december 1, 2014 - City of Marion, IA

DECEMBER 1, 2014
CITY NEWS
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Marion Police Department to Host “Coffee with a Cop” December 2
The Marion Police Department will host its quarterly “Coffee with a Cop” event
on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Wit’s End Coffeehouse in Uptown Marion. Officers will
be available from 9:30-10:30 a.m. to give residents the opportunity to ask
questions and share their concerns in a casual setting.
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Christmas in the Park – This Friday!
The 22nd annual Christmas in the Park celebration
will officially kick off the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 5 from
4-8 p.m. in City Square Park, welcoming the arrival of Santa and
Mrs. Claus along with their special reindeer. This year’s event will
feature traditional activities including the lighting of the
community peace tree, live holiday music, horse-drawn carriage
rides, hot cocoa and popcorn, and activities at the Marion Public Library. New this year, look for
the Peppermint Express and donate items to help keep your neighbors warm. In addition to the
activities happening in the park, Uptown Marion will host the Peppermint Walk, a holiday
shopping event featuring various Uptown businesses.
Christmas in the Park and the Peppermint Walk is presented by the Marion Chamber of
Commerce and Uptown Marion – A Main Street Iowa District. It remains a free community
event thanks to Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners – Farmers State Bank, Fosters
Heating and Air Conditioning, ImOn Communications, MercyCare Community PhysiciansMarion, and Philip’s Diamond Shop & Design Center, along with media partner Townsquare
Media (104.5 KDAT, 98.1 KHAK, 94.1 KRNA and i107.1). For more information visit
www.marioncc.org.
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Marion Named a Home Base Iowa Community
Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds announced last week that
Marion has been named a Home Base Iowa community. The Marion Economic Development
Company (MEDCO) worked with the local business community to receive this designation.
Over 60 companies have signed onto the program in Marion, indicating that they would hire a
veteran and post open positions within their company to an online job board targeting veterans.
MEDCO worked with the local YMCA, Marion Water Department, and Marion Parks and
Recreation Department, among others, to provide local incentives for veterans re-locating to
Marion. For more information about this program, visit www.medcoiowa.org.
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2014 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The complete Annual Engineering Work Program and Map, with estimated
construction schedules, separated by project type, can be found at www.cityofmarion.org.
Visit the 2014 Construction Map to keep informed of road closures and construction zones in Marion.
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2014 10th Street and East Robins Road Sidewalk Project - Rathje Construction Co., $94,732.90
The project included the addition of sidewalks along 10th Street from 1850 10th Street north to Boyson
Road and the south side of East Robins Road from Brookfield Drive to Newcastle Road.
On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council accepted the project.
All items have been constructed in substantial compliance with the plans and specifications.
Final project cost is 110.89% of contract (additional work was added to project scope).
The contractor has used approximately 50.5 of 55 working days provided (days were added for
additional work).
7th Avenue Streetscape Project (12th to 14th Streets) - Rathje Construction Co., $159,225.19
The project included the reconstruction of the south eastbound lane of 7th Avenue from 12th Street to
14th Street. The project replaced the current south lane with streetscaping and parking, extending the
single lane configuration west of the project two additional blocks east.
On Nov. 20, 2014 City Council accepted the project.
All items have been constructed in substantial compliance with the plans and specifications.
Final project cost is 102.25% of contract (additional work was added to project scope).
The contractor has used approximately 58.5 of 61 working days provided (days were added for
additional work).
2014 HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) Overlay Project - L. L. Pelling, Co., $627,845.10
The project included the milling and resurfacing of street segments with approximately 5,918 tons of
asphalt surface and base and 26,662 square yards of surface milling.
On Nov. 20, 2014 City Council accepted the project.
All items have been constructed in substantial compliance with the plans and specifications.
Final project cost is 87.62% of contract (additional work was added to project scope).
The contractor has used approximately 15 of 30 working days provided.
2014 Ramp Repair Project – Midwest Concrete, Inc., $60,552
The project will include reconstruction of approximately 4331 SF of 4’ wide sidewalk, sidewalk
ramps and associated work.
On Nov. 20, 2014 City Council awarded the project to Midwest Concrete, Inc., in the amount of
$60,552.
Work is specified to begin no later than April 13, 2015 and be completed within 30 working days.
Liquidated damages in the amount of $300 per day will be assessed for each calendar day in excess of
these schedules.
The project will require localized temporary lane closures at several locations.
2 sealed bids were received on the 12th day of November, 2014. A low bid of $60,552 was received
from Midwest Concrete, Inc. @ 90.16% of the engineer’s estimate.
Midwest Concrete, Inc., $60,552.00
Eastern Iowa Excavating, LLC, $79,721.75
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PROJECT: 2014 Sidewalk Ramp Project
Bidder:
Midwest Concrete Inc
LOCATION: Marion, Iowa
BID DATE: November 12, 2014 10:00 AM
Address:
City:
Bid Surety:
10%
Addend. Ackn.:
ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE
16869 Navarre Ct
Peosta, IA 52068
ITEM DESCRIPTION
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2
3
4
5
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Traffic Control
Removal of Sidewalk
PCC Sidewalk
PCC Ramp Curb Cut
Detectable Warning Panels
Hydroseeding
EST
Quant.
1
1,221
4,331
17.0
304
1
UNIT
LS
SF
SF
LF
SF
LS
UNIT PRICE
$5,000.00
$4.00
$10.00
$50.00
$30.00
$4,000.00
ENGINEERS ESTIMATE
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10%
TOTAL PRICE UNIT PRICE
$5,000.00
$4,884.00
$43,310.00
$850.00
$9,120.00
$4,000.00
$67,164.00
Eastern Iowa Excavating &
Concrete LLC
121 Nixon Street SW
Cascade, IA 52033
$3,000.00
$2.00
$10.00
$40.00
$30.00
$2,000.00
90.16%
TOTAL PRICE UNIT PRICE
$3,000.00
$2,442.00
$43,310.00
$680.00
$9,120.00
$2,000.00
$60,552.00
$8,000.00
$5.25
$9.50
$35.00
$43.00
$10,500.00
118.70%
TOTAL PRICE
$8,000.00
$6,410.25
$41,144.50
$595.00
$13,072.00
$10,500.00
$79,721.75
35th Street Reconstruction Project - Ricklefs Excavating, Ltd., $819,320.03
The project, using LOST funding, includes the reconstruction of 35th Street from Business Highway
151 to south of the abandoned railroad (1,400 feet).
The contractor has completed mainline pavement construction and has completed vital connections to
adjacent properties prior to winter shutdown.
The contractor has opened 35th Street to traffic for the winter.
As of Nov. 10, 2014 the contractor has used 75 of 75 working days provided.
Sidewalk and driveway construction, grading and seeding of adjacent properties will now occur in the
spring of 2015.
Irish Drive Extension Project - Integrity Custom Homes, Inc., $1,029,896.97
The project includes the approximate 2,600 foot long extension of Irish Drive from Tower Terrace
Road to Lowe Park. The new street will be 33 feet wide, with an eight foot trail and decorative street
lighting along one side of the street. The project will also include the construction of a left-turn lane
from east bound Tower Terrace Road onto Irish Drive and the construction of the east-west street
intersections and associated utility crossings.
The contractor has completed most of the mainline pavement construction and will continue with
hand pours at the intersection and structures when weather allows.
The project is a public/private effort with construction controlled by the developer so there are no
working days assigned to the project.
Boyson Road Lighting Project - Trey Electric Corp., $162,929
The project, using LOST funding, includes the addition of street/trail lights along the south side of
Boyson Road from Alburnett Road to 10th Street. Boyson Road currently includes a trail along the
south side with some intermittent street lighting. The project will install new street lighting at
approximately 300 foot intervals to better light the trail and the street.
The contractor has completed the installation of wire and precast light foundations. Light hardware is
expected to be delivered soon.
The deadline for work to be completed has been extended due to hardware delivery.
2014 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Inspection Program
This every other year program (even calendar years) includes the evaluation of public sidewalks in
approximately half of Marion for code compliance and to notify adjacent owners to correct
deficiencies.
In 2014 staff inspected an area roughly south of Marion Boulevard/7th Avenue west of 10th Street, and
south of McGowan Boulevard east of 10th Street.
Staff continues with the inspection of repaired sidewalks and has documented 96 percent of all
deficient properties (540) have repaired their sidewalks per City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 141. Of
the 23 violations remaining staff has granted 7 time extensions and referred 16 to the City Attorney
for legal action.
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2014 6 ½ Alley Resurfacing Project - $18,000
The project includes the asphalt overlay of the alley between 6th and 7th Avenues and 13th and 14th
Streets.
The reconstruction, to be built in conjunction with the Philip’s Center site and the 2014 7th Avenue
Improvements Project, will include 61 tons of asphalt pavement, 67 SF of concrete sidewalk, and
minor storm sewer work.
Sealed quotes will be received by staff with Council consideration of award to follow.
Work is specified to begin in early 2015 and be completed within 14 working days.
Complete closure will occur to provide for grading and asphalt surface installation.
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Central Corridor Complete Streets and Capacity Improvements (Roundabout at 7th Avenue
and 7th Street) - Foth Infrastructure and Environment, $198,000
On Oct. 9, 2014 Council directed staff to solicit bids for the demolition of the acquired buildings to
allow for the construction of the project.
The project will include the reconstruction of the 7th Street and 7th Avenue intersection. The
completed project will include a roundabout and connection to all entering street legs.
Construction is anticipated in 2015 and will require the partial closure of the intersection for several
months. Access will be provided for local traffic and businesses.
Foth Infrastructure and Environment has submitted Check Plans to the Iowa DOT for review.
Staff also continues to work to obtain adjacent parcels and easements.
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Preliminary project construction scope
Central Corridor Project (13 Street to 31st Street) - Hall and Hall Engineers, $383,000
This project will include the reconstruction of the 6th Avenue Corridor Concept Plan Segments 3 to 5
from approximately 13th Street to 31st Street. The completed project will include a divided four lane
pavement, roundabout, street lights, multi-use pathways, hardscaping, and landscaping. The
th
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associated developer will perform the construction with City inspection. Project construction
anticipated to begin in the spring of 2015 and will include extensive lane closures and other short-term
closures.
Right-of-way acquisition and project plan development will continue over the next year.
Tower Terrace Road Project – Phase V – YTT Design Solutions, $179,000
The joint public/private project includes the extension of Tower Terrace Road east from the 10th
Street intersection to the new location of Winslow Road (west of Indian Creek). The construction will
extend the typical cross section of the divided street with grass median, decorative lights, and trees.
Right-of-way acquisition has progressed this week with informal approval of areas on the Linn-Mar
campus.
On Oct. 9, 2014 City Council approved a contract of sale and option with Donna M. Morrisey
regarding right-of-way and optional property east and west of Indian Creek.
Linn-Mar School Board and the property owner will consider agreement approvals soon which will
allow property transfer to occur and construction to begin.
Tower Terrace Road Project (C Avenue to Alburnett Road) - Anderson-Bogert Engineers
This project includes the extension of Tower Terrace Road east from C Avenue to Alburnett Road.
The construction will extend the typical cross section of the divided street with grass median,
decorative lights, and trees. On Oct. 6, 2014 the City of Cedar Rapids began the process of survey and
data collection by requesting access from property owners along the corridor. Letters were requested
to be returned by Oct. 17, 2014.
A 2015-16 construction season has been set as a preliminary goal to coordinate with the Hy-Vee store
construction at the intersection of C Avenue and Tower Terrace Road.
Proposed Tower Terrace Road Alignment
Grant Wood Trail IA 13 Underpass Project – Vieth Construction Corporation - $922,906.44
The project includes the construction of 199.5 lineal feet of a 14-foot by10-foot precast reinforced
concrete box culvert transverse to Highway 151 / 13, approximately 1,000 feet south of Linn Aire
Avenue. The project is jointly funded by Linn County Conservation, the City of Marion, and
Transportation Enhancement Funds from the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Work is specified to begin no later than July 6, 2015 and be completed within 35 working days.
Construction is expected to begin in 2015 and last approximately 8 to 10 weeks. Traffic control will
include full lane closures, limited access to Linn Aire Avenue, and head-on traffic during the
construction period.
Collins Road Improvement Project
The project will include the reconstruction of Collins Road by the City of Cedar Rapids which will need to
acquire right-of-way and easements within the jurisdiction of Marion.
On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council approved designation of the City of Cedar Rapids as Marion’s real
estate and acquisition agent.
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The City of Marion will not incur any costs associated with the acquisitions but it will be necessary to
accept the acquisitions upon completion and assume maintenance of such.
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Project Construction Scope
Gill Park Splash Pad Project - Calacci Construction Company Inc., $78,360
On Sept. 18, 2014 City Council approved a contract with Calacci Construction Company Inc.
Calacci has completed approximately 80% of the project and has proposed completion of the project
yet this year.
Hillview Drive Reconstruction Project - $300,000
The project includes the reconstruction of Hillview Drive from South 8th Street to South 11th Street.
Quantities include approximately 2,500 SY of 7-inch concrete pavement, 250 SY of concrete
driveway reconstruction and associated work.
Sealed bids will be received in January 2015 for a proposed early 2015 construction.
Complete closures of these blocks will occur to provide for storm sewer installation and complete
pavement reconstruction.
Staff will meet with adjacent property owners to coordinate as much local access as possible during
the construction.
13th Street HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) / Curb Project - $350,000
The project, using LOST Funding, includes the reconstruction of 13th Street from 8th to 10th Avenues.
The work includes the reconstruction of the curb and gutter sections, asphalt overlay of the existing
brick surface, as well as affected sidewalks, drives, and ramps.
The City completed a very similar project on 12th Street between 8th and 10th Avenues in 2011.
Sealed bids will be received in February 2015 for a proposed early summer 2015 construction.
Complete closures of these blocks will occur to provide for curb construction and asphalt overlay.
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Imagine Art in the Alleys
Earlier this year, Marion was awarded a $350,000 ArtPlace America grant. The project will include
the addition of infrastructure improvements to the alleys between 10th and 11th Streets and 7th and 8th
Avenues. Several types of art will then be installed in the alleys.
Indian Creek Trunk Sewer Replacement Project
The Indian Creek and Dry Run Creek Trunk Sanitary Sewer consists of approximately 16 miles of sanitary
sewer ranging in size from 18 inches to 48 inches. The trunk sewer is multi-jurisdictional serving Linn
County and the cities of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha and Robins. In 2007, an administrative board
known as the Indian Creek/Dry Run Creek Sanitary Sewer System Board of Directors (the “Board”) was
created to oversee a program to plan and share in the costs to replace the existing sanitary sewer. The Board
consists of six members and comprised of the City Engineers for Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, and
Robins, the Linn County Engineer and the Cedar Rapids Utilities Director.
The new sanitary sewer will provide additional capacity to accommodate present needs and future
growth. The sanitary sewer will be constructed in multiple phases over a period of 15 plus years.
Segment 2, Phase 1 (South of Mt Vernon Road to Rosedale Road) – completed, $3,939,164.
Segment 2, Phase 2 (Rosedale Road to Wilder Road) - completed, $2,064,993.
Segment 2, Phase 3 (Wilder Road to east of East Post Road) - $4,000,000 (estimated)
The Project Phase 3 design is complete and a bid opening is planned for January 2015.
Segment 7, Phase 1 (east of 35th Street Drive SE to north of Highway 100)
The City of Marion will be tasked with the design and reconstruction of the next phase which is
expected to include sewer sections within our jurisdiction (see below).
2014 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Repair Project
During the completion of the 2014 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Inspection Program staff also cited those
City sidewalk locations deemed deficient. These locations are the full responsibility of the City and
are included in the project for repairs or replacement.
Staff has begun creation of construction plans for a spring construction.
Boyson Road/10th Street Traffic Study - $60,000
The project includes the evaluation of the intersection and adjacent roadways (including the Indian
Creek intersection) to consider the need for the installation of traffic signals. Traffic volumes, turning
movements, accident rates, and congestion will be studied to see if any warrants are met to
recommend/allow the installation.
This study will be performed in 2015 to provide for an accurate accounting of vehicle and pedestrian
traffic.
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Armar Drive Extension Project - Anderson-Bogert Engineers, $44,870
Armar Drive will be extended from the existing south end (in Cedar Rapids) to Highway 100. The
intersection at Highway 100 has already been constructed and signalized.
The project will include concrete pavement with dedicated turn lanes at Highway 100.
The City is still working with the property owner to obtain right-of-way and easements.
Anderson-Bogert Engineers and Pro Source Technologies have now been hired to provide acquisition
services and construction plans for the project identifying existing and proposed profiles, horizontal
alignment, utility conflicts, and storm sewers. Preliminary cost estimate is $400,000.
13th Street HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) / Curb Project - $350,000
The project, using LOST Funding, includes the reconstruction of 13th Street from 8th to 10th Avenues.
The work includes the reconstruction of the curb and gutter sections, asphalt overlay of the existing
brick surface, as well as effected sidewalks, drives, and ramps.
Preliminary cost estimate is $350,000 and is expected to be constructed in late summer. Complete
closures of these blocks will occur to provide for curb construction and asphalt overlay.
2015 Alburnett Road Widening Project - $220,000
The project includes the widening of Alburnett Road between 29th Avenue and East Robins Road to
provide for the addition of a dedicated left turn lane north and south. Additional tapers north and
south of the intersections/widening will allow traffic to transition into the widened areas.
Current traffic volumes and stop conditions are creating heavy congestion areas over longer periods
of the day. Accident rates continue to rise and levels of service are below recommended standards.
Sealed bids will be received in February 2015 following project design over the winter with
construction expected during the summer of 2015. Some lane closures and localized congestion is
expected during construction.
SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT
Staff provides inspection for the development of all subdivisions within the city limits. This work begins
with construction plan review and includes field quality control for storm and sanitary sewers, draintile,
portland cement concrete maturity, grade, air content, slump (water content) and pavement thickness.
Current locations are as follows:
Aspen Ridge 1st Addition – Pirc-Tobin Construction
Location: North of Tower Terrace Road and east of Alburnett Road.
Construction of mainline concrete completed on Eastview and Aspen Drives.
Authors 3rd Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: East side 35th Street
Punch list items remain (small miscellaneous cleanup items).
Bowman Meadows 3rd Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: South of Boyson Road and west of Alburnett Road
Street lights are being installed along Alburnett Road. Construction of outlet structure in basin remains
and sanitary has not been mandreled or televised.
Bridge Creek 3rd Addition – Ricklefs Excavating, Ltd
Location: West of Winslow Road and north of the Future Tower Terrace Road
Punch list items remain (small miscellaneous cleanup items).
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Country Club Estates 9th Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: East of Alburnett Road Artesian Road, north of Tower Terrace Road.
The mainline extensions of Saddleback Road and Bent Creek Drive have been completed. Contractor
working on backfilling and hand pours.
Gemstone Estates 1st Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: North of Tower Terrace Road and west of 35th Street.
Construction of pavement is completed on Peridot and Gemstone Drives. Intake throats remain and
sanitary sewer will be constructed over the winter.
Prestwick Place 1st Addition
Location: Churchill Drive Extension north of 29th Avenue.
Punch list items remain (small miscellaneous cleanup items).
Squaw Creek Meadows 6th Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: South of Grand Avenue and west of 31st Street.
Punch list items remain (small miscellaneous cleanup items).
Squaw Creek Meadows 7th Addition - Rathje Construction
Location: Alexis Lane extension south of Grand Avenue and west of 31st Street.
Plan of Improvements has been approved. Need approval from Army Corps of Engineers regarding
Wetland Permit.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
As the chairman of the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) it is my responsibility to coordinate citizen requests
regarding traffic concerns and possible changes in signage or traffic regulations.
The TAC is comprised of the City Engineer, City Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Planning Director, and the
Public Services Director. The committee meets when necessary and able to evaluate the requests and make a
recommendation to City Council whether the request warrants mitigation.
Requests are only accepted in written form (letter or email) and directed to the Mayor and City Council. The
City Council then decides if the request is only for information or requires evaluation and referral to the TAC. If
review is necessary Council will, by motion, receive and file the item and refer it to TAC.
The TAC evaluates the requests based on several criteria including the following:
1) Traffic counts, speed, vehicle type, and overall volumes provided by staff and traffic data collectors,
2) Vehicle and pedestrian accident rates provided by the Police Department,
3) Site visibility and stopping distances based on engineering standards,
4) Emergency vehicle, snow removal, and garbage pickup accessibility,
5) General public use verses individual owner needs,
6) Input by the requestor and the public.
TAC then uses the criteria to discuss, evaluate, and provide a recommendation to City Council at a regular
Council Meeting. The requestor is notified of the date that the report recommendation will be presented and
provided a time to address City Council regarding the request. Once Council has acted on the request notice is
sent to the requestor and appropriate action is taken by staff.
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On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council approved an ordinance establishing the speed limit on Alburnett
Road, south of Boyson Road, as 35 MPH as recommended by the Traffic Advisory Committee.
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On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council approved the installation of the following Stop Signs:
 Stopping east bound traffic on Gemstone Road at its intersection with Lucore Road.
 Stopping south bound traffic on Peridot Drive at its intersection with Gemstone Road.
 Stopping north bound traffic on Peridot Court at its intersection with Gemstone Road.
On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council concurred with a Staff Report regarding request for a curb cut
away located at the Marion Heritage Center, 590 Tenth Street (Lynette Brenzel, Director).
Staff has reviewed the request for an additional ADA compliant ramp at the north entrance to the
Marion Heritage Center. The location is approximately 48 feet west of corner at 10th Street and 6th
Avenue. The City provides, and meets, ADA requirements with the inclusion of corner ramps at
intersections. Typically in similar requests the adjacent property owner is responsible for the
improvements. The City providing the associated work may open the ability for all Uptown
businesses to request similar work.
Project work to meet ADA requirements would include:
 Partial and full removal of approximately 16 feet of curb and adjacent brick accent to meet the
maximum 8.3% slope.
 Removal of an area of sidewalk to a distance approximately 6 feet from the back of curb and 4
feet to 8 feet long.
 Removal of one or two parking spaces.
Staff recommends no change at this time.
On Nov. 6, 2014 City Council received and filed correspondence regarding impaired visibility on
Kacena Avenue at 50th Street (Darrell Fisher, 5525 Kacena Avenue, Unit 1).
Staff was also directed to notify affected adjacent property owners regarding City Council’s intent to
receive public input associated with the impaired visibility on Kacena Avenue at 50th Street on Dec. 4,
2014.
The TAC report was as follows:
 No reported accidents at this intersection in at least 10 years.
 Evaluating visibility, the stopping distance for 25-30 mph is approximately 150' - which is
impaired by parked cars to the south.
TAC recommends the removal of parking south of the intersection for 90’ to improve visibility. This
will require notification of the adjacent owners prior to Council action.
On Nov. 20, 2014 City Council received and filed correspondence regarding the condition of
Lucore Road (Jim Schmitz, former Camden Farms HOA President).
Staff is aware of the existing road conditions and requested funding for the improvements.
Currently funding associated with needed improvements is provided for with Local Option Sales Tax
in Fiscal Years 2018/2019 ($1,000,000).
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We continue to build an email list, so please forward addresses to me of those wishing to receive this information.
Feel free to forward to anyone with interest. If you have additional questions regarding ongoing projects please address
them to my email and I will add them to future reports.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Dan D. Whitlow, P. E., Marion City Engineer, [email protected]
1225 6th Avenue, Suite 200 Marion, Iowa 52302
Office 319-743-6340
Mobile 319-573-6950
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