[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6537686,"mediaKeyId","3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355","parentId",3458901,"title","Votes at a glance: Marion City Council, May 22, 2025 — budget amendment, ordinances and a failed landscape buffer waiver","audioSeconds",3944,"startMs",2699000,"endMs",6643000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355&start=2699&end=6643","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355/thumbnail_2699000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6537686/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Marion-City-Council-May-22-2025-budget-amendment-ordinances-and-a-failed-landscape-buffer-waiver","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537686-e8a67de26ca66408b80da3563cff98f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775285333&Signature=nQnVrAaJLemDXp02ijKcGzqYWFbbPmGVotgc2tDx4XecsIo0c0BiRQUBgC-RcMXIi0a0lviVebeWSS1U-iHPcV0xKuR-asP-7KV6Plccy5WdrFLjEDYlQWQ7IMj0Jd6wgOgxOKU61rxuov90a4nh0Fs0wTqAFfHYUP6Cpksvh05S-fksQwa2DVVavB0UHfhmbWUnJJD05Pu6eOAkOUH~qsQCCHOL5pqN~cxv~oNPSL4kFpx7xH4eMr1bpBnY2YNwnOiWaIJCkp6oLlG6RpUkJXnD4r4m8LKpcFGipmk53~HSTH6zWpv24QWI62VxG3j6aLY6jTPtXF6AYcG-vUA0vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Marion City Council on May 22 took the following formal actions (motions recorded as stated in the meeting audio/transcript):

- Consent agenda (items A1–E3; resolutions 32,390–32,403): Motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and seconded; the council approved the consent agenda as presented by voice vote. (Mover/second not specified in transcript; vote recorded by voice.)

- Consent agenda with mayoral abstention (items D1–E1; resolutions 32,404–32,405): Motion moved and seconded; approved with the mayor’s abstention by voice vote. (Mover/second not specified; voice vote.)

- Resolution 32,406 — Fiscal Year 2024–25 budget amendment: Council opened a public hearing and, receiving no public comments, moved and seconded to approve Resolution No. 32,406 approving the FY 2024–25 budget amendment. The motion carried by voice vote. (Mover/second not specified; vote recorded by voice.)

- Ordinance 25‑13 — Amendment to Chapter 238, Article 1 (Park rules and metal detecting), final consideration: Motion to approve final consideration was moved and seconded; ordinance approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 32,407 — Waiver of Ordinance 19‑20 (landscape buffer at 4193 and 4209 Justified Drive): Moved and seconded for approval; the motion failed. Meeting transcript records the outcome: “The no's have it and the motion is not approved.” (Vote by voice; no recorded roll‑call tally provided.)

- Ordinance 25‑14 — Rezone to RR1 (10004 North Tenth Street), second consideration: Motion moved and seconded; ordinance approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance 25‑15 — Amendments to zoning definitions, initial consideration: Council approved Ordinance 25‑15 with an amendment (City Attorney clarification defining “primarily engaged” as >50% of annual gross sales for alcohol/tobacco/vape stores); motion carried by voice vote.

- Ordinance 25‑16 — Amendments to district uses and bulk regulations, initial consideration: Council amended the ordinance to remove gas stations as a permitted use on Tower Terrace Road and referred the matter back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for additional review; the amended motion passed by voice vote.

- Ordinance 25‑17 — Architectural standards, parking/loading, landscaping/screening, initial consideration: Council debated but defeated a proposed amendment that would have triggered landscaping/screening on any building permit within moratorium corridors (the amendment failed); the ordinance as originally presented was approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance 25‑18 — Specific use standards, initial consideration: Council amended the ordinance to prohibit gas stations within 600 feet of the Tower Terrace Road right‑of‑way and referred the matter back to Planning & Zoning; the amended ordinance passed by voice vote.

Notes on votes: Most motions were voted by voice with “aye/no” recorded; the transcript does not provide roll‑call tallies or named vote records for the majority of motions. Where the transcript included explicit outcomes (for example, Resolution 32,407 failed), that outcome is recorded above. Council indicated that, where required, ordinances will return for additional readings.

Where to find more details: Staff presentations and the Planning & Zoning referral requests were discussed during the public hearings and first readings recorded in the meeting transcript; refer to the Planning & Zoning Commission for upcoming review of gas‑station standards on Tower Terrace Road.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","YouTube - City Council - Audio/Presentation - 5.22.25","oneSentenceSummary","A summary of formal actions taken by the Marion City Council on May 22, including a budget amendment, several zoning ordinances and a failed waiver on a landscape buffer requirement.","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},6537689,"Council amends zoning code, pauses gas‑station approvals on Tower Terrace and refers details back to Planning & Zoning",1270,3209000,4479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355&start=3209&end=4479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355/thumbnail_3209000.jpg","/articles/6537689/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Council-amends-zoning-code-pauses-gasstation-approvals-on-Tower-Terrace-and-refers-details-back-to-Planning-Zoning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537689-e8ddeacd26f2938c5e7a1a57a905485f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775285333&Signature=E-ZO~RkLS4~wbikbGqoFbaGaqxK5Ez7rvggpJfNv9kiuwdpp-AnelUnRqtXkevoZnQI8DErcq7vBcJNpxg~J7k59kGW-Ym4xiIjHbjYDZ-VvPkBYxRM7uDXWemtfPPIZ7Bn4nLf59LtfQ7XReVVUEtR9M1lznx5CJ7qOdjCjhaJlC-TWNQ7An81f9JTgHi6hl0RhSi7BxrZfH7pMD63dsZR4f~CUw5kOiz7lx3yIKkxa5-HoT1lYYUktWNMor~gYx4rnOd7Z1QarrzSmFgLH44mSv25HBT~aOi4Dw8Uo-3LLV6rnDcoq5MXuFwF2QCxFrwLjJgfS1ixwwMSqo-X~DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion City Council on May 22 approved a package of zoning and development‑code amendments and set additional review steps for gas‑station siting on the Tower Terrace Road corridor.

The council voted in favor of amendments to Chapter 340 of the Marion Code of Ordinances covering definitions, district use and bulk regulations, architectural design standards, parking and landscaping screening, and certain specific‑use standards. Charlie Cowell, a planning consultant with RDG Planning & Design, presented the proposed code changes and said many edits implement the recently adopted comprehensive plan and address items raised during a moratorium review.

Key policy changes and council actions:
- Definitions and use tables: The council approved new and revised definitions (including size tiers for grocery and retail and a defined “liquor, smoke and vape” retail category). City Attorney Cara proposed an amendment clarifying that an establishment “primarily engaged” in sale of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vaping devices and related merchandise means those items constitute more than 50% of annual gross sales; council adopted that clarification.

- Tower Terrace Road and gas stations: Council members debated whether to limit gas stations by intersection classification or distance and whether to restrict pump canopy placement. Because of the complexity and neighborhood concerns, the council removed gas stations as a permitted use on Tower Terrace Road and formally referred the matter back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for detailed review and a recommendation. The council’s referral also contemplates revisiting pump counts, canopy dimensions and buffering requirements.

- Architectural, parking and landscaping standards: Council approved broader application of architectural design standards (extending coverage into additional districts) and updates to parking/loading and landscaping sections. The council debated a proposed amendment to trigger landscaping standards when any building permit is pulled in moratorium corridors; that amendment (which would have expanded triggers beyond large renovations) failed and the ordinance passed as originally drafted.

- Specific use standards: The council approved specific‑use rules for artists' live‑work spaces, car washes, drive‑throughs and pawn stores, and amended the specific‑use section to prohibit gas stations within 600 feet of the Tower Terrace right‑of‑way and to refer detailed pump/canopy standards back to Planning & Zoning.

Why this matters: the changes implement the comprehensive plan’s corridor vision and seek to manage incoming commercial uses, building appearance and buffering between commercial and residential areas. The Tower Terrace corridor drew concentrated debate because it is a primary entry corridor where council members want to balance commercial access with appearance and neighborhood impacts.

What council said: Councilmember Jensen asked for clarity on canopy sizes and maximum pump counts; planners said prior recommendations ranged (16 to 24 pumps) and that Planning & Zoning will use council direction and public feedback to set final standards. Councilmember Menser and others queried how quickly Planning & Zoning can act; staff said the referral can be made immediately but the timeline will depend on commission workload and the depth of analysis.

Next steps: Planning & Zoning will rework the gas‑station standards and return recommendations to council; staff said any final ordinance adjustments will be considered in subsequent readings. The council completed first/initial readings where required and took votes to send items through the ordinance process.","The council approved multiple amendments to the City of Marion zoning code — including new definitions, district use rules, architectural and landscaping standards and specific‑use regulations — and directed Planning & Zoning to revisit gas‑station standards and locations along Tower Terrace Road.",{"_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},6537694,"Marion proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month; Linn County Access Center describes 24/7 crisis services and statewide challenges",929,229000,1158000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355&start=229&end=1158","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3458901-891a3ba1bd762c213629caec12e63355/thumbnail_229000.jpg","/articles/6537694/Marion-City/Linn-County/Iowa/Marion-proclaims-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-Linn-County-Access-Center-describes-247-crisis-services-and-statewide-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6537694-9c0be319210563dd47520530cc3e2c4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775285333&Signature=ofi7nkGyHmOkCYWggvlwnBj1s3u2JMd9kMkBXVPrOXybWD8IuP7lPujHzQR0qSBAnQwrSl8~BrQoLMeq7Lf72Whti~jZk25bxfvynGIHEhVQbkJr8RhUuAgcD028os8EpQikQhr-zM80N8pjX68-mxZg57vVFUVYrINpasc9ebEhz76vO0X7nZMu~rVxtwe0stl-5y9CFF4mMmkyAsz~sC8~sLa~O2M0KxLvM5bXmOh4bcVT7w2k0uHqvE~mWN3uBL2gFziZdPb1Yn6PpnL-St-sAYORrMh-jg78jM9RdIcoBE396g7sMgtHWYAimw6gRjf-s22-RbLaOidseDPIhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion City Council on May 22 proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and received an update on the Linn County Mental Health Access Center’s crisis services.

The proclamation was presented by Mayor Pro Tem Gage Muscumin on behalf of Mayor Nicholas Abu Asli. Jenna Shonifer of Foundation 2 Crisis Services, a Marion resident, spoke after the proclamation, saying, “We now, respond about 12,000 times a month. So that's 12,000 times people are reaching out in crisis needing help, including families that live in Marion.”

The council then heard a 20-minute presentation from Erin Foster, director of the Linn County Mental Health Access Center. Foster described the center as a Linn County program that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week: “We never close. So we're open 24 7, 3 65.” She said the center is staffed through contracts with three nonprofits (Foundation 2, Abbey Community Mental Health Center and Area Ambulance) and clarified who the center serves: adults only, voluntarily — not people on involuntary committals — and not people who are violent or cannot be de-escalated.

Why this matters: the Access Center provides a non‑hospital, non‑jail option for people in crisis and partners with law enforcement and EMS to divert people from emergency rooms or custody when appropriate. Foster said law‑enforcement handoffs at the center average about four minutes and that national diversion numbers are reflected locally — “around 43 percent of the individuals that come in with law enforcement would have gone to jail and about 20 percent would have gone to the hospital,” she said.

Foster described two operational changes important to Marion residents: an Iowa legislative change now allows EMS agencies to bill to transport people to designated access centers (effective July 1), and Area Ambulance provides the center’s sobering unit. She said the legislative change should increase EMS transports to the center and training opportunities for EMS partners. Foster also expressed concern about the state’s behavioral health realignment scheduled to take effect July 1, saying contracts and rates were still unsettled and that access center staff were working to ensure clients do not feel that uncertainty.

Officer Phil, a Marion law enforcement representative involved with the Access Center, told the council he had seen the program reduce law‑enforcement time spent on mental‑health calls dramatically: “The 4 minute thing for us is phenomenal because we would have the option to take someone to the hospital and we'd be there for 2 to 4 hours.”

Council members and several Marion residents identified during public comment praised the center and urged continued local investment. Resident Erica Bernard, who identified herself as a nurse and family member of someone who died by suicide, thanked the council and urged “long term and meaningful strategies to support mental health services in Marion.” Anna Clymer, a Marion resident and member of the Marion Alliance, urged continued funding and expanded liaison and training roles, and Iris Strong, a Marion resident, described personal experience with local services and the value of available resources.

Clarifying details captured in the presentation and public comments included: the Access Center is located on Cedar Rapids’ northwest side and serves adults only; it operates 24/7/365; it is voluntary (does not take involuntary committals); Area Ambulance provides a sobering unit; Foundation 2 provides crisis counseling and operates a law‑enforcement liaison (referred to in remarks as Rochelle) who can bypass triage and connect clients directly to services; a state law change (effective July 1) allows EMS agencies to bill for transports to designated access centers; the county Access Center partners with Salvation Army and local providers; and the state behavioral health realignment scheduled for July 1 raised outstanding questions about rates and contracts.

The council did not take formal action on funding or policy at the meeting but received the update and the proclamation. Officials and residents urged continued emphasis on outreach, funding and coordination with law enforcement and EMS to expand effective crisis response.","The Marion City Council issued a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month and heard a presentation from the Linn County Mental Health Access Center and Foundation 2, which described services, staffing, a new EMS billing rule taking effect July 1 and concerns about statewide behavioral health realignment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Marion City Council, May 22, 2025 — budget amendment, ordinances and a failed landscape buffer waiver

Council amends zoning code, pauses gas‑station approvals on Tower Terrace and refers details back to Planning & Zoning

Marion proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month; Linn County Access Center describes 24/7 crisis services and statewide challenges