[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6689777,"mediaKeyId","2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b","parentId",2172276,"title","Marion City Council adjourns to closed session on litigation and real-estate matters","audioSeconds",55,"startMs",3355000,"endMs",3410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b&start=3355&end=3410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b/thumbnail_3355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6689777/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-City-Council-adjourns-to-closed-session-on-litigation-and-real-estate-matters","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689777-0842fda158c14c3f706bc9d325a96712/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207569&Signature=NcF4JRGkQtR2dQDGUiEPMUPP9JGNcUV543bg42WpvD67Cg8fVoDuqWRoX8le7-3yfmGh9YX4~ye8cVLAUREEV-jAJaEFCk6ibkk6Tn6RKdZyhHhEu3EWMX5VxL99jR4S~7VRcy10geZoKNcGlFtD7Ce0gqPXRUWSp3ns9LNqtjtUtx5B9i6us70GOvwysPMP7MOnwCsvTiWE7zqzmQMJqxBOiRDVHNlhFvECnqUkVaO4A7UlsVwjFe3gjt~ovHD3apZwLr5Xu0gHssaoPJ5rgSBPzeT4ya7NEPZb2eGFuURFuAOIjtMaQ5w~e9Teatx2tqWSa4K~4inEQ6ngvdJd-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion","date","2025-01-22T05:29:52.913Z","article","The Marion City Council voted to adjourn to a closed session to discuss three matters involving litigation and real-estate transactions at the Jan. 21 work session.

A council member moved to adjourn to closed session “regarding litigation and real estate transactions as permitted under Section 21.51(c) and Section 21.51(j) of the Code of Iowa,” and the motion was seconded. The council then approved the motion by roll call. Those recorded voting yes were Mr. Jensen; Mr. Harper; Mr. Miskaman; Mayor Abouaceli; Miss Mensah; Mr. Brandt; and Mr. Stornette.

Why it matters: Iowa law allows closed sessions for certain litigation and real-estate discussions; the council used that statutory authority and stated the statutory citations on the record. No further details were disclosed in the public session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council - Audio/Presentation - 1.21.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Marion City Council voted unanimously to adjourn to closed session to discuss three matters involving litigation and real estate under Code of Iowa §21.51(c) and §21.51(j).","taxTitle","Marion City, Linn County, Iowa","taxId",55360,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689782,"City highlights snow-and-ice program improvements and interjurisdictional swaps to speed response",700,2644000,3344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b&start=2644&end=3344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b/thumbnail_2644000.jpg","/articles/6689782/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/City-highlights-snow-and-ice-program-improvements-and-interjurisdictional-swaps-to-speed-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689782-e7a8e253c1bd684cf18a508b3a6c2de1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207569&Signature=ia-av7iHHQOgesUf12r6Ck93Lns5DigrjDrbAala~gr6TZRKQZXtPs2eGjL6p1Tzjahki0Tjv07~aXr0wSsKrqofiUa0tCmUQHs7524KefG5WdHFzp0yloFkKfNMNI3ASA2lEoSMp0oyOAx7gOF9y1REUpEqIdsjKizhtx9xf6nnW4gqWmLz2ASSypRfCxmK7ICt5NHuTevCKuH6u0YfFLtYhSBiME~9~5AmlMsdhENkTfW6ezAex32z9-fAB-H3D5J1HpaFnE0MtpDBmhlY5YeqCt0oitGAjNmrKdCJ7Rm3zTsy-duI6MIxIhk10eNTvYKly8sxT4ej1vYi-OwjwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works staff briefed the Marion City Council on Jan. 21 about operational changes to the city’s snow-and-ice program designed to increase efficiency and interagency coordination.

Staff said the program review began about 17 months ago and led to new procedures and partnerships, including closer coordination with Cedar Rapids, Linn County, police and fire, and Parks. Key changes include swapping responsibility for some routes with Cedar Rapids and Linn County to reduce travel time for Marion plow crews; storing equipment at Lau Park for faster response; and creating a text group to coordinate service calls and avoid sending crews out unnecessarily.

Why it matters: Staff said the changes reduce response times and duplication, and allow crews to focus on core Marion streets while neighboring jurisdictions handle adjacent areas. Staff also noted operational measures that aim to reduce impacts at school-bus stops and transit shelters.

Public works staff described outreach efforts to school districts about bus stops and said there are roughly 300 independent school-bus stops that complicate targeted plow operations. Staff said transit stops and shelters are accounted for in route plans and that capital funding from Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) sources will be used to improve bus-stop infrastructure to make maintenance easier.

Councilors praised the collaborative approach and asked clarifying questions about specific route swaps and the use of molasses-based pre-wetting agents during storms; staff said the city tested a limited quantity of a molasses-based product in coordination with partners. Staff emphasized this is an iterative effort and that additional refinements are expected in future seasons.

No formal council action was taken; staff brought the update as an operational briefing and celebration of what they called improved cross-jurisdiction coordination.","Public works staff described a revised snow-and-ice program, including route swaps with Cedar Rapids and Linn County, interagency communications and outreach to school districts and transit to reduce response times and avoid blocking bus stops.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689787,"Marion staff outline Willowood Park pool replacement plan; open house, survey returned strong public engagement",461,1705000,2166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b&start=1705&end=2166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b/thumbnail_1705000.jpg","/articles/6689787/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-staff-outline-Willowood-Park-pool-replacement-plan-open-house-survey-returned-strong-public-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689787-cb5058982159d8e8369d182a0a7aa939/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207569&Signature=SPSRKpvIA0tYJlyk8mUjsnn5riYW7y8QotpVhbfZ36h30G~30wQabTi811QveKtSvXEL6L~1LaCTk5-dCYHLHr6eR-fwGIMjZVPH55EyqTFEJnQHqkzX6rd4Do42jHdZJ0ZtHVCqsIGcZ~EZbRtZFKfwGRR2beXUT026Faq~hVyrap8Ty9qUA9kG4b8PHmajTe5RqM9NRz-yLcMMcmJvZuOCWdelSYaeKpB7Au7rJH8yEbEV3ItEdoDYUCeUY8XLnSug3MJhxmkEqL2sH1yr8k34uM5cY7QId~GSY2-kEyC5T-3FrakuWUtRjs40NRVnusjfhtIjrvUIhRmN0pUoAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented an update on plans to replace the aging Willowood Pool and redevelop Willowood Park at the Marion City Council work session on Jan. 21.

Parks staff said the existing pool was built in 1986 when Marion’s population was roughly 20,000 and that a 2021–22 feasibility study recommended a larger aquatic center on a new, roughly 24-acre site near 31st Street. The project team held a neighborhood open house on Jan. 13 with about 60–65 attendees and closed an online survey on Jan. 21 that drew 831 responses; staff said roughly one-third of respondents live within a half mile of the park.

Why it matters: Staff said Willowood Pool has infrastructure risks and that the city must decide how much to invest in repairs while planning construction of a replacement. The council will see draft park-redevelopment plans in March and operations projections in May before staff prepares draft referendum language in July.

Parks staff summarized survey and open-house themes as a desire to keep the site as a park with natural areas, trails and a splash pad; strong support for playgrounds, shade, inclusive design and rentable spaces; and concerns about sound mitigation for adjacent homes. The survey also frequently mentioned pickleball and improved crossings on 35th Street.

Next steps and timeline provided by staff include convening a steering committee; preparing a draft park plan in March 2025 and a public open house; bringing long-term operations and budget recommendations in May; selecting a construction manager at risk in April; and drafting bond referendum language in July. Staff said they will provide advance materials and an FAQ, and will use farmers-market outreach and pool tours to show residents existing facility conditions.

Council members asked whether the park will remain a park if the aquatic center is built; staff said that clarification will be part of outreach and messaging leading up to the referendum. Staff also described past infrastructure problems at the pool, including a major leak in 2018, and said the pool contains piping and equipment that require ongoing monitoring. Staff emphasized that repair thresholds will guide decisions about spending on the existing pool if the referendum fails.

There is no vote recorded on funding or bond language at this meeting; staff said they will return with recommended directional items and additional public engagement throughout 2025.","City staff briefed the council on outreach and next steps for replacing Willowood Pool with a proposed aquatic center, reporting an open house, an 831-response survey and a timeline that includes a March 2025 draft plan and a July referendum draft.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6689789,"Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance outlines regional talent-attraction plan, names new talent director",1600,50000,1650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b&start=50&end=1650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2172276-3207a74fa0445af11dcdb443cce5c25b/thumbnail_50000.jpg","/articles/6689789/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Cedar-Rapids-Metro-Economic-Alliance-outlines-regional-talent-attraction-plan-names-new-talent-director","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6689789-be674faceb413978bf1de2948b432c4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207569&Signature=bpRi3fU0RH3lC4e~LGR939tXFA9Qv~Deh3V~YI~rcI3zRjFlDe2IAcbEpd3eDh8nwuOcrzuKFnGu14846sK8WCpECUl8c-q0kbaZRQ8HKasIC8REtD~aBC4dLaKbK0rnX7gwlmqNIPoE0OWOFJcpDLy4HJEhW6bI2cDgkMpGKRQ0flbOwQS-e-DQOmJaCLmgz3YsCI8elHr~HK7xTsrZvpE3kbwbhNprky2aAVeJpdPD0Q~Zgtme8t~YQS1RIL9S4SsuMBByHk-xFlbyq8DBmvM1eM~0Nce3Lh-azCIxK2AHxgW69xvabQpOWd6myW4-hHNtERFgGF1EAtFVDW51RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Doug Newman, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, told the Marion City Council on Jan. 21 that the alliance is shifting more resources to talent-attraction work and has hired a new talent director to lead a regional effort to recruit and retain workers.

The presentation focused on a three-year timeline for talent attraction and workforce retention. Newman said the alliance now treats workforce as a core function and will invest in a marketing program, an innovation council of partners and performance metrics. “Workforce is arguably our most important core function,” Newman said.

Why it matters: Marion and neighboring cities have been marketing available land and new employers, and alliance leaders said the region’s recent wins have reduced large parcels of development-ready land. That makes attracting workers and matching them to employers an urgent regional priority, the alliance told the council.

Newman outlined five core functions the alliance uses to shape priorities, noting big recent business wins and a resulting shift from marketing large tracts of land to promoting smaller parcels and localized development opportunities. He thanked Marion’s chamber and Main Street partners for ongoing collaboration and cited joint state and federal advocacy trips as part of the alliance’s public-policy work.

Jody Shaffer, introduced by Newman as the alliance’s new talent director, described her background in higher education and talent recruitment and laid out early steps for the initiative. In year one the alliance will identify stakeholders, review existing resources to avoid overlap, create an innovation council to advise marketing, and issue a request for proposals for a marketing agency. Shaffer said the first year is “heavy lifting” to build infrastructure; years two and three will emphasize fundraising, expanded marketing and regional promotion.

Shaffer said the alliance will track soft metrics such as website engagement and harder outcomes where possible, but conceded that measuring relocations is challenging. She emphasized recruiting through many one-on-one conversations and building community champions to promote the region.

Council members asked whether the initiative differs from past regional workforce efforts and whether it identifies specific industry gaps. Newman said the approach is more data-driven and targeted than earlier efforts; he said industry-gap analysis will continue to rely on existing labor-shed reports from Kirkwood and others and that the program will focus more on professional positions likely to prompt long-distance moves.

Newman and Shaffer said the alliance will coordinate regional branding and marketing that highlights quality-of-life amenities, including trail connections; Newman noted a planned trail connection that will link Uptown Marion to downtown Cedar Rapids in 2026 as an example of a marketable regional amenity.

The alliance asked the council to continue sharing local priorities and assets to help shape marketing messages. Newman thanked Marion for its ongoing investment in regional advocacy and said he expects the alliance’s policy and marketing work to continue in partnership with Marion staff and elected officials.","The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance presented a regional economic update and introduced Jody Shaffer as its new talent director, describing a three-year plan focused on marketing, stakeholder coordination and metrics to draw and retain workers to Marion and the region.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Marion City Council adjourns to closed session on litigation and real-estate matters

City highlights snow-and-ice program improvements and interjurisdictional swaps to speed response

Marion staff outline Willowood Park pool replacement plan; open house, survey returned strong public engagement

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance outlines regional talent-attraction plan, names new talent director