with an opening in the fall of 2026, weather permitting.
  
  
• Is the turn lane from Highway 100 onto 44th Street ever going to be extended?
  Yes. This project falls within Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) jurisdiction, but we did confirm that the project was recently bid and the DOT has plans to accomplish this extension this summer. 
  
  
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between Jan. 22-26, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 5200 block of Winslow Road. Between Jan. 28-Feb. 1, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 2900 block of 29th Avenue. 

Upcoming Events

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

• City Council Office Hours, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, Marion Public Library
• 7th Avenue Reconstruction (12-22nd Streets) Open House, 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26, Marion Public Library
• Cul-de-sacs with Islands Open House, 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, Lowe Park
• Budget Work Session, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, Public Works Facility
• Budget Work Session (if needed), 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, Public Works Facility

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
• Marion Chamber, MEDCO and City Council coffee social event
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance annual meeting
• City Council Budget Work Session

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