For the Good of the Order

CeMar Trail Project Update
The CeMar Trail project hit a major milestone this week! Peterson Contractors delivered and set two of the three bridges for the CeMar Trail Phase 5 Project. In the coming weeks, bridge deck installation and trail paving will begin on the eastern half of the project, from Tama Street to Grand Avenue. Peterson Contractors will also resume substructure work on the final bridge near Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The project remains on schedule, with the goal of completing the trail work and opening the trail to the public this fall.

This is the fifth and final phase of the CeMar Trail project. Planning for the project began in 2010, and once complete, the multi-jurisdictional trail will connect Uptown Marion to Downtown Cedar Rapids.  Funding for all five phases of the project within Marion was supported through federal grant funding administered by the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The total cost of the project within Marion is approximately $7.7 million, with federal grant funding contributing approximately $5.7 million. The remaining balance was funded locally through General Obligation (GO) bonds and Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funding.

Council Awards $20,000 in Low to Moderate Income Housing Assistance Grant Funding
Each year, the City of Marion allocates funds for the Low to Moderate Income Housing Assistance Grant Program. These funds are distributed through a grant application process to organizations that work to assist those in Marion who are at risk for housing instability and to address the ripple effect of that instability. City staff work with the Marion Civil Rights Commission to review the applications, determine recommended funding allocations and make a recommendation to the City Council for use of the funds. Last week, Marion City Council awarded $20,000 to two area projects/organizations. Those awarded funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year include Marion Cares and Cedar Rise Recovery House for Women. Thank you to these groups for the many ways they contribute to those they serve and our community.

2026 Major Pavement Patching Update
Pavement patching work on 35th Street from Munier Road to 3rd Avenue continues. Work on the northbound lane of 35th Street from Munier Road to 3rd Avenue is complete, and construction will shift to the west side with the southbound lane closed to traffic. The City’s Recycling and Yard Waste facilities will be accessible from Munier Road. Please follow the posted detours. Upon completion, work will shift to the 3rd Avenue and 35th Street intersection. During this time, 3rd Avenue will be closed with one lane of traffic maintained on 35th Street.

Then on June 8, crews will begin work on 10th Street from 29th Avenue to Tower Terrace Road. 10th Street will be closed to traffic with detours utilizing 29th Avenue, Alburnett Road and Tower Terrace Road. Message boards will be placed in advance to notify residents and motorists of the upcoming closures and traffic impacts. Please follow the posted detours. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in work zones and allow extra travel time during construction activities. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.

2026 Minor Pavement Patching to Begin June 8
On Monday, June 8, crews will begin the Minor Pavement Patching Project for 2026, starting with Hamm Drive. This project is part of the City’s ongoing roadway maintenance program to improve pavement conditions and provider safer, smoother travel for motorists. Work will include the removal and replacement of deteriorated pavement joints and severely cracked concrete panels. This project focuses on lower-volume residential streets, while the Major Pavement Patching Project focuses on higher-volume, arterial roadways. During construction, traffic on Hamm Drive will be reduced to one lane. Additional segments of roadway impacted by this project include Jasper Street from Beryl Street to Onyx Avenue and 24th Avenue from 35th Street to Stratford Drive. Residents can expect lane reductions and road closures in these areas later this summer. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in work zones and allow extra travel time during construction activities. Work is expected to be complete within 50 days of starting, weather permitting.

Bookmobile Routes Expand to Five Days a Week
The Marion Public Library Bookmobile's summer schedule has launched just in time for warmer weather! The Bookmobile will be out in the community five days per week and stopping at more places per day, including parks, senior living communities and more. Visit marionpubliclibrary.org/bookmobile for the most up-to-date scheduling information - we'd love to see you out in the community!

Pop-Up Acts Return to Uptown Artway Fridays in June, July & August
The City of Marion will host Pop-Up Acts in the Uptown Artway every Friday in June, July and August (except July 3). Enjoy free live music from the Uptown Artway or on the patio of a nearby business from 6-8 p.m. The weekly concert series is sponsored by Iowa Appliance Center and Affordable Heating and Cooling and supported by Marion's hotel/motel grant program.

Fireworks & Fireflies Returns July 3
On Friday, 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 Well Lit starting at 7 p.m. An additional performance stage featuring School of Rock, the Barnyard Discoveries petting zoo and an expanded Family Fun Zone, will be located near Irish Drive. Food trucks, face painting and a grand fireworks finale will round out the event. Organizers are pleased to welcome the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Klingler Paint, Mediacom and the City of Marion as the event’s red-level sponsors. Additional details, including a list of frequently asked questions and a printable parking map, are available at www.cityofmarion.org/fireworks.

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 Civil Rights Commission, Construction Code Review Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment. To be considered, please submit an online application.

New Faces in New Places
On Monday, June 1, Andrew Knoll will join Team Marion as a fleet asset specialist. He most recently worked for the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Welcome aboard, Andrew. We look forward to working with you!

Word on the Street

• What is the latest regarding the completion of Tower Terrace Road?
  The City applied for the most recent round of funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant fund, as well as the Community Project Funding (CPF) through Congresswoman Hinson’s office. In addition, members of Team Marion joined others from the metro cities and Linn County on a trip to Washington D.C. earlier this year to meet with the U.S. Department of Transportation to advocate for the estimated $60 million project. Award announcements are expected later this summer.
   
• Where will the mobile traffic camera be stationed next week?
  Between May 28-June 1, the mobile speed enforcement vehicle will be located in the 2900 block of 29th Avenue. Between June 3-6, the mobile speed vehicle will be located in the 5700 block of Lucore Road.  

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, May 30 – Marion Farmers Market and City Council Office Hours – 8-11 a.m. – Willowood Park
• Thursday, June 4 - Marion by Moonlight featuring Crazy Delicious - 6-9 p.m. - Central Plaza at City Square Park
• Friday, June 5 - Pop-Up Acts in the Artway featuring Beauty & the Beat - 6-8 p.m. - Uptown Artway 

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 Grace Nieland
• Meeting with Brandy Meisheid
• City Council Work Session
• Wake Up Marion meeting
• City Council Meeting
• Scheduled time out of the office

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