City administrator Roger Holter spoke to Marion Kiwanis on Tuesday. He said he tries to put the focus of city staff on customer service and civic engagement.

He noted that the different generations of residents prefer different ways to be notified about city issues, such as a change in garbage collection caused by Tuesday’s snowfall. The city used email, its web site, Facebook, and phone alerts to let people know, he said.

Holter said that in its early history, Marion focused on quality of life, using that to attract families that then attracted businesses. He said Marion is in a similar position now: it could become the premiere “bedroom community” in the area, Holter said.

Holter answered questions from members about how some small towns thrive while others decay, as well as condemnation of derelict properties and state-imposed registration requirements for roofers.