City Of Marion: IN FOCUS: 3.11.22 A Weekly Update From City Manager Ryan Waller

Press release from the City of Marion:

03/11/2022 5:30 PM

State of the City
Yesterday, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly delivered the 28th annual State of the City address for Marion before a crowd of more than 500 attendees. It recapped a year that was marked by significant progress and forward momentum even as the City continued its response to a global pandemic and the effects of the devastating 2020 derecho. The mayor highlighted the community’s progress related to both quality of life and economic development initiatives and painted a picture of a bright future for all Marion residents. For those unable to attend the presentation, a full recording will be available in a couple of weeks and posted on the City’s website and social media channels.

Community Impact Award
For the first time, the Community Impact Award was presented in conjunction with the State of the City event. The award is named for longtime banker and community philanthropist Morris F. Neighbor who passed away in 2019 at the age of 100. The inaugural recipients of the award are Troy and Katie Benham. The Benhams have organized Thanksgiving meals for those in need, led and organized cancer benefits for friends, supported area schools and spearheaded the “Miles for Smiles” vehicle giveaway with the Salvation Army for eight years. After the derecho, they organized a team of their employees to walk neighborhoods and perform well-being checks and deliver supplies. Not only are the Benhams willing to help others, but they also take time to mentor and shape the lives of those they touch. Congratulations!

Annual Report
Progress today is more visible than ever before and Marion is quickly becoming a regional destination in which to live and do business. Marion's new ranking as Iowa's 13th largest city and its fast-growing population of more than 42,000 residents are helping to attract new businesses and amenities. The 2021 Annual Report highlights the accomplishments of the past year and initiatives that are on the horizon. It was mailed to all Marion residents earlier this week and was also distributed to attendees of the State of the City event.

Budget Update
The second public hearing on the proposed budget will occur on Thursday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. during the City Council meeting. While Marion saw a healthy increase in gross valuation in the last year, much of the growth is offset by legislation at the State level. Changes in residential and multi-residential rollback and the phase-out of commercial backfill have diminished Marion’s property tax revenue growth by approximately $1.1 million. The City is experiencing an increase in operating costs with the opening of Fire Station No. 1 and the new library building, as well as accounting for the airport.

The state of the economy creates further challenges, causing increased costs due to inflation and a competitive labor market. The budget includes no new positions – with a focus on retaining existing employees to ensure high-quality service delivery is maintained for our community. It includes bargained for wage increases as well as a 3.5% wage increase for non-bargaining employees to ensure our organization can remain competitive in the current labor market. The budget also includes some non-recurring investments that align with Strategic Plan initiatives.

Broad and Main Progress
The face of Uptown Marion is changing. This week we saw the remaining section of the Marion Square Mall come down to make way for the second building in the Broad and Main development. Broad and Main on 6th is a four-story residential property that will house 42 one and two-bedroom units plus amenities. Broad and Main on 7th is a three-story mixed-use property that adds 13,000 square feet of commercial space and 39 market-rate residential units to the district. Both properties will share use of a surface parking lot situated between the two and a private parking garage on the ground floor of Broad and Main on 6th.

Annexation Update
On Jan. 20, the City Council approved the annexation of three properties consisting of 20 acres located along Alburnett Road just west of Oakridge Middle School. The City Development Board of Iowa reviewed the annexation on Wednesday, March 9, and approved the annexation after a public hearing in Des Moines. Associate Planner Kesha Billings attended the public hearing representing the City. Following a 30-day waiting period and the recording of appropriate documents, the properties will be officially annexed into the City.

Federal Community Project Funding
This week Congresswoman Ashley Hinson announced house passage of appropriations legislation that supports several priorities throughout the First Congressional District. In Marion, Tower Terrace Road was awarded $5 million in Community Project Funding. This funding would support a portion of the construction of the east-to-west arterial connector roadway that has been a longtime regional transportation priority. The Tower Terrace Road corridor would increase accessibility and economic vitality in Hiawatha, Robins, Marion and Cedar Rapids by connecting outer communities with local schools and businesses while reducing congestion and increasing resident safety. Both the house and senate have approved the legislation. It awaits President Biden’s signature.

Barkalow Represents Marion in Washington DC
Last week more than 225 members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) met with over 233 congressional offices in Washington DC to advocate for infrastructure priorities and the civil engineering community. City Engineer Michael Barkalow (ASCE Iowa Section Past President) was one of these individuals and participated in meetings with the staff of Senator Joni Ernst, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and Senator Chuck Grassley.

Kudos
Kudos to Rhonda Kortenkamp on passing her permit tech test to become certified. Rhonda is a member of the Building Division of the Community Development Department and helps residents and builders navigate the building inspection process. Congrats, Rhonda!

New Faces in New Places
We are excited to announce that Brian McKenzie has been promoted to assistant finance director. Brian has been with the City for almost four years and has served as the accountant within the Finance Department. This last year, Brian also acquired his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Congrats, Brian!

Mark Mooney will be joining the City of Marion team on Thursday, March 17 as our new IT systems administrator. Mark has been working as an IT technician with Access Systems. Welcome to the team, Mark!

I will be out of the office next week. Chief Deb Krebill will serve as acting city manager in my absence.

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