City Of Marion: IN FOCUS: 2.11.22 A Weekly Update From City Manager Ryan Waller

Press release from the City of Marion:

02/11/2022 4:00 PM

FEMA Reimbursement Status Update
As I have shared previously, both Mayor AbouAssaly and I have elevated our reimbursement submittals for the derecho to our federal delegation. This has resulted in an increase in communication from Representative Hinson’s office, as well as from the offices of Senators Ernst and Grassley. As such, during a meeting earlier this week with our reimbursement consultant (Tidal Basin) I asked for a consolidated update, which you will find attached.

MPO Assessment Rollout
The Management & Performance in Organizations (MPO) assessment is a psychometric test that analyzes a person’s natural behavior, needs, talents, communication style and motivational profile – and ultimately enhances our people strategy. This is one tool that the City Council leveraged as part of my hiring process. The HR Department is now introducing the tool to the rest of the organization. Supervisors had the opportunity to attend MPO communication training earlier this week.

Cedar Rapids Project to Impact Glenbrook Cove Area
The City of Cedar Rapids has scheduled a street improvement project for 40th Street Drive SE from Outback Steakhouse to their City limits. The project includes curb replacement, resurfacing and asphalt overlay and will impact some Marion residents in the Glenbrook Cove area. They informed residents in the area last week and will take care of all future notifications, but the overall timeline is expected to be two months.

Streetlights to be Installed Along 7th Avenue
Beginning next week, you’ll start to see the new streetlights being installed as part of the 7th Avenue Reconstruction project in Uptown Marion. This will result in some short-term parking lane closures on 7th Avenue between 10th and 12th Streets. The poles will be installed along the south side of 7th Avenue and at the 7th Avenue and 12th Street intersection. There may be a delay in connecting them to power. Material shortages continue to cause the poles for the north side of 7th Avenue to be delayed.

Public Services Demo Bid Package
On Feb. 17, 2022, the Marion City Council will consider the project calendar for the demolition of the new Public Service Maintenance Facility located at 4127 3rd Avenue. During the Aug. 10, 2020 derecho, the steel structure and foundation systems were severely damaged due to excessive wind loads. Preliminary engineering and architectural analysis have since been completed that will allow for the steel structure to be removed. The City has retained Conlon Construction to serve as the construction manager and Shive Hattery to provide engineering and architectural services for the project. The demolition and removal of the steel structure will be the first step in the reconstruction process of the new Public Services Facility. If approved, demolition of the steel building will begin on April 1, 2022, and will be completed by the end of May 2022.  

Library Construction Update
Progress continues on the construction of the Marion Public Library. The second-floor lighting and flooring are complete, furniture on both floors is being installed and painting is underway. Earlier this week, Bush Construction informed the library’s construction team that the new turnkey date for the Library/City to take ownership of the building is March 18, 2022. This is a month later than previously discussed and is 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 late spring/early summer.

Faulkes Heritage Woods Log Sale
The second and third log sales for Faulkes Heritage Woods occurred recently. Five sealed bids were received for the second log sale and Weiland & Sons Lumber Co. was the high bidder ($58,074). The third log sale received three bids with Tracy Export Inc. being the high bidder ($93,379.20). Per the contract, the bids are split with 60% coming to the City and the remaining 40% going to the contractor responsible for clearing the site and preparing the logs for sale. Profits from the log sale are being invested back into the reforestation of Faulkes Heritage Woods. Future log sales will be posted at www.cityofmarion.org/publicnotice.

Available Housing Lot Inventory
As a follow-up to the information requested during the City Council budget work session, the Planning Division has calculated approximately 220+ traditional, single-family lots currently available in Marion. Based on the number of permits issued over the last few years, this equates to a little over one year of inventory (subject to construction costs/interest rates, etc.).

New Mental Health Liaison Hired
On Monday, Feb. 14, Leah Pedersen will begin working with the Marion Police Department as its new mental health liaison. This contract position with Foundation 2 provides access to mental health resources and other treatment services for individuals in crisis. This partnership is intended to provide a diversion from hospital and prison to those suffering from mental illness. It also allows our officers to provide quality and safe care to our residents. Leah follows Brooke Bige who recently accepted a management position.

New Faces in New Places
Samuel Schlitter began a part-time, unpaid internship within the Finance Department this week to learn more about government accounting. Sam is currently attending Kirkwood Community College for accounting and plans to transfer to UNI. He is also a part-time pool and recreation employee. We’re glad to have you, Sam!

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.