News from the City of Marion

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.

 

Posted: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - 1:15pm

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that Lincoln Park Aquatics Center will not open for the 2020 season. 

This decision is coming about due to the Responsible RestartOhio protocols that were issued by Governor Mike DeWine.  Through the various protocols and requirements issued through the State, the total capacity for the number of individuals permitted at the Aquatic Center has been significantly reduced this season, while at the same time requiring increased staffing levels to ensure compliance with cleaning, disinfecting, and safety-related portions of the protocol.

Schertzer stated, “This decision has come after extensively reviewing the Responsible RestartOhio protocols, the increased staffing to meet the required protocols, as well as the monetary impact this will financially have on the City’s general fund.  Enforcing social distancing as required by the Responsible RestartOhio protocols would be difficult, if not impossible.  To require children to remain six-feet apart is not practical, especially while in the pool.  Additionally, it is not realistic to think we could enforce many of the requirements included in the protocol.  I met with Parks Superintendent Mike Cheney to review information and we feel that managing our pool within the guidelines established is still a high risk, not in the best interest of our community, and would be fiscally irresponsible for us to open the Aquatics Center at this time.”

 

Posted: Friday, May 29, 2020 - 12:35pm

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that City Hall will be opened to the public beginning on Monday, June 1, 2020.  The mayor has indicated that the safety and security of our residents and employees is of utmost importance while the City moves forward; as such, the City will be adhering to the guidelines and protocols that have been presented by the State of Ohio.

Following is information regarding changes that will be taking place at Marion City Hall as it is re-opened to the public:  

  • Effective Monday, June 1, 2020 for a two-week period, City Hall will be open to the public on a shortened schedule.  Hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; while the building will be open on Tuesday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Beginning June 1, the only entry to City Hall open for public access to the building will be the front entrance.  Any individual entering the building, with the exception of those paying a utility bill or requesting the service of Police Records, will be required to wear a face covering, have their temperature checked, and go through a security screening process.  The security screening process was mandated by the Ohio Supreme Court.

  • Mayor Schertzer has indicated that all Boards and Commissions under his appointment may resume meeting; however, the protocols listed below are being given as guidelines for each Board and Commission:        
          - Face coverings should be worn by all individuals attending the meeting.
          - Social distancing protocols need to be followed during the meeting.
          - An individual must be responsible for taking and recording the temperature of every person attending the meeting.
          - Each individual attending the meeting must provide contact information for contact tracing purposes.

                   

Posted: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 - 10:56am

Mayor Scott Schertzer is announcing that City Departments will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

  • Departments in City Hall will be closed on May 25, 2020.
  • The Sanitation department will not collect trash, recycling, or yard waste on Monday, May 25, 2020.  Residents who normally have sanitation service on Monday are asked to have their collections at curbside by 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.  Crews will be collecting refuse for both Monday and Tuesday throughout the day on Tuesday, May 26, with the possibility that part of Tuesday’s collection could extend into Wednesday, May 27.
  • Marion Area Transit will NOT operate on Monday, May 25, 2020.  Normal hours of operation for bus service will resume on Tuesday, May 26.
  • 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.

 

Posted: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - 8:48am

The City of Marion is announcing that weekly curbside yard waste collection for the 2020 collection season will begin on Monday, May 4, 2020. 

Due to the delay in the start of this year’s yard waste program, the City is asking that residents be patient with its crews as they catch up on the collection of yard waste bags that have been and will be set out for collection.  Once crews have caught up with the back log, yard waste collection will move to its normal schedule with pick-up occurring on the day following each resident’s regular trash collection day (example: Friday trash pick-up - Monday yard waste pick-up).  Note: Residents with an excessive delinquent sanitation and sewer account balance are not eligible for curbside pick-up of yard waste.

At this time, crews will collect all yard waste bags that residents have set out for collection.  However, once crews have caught up with the back log from the delay in the start of this seasons program, the City will return to its limit of 3 bags and/or 3 bundles of limbs/branches that will be collected from each residence per week during the 2020 yard waste season.  Branches must be tied in bundles no larger than 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet in length.  As in the past, the City will not collect grass clippings as yard waste material at curbside.

Residents are encouraged to drop off grass clippings and yard waste materials, free of charge, to Outdoor Resource Supply (formerly Park Enterprise), which is located at 560 Barks Rd. W. (between S. Prospect St./Rt. 4 S. and the Barks Rd. overpass).  Requirements for grass and yard waste drop off are:

  1. Must stop at office or other designated location where verification of City residency (i.e. license, utility bill, etc.) may be required.
  2. Items being dropped off must be weighed by Outdoor Resource Supply employee before materials are discarded.
  3. Residents using plastic bags are required to remove waste from bags and then discard of plastic bags properly.  Biodegradable paper bags are available at most local retail stores.

Also, note that the City of Marion is not responsible for the collection and/or disposal of trees or large amounts of brush cut and/or removed from personal property.  These items may be taken, FREE OF CHARGE for all city residents, to Outdoor Resource Supply (560 Barks Rd. W.) for disposal.

Call Outdoor Resource Supply at 740-223-7275 for additional information on acceptance program or for hours of operation. 

 

Additional Information:  City Sanitation and Streets Department  740-382-1479

 

Posted: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - 10:32am

At this time as cities and states begin the process of slowly re-opening for business, portions of parks and public pools are still to remain closed.  Special Event Reservations and Shelter Rentals will not be taken until further notice; while playgrounds and the Lincoln Park Aquatics Center are closed until further notice.  No sales of memberships for the Aquatics Center will take place.  Out of concern for the health and safety of our residents and employees, the City of Marion will continue to follow the guidance that is issued from Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health, as well as Marion Public Health. 

 

Posted: Monday, April 20, 2020 - 12:43pm

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 virus, DKMM has canceled the April 25th Household Hazardous Waste and Paint and May 16th Electronics and Paper Shredding events.  At this time, remaining special collection events are currently scheduled to go on as planned.  DKMM will monitor the situation and make any further changes as appropriate. 

DKMM staff asks that you continue to safely store your hazardous materials until their June 6th hazardous waste event.  Latex paint can be dried in the can and once solidified, it can be placed in the trash with the lid off.   

Please be sure to check the news feed on the dkmm.org website closer to each date for any changes to the event schedule.

 

The Special Collection Events for the Delaware-Knox-Marion-Morrow Solid Waste Distict have been set for 2020.  Each county will have a special collection event during the year as follows:

Morrow County April 25th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm   Hazardous Waste & Paint *CANCELED*
Marion County May 16th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Electronics & Paper Shredding *CANCELED*
Delaware County   June 6th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Hazardous Waste & Paint
Morrow County August 15th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Hazardous Waste & Paint **NEW EVENT**
Knox County August 22nd   9:00 am - 1:00 pm Electronics & Paper Shredding *CANCELED*

Each collection event will be held at the Fairgrounds for the county listed.

CLICK HERE to go to the DKMM website for for a copy of the DKMM Special Collection Flyer.

 

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