[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6627991,"mediaKeyId","2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d","parentId",2723041,"title","Council actions: consent agenda approved, mobile‑food ordinance, parking changes, airport RFP reissue; tree project bid defeated","audioSeconds",1859,"startMs",2161000,"endMs",4020000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d&start=2161&end=4020","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d/thumbnail_2161000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627991/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-actions-consent-agenda-approved-mobilefood-ordinance-parking-changes-airport-RFP-reissue-tree-project-bid-defeated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627991-111b9a3a8b2a5d4f35cc562108d606d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167949&Signature=gyvwRULEWgn6k81sJfQDr-NdZ69niNgXdAxYzSauFUYJ4NJHL5cbhp6gMxvxAKFYtG3DYqoaE9sRkwE1ejD0wavSNtz2KUKvo9pu8nu2WTLx8mWZRRfQWlIqhzjj7YYMC39aXHReGAyB6wd4~6XTOUQMijsgxalwe4HNj63xVQHn83Z9JWwev6rtB3KMOI7Fl1BJkJnO3XV5NWimW20nNudv9DmHmIzmuOZanF69Nx7vcdJV3XmXnEiJm3y0rXpqPgEqv7KwEpxK0Ma~HPx4MIsPPUm25ZoVGoCL2OeTLVNnYuBFIMmioYk9Ck2aXsS8Zlicm67UICfbKijiEywKSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion","date","2025-03-21T00:33:14.633Z","article","The Marion City Council addressed a mix of routine and substantive items and recorded several formal outcomes on March 20. Key actions, as recorded by staff during the meeting, are listed below. Where the transcript does not include roll‑call vote tallies by member name, outcomes are recorded as presented in the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda (items A1 through E5). The meeting record shows a voice vote in favor. A subsequent motion to approve the consent agenda that included Mayor abstention for item D1 (resolution regarding purchase of an aerial truck) was handled by the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem; the motion carried with one abstention by the mayor.

- Airport runway RFP: The council directed staff to reissue a request for proposals regarding disposition of the Marion Airport runway property to establish fair market value and favor proposals intending to continue runway use. Motion carried; the meeting noted the mayor abstained on the related action.

- Bond public hearings and loan agreements: The council held three public hearings on capital improvement loan agreements and later approved Resolution No. 32,305 taking additional action on proposals to enter into loan agreements and providing for levy of taxes to pay the same. (Transcript records public hearings and the subsequent motion; the final vote was recorded as approved by voice vote.)

- Marion Disaster Recovery Tree Project (federal grant): Staff recommended denying the current bids and reworking the timeline and procurement requirements to satisfy federal funding conditions; the motion to approve the project calendar (resolutions 32,307–32,308) was defeated.

- Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair: Council approved the rebid award (one bid) and project calendar for the Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair (resolutions 32,309–32,310). See separate article for details.

- Ordinances: Council approved second consideration of Ordinance No. 2053 establishing rules for mobile food units (food trucks); final consideration of Ordinance No. 2052 amending sidewalk/riding rules; and second consideration of Ordinance No. 2054 amending prohibited parking language. All were approved by voice vote.

- Traffic and parking actions: Council received and filed Traffic Advisory Committee reports and approved Resolution No. 32,311 installing a stop sign for westbound traffic on Katz Drive east of the driveway approach for 3701 Katz Drive; and approved Resolution No. 32,312 establishing a no‑parking zone on the east side of Ninth Street between the driveways of 3013 and 3015 Ninth Street.

- Marion 2045 comprehensive plan: Council adopted the Marion 2045 comprehensive plan by Resolution No. 32,313. See separate article for details.

Vote records and procedural notes

Several votes were conducted by voice vote and the transcript does not include a roll‑call ledger listing how each council member voted; the meeting log records the mayor’s abstention on at least one item (purchase of an aerial truck) and the airport RFP disposition motion. Where the transcript lists resolution numbers and motion language, those are recorded above. If a reader requires a roll‑call tally by member name, staff minutes or the official meeting record should be consulted.

Items that failed or require follow up

- The Marion Disaster Recovery Tree Project project calendar (resolutions 32,307–32,308) was defeated; staff will rework procurement requirements and timing per federal grantor recommendations.

- Staff directed to reissue the Marion Airport runway RFP; new criteria will be included to meet the city’s legal obligation to sell property at fair market value while preferring buyers who intend continued runway use.

This article summarizes recorded motions and outcomes from the March 20 council meeting; each specific project or ordinance may have additional supporting documents and staff reports filed with the city clerk.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","YouTube - City Council - Audio/Presentation - 3.20.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Marion City Council approved multiple resolutions and ordinances on March 20, including the Marion 2045 comprehensive plan, traffic changes and an Oakshade Cemetery repair contract, directed staff to reissue an airport runway RFP and defeated a federally funded tree project bid package.","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},6627997,"Council OKs rebid and award for Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair; single bid of $315,000 recommended",210,3150000,3360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d&start=3150&end=3360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d/thumbnail_3150000.jpg","/articles/6627997/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-OKs-rebid-and-award-for-Oakshade-Cemetery-crypt-wall-repair-single-bid-of-315000-recommended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627997-1a493a1c9af74726178ee4bdab55644c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167949&Signature=JBHGzBPcYjipSd5yMWlhJuTPeFaoAJcE62PNy6dA3Nf08NWlmaZQshI0LQJU1Zk~3GjM0xDSAD2AnpDiBAizXXMunRCxmK4gv128iciS~K7QNgLRHLtNCyrxVCESe6ta~wWtjuImh1GVIMBUTbDSkE-CmxNAKKQNG~jUSnjiFhwkBJErvb5DcLweEs~yW9MiYxzsi0K4HYhPKJf3zpScmtwf0OLrScyXKHwvAECssvGYMn3UwG78jnvEq0mcnImdZUJiCJCRITW0si5o-88nGjH0OyokQ~VA9T2huSdhh66BhZQYixvYeJYgg5gxIn-LCSR35tJOrzN8~kvACre~4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair project and recommended proceeding with a rebid after a prior set of bids exceeded estimates. The council received a single bid on the rebid from Rachi Construction for $315,000 and approved the project calendar and award.

Staff explained the scope: the contractor will remove a failing front wall, temporarily relocate remains as required, and then reinstall the wall. Mike (city staff) said relocation of remains is a regulated activity performed by a qualified vendor; staff confirmed Wilber Vault will complete the interment work under supervision of Murdoch Funeral Homes and that the associated cost is included in the $315,000 bid.

The project’s contract includes a May 27, 2025 start date, a September 26, 2025 completion date, and liquidated damages of $300 per day for delay. The council approved the project calendar and award by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.","Council approved the rebid and project calendar for the Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair after receiving one bid from Rachi Construction for $315,000; relocation of remains will be handled by Wilber Vault under supervision of Murdoch Funeral Homes and is included in the contract scope.",{"_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},6628003,"Marion adopts ‘Marion 2045’ comprehensive plan after 14‑month process",168,3785000,3953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d&start=3785&end=3953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d/thumbnail_3785000.jpg","/articles/6628003/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-adopts-Marion-2045-comprehensive-plan-after-14month-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628003-6ea46a88d74d71c5654e51d05a790b6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167949&Signature=TTu9wiatmSFQpUUIPrF8qPnXMO2bKo~KmuwT2G4RdQldJc4T-lA8suvFemwNFCqhIBgv8CucsONT-IL-ON1wGLqLg~Gne-pwh2QogUVuW~QnFlLwCjCh6Eiotex2SYSvGCZO9d7M~jyDirIoQU5-LRZSU-XDRJLQBrLUxiUPODh554P1uEqgfuUZb1WnCXowTGi2RaiSZeExlu715CPr9WvRkoHSUU2wtq6bnqKlbsJyx3VRMsAYQVzATvuIyCM8TUVpDJR7evchZp88T2wJEC7Eck05RxOzpyvcDefyhZr24McjEDEvlkYC-0bSBGlezHI8ZMD8L4v-kU10pKr7CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charlie Kell of RDG Planning and Design presented the final Marion 2045 comprehensive plan, summarizing a 14‑month engagement process that included a 20‑member visioning committee and multiple public input opportunities. The planning and zoning commission recommended approval with one map change to the Tower Terrace/Albernet Road growth area; Kell remained available for council questions.

Council members praised the process and asked about update frequency. Staff recommended periodic review at least every 10–15 years, with interim adjustments brought forward if implementation needs, rezoning requests or changing circumstances arise. The council adopted Resolution No. 32,313 to approve the Marion 2045 plan.

The plan’s adoption sets a new policy framework for growth, land use and public‑realm priorities; staff said implementation steps, design standards and any moratoria or zoning amendments that arise from the plan will be brought back to council as actionable items in the coming months.","The council adopted the Marion 2045 comprehensive plan by resolution, concluding a 14‑month public process and directing periodic review; planning consultant RDG presented and the council set review expectations.",{"_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},6628009,"Marion council hears Aquatic Center and Willowwood Park update; CMAR on board and 60% design targeted before bond vote",1260,755000,2015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d&start=755&end=2015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d/thumbnail_755000.jpg","/articles/6628009/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-council-hears-Aquatic-Center-and-Willowwood-Park-update-CMAR-on-board-and-60-design-targeted-before-bond-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628009-7536d84893f91d17bcd031384866ec51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167949&Signature=MmFRt1I9-~4pB3~s3ACG7ADc7uFZyfkOTGK3hq56n7gciJJ5d1gEAqF6~6Brb-GlqpQzMxi9SmrwUO6dGx2G9dPKTT2S8TXK0rzZ5YeY570mtjBBcpwXKrPawu5B6BNUXx-FeXacWSgjCgtR~rsa4RGwg5qRsKcpx9Lg-aeIuRg-Bo79rmP6m6wc~3yfIoGyN4hcfoT-t4m6t5kccZgFGqnwMtetzEnxpZRlXjNTEkwlfE~ROyHnacZKmBo7YVRSa1kHXYe-B6mNZRf90LIevw69Ln~zPhQHzQK6XAOeTqoh9Resovv9R2~Q4xfnFzZBPlAGEBNq~~-TN-SDHLEIjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seth, a city staff member, and Lauren Osborne of Watershed Aquatics updated the Marion City Council on the Willowwood Park and Aquatic Center redevelopment, describing public engagement, site work, and a multi‑component design that pairs wet aquatic facilities with “dry recreation” amenities such as pickleball, playgrounds, pavilions and multipurpose courts.

Lauren Osborne summarized site condition findings for the existing Willowood pool, saying maintenance records back to 2012 show rising repair costs and that “you have nearly a 40‑year‑old pool” with several nonoperable systems. She identified items likely to recur over five years and said concrete repairs to the pool basin had worsened since the last assessment.

City staff said a construction manager at risk (CMAR) has been selected to work with designers and that the team is proceeding to schematic design. The program timeline calls for schematic completion later this month, followed by 30% and 60% construction documents and pricing. Staff said the 60% package and final pricing are being advanced to provide voters a more stable cost estimate for the planned bond referendum; the team intends to use the CMAR’s early input to narrow the contingency and reduce the likelihood of returning to voters for more money.

Council members pressed whether the 60% threshold would be sufficiently stable and whether contingencies would cover future supply‑chain or labor cost changes. Staff said bringing the CMAR on early allows value engineering ahead of bid and that the manager will include management reserves and contingency to buffer emergent adjustments.

Public outreach remains active: the project team held a steering committee meeting immediately before the council session, an open house was scheduled after the meeting, an online survey was open through March 31, a public pool walkthrough was planned for May 3, and the city will present at the Marion YMCA showcase in late April. Staff said phasing options are being preserved in the design so higher‑priority components can be delivered first if the council and voters choose a phased approach.

No formal council action was taken on the design at the meeting; staff asked for continued public input and planning coordination ahead of the bond timetable that could enable construction in 2026 and completion in 2027 if the referendum passes.","Consultants and city staff presented schematic design progress for a replacement aquatic center at Willowwood Park, announced a construction manager at‑risk has been selected, and set a schedule aiming for 60% construction documents by late July to support a planned bond referendum and minimize post‑vote cost risk.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6628013,"Consultant study recommends 80–90-room upscale hotel near Marion’s uptown; council briefed",668,92000,760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d&start=92&end=760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723041-68ba89995842837f438c298ae294939d/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6628013/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Consultant-study-recommends-8090-room-upscale-hotel-near-Marions-uptown-council-briefed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628013-f619c04bed4ce07aa4c960c6adebf77f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167949&Signature=C1JEyfV1y-2tZUjhonXzIqPLqhsia1vi3u3skaDQk5R~7~TX-8Z-ayklGMBYszCzkc5~kLJHYLBb~lGh1pGWAORk0MbQcGVxTwKiziB85stcABztt7UNpPO16fMOgb~HjBaxVpss3gf4sfHJtnVFpWAOb1xI2qHc7UoDfwIkHW2rjhwbOQmu6hHQwSu3jC2g191N8JNc1~P6puM047IuL~cDZPLi8TCgXzmkCMG9l0nvht~peAvQdTkJeeBFA2eCP1r6f29eVfB6Zfn1a5JtM575RaOkVJTFRhPJAQVJailbX2gPB1eQSPqT0xaUZEPRsu5kbhYVb~Q~ziHuFhhYcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kim, a city staff member filling in for the absent consultant, briefed the Marion City Council on a hotel market feasibility study prepared by Jessica Junker of Chorus Stations. The study recommends an upper‑midscale to upscale hotel of roughly 80 to 90 guest rooms targeted to the Uptown area and estimates the property would generate 8 to 12 full‑time jobs.

The presentation said the study projects about $21,000,000 in local economic impact over five years from one or two such hotels, and that demand drivers include health‑care facilities, manufacturing and distribution, events, and training activities at the local Walmart distribution/training site. Kim said the study’s pro forma shows first‑to‑fifth year occupancy and return‑on‑investment ranges the consultant described as “quite impressive,” noting that “anything above 60% is a great occupancy rate.”

The consultant prepared a 55‑page report with detailed perfomas, Kim said; Jessica Junker was not present because of a family emergency but is available to attend a future meeting to answer questions. Mike Esker, speaking on behalf of Troy Hart and Hart Hospitality Group, told the council his company was not contacted as part of the study and offered to share occupancy and operating data from the hotel it recently opened at East Town Crossing to improve local assumptions.

Council members asked for clarification about the recommended hotel location and product. Kim said the consultant strongly preferred a site inside the Uptown area or at the Uptown corridor edge to capture walkability to restaurants and retail. Council members also asked for a clearer definition of “upscale” beyond price point and for details on amenities; Kim said the study referenced food and beverage service (wine and beer sales were mentioned) and that the team could obtain the price‑point comparables and amenity lists from the consultant.

The council did not take formal action on the study at the meeting. Staff said the full report will be provided to council members and that Jessica Junker can return to answer detailed questions at a future meeting.","City staff presented a hotel market feasibility study recommending an upper‑midscale to upscale 80–90‑room property near the Uptown corridor, estimating a $21 million five‑year economic impact and 8–12 full‑time jobs; consultant was unavailable and a local hotel operator offered to share operating data.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council actions: consent agenda approved, mobile‑food ordinance, parking changes, airport RFP reissue; tree project bid defeated

Council OKs rebid and award for Oakshade Cemetery crypt wall repair; single bid of $315,000 recommended

Marion adopts ‘Marion 2045’ comprehensive plan after 14‑month process

Marion council hears Aquatic Center and Willowwood Park update; CMAR on board and 60% design targeted before bond vote

Consultant study recommends 80–90-room upscale hotel near Marion’s uptown; council briefed