MUSCATINE, Iowa – Logan Street will be closed to through traffic between Lucas and Climer streets starting Monday (Aug. 15) according to the Department of Public Works.
West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project (WHSSSSP) work has moved west out of the ravine through the alley that ends at Logan Street. The contractor is now ready to begin work on Logan Street with the stretch from the alley toward Lucas accomplished first. The section between the alley and Climer will follow.
During the winter new sanitary sewer pipe was placed in the ravine from High Street toward the intersection of the east/west and the north/south portions of the alleys connecting Climer and Logan. Ravine work resumed Tuesday and has been completed up to Logan Street. Access to driveways in the alleys are being temporarily restored with a rock surface until paving portions of the alley can be completed.
Local traffic will be permitted on Logan as the underground work is being completed. Once the underground work has been accomplished, the block of Logan will be prepped for paving and repaved.
Repaving Climer Street from the 700 block to High Street started Wednesday with curb and gutter on both sides of the street. The driving lanes were being poured on Friday but work was halted due to the brief rain shower over the noon hour. Climer will be opened to traffic, at least temporarily, next week but the exact day is dependent on the weather. Once opened, however, there will be some lane restrictions as work on sidewalks and driveways is completed.
Underground work on Climer from High to Logan will resume once work on Logan between Lucas and Climer has been completed. Advance notification will be given when this section of Climer is closed to traffic.
Lucas Street remains closed to traffic from Busch to West 8th as the contractor prepares this section of Lucas for repaving, which should be accomplished over the next two weeks depending on the weather.
Project work moving east on Lucas Street from the West 8th Street intersection started Wednesday as sanitary sewer pipe is replaced from West 8th up to the curve where Lucas becomes West 4th Street. Progressive closures of Lucas Street will occur moving to the east including the Main Street intersection.
There will be limited access available with this section of Lucas reduced to one lane where the underground work is being completed. A temporary driving surface will be provided behind the underground work once the contractor determines it is safe to do so. Driveways along the work area will be inaccessible while the sewer is being installed, but the contractor will attempt to restore driveway access as quickly as possible with a temporary driving surface.
Up to 15 parking spots located along the north side of the parking strip east of the Papoose Creek Lift Station will be unavailable for public parking from August 15, 2022, through at least September 4, 2022.
The area will be used as a laydown area for the Papoose Platform Project that is expected to begin on Monday (Aug. 15). A metal fence will be erected around the laydown area where the metal platforms and other equipment will be stored.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Musser Skate Park has been closed to the public until further notice following the discovery of vandalism inside the park by Muscatine Parks and Recreation staff Friday morning.
Cinder blocks were concreted to the interior of the Skate Park, and a parking block from the Skate Park parking lot was placed on top.
Due to liability concerns, the Skate Park was closed and the gates locked until the site can be cleaned and determined to be safe to reopen.
A police report and a vandalism report have been completed. Please contact the Muscatine Police Department at 563-263-9922 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The days of summer have moved to August with the day that teachers and students head back-to-school is just around the corner, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy some family fun this summer. The Muscatine Art Center is sponsoring two free, family-friendly events this month, so circle Thursday, August 18, and Sunday, August 21, on your calendar.
The Muscatine Art Center, in conjunction with the Muscatine County Arts Council, will present “Community Stage” from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, and then the Art Center, along with the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center, will provide a sweet celebration for the last weekend before school starts with the Annual Ice Cream Social from1-4 p.m. on Sunday, August 21.
New this year is the “Community Stage” presented by the Muscatine County Arts Council and held on the grounds of the Muscatine Art Center on August 18. Muscatine Brass Ensemble will kick off the event with a performance at 5:30 p.m., and then catch a short puppet show by Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater followed by readings of poems submitted by local writers and selected for this year’s Wandering Words project, and stories and other musings presented by local authors. This free event includes outdoor games and back-to-school crafts.
Who can resist ice cream on a warm summer afternoon? Join the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center for the return of the Annual Ice Cream Social from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21. The Annual Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Kent Corporation, is a Muscatine tradition that dates back to 1979.
“There is something for everyone at the Ice Cream Social,” Alexander said. “Expect to see some of your friends and neighbors at the event while also helping raise funds for the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center and its mission to support educational programs at the Muscatine Art Center.”
Crusin’ is the featured live music for this year’s event and will perform from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. During their intermission, the Muscatine Civic Chorale will entertain the crowd from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Other family-friendly activities include games in the courtyard, building with big blue blocks from Musser Public Library, studio projects for the children, and learning about wildlife with Muscatine County Conservation.
Admission to the Ice Cream Social is free of charge. In addition to selling ice cream, the Friends organization is offering slices of pie, brownies, cookies, and other treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
As always, those who participate in the family-friendly bike ride will receive a token for a free ice cream during the event. The bike ride is free of charge. Riders will depart from the Charles and Jean Harper Pavilion on Houser Street at 1:00 p.m. and stop at the Muscatine Art Center. The Melon City Bike Club and Harper’s Cycle and Fitness are the organizers of the bike ride.
August 21 is also the last day to catch the special exhibition, “Where Children Sleep: Photographs by James Mollison,” organized by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California. In this revealing series of photographs, Mollison invites us into the diverse stories of children in many different countries and circumstances. Each studio-style portrait is accompanied by a detailed study of the child’s “bedroom,” which can range from elaborate sanctuaries to the barest spaces set aside for sleep.
Also on view during the Ice Cream Social is William Havlicek’s “The Sanctuary of the Sun: Seasons and Time,” “Great Leaders of the Indian Nations: McKenney and Hall Prints from the Permanent Collection,” and “Incredible Minds: Muscatine Authors.”
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The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit https://www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a quarterly newsletter.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Lucas Street will be closed to traffic from West 8th to just past Main Street starting Wednesday morning, and travelers can expect Logan Street to be closed from Lucas to Climer within the next week or two according to the Muscatine Department of Public Works as part of the West Hill Area Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.
Repaving Climer Street from the 700 block to High Street is scheduled to begin Wednesday with curb and gutter on both sides of the street. The driving lanes are tentatively scheduled to be poured on Friday. Once cured, access to the Climer will be permitted with some lane restrictions as work on sidewalks and driveways is completed.
Project work will be moving east on Lucas Street from the West 8th Street intersection starting Wednesday morning (August 10) as the sanitary sewer pipe is replaced from West 8th up to the curve where Lucas becomes West 4th Street. Progressive closures of Lucas Street will occur moving to the east including the Main Street intersection.
There will be limited access available with Lucas reduced to one lane where the underground work is being completed. A temporary driving surface will be provided behind the underground work once the contractor determines it is safe to do so. Driveways along the work area will be inaccessible while the sewer is being installed, but the contractor will attempt to restore driveway access as quickly as possible with a temporary driving surface.
Project work near Logan Street will move west out of the ravine through the alley that goes toward Logan Street this week. During the winter new sanitary sewer pipe was placed from High Street toward the intersection of the east/west and the north/south portions of those alleys.
Ravine work began Tuesday and is expected to be into the alley intersection by Wednesday morning at which point all access to the alley up to Logan will be closed. As soon as the sewer is run up to Logan Street, access to driveways in the alleys will be restored. Eventually that portion of the alley will be paved but a rock surface will be placed as quickly as possible when the work in the alley is complete for access to the driveways.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine was awarded a $2 million grant to support planning for the Developing Connection: Isett Avenue and Cypress Street Reconstruction project. The award from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) was announced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) earlier today (August 9).
“We would like to thank Sen. Grassley for his support of our application,” Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark said. “This is a major project that will improve the transportation infrastructure, safety for the traveling public including pedestrians, and promote future residential and commercial development in this area.”
The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant provides 100 percent funding to begin planning for the rebuilding of approximately 1.7 miles of Isett Avenue and Cypress Street from the U.S. Hwy 61 Bypass to 5th Street in Muscatine. The goal of the reconstruction is to attain the neighborhood’s vision of a safe, reliable, attractive corridor that enhances the quality of life, opportunities, and connectivity of all who interact with it.
The project also aligns with two of the focus areas of the City of Muscatine Strategic Plan including a safe community and reliable public infrastructure.
Once the City receives the award packet from the State of Iowa, staff will begin working on the state’s checklist for using the grant including presenting the grant to the Muscatine City Council for approval. Once the grant is accepted, City staff will prepare and issue a Request for Qualifications for potential consultants to complete. The City anticipates having a consultant selected by the end of 2022 with the study and planning phase in the first half of 2023. The design phase will take up to a year and a half to complete.
The City of Muscatine anticipates applying for RAISE construction grant for the project that is estimated to cost $18-$20 million (in current dollars).
The Muscatine planning project includes a full traffic study, environmental assessment, brownfield assessment, public involvement process, topographical survey, right of way determination, design and full construction plans for the Isett Avenue/Cypress Street Corridor. Potential improvements to the corridor could include four-to-three-lane conversion, three new roundabouts, bridge repair and raising, addition of sidewalks, extension of a multi-use trail, improved storm-water management, sanitary sewer and water main replacement and landscaping.
The City of Muscatine noted in their grant application that this stretch of Isett Avenue/Cypress Street presented several safety and connectivity challenges for Muscatine including:
Decaying infrastructure that creates unsafe conditions for all types of travelers, and will not sustain the residential and commercial growth that is possible for this area;
Congestion and inefficiencies with commercial traffic; and,
Lack of connectivity for travelers of all kinds, especially pedestrians.
Nearly $25 million in overall grant funding has been awarded to the cities of Dubuque, Muscatine and Waterloo to help complete roadway, bridge, wastewater management and other related projects the USDOT announced today (Aug. 9). The grant program was continued in the bipartisan infrastructure law supported by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), which is now directly benefiting and improving communities across Iowa.
“After urging USDOT to support funding for these infrastructure projects, I’m glad these communities have officially been awarded the grants needed to begin construction,” Grassley said. “These updates and improvements will benefit Iowans in Dubuque, Muscatine and Waterloo for decades to come. I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law to invest in Iowans and Iowa’s economy and ensure more of Iowans’ hard-earned tax dollars come back to our state. I’m glad to see our state is continuing to benefit from this investment.”
The following projects in Iowa will receive an overall total of roughly $24.8 million in grant funding:
· Dubuque – $2.28 million for a new overpass: This planning project will design and engineer a vehicular/pedestrian overpass at the 14th Street railroad grade, with street enhancements for an approximately 3,044-foot section of the 16th Street corridor and an approximately 2,880-foot section of the Elm Street corridor, with a new pedestrian/bike shared-use path to the Kerper Boulevard Industrial Park and Chaplain Schmitt Island.
· Muscatine – $2 million for Isett Avenue and Cypress Street reconstruction: This planning project includes a full traffic study, environmental assessment, brownfield assessment, public involvement process, topographical survey, right of way determination, design and full construction plans for the Isett Avenue/Cypress Street Corridor in Muscatine. Potential improvements to the corridor could include four-to-three-lane conversion, three new roundabouts, bridge repair and raising, addition of sidewalks, extension of a multi-use trail, improved storm-water management, sanitary sewer and water main replacement and landscaping.
· Waterloo – $20.5 million for La Porte Road revitalization: The project will make improvements on approximately 2.7 miles of La Porte Road. The project will add sidewalks, bicycle trails, lighting, transit benches and platforms and a bus shelter to the corridor. The project will also reconfigure the corridor to eliminate certain travel lanes, create a separated bicycle and pedestrian path, and add turn lanes in select locations throughout the corridor.
Funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law has already been approved for many other projects across the state. Last month, USDOT announced five airports in Iowa will receive $27 million in overall grant funding under the fiscal year 2022 Airport Terminal Program, which was created by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Earlier this year, the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System – which is responsible for providing rural water to northwest Iowa communities like Rock Rapids, Hull and Sioux Center – received $75.5 million from the infrastructure bill. Project leaders plan to use this investment to finish 17 miles of pipeline, construct two-meter buildings and build a new pump station. On the other side of the state, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced an $829.1 million investment in lock and dam modernization projects along the upper Mississippi River – one of Iowa’s top five infrastructure improvement priorities.
Additionally, with funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has updated its five-year plan to include many other road and bridge improvement projects. These are only a few examples of many similar projects across Iowa that now have much-needed funding to finish the job due to the bipartisan infrastructure law.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine has announced the establishment of the Grandview Neighborhood Grant Program. The goal of the program is to promote neighborhood activities and other projects that build on community pride and connection in the south end of Muscatine. The program will be the subject of two neighborhood meetings with the first scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room at the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center.
The second neighborhood meeting will be at 6 p.m. on August 17 at the Musserville United Methodist Church, 1001 Oregon Street, Muscatine. City of Muscatine staff and members of the committee overseeing the program will also be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 13) at the Muscatine Area Farmers Market in the 3rd Street parking lot, and from 5-7 p.m. on August 16 at the Muscatine Southend Farmers Market in the Dollar General parking lot (807 Grandview).
“The Grandview Neighborhood Grant Program will be funded from $50,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds that were allocated by the City Council during the budget process for neighborhood revitalization in the Grandview Corridor,” Jodi Royal-Goodwin, Community Development Director for the City of Muscatine, said.
The Grandview Neighborhood Grant Program would encompass neighborhoods from Hershey Avenue to the Mississippi River and from Carver Corner to the U.S. Hwy 61 Bypass.
A total of $10,000 will be earmarked for Tier I Mini Grants with individuals being able to apply for up to $1,000 for projects such as neighborhood cleanups, community gardens, community spaces (e.g., benches, gardens, etc.), neighborhood events (e.g., picnics, outdoor movie nights, ice cream socials, neighborhood tool library or food pantry, or other similar projects that would instill sense of community.
Applications for the Tier I Mini Grants will be accepted from September 1 through October 31. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and projects should be completed within 90 days of the award. More details on the application process can be found at Neighborhood Grants.
A total of $40,000 will be awarded in Tier II property improvement grants. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 but there is a 50 percent match requirement for the grant award. These improvements must include at least four properties, must be on the properties exterior, and visible from the street (e.g., facades, roofs, landscaping, windows, front entry doors, sidewalks, steps, retaining walls, etc.).
Applications for the Tier II Property Improvement Grants will be accepted February 1 to April 30, 2023. Grants will be awarded based on a defined scoring criteria. More details on the application process can be found at Neighborhood Grants.
The Grandview Corridor Revitalization Project was launched in March 2021 with the goal of improving neighborhoods and enhancing Muscatine’s southern gateway. The Project includes five pillars: Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project, Economic Development, Business Support, Recreational Amenities, and Residential Support.
As part of the Residential Support Pillar, the City of Muscatine conducted neighborhood outreach meetings utilizing the Muscatine Heart and Soul engagement model. This model focuses on identifying what residents appreciate about living in Muscatine, what they like about living in their neighborhood, and what opportunities exist to strengthen those connections.
A key theme that emerged in these community discussions was that residents would like to feel more connected to their neighbors and to feel more engaged with their community. In addition, the 2022 Muscatine Community Survey Results support neighborhood initiatives as a priority.
While 72 percent of survey respondents stated they would like to feel more connected and engaged with their community, only 33 percent responded that the quality of those connections were excellent or good. The gap between importance and quality suggests that an initiative supporting neighborhood connections will be a good investment of ARPA funds.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The 700 block of Climer Street will be closed to all traffic beginning Monday as pavement restoration begins from the alley at 700 Climer to just past the High Street intersection. No parking signs were put out Friday morning ahead of the reconstruction work.
Haggerty Earthworks, Inc., indicated that the block will be prepped for paving on Monday and Tuesday with curb and gutter poured on both sides Wednesday and the driving lanes on Thursday, weather permitting. The tentative schedule calls for the block to reopen on August 15. Some lane restrictions may be implemented as the contractor completes driveway and sidewalk replacement.
The underground crew on Climer will be moving to the ravine between High Street and Logan to complete that section of sewer separation. Logan Street is tentatively scheduled to be closed to traffic on August 15 as underground work begins from Lucas to Climer. Area residents will be notified of the exact date of the street closure and the contractor will work with residents on access to their residences.
Meanwhile a second underground crew is wrapping up work at the Bush intersection on Lucas Street. That work is tentatively scheduled to be completed August 9, weather permitting. That crew will then move to the other side of West 8th Street and begin the sewer separation work toward Green Street.
Paving of Lucas from West 8th to Busch is tentatively scheduled to begin after the competition of the 700 block of Climer Street depending on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Busch Street Detour – In order to maintain access to the residents of Busch Street, the City of Muscatine obtained permission from the owner of property located at the end of Greenwood Drive to use that private property to construct a connector path from the alley behind Busch Street to the end of Greenwood Drive. The path has been completed but is open to local traffic only.
Using the route from Lucas down Greenwood Drive to the connector to the alley and to Busch provides access to all the homes on Busch during the Lucas intersection closure. Once the Busch-Lucas intersection is reopened, the temporary access road will be removed and reseeded to return it to its original condition.
Since the temporary access area runs next to a ravine, there have been problems in the past with people using that area to dump trash and other materials. If any such activity is witnessed during this period of use to access Busch Street please notify the Police Department.
GRANDVIEW WORK CONTINUES
Grandview Avenue is now open to two-way traffic. Drivers are reminded that Grandview from Main Street through the Houser intersection remains active construction zone with some lane restrictions as work continues. Please proceed with caution, slow down, and watch for construction workers. Speed limit is 25 mph and fines are doubled in construction zones.
Pavement restoration on Houser Street from Grandview Avenue to Mittman is scheduled to begin Saturday (Aug. 6). The contractor anticipates completing the intersection next week with plans to reopen that leg of the intersection around August 15, weather permitting.
The Sampson leg of the intersection will remain closed as underground work continues between Grandview Avenue to the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing.
Heuer Construction, Inc., will resume work on sidewalks and driveways in Phase 1 of the Grandview Project after Houser is completed, and continue working on sidewalks and driveways in Phase 2 until the Sampson intersection is ready for paving.
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The City of Muscatine and the Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, wear seat belts, and be aware of construction workers. Use an alternate route if possible.
Click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page where more information can be found on City of Muscatine construction projects. An interactive map is available showing current street closures and street work.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual or individuals responsible for vandalizing Madison School.
The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Fire Department responded to Madison Elementary School, 1820 1st Avenue, for a fire alarm at 3:10 a.m. Friday (August 5). When officers arrived, they found the school had been entered and there was substantial damage inside the school due to vandalism.
The Criminal Investigation is continuing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze at 563-263-9922 extension 611 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department responded to a report of gun shots fired in the 1300 block of Oak Street at approximately 11:35 p.m. Wednesday (August 3). A residence in this area was struck by gun fire but there were no reported injuries.
The residence appeared to have been targeted and it is believed this act was an isolated incident.
The Criminal Investigation is continuing. Please contact the Muscatine Street Crimes Unit, Detective Britt Jameson at 563-263-9922 ext. 256 or Detective Nicole Sink at 563-263-9922 ext. 276 if you have any information about this incident. Callers may remain anonymous.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – A third generation firefighter will be promoted to Fire Lieutenant by the Muscatine Fire Department Thursday. Spencer Ripperger, a six-year veteran of the MFD, will be officially installed as a Fire Lieutenant during a ceremony at Station One at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
“I am excited to step into this leadership role,” Ripperger said. “There are so many great opportunities with this department.”
Ripperger will be assigned to Station Two located on Stewart Road and is a member of the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT), a special response multi-disciplined team that is prepared to serve citizens in the areas of hazardous materials, confined space rescue, high angle rope rescue, trench rescue, water/ice rescue, and clandestine lab clean up.
Among his other duties will be overseeing the HAZMAT unit that will respond to incidents in a five-county area (Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties).
“Every member of this department train in the different types of special responses, along with training to enhance their firefighting and EMT skills,” Ripperger said.
That includes department members who attend specialty training monthly and then return to the Muscatine Fire Department to help train staff. Ripperger recently led a team of six at a 40-hour confined space rescue class hosted by the Davenport Fire Department and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Muscatine, Davenport, and Rock Island Arsenal firefighters took part in the class. That team included Ripperger and firefighters Reece Hall, Ben Barrett, Kyle Davis, Colton Pauls, and Michael Fleming.
Training for a variety of high-risk rescues is a key part of the job for firefighters and firefighter/EMTs including high-angle rescues, ice/water rescues/ trench rescues. Firefighters also train in auto extrication, fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, and ambulance transport.
Ripperger’s grandfather was a volunteer firefighter and his father just retired as a member of the Davenport Fire Department.
“My wife (Sarah) was extremely excited about the promotion,” Ripperger said. “And now we have another generation that want to be firemen including our sons Huxson (4) and Weston (2).”
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The possibility of a railroad overpass on Dick Drake Way is one of the items to be discussed when the Council meets in regular session Thursday (August 4) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.
A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below.
An overpass over the railroad tracks on Dick Drake Way could become a reality in the future. That is part of a tentative agreement between the City of Muscatine and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPRC) following months of negotiations concerning the merger of Canadian Pacific (CP) and the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS).
The tentative Community Investment and Settlement Agreement that is being presented to the Muscatine City Council for approval Thursday would not go into effect until after the Surface Transportation Board (STB) approves the merger.
Once approved CP would pay the City of Muscatine $3 million with $1.6 million to be used to meet the required 20 percent match for any grant applications to fund a grade separated crossing project. The other $1.4 million can be used by the City to complete a pedestrian/bike crossing at the Oregon Street crossing, close the Day Street crossing, and mitigate other issues raised by increased rail traffic. CP will also provide a grant writer to assist with grant applications related to the grade separated crossing project.
Another potential project to be discussed Thursday will be a proposal from Muscatine Community School District (MCSD) to construct a Baseball/Softball Complex at Kent-Stein Park. MCSD has approached the City of Muscatine with a proposal to develop a $4 million combined baseball and softball complex that would incorporate Tom Bruner Field and Kent-Stein Field #1 along with other associated improvements. The proposed development would include a new softball field for the City of Muscatine in exchange for ownership of Field #1 and Bruner Field.
In other business Thursday, the Council is expected to:
Set a public hearing for August 18 on revisions to the Snow Emergency Ordinance;
Award the contract for the 67th Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project to All-American Concrete, Inc.;
Approve allocation of a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the Mulberry Health Clinic Building Project;
Approve changes to the City of Muscatine Smoking Policy;
Approve a purchase order to Muscatine Power and Water for the HAWK Crossing at Earl and Oregon streets;
Authorize the 2022/2023 City Deer Hunt; and
Approve the settlement agreement and release with Benjamin Varela.
Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.
Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.
On-Line Participation
To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.
Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)
You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.
The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – You may recognize him from his MPL-TV/Channel 5 program “Mr. Taylor, Songs and Stories,” but now you can see him in person at the Musser Public Library (MPL) & HNI Community Center.
Emerson Taylor has joined the library staff as a Children’s Librarian, bringing a sense of fun and years of experience as an educator to entertain and inspire young MPL visitors.
“I’m super excited to join Musser Public Library and get kids excited about reading,” Taylor said. “I like the idea of being involved in our local community in a new and different way.”
“Mr. Taylor” has been singing and reading to local children on his show since 2020. Taylor said that while creating the show, he was so encouraged by the MPL staff that he started thinking about working for the library.
Taylor has credentials and a well-developed sense of fun. He has a bachelor’s degree in special education and severe developmental disabilities from the University of Central Missouri. He said he would like to apply his knowledge by starting low-stimulation Storytimes at MPL geared to special-needs kids and their parents.
“We can create a no-judgment zone where these kids are celebrated and their inquisitiveness is encouraged,” Taylor said.
Taylor plans to keep positive ties to the school district. He explained this will probably mean doing story times and bringing his guitar into classrooms, with a focus on pre-K and kindergarten.
The father of four, he enjoys interacting with all the young patrons of the library.
“That is the easiest and most fun part of the job because I’m a big kid myself,” Taylor said.
Taylor came to the library from the Muscatine Community School District where he taught special education for two years. In his 12-year career as an educator, he taught special education at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Previously, he worked in the Clinton (Iowa) Community School District where he developed an hour-long, musical, literacy-based program, singing and playing guitar for Read Across America Day.
Librarians at Clinton Public Library heard about Taylor’s talents and asked him to kick off their summer reading program. And so, his professional connections to libraries began.
Quad City magician/performer Rick Brammer, coordinator for the Iowa Library Talent Showcase, invited Taylor to perform for librarians looking for entertainment acts for their summer reading programs. Many of his bookings were canceled due to COVID, but in working on his online program, he created “Songs and Stories” and released the program on his Facebook page.
For more information, visit the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center website, visit the Musser Public Library Facebook site, or call 563-263-3065.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library Board of Trustees have removed the interim tag and named Robert A. Fiedler III as Library Director during its July 27 board meeting. Fiedler has served as the interim director since Pam Collins stepped down from that position on June 30.
Fiedler, a native of Muscatine, has served as Assistant Library Director since returning to his hometown. Fiedler graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in English and Journalism with a minor in Photography. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.
Fiedler’s decision to pursue a career in Library Science had its beginnings as an undergraduate when he worked in the Biology Library at the University of Iowa. After spending some time abroad, Fielder worked in Special Collections at Augustana College and then served as a research assistant at the Musser Public Library.
Fiedler also returned to school and completed his Master in Library and Information Science through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With diploma in hand, Fiedler continued his association with the Musser Public Library but was promoted to Assistant Library Director.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Are you someone who would like to help safeguard Muscatine’s historical features, help preserve its history, and ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to see and learn about Muscatine’s history?
The Historic Preservation Commission currently has two openings and is seeking applications from residents of the City of Muscatine to join in the effort to preserve Muscatine’s history. All candidates will be considered equally based on their qualifications to serve on the commission.
The Commission meets at 5:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. The commission safeguards the city’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage by preserving sites and districts of history and cultural significance. Members serve five-year terms with a maximum of two full terms.
Those interested are asked to fill out an application and return the form to Boards & Commissions, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, IA, 52761, by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 19. A Nominating Committee meeting will be scheduled to select the nominees for presentation to City Council.
The City of Muscatine has 12 different boards and commissions that support and advise different departments and different aspects of life within Muscatine, and applications are available by clicking on the following link: Board/Committee/Commission Application.
How can I apply to volunteer my time?
Those interested in becoming a member of a board or commission can complete an application and either email the form to the administrative secretary or mail the form to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761. The City keeps applications on file in case vacancies occur. If you are interested and available in volunteering your time, please submit your application for a future term of office.
All applications are reviewed by the Nominating Committee to ensure applicants meet the qualifications to serve on a specific board or commission, to ensure there is no potential conflicts of interests, and to ensure that each board or commission has a gender balance as prescribed by Iowa Code. Those that meet the requirements are submitted to the full Council for approval. The nominating committee includes the Mayor, two Council representatives, and the City Administrator or a representative from city staff.
The City of Muscatine welcomes all residents to submit their names and resumes for a specific board or commission or a general submission for any board or commission. Most boards or commissions require some knowledge of the subject matter and the responsibilities for the specific board of commission.
Details on the various Boards, Commissions, and Committees of the City of Muscatine is available by clicking HERE.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – A major step will be accomplished in two road projects next week with Grandview Avenue scheduled to be open to two-way traffic and through traffic scheduled to resume on West 8th Street. The schedule for the openings is weather dependent.
The last quadrant of the West 8th and Lucas intersection was poured Friday morning. Once cured, the intersection will have the joints cleaned and sealed with a final cleanup on Monday before the barricades are pulled Tuesday morning. Lucas Street will remain closed from West 8th to Busch, however.
The final section of Grandview Avenue was completed on Thursday. The contractor will be cleaning and sealing the joints, and do a final cleanup on Monday before pulling the barricades Tuesday morning. Houser will remain closed from Grandview to Mittman and Sampson will remain closed from Grandview to just past the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing.
Drivers are reminded that these two streets are part of active construction zones and there may be some lane restrictions as work continues. Please proceed with caution, slow down, and watch for construction workers. Speed limit is 25 mph and fines are doubled in construction zones.
Underground work from West 8th to Busch continues with pavement restoration tentatively planned to begin in two- to three-weeks. Pavement restoration is also scheduled to begin in the next two weeks on Climer through the High Street intersection.
Grandview Avenue work will focus on prepping and paving Houser Street from Grandview to Mittman while also working on sidewalks and driveways in both Phase I and Phase II of the project.
Busch Street Detour – In order to maintain access to the residents of Busch Street, the City of Muscatine obtained permission from the owner of property located at the end of Greenwood Drive to use that private property to construct a connector path from the alley behind Busch Street to the end of Greenwood Drive. The path has been completed but is open to local traffic only.
Using the route from Lucas down Greenwood Drive to the connector to the alley and to Busch provides access to all the homes on Busch during the Lucas intersection closure. Once the Busch-Lucas intersection is reopened, the temporary access road will be removed and reseeded to return it to its original condition.
Since the temporary access area runs next to a ravine, there have been problems in the past with people using that area to dump trash and other materials. If ay such activity is witnessed during this period of use to access Busch Street please notify the Police Department.
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The City of Muscatine and the Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, wear seat belts, and be aware of construction workers. Use an alternate route if possible.
Click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page where more information can be found on City of Muscatine construction projects. An interactive map is available showing current street closures and street work.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Two individuals were critically injured following a two-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Muscatine.
The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Fire Department responded after the Muscatine County Joint Communication Center (MUSCOM) received a report of a two-vehicle accident at 8:46 a.m. Thursday (July 28), at the intersection of US Highway 61 and University Avenue.
The preliminary investigation determined that a northbound passenger car driven by Mikayla Healy, 23, Saint Cloud, Minn., was struck by a southbound pickup truck driven by Joseph Gadzik, 48, Davenport, Iowa, as Healy’s car attempted a left turn onto University Drive.
Healy and her passenger, Allison Magnison, 22, Muscatine, Iowa, were critically injured in the accident. Both Healy and Magnison were flown to the University of Iowa Hospitals for treatment. The driver of the pickup was treated and released at the scene.
No charges have been filed and the accident remains under investigation. Members of the Iowa State Patrol are assisting with the investigation.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – Ballet Des Moines will bring its full company of professional dancers to Muscatine this Sunday, sharing world-class arts and education programming directly with patrons of all ages in a one-of-a-kind day of fun activities.
The free performance will take place in the green space south of the basketball courts in Riverside Park. The 7 p.m. performance will be preceded by free family STEM activities inside Pearl City Station from 5 to 7 p.m. Be sure to come early, bring your blankets or lawn chairs, and sit back to enjoy the entertainment.
Everyone is invited to come explore a mobile planetarium, Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality lab, send a postcard to space, and investigate other STEM activities while exploring how the universal language of music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible.
Gravity on Tour includes excerpts from Ballet Des Moines’ ground-breaking GRAVITY season along with a host of interactive STEM experiences, from Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality Lab and the Science Center of Iowa’s mobile planetarium to sending postcards to space and back. These free performances build on the April 2022 world premiere of the interdisciplinary ballet Of Gravity and Light, exemplifying how music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible to audiences of all ages.
Ballet Des Moines CEO Blaire Massa worked with community leaders statewide to determine tour locations, ensuring a strong sense of collaboration with tailored opportunities specific to the interests and values of each community.
“We’ve worked diligently for the past several months to ensure we’re delivering on our community engagement, outreach, and education initiatives — to expand access to the arts, while wielding creativity and expression as a tool to expand learning, build confidence, and forge community connections,” says Massa. “From educational workshops and in-person ballet classes to meet-and-greets with the artists, pop-up planetariums, and young professional cocktail parties, there’s no shortage of opportunities to collaborate and inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity across our state.”
STEM partners throughout the 21-22 season have included the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) and Iowa State University.
“Working with Ballet Des Moines this year has allowed us to introduce students to activities that help support our objectives at ISGC, to help inspire, educate, and employ the next generation of explorers,” says director Dr. Sara Nelson. “It’s been wonderful to watch as students learn more about the connections between science and art and how dance can be used to express those understandings.”
Each performance will include excerpts from BDM’s GRAVITY season, highlighting a diverse range of programming including this spring’s world premiere Of Gravity and Light, a pas de deux from Swan Lake, and Flight, a joy-filled contemporary ballet by Ballet Des Moines Artistic Director Tom Mattingly. In between the evenings performances, NASA Solar System Ambassadors will guide the audience through scientific discussions.
Gravity on Tour was made possible by Principal Foundation and the Iowa Arts Council. Additional details about the tour can be found at www.balletdesmoines.org/summer-tour
FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY STEM ACTIVITIES 5-7PM
Enjoy a mobile planetarium, Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality lab, send a postcard to space, and investigate other STEM activities while exploring how the universal language of music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible.
SCI programming reaches every county in the state of Iowa, promotes cultural awareness and provides unique experiences for Iowans. The broad range of available opportunities — from Science @ Your Site, which offers a variety of assemblies and demonstrations at schools, libraries and festivals, to professional development training that advance STEM literacy and bring innovative activities to educators statewide — speaks to the many roles SCI plays for the community and is the foundation upon which SCI has built a successful organization.
Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, SCI’s hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters and unique programming attract Iowans and distant visitors. Through daily visitors, a statewide educational outreach program and the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool, the Science Center of Iowa serves more than 300,000 people annually.
Founded by Blue Origin in 2019, Club for the Future is a foundation whose mission is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and to help invent the future of life in space. The Club and its collaborators are doing this through Postcards to Space, space-focused curriculum, and access to space on Blue Origin’s rockets.
Earth is finite. To protect our gem of a planet and enable a future of abundance and growth, Earth needs space. Write or draw your vision on a postcard for what you think the future of life in space will look like—or any other message you’d like to send to space. Write or draw on a provided postcard to Club for the Future, we’ll launch it to space and back on a New Shepard rocket, and return it to you stamped “Flown to Space.” Send us as many postcards as you’d like—we’ll fly them all.
FLEx is a mobile learning program for advanced design technology benefiting 3rd through 12th students and beyond in a 21st century paradigm. Structured around STEM, design thinking, 21st Century skills, and University Constructs (4 C’s), this environment extends distant educational offerings by delivering full-scale augmented and virtual visualization, digital to real prototyping, circuit bending and visual programming.
As an Iowa State design outreach program for Iowans, the FLEx can visit classrooms, schools, libraries, science and art centers, educational conferences and other community events throughout the state. Programs can be offered inside or outside, weather permitting, to best complement the learning environment and event.
A part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program since 1990, the ISGC continually strives to improve and inspire Iowa’s future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The ISGC supports aerospace research, education and outreach activities for all Iowans with NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships, competitions for grants within higher education members (with NASA Mission Directorate alignment), as well as informal education grants with outreach affiliates. The ISGC is primarily funded under NASA Award No. 80NSSC20M0107.
About Ballet Des Moines
Ballet Des Moines was launched as a professional ballet company in 2012, bringing world-class performing artists to the Des Moines community for classical and contemporary main stage productions. Ballet Des Moines offers training opportunities for pre-professional dancers and engages thousands of local youth each year through rich educational and outreach programs. The mission of Ballet Des Moines is to enrich lives through inspiring dance performances, inclusive education and outreach programs, and innovative community partnerships. www.balletdesmoines.org
About the Iowa Space Grant Consortium
A part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program since 1990, the ISGC continually strives to improve and inspire Iowa’s future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The ISGC supports aerospace research, education and outreach activities for all Iowans with NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships, competitions for grants within higher education members (with NASA Mission Directorate alignment), as well as informal education grants with outreach affiliates. The ISGC is primarily funded under NASA Award No. 80NSSC20M0107. https://www.iaspacegrant.org
MUSCATINE, Iowa – An unusual event will occur this evening on the Muscatine riverfront but it could be a preview of what is to come as the American Duchess will make a trial port stop in Muscatine. The cruise ship will be stopping for the port trial in front of the Pearl City Station in Riverside Park between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
The exact time will be determined by the traffic on the river and the river itself.
“We encourage everyone to come out and welcome the American Duchess to Muscatine,” Brad Bark, Mayor of Muscatine, said. “This is something that we have worked a long time for and we are confident that the test will be successful and Muscatine will be added to the list of stops for these river cruises.”
The cruise ship will be in Muscatine for about a half-hour before returning to cruising the Mississippi River.
If successful, Muscatine could be added to future stops for the Duchess or one of her sister ships owned by the American Queen Steamboat Company.
On August 14, 2017 the American Duchess was christened with a bottle of bourbon at the waterfront in New Orleans. The Duchess features some of the largest accommodations on the river, with rooms ranging from 150-630 square feet. She holds up to 166 guests.
Before she became the American Duchess, she was originally designed and built for Isle of Capri Casinos and harbored in Bettendorf Iowa. On October 16, 2016, Bettendorf locals gathered on the levee to bid their farewell to the 21-year-old casino boat. They watched her pull off the river bank, free at last! Sailing to follow her dreams.
MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two public hearings and vote on six action items in a rather light agenda for the final meeting of July when the Council meets in regular session Thursday (July 21 in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.
A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below.
One of the highlights for Thursday’s meeting will be the proclamation of Friday, July 22, as MuscaBus Driver Appreciation Day by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark. The Mayor will also recognize Bill McCracken who was named the 2022 MuscaBus Driver of the Year.
The first public hearing concerns the Development Agreement with Kent Corporation for the former McKee Button Factory Building renovation. The agreement will come before the Council for approval in August. The second public hearing is on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the proposed Transit Wash Bay Project. The project is funded by federal and local funds, and will be voted on later in the meeting.
The Council will also be asked to approve the declaration of an ambulance as surplus and authorize its donation to Ukraine in servicing the citizens during the war with Russia. This will be the third ambulance donated by Muscatine with the first two now on board a ship heading to Ukraine.
Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.
Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.
On-Line Participation
To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.
Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, July 21, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT
You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.
The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
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Crusin’ is the featured live music for this year’s event and will perform from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. During their intermission, the Muscatine Civic Chorale will entertain the crowd from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Other family-friendly activities include games in the courtyard, building with big blue blocks from Musser Public Library, studio projects for the children, and learning about wildlife with Muscatine County Conservation.
Ballet Des Moines was launched as a professional ballet company in 2012, bringing world-class performing artists to the Des Moines community for classical and contemporary main stage productions. Ballet Des Moines offers training opportunities for pre-professional dancers and engages thousands of local youth each year through rich educational and outreach programs. The mission of Ballet Des Moines is to enrich lives through inspiring dance performances, inclusive education and outreach programs, and innovative community partnerships. 
