News from the City of Marion

Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 5:02pm

With COVID-19 cases rising at an alarmingly rapid rate, Mayor Schertzer issued an Executive Order for the operation of Marion City Hall.  Highlights of this Executive Order are shown below.

  • As of Monday, November 23, 2020, City Hall will be open to the public on Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until further notice.  These hours are in effect for all departments in City Hall, with the exception of Marion Municipal Court and Probation.  Contact the Marion Municipal Court Office at 740-387-2020 option 1 or Misdemeanor Probation at 740-387-2020 option 2 to obtain the hours of operation for either of these offices.
     
  • In order to help reduce potential exposure during this new wave of the virus, City officials request that only one person per party enter City Hall to conduct necessary business.
     
  • Due to a statewide mandate issued on July 23, 2020, individuals entering City Hall will be required to wear a facial covering at all times.  This mandate is in effect for any person that is 10 years of age and older.  Other alternatives will be offered to those that cannot wear a mask due to medical conditions or disability.
     
  • At the City Hall security screening area, all individuals will be required to state the reason for their business, complete a temperature check, and sign in for contact tracing purposes.

Please note, if circumstances change and conditions warrant, modifications will be made to the services provided by the City of Marion.  If this occurs, information will be relayed to the media and shared on the City of Marion website.

 

 

Posted: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - 12:17pm

Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission has announced that they may be able assist residents with their sewer and sanitation bills.  Residents should call 740-383-2154 ext. 529 for additional details and information.

 

Posted: Wednesday, November 4, 2020 - 8:28am

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that in observance of the Veterans Day holiday, many City of Marion departments will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020; however, some departments will operate on a regular schedule for the day.  The following departments will operate as noted below:

  • All offices in City Hall will be closed.
  • Sanitation crews will collect garbage, recycling and yard waste on November 11.  It is requested that customers with Wednesday sanitation service have their collections at curbside by 7:00 am.
  • Bus service through Marion Area Transit will be closed on November 11.  Marion Area Transit will resume normal hours of operation on Thursday, November 12.
  • Marion Senior Center will be closed on November 11.  The Center continues to be closed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to protect the health and welfare of our members.  Contact the Senior Center (740-387-5444) for transportation options that are available through the Center on this day.

Essential services including fire, police, and airport will operate as usual. 

 

City residents are also reminded that yard waste and fall leaf pick-up will continue through Friday, December 11, 2020.  The options available for disposal of leaves are as follows:

  1. Leaves may be raked to the tree lawn area to be vacuumed (Residents are reminded that leaves are NOT to be raked into the street or parking lane);
  2. Leaves may be placed in biodegradable paper bags (limit 3 per week) for City sanitation workers to pick up; or
  3. Leaves may be taken to the free drop off location at 560 Barks Rd. W. in biodegradable paper-bags.  Proof of City residency may be required.

     

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2020 - 8:05am

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that leaf collection for city residents will begin on Monday, October 26 and continue through Friday, December 11, 2020.  The three options for disposal of leaves by city residents are:
 

1.  Place leaves in the tree lawn area to be vacuumed.
 
  A vacuum-type collector will collect leaves raked to the tree lawn area, with each street having leaves collected during the leaf pick-up season.
 
  NOTE:  Residents should NOT rake leaves into the city streets and parking lanes, so water can drain properly into the city’s storm sewer system, with catch basins and drains not becoming blocked.
     
2. Place leaves in biodegradable paper bags for City pick up, which will follow yard waste pick-up limits of 3 bags per week.
 
  Residents wishing to bag leaves may do so by placing them in clearly marked biodegradable paper bags sold at local retail stores.  The filled bags should be placed at curbside for pick-up.  The City will continue to follow its yard waste limits of collecting 3 bags and 3 bundles per residence each week.
   
3. Take biodegradable paper bagged leaves to 560 Barks Rd. W.
 
  Outdoor Resource Supply (560 Barks Rd. W.) is the location of the City’s free drop off site.  This location will be open to city residents free of charge.  Residents may call 740-223-7275 to obtain hours of operation for Outdoor Resource Supply.  Requirements for drop off are:
     
  a.  Must stop at office or other designated location where verification of City residency (i.e. license, utility bill, etc.) may be required.
  b. Items being dropped off must be weighed by an Outdoor Resource Supply employee before materials are discarded.
     
  PLEASE NOTE:  If non-biodegradable bags are used for collection, leaves must be emptied during drop-off.
 

For additional information, contact the Sanitation/Streets Department at 740-382-1479.

 

Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 - 3:56pm

Trick-or-Treat in the City of Marion will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Saturday, October 31.

In 1999, Marion City Council passed legislation which set "Trick-or-Treat" night within the City of Marion for October 31 of each year between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, unless October 31 falls on a Sunday.  If October 31 falls on a Sunday, "Trick-or-Treat" night will be observed on the preceding Saturday.  As a result of the passage of this Ordinance, the date for Trick-or-Treat must be held as noted above.

While “Trick-or-Treat” is an annual tradition, parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise their own judgment on whether they allow children to participate.

Suggestions and Tips for 2020:

  • Practice Social Distancing;
  • Wear a face covering;
  • It is suggested that individuals trick-or-treat with family members only (do not carpool with other neighbors or go out in large groups of friends);
  • It is suggested that adults hand candy to each child rather than allowing children to grab candy from a bowl or a pile which reduces the number of hands touching the remaining candy and potentially spreading the virus;
  • Everyone in the household should monitor for symptoms leading up to trick-or-treat night.  If someone in the household is sick or may have had contact with a positive COVID-19 case, stay home and/or do not give out candy. 

 

Inclement weather:  In the event of inclement weather, the set date will not change. Parents/guardians are encouraged to exercise their own judgment on whether they allow children to participate.

 

Posted: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 - 8:10am

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing the following closures for the City of Marion on Monday, September 7, 2020 in observance of the Labor Day holiday:

  • All offices in City Hall will be closed.
  • Sanitation crews will not work on Monday, September 7.  Residents that normally have Monday sanitation service are asked to have their collections at curbside by 7:00 am on Tuesday, September 8.  Sanitation crews will collect both Monday and Tuesday’s refuse on Tuesday, with the possibility that some of Tuesday’s collection could extend into Wednesday.
  • Marion Area Transit buses will not operate on Monday, September 7.  Normal bus service will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
  • Marion Senior Center will be closed on Monday, September 7.  Contact the Senior Center (740-387-6100) for transportation options that are available through the center.

Necessary services including fire, police, and airport will operate as usual.

 

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2020 - 11:42am

It’s important, safe & easy – and not too late to respond!

Mayor Schertzer is reminding those citizens that have not already done so, to complete their 2020 Census Questionnaire.  Schertzer said, “I would encourage our residents to take a few minutes out of their busy lives to complete the 2020 Census because the impact for multiple agencies and programs throughout our local community is significant .”

U.S. Census Bureau worker are knocking on doors in Marion at homes that have not already responded to the 2020 Census, in order to complete this vital national count.

Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, with the Census counting our population and households.  The Census provides the basis for distributing more federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs – impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, healthcare and public policy, as well as reapportioning congressional seats and redistricting.

  • It’s not too late!  You can still respond online, by phone, or by mail.  Answer today, save a visit by census takers to your home, and save taxpayer dollars too!
  • Taking the Census is quick and easy with residents having the option to complete as follows:
     

          - Online at https://my2020census.gov/ (multiple languages available)
          - By Phone 1-844-330-2020 (multiple languages available)
          - By Mail - Complete information sent by U.S. Census Bureau in March or April.

  • Census takers will have official photo ID badges and wear face masks for COVID-19 safety.

* Census workers will NEVER ask for your social security number, bank account information, political party, religion, or citizenship information.  You can verify a Census employee by going to:  https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/main/email.cgi
 

 


What is the Census?

The census is a 10-year count of all persons living in the United States, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.  The census also inventories various demographic information on persons living in the United States, including age, gender, and race.

Why should I take the Census?

The Census determines how millions of dollars in federal funding will get distributed and we want Marion to get all it deserves.  For every person who does not take the Census, Marion stands to lose out on $20,000 in federal funds over the next decade.  The Census also determines our representation in Congress.  It is vitally important for every single person living in Marion to be counted! 

Who should be counted?

You should count every person living in your home.  This includes infants and grandparents, citizens and non-citizens, family members and non-family members.  If someone is living in your home and therefore using City resources, they should be counted there.   Have questions about how to count your college student, service member, etc?  Check the Census website for details.

How will I take the Census?

For the first time ever, you can take the Census online.  You should have received an invitation in the mail with directions on how to take the Census online for your household.  If you do not have internet access, you can choose to visit your local library branch to use a computer there or you can call the Census Bureau to give your answers by phone.  There will also be a paper Census option.  Different languages are available.

Is it safe to provide answers for the Census?

All data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is confidential and may only be used for statistical purposes.  The Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about an individual, their home, or business, even to law enforcement agencies.  The law ensures that an individual’s private data is protected and their answers cannot be used against them by any government agency or court.

Is the Census a requirement?

Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution mandates that the Census be completed every 10-years.

 

 

Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 - 11:52am

Mayor Scott Schertzer announced that the City of Marion will shepherd a Pilot Program to assist residents in a two day clean the street program on Decatur Street in Marion. 

Currently this is a pilot program to assist residents in combating an issue of neighborhood education and awareness through a street cleanup pilot program event.  The program came about after Mayor Schertzer received a call from a resident on Decatur stating that she believed her neighbor may need some assistance. “After speaking with the neighbor and surveying the area, I knew the City needed to help.  I saw a need to help the residents of the street and collectively a new pilot program was formed to help the residents dispose of yard waste, debris, junk cars, and general waste.” 

A committee was formed consisting of Officer Casey Thomas, Code Enforcement Sanitarian Sindy Thrapp, Sanitation Supervisor Matt Large, Service Director Cathy Chaffin, 1st Ward City Councilman Kai Meade and Mayor Scott Schertzer.  After much collaboration and discussion, the committee found the best way to help was to devote the time and resources to assist the residents of Decatur Street with a specialized cleanup effort.

Residents are often unaware of the Marion City Code regulations regarding junk vehicles, tires, and general waste; therefore, an educational and informative letter was sent to every resident and property owner on Decatur Street.  A Community Meeting was held at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church on July 15th to discuss how the City could and will be helping.   The results of that meeting were very encouraging.  The City is appreciative to Mt. Zion and Bishop Greg Draper for their involvement in this and many other projects.

The committee continued with the coordination and execution of a specialized cleanup program and enlisted the assistance of the Marion Municipal Court Probation Department Community Service Program to provide workers for the upcoming event. 

This team of Community Service workers, as well as City of Marion staff will be ready and available to help residents.  We believe that with the dedication of the resources we can help lift the neighborhood and provide the helping hand.

The event will take place on Thursday, July 23 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and on Friday, July 24 from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. 

“I want to thank Hessler’s Screen Printing for their generous donation of T-shirts for our staff and volunteers.  This effort would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of Officer Casey Thomas, Sindy Thrapp, Matt Large, Cathy Chaffin, Kai Meade, Marion City Police Department MPACT, Lt. BJ Gruber, Administrative Assistant Janell O’Neil and the Marion Municipal Court Probation Department Staff.  We are looking forward to a successful pilot program that we can implement throughout the City.”

For additional information regarding this program or other questions regarding regulations on code enforcement issues, including junk vehicles, tires, etc., call 740-387-2248.

 

Posted: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 - 4:19pm

With the approach of the July 4th holiday and due to a significant uptick in illegal fireworks complaints, the Marion Police Department wishes to proactively remind residents that the use of 1G fireworks (inclusive of firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc.) is illegal according to Ohio Revised Code section 3743.65 (B).

“Many Ohio residents find it confusing that you can legally purchase these fireworks in Ohio but it is illegal to set them off in Ohio,” said Marion Police Chief Bill Collins. Chief Collins added that residents who purchase 1G fireworks in the State of Ohio are required by law to take the fireworks out of the State of Ohio within 48 hours of purchase.

 Quick Facts According to the 2018 Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report

  • There were 121 non-occupational fireworks related deaths between 2003 and 2018
  • 9,100 people were injured due to fireworks related incidents in 2018.
  • Between June 22nd and July 22nd of 2018, there were 5,600 emergency room visits related to fireworks.
  • Children 15 and younger accounted for 37% of Emergency Room visits.

Fireworks, particularly in the hands of untrained persons pose multiple safety risks to the person using the fireworks, but also to others nearby. Numerous injuries are caused by malfunctioning or improperly altered fireworks which can often result in unintended explosions of a serious nature. Also, the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs while handling fireworks significantly increases the risk of injury and/or death. Additionally, fireworks pose a fire hazard to nearby areas, particularly during dry spells with infrequent rains.

Chief Collins also points out that beyond the dangers of fireworks, they also cause an unwelcome noise disturbance for many who live in our community. Chief Collins states, “We hear from our complainants that they have dogs that are agitated and disturbed. Some have loved ones with PTS (post-traumatic stress) who indicate that the sudden and loud noises can be a triggering event for them. Others simply complain that they need to work in the morning and the sound disturbs their sleep”.

Regardless of their motivation, the simple reality is that 1G fireworks as defined by the Ohio Revised Code are both dangerous and illegal. As a result, the Marion Police Department will actively enforce all relevant sections of Ohio law and Marion City Ordinance relating to the illegal possession or lighting of illegal fireworks.

This educational release should serve as the only warning that will be issued relative to the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Marion. Those charged with a first offense fireworks violation are subject to a First-Degree Misdemeanor charge which carries a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail and the confiscation of any contraband fireworks.

For more information relating to fireworks in the State of Ohio, please visit the Ohio Department of Commerce/ State Fire Marshal FAQ page at https://www.com.ohio.gov/fire/FAQ.aspx.

 

Posted: Friday, June 26, 2020 - 10:57am

As a result of the Independence Day holiday falling on Saturday, July 4, 2020, the federal observation of the holiday will occur on Friday, July 3, 2020.  Therefore, Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing the following closures for the City of Marion on Friday, July 3:

   - City Hall All offices in City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020.
 
    PLEASE NOTE:  As a result of City Hall offices being closed on Friday, offices in City Hall will be observing their weekly early closure day on Thursday, July 2, with notable early closures being the Municipal Court and Utility Billing offices closing at 2:00 p.m.
 
  - Sanitation   Sanitation crews will NOT collect refuse, recycling, or yard waste on Friday, July 3.  Residents who normally have sanitation service on Friday are asked to have their collections at curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6.  Crews are scheduled to collect both Friday and Monday’s refuse, recycling, and yard waste on Monday, July 6, with the possibility that some of Monday’s collection could extend into Tuesday.
 
  - Transit Buses for Marion Area Transit will NOT be in operation on Friday, July 3.  Normal hours of operation will resume on Monday, July 6.
 
  - Senior Center Marion Senior Center continues to be closed as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  Contact the Senior Center (740-387-6100) for transportation options that are available through the center.

Necessary services, including fire, police, and airport, will operate as usual.

 

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