City Of Marion: IN FOCUS: 2.25.22 A Weekly Update From City Manager Ryan Waller

Press release from the City of Marion:

02/25/2022 5:00 PM

Marion’s State of the City Event
We’re less than two weeks away from Marion’s State of the City event. It is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. Mayor Nick AbouAssaly will review the challenges and triumphs of 2021 and highlight the progress anticipated in 2022 and beyond during his State of the City address entitled, “Progress Ahead.” Reservations for the luncheon are $40 per person or $400 for a table of 10 and may be purchased online via the Linn County League of Women Voters website at www.lwvlinncounty.org/lwvlc-marion-soc. A limited number of seats are available for those who wish to only listen to the presentation. In addition, the presentation will be recorded and posted on the City’s website and social media channels at a future date.

Community Survey Update
Marion’s Community Survey concluded earlier this month. We had hoped to present an update to City Council during the March 1 work session however, our consultant is still working to compile the data and perform its analysis. We should receive the results in the next couple of weeks and now plan to share the findings during the April 5, 2022, City Council work session.

Scheduled I-380 Road Closure
As part of the roadway/bridge improvement projects along I-380 at the new Tower Terrace Road interchange, the contractor recently made us aware of some upcoming lane closures for the installation of beams for the new north bridge over the interstate. The northbound lanes of I-380 will be closed from Highway 100 to County Home Road from 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, to 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1. The southbound lanes of I-380 will be closed from County Home Road to Boyson Road from 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2 to 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022. During the closures, there will be a marked detour for interstate traffic. It will direct them to Highway 100 east to Highway 13, north to County Home Road and west back to the interstate.

Tower Terrace Road Grading to Begin
Earlier this week, Cedar Rapids issued a letter to the property owners adjacent to the Tower Terrace Road Phase A Grading project from Meadowknolls Road to Alburnett Road. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early March. This is a major project which will take several years to complete. Phase A includes grading, two box culverts, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, seeding and 2.8 acres of wildflower pollinator habitat. Follow along or sign up to receive project updates at www.TowerTerraceRoad.com.

Library Construction Update
Progress continues on the Marion Public Library. Earlier this week, Bush Construction indicated that the new turnkey date for the Library/City to take ownership of the building has been bumped to March 31, 2022. This is still subject to change due to the availability of materials, delivery delays and subcontractor staffing levels. If things continue as planned, we anticipate the facility opening to the public in late spring/early summer. Work is also underway to determine the long-term future of the old library site. On Thursday, the first phase of environmental testing began with an onsite visit. The City is also awaiting the results of the asbestos testing.

Police Officer Retention Bonus
In January, Gov. Reynolds announced retention bonuses for peace officers, teachers and child care workers who worked through the pandemic. Each certified police officer in Marion is eligible for the $1,000 bonus which will be administered through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Chief Kitsmiller completed and submitted the eligibility paperwork this week and all 47 certified officers will be receiving the bonus.

Marion Township Contract
Chief Krebill is working with Marion Township to update the contract that outlines the fire and emergency medical response services the City of Marion provides for Marion Township. The agreement has been in place for decades, but due to parts of the township being annexed, the addition of a third fire station and community growth over time, the contract needs to be updated.

Caught In the Act
Sometimes working in the public sector can feel a lot like being in a fishbowl. Earlier this week Councilman Harper caught two members of the Public Services Department in truck #48 (Jeff Vanourney and Scott Turner) going out of their way to stop at an intersection to pick up some garbage in the street. Not only was this a display of extreme ownership, but a great showing of community pride. Way to reach higher Jeff and Scott!

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 on my calendar for the coming week:

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