City Of Marion: IN FOCUS: 1.21.22 A Weekly Update From City Manager Ryan Waller

Press release from the City of Marion:

01/21/2022 5:30 PM

Indian Creek Master Plan Survey
In December 2020, the City of Marion received $40,000 from the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization to fund a master planning study for the Indian, Dry, and Wanatee Creek corridors to attract funding for recreational access. The City of Marion hired consultant ISG to complete the study. With the majority of the study complete, an online survey has been developed to gather additional community input. Visit https://tinyurl.com/IndianCreekSurvey before Feb. 4, 2022, to take the survey and help shape the vision for Indian Creek.

Budget Presentation Next Friday
The City’s FY 23 Budget Work Session is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 28 and Saturday, Jan. 29 (if needed).  During the work session, a presentation regarding the various components of the City’s budget will be reviewed.  There will be several decision points for Council to make during the session.  Meeting materials are now available.  According to State law, cities must have their annual budget approved and filed with the State by March 31. 

Council Agendas
For those who may not be aware, about a year ago, the City of Marion introduced a new meeting portal to increase transparency and ensure the important decisions made by City Council and other boards and commissions are easily accessible to the public. Agendas, meeting packets, minutes and videos for a majority of Marion boards and commissions have now transitioned to the meeting portal. Within the portal, found at www.cityofmarion.org/meetingportal, the public has the opportunity to be notified when agendas are posted, apply to serve on Marion boards and commissions, access archived information and submit public records requests.

Department Monthly Reports
In addition, City departments prepare monthly reports to summarize the activities in their respective service areas. Here’s a look back at December 2021. The reports are received and filed during the second set of City Council meetings in the following month.

FEMA Correspondence
Yesterday the Mayor contacted Congresswoman Ashley Hinson in an effort to keep our FEMA reimbursement efforts related to the derecho front and center. Attached, please see a letter that Rep. Hinson sent to FEMA Regional Administrator Andrea Spillars. Hopefully, this helps speed up the process.  Thank you to Mayor AbouAssaly and Rep. Hinson for their efforts on behalf of our community.

Broad & Main Update
City Staff and our partners at MEDCO had the pleasure to connect with Mark Kittrell again on Jan. 20. Mr. Kittrell is the developer of the Broad & Main project. During the meeting, he provided a construction update and a timeline for the demolition of the second building.  Mr. Kittrell is anticipated to present an update to the City Council at one of the March work sessions.     

Affordable Connectivity Program
During a meeting with ImOn last week, we were made aware of a financial assistance program offered by the FCC. The Affordable Connectivity Program helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one, monthly $30 internet service discount for eligible households and one, one-time device discount of $100 per household. This information and other community resources for those facing financial hardship have been added to the City website at www.cityofmarion.org/how-do-i/find.

Central Plaza Technical Committee Convenes
The technical committee working to advance the Central Plaza conceptual design through to final design convened for the first time on Wednesday, Jan. 19. During the meeting, RDG Planning and Design walked through major components of the design process and introduced all key personnel involved in the project. The next steps include the appointment of a steering committee and a council presentation outlining the design process and project schedule.  

New Faces in New Places
Please join in welcoming the newest City of Marion employees:

Next Monday, three new members will join Team Marion:

Several items will be coming before City Council in the weeks ahead. Here’s a look at the tentative agenda.

The following are a few major activities coming up next week:

This press release was produced by the City of Marion. The views expressed here are the author’s own.