For the Good of the Order
   Highlights of the Proposed FY 25 City Budget
   Late last week , City staff and the City Council held a budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 budget . During the session , the City Council considered strategic priorities and provided direction regarding funding various initiatives . The proposed budget includes filling two vacant police officer positions left open last year to fund unplanned wage increases to help Police Department recruitment , an upgrade to a recently vacated administrative position within the Fire Department , Central Plaza project implementation , staffing for the mobile library ( a new initiative that is part of the new library project ) and implementation of Compensation Study recommendations . Continued dialog on this topic will occur between now and April 30 , the required date to have the FY 25 budget filed with the State .
   Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization ( CMPO ) Seeking Public Input
   The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization ( CMPO ) is seeking public input on upcoming trail , transit and road projects in the local metro area . The CMPO will be hosting two open houses and an online survey . At the open houses , the public can learn about projects and provide feedback . The first open house is at the Ladd Library on Feb . 27 , 2024 , at 5:30 p . m . , 3750 Williams Blvd SW , Cedar Rapids , IA 52404 ( accessible by CR Transit routes 8 & 12 ) . The second open house will be at the Hiawatha Public Library on Feb . 29 , 2024 , at 5:30 p . m . , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha , IA 52233 ( accessible by CR Transit route 30 ) . Both open houses will provide the same information and opportunities for feedback – there is no need to attend both . Follow the CMPO on 
   Facebook
    or 
   Instagram
    or visit their 
   website
    for additional information and engagement opportunities .  
   Phone Tree Implemented on Non - Emergency Calls to Marion Police
   An automated phone tree was activated this week for non - emergency calls to the Marion Police Department . This change does not impact 911 calls for service and those calls will continue to be immediately answered by a member of the 911 Communications Center staff . Communications operators in Marion answer 50 , 000 calls or more per year , only half of which require an actual police , fire or medical response . The automated phone tree is designed to defer calls not requiring a conversation between the operator and caller to other common numbers within the Police Department . Callers who dial ( 319 ) 377 - 1511 will be given the option to speak to someone in property and evidence , investigations , police records , police administration , file an employee complaint/compliment , or speak directly to a communications operator . The automated phone tree will help ensure communications center resources are used for actual requests for police , fire and medical responses . However , anytime an emergency situation exists community members should not hesitate to call 911 .
   Thank You for Adopting Fire Hydrants
   The Marion Fire Department extends a hearty
   thank youto the community for helping clear around the fire hydrants near your homes and businesses following the January snow storms . There was a noticeable difference in compliance in comparison to previous snow events . These actions save valuable time in an emergency and could save lives . Thank you for making the extra effort! 
   Help Keep Marion’s Watershed Clean
   If you have been on the Grant Wood Trail between 35th and 44th Streets recently , you may have seen
   orange deposits and an iridescent sheenin the water of the creek that the trail crosses . While it may look like gasoline was spilled in the water , the sheen and coloration are completely natural and harmless . The orange color comes from high levels of iron in groundwater seeping to the surface in the area and the sheen is a film of bacteria that use the high iron levels in the water . While there is no environmental concern from this situation , if you ever suspect that a chemical has spilled into a creek or storm drain don’t hesitate to call the Marion Engineering Department at ( 319 ) 743 - 6340 so staff can investigate whether a spill has occurred and take steps to minimize damage to the environment . Remember , everything that enters the storm drain goes to the nearest creek without being filtered or treated so only clean water should ever go down the storm drain .
   Marion State of the City Event Happening March 5
   The City of Marion is committed to being the best place in Iowa to raise a family and grow a business . Using an approach that is forward - looking , people - focused and rooted in partnerships , community leaders are delivering on a vibrant quality of life . Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly will review the challenges and triumphs of 2023 and highlight the projects slated for 2024 and beyond during the 
   30th annual Marion State of the City address .
    His presentation is titled “Setting the Standard . ” The event is planned for Tuesday , March 5 , from 11:30 a . m . - 1 p . m . at the Raddison Hotel Cedar Rapids , 1200 Collins Road NE . It is hosted by the City of Marion and supported by local businesses . Reservations are due by Feb . 26 .
   Marion to Host Open House and Informational Session for Contractors and Developers
   The City of Marion invites area contractors , builders , developers , architects and realtors to an 
   open house and informational session
    on Tuesday , Feb . 27 , between 7 - 9:30 a . m . at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center , 4500 N . 10th St . A light breakfast will be provided . Representatives from City departments and Marion Economic Development Corporation ( MEDCO ) will be on hand to discuss topics that impact those in the building construction industry . Learn about common construction violations , the digital plan review process , updates to stormwater management requirements , changes to the zoning map , possible fee changes , updates to the fire alarm and sprinkler review process and more .  
   Marion Water Department Conducting Inventory of Lead Service Lines
   The Marion Water Department is 
   updating its records of water service lines
    . Homes and businesses built before 1950 may have a private lead service line . The private water service line is the pipe connection between the publicly - owned water main in the street and the privately - owned water service line from the public water main to the water meter in your home or business . An updated citywide inventory is required under the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) ' s recently revised Lead - Copper rule . Marion Water Department staff will be contacting homeowners to verify what type of pipe enters their home or business if no existing records currently exist . Owners of older homes can be proactive and take a picture of the water service pipe where it enters the dwelling before the water meter and send the photo with their address to 
   Todd Steigerwaldt
    , general manager of the Marion Water Department . Pipe material will be either made of lead , copper , galvanized or plastic . The inventory must be completed by April .
   Marion ICE Event to Feature Ice - Sculpting Demos in City Square Park
   The City of Marion will host its second annual 
   Marion ICE
    event in City Square Park on Feb . 17 , 2024 , sponsored by Iowa Appliance Center and LG Home Appliances . Attendees will be able to watch live ice - sculpting demonstrations and take photos with completed sculptures , which will feature winter and Marion - centric themes . There will also be hot chocolate and winter - friendly games in the park from 4 - 7 p . m . The event is free to attend , and visitors are encouraged to visit Uptown businesses and restaurants before or after the event .
   Absentee Ballots Available for PPEL Vote
   Voters in both Marion Independent and Linn - Mar Community School Districts will be heading to the polls for a special election on Tuesday , March 5 , 2024 , to decide whether or not to renew the existing Physical Plant and Equipment Levy ( PPEL ) . PPEL is a voter - approved levy that serves as a revenue source for funding school infrastructure and equipment repairs , purchases and improvements . A mailed absentee ballot can be obtained from the Linn County Auditor’s Office by completing a request form . All ballot requests must be received by the auditor’s office by 5 p . m . on Monday , Feb . 19 . Ballots must be received by the auditor’s office or ballot drop box before the polls close at 8 p . m . on election day to be considered for counting . In - person absentee voting at the auditor’s office will begin during regular business hours on Wednesday , Feb . 14 , and end at 5 p . m . on Monday , March 4 . Voters will need to show a valid ID before casting their ballot . Polls will be open from 7 a . m . to 8 p . m . on election day . Voters can find their polling locations at 
   linncountyelections . org/lookup/
   Come Work with Us
   The City of Marion has a wide variety of seasonal and part - time job opportunities available with the Parks and Recreation Department and Marion Public Library . Come join a highly collaborative team where you can learn and grow while making a positive impact in the community . For a complete list of current openings , visit 
   cityofmarion . org/employment
    .
   Upcoming Events
   Here’s a look at what’s happening in Marion:
   Friday , Feb . 2 – Coffeehouse Nights featuring Roots of Rhythm – 7 - 8:30 p . m . – Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
   Saturday , Feb . 3 - City Council Office Hours – 9 - 11 a . m . – Marion Public Library
   Friday , Feb . 9 – Bingo Night – 6 - 8:30 p . m . – Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
   Future Council Items
   Here’s an
   overviewof 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 Caleb Woods
   Collaborative Growth Initiative Meeting
   City Council Work Session
   Monthly Coffee Talk with City employees
   City Council Meeting
   Meeting with Aaron - Marie Thoms
   Meeting with Katie Hallman , Hannah Brewer and James Klein
   Sign up to receive this weekly newsletter and other updates from the City of Marion directly in your inbox by visiting
   www . cityofmarion . org/enotify
    .
   

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