Category: City of Muscatine Press Releases

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works will close Washington Street at the River Road intersection Tuesday through Friday (March 21-24), weather depending, to replace a culvert. Public Works received a drainage complaint from residents in the area of the intersection and an investigation found that the culvert under Washington Street had collapsed.

A road closure is necessary to remove and replace the culvert. Since Washington is an asphalt street, the patch will be temporarily backfilled with asphalt millings and the street reopened to traffic. Once the hot-mix asphalt plants are open, a permanent patch will replace the temporary patch.

Access to residences on Washington Street from Highway 22 to River Road will be maintained but through traffic will not be allowed during the work. Access to River Road will be from the Highway 22 intersection with River Road reduced to one lane near the work area.

Drivers are asked to slow down, to be patient and obey all traffic control devices.

Continue reading “Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fourth Street, Weed Park playgrounds closed for maintenance

The playground areas in Fourth Street Park and in Weed Park will be temporarily closed this week for general maintenance and repairs. The Fourth Street Park playground will be closed today (March 20) through Wednesday with the Weed Park playground closed Wednesday through Friday.

The City of Muscatine and the Parks and Recreation Department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Continue reading “Fourth Street, Weed Park playgrounds closed for maintenance”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Time to review etiquette for refuse/recycling bin use

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine refuse truck drivers would like residents to know that there is a right way and a wrong way to place their bins curbside, and what can and cannot be placed in the bins for collection.

CloseToCar“We are seeing a lot of contaminants in the recycling container, refuse and recycling carts that are too full, and carts placed too close to poles, cars, mail boxes, and other carts,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Muscatine, said. We are also seeing carts that are facing the wrong way.”

Another problem is loose trash being placed into the refuse and recycling bins prior to collection.

“When the trucks dump the bins, loose trash will invariably be blown away from the trucks and back onto residents’ yards,” Popp said. “That would not happen if the trash was contained in plastic or paper bags when placed in the bins, and the carts were not overfilled.”

Refuse and recycling bins are to be placed curbside for City collection no later than 5 a.m. the day of collection nor no earlier than 4 p.m. the day before collection. The bins are to be placed with three-feet between them, and three-feet between the bins and any poles, cars, or mail boxes.

The placement rules are for the safety of the resident’s property.

IMG_9396

“The trucks that we use for most residential collections have an arm that extends out to lift the bin up, dump the contents into the truck, and then return the bin to its original position,” Popp said. “If a bin is too close to an obstacle it makes it very difficult for the operator to reach out and snag the bin to lift it and place it back.”

Popp also noted that it is important that the resident place the bin(s) with the handle away from the street.

The trucks that utilize the extended arm to pick up the bins usually have just one operator and leaving the truck to reset a bin so that it can be picked up while the truck is running is not permitted by the safety protocols.

To prepare refuse for collection, garbage should be thoroughly drained and wrapped or placed into appropriate trash bags or containers before being placed into a bin. Recycling material for collection should also be cleaned before being placed in the recycling bin.

Household hazardous waste not permitted to be placed into refuse or recycling containers include toxic and/or corrosive products (e.g., oil based paints, insecticides, thinners, solvents, cleaners, turpentine, furniture stripper, nail polish remover, rechargeable batteries, etc.).

Household hazardous materials can be defined as household products that contain one or more of the following characteristics: capable of being easily set on fire; capable of burning or destroying living tissues and materials by means of a chemical reaction; capable of exploding if exposed to heat or extreme pressure; may react violently when exposed to incompatible materials; and the ability to cause severe injury or death in inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

City of Muscatine residents and Louisa County residents can dispose of their household hazardous waste at the Muscatine Transfer Station for no cost during regular business hours. A list of items that are accepted and items that are not accepted can be found at Household Hazardous Waste on the City of Muscatine web site.

What Our Drivers See …

CanBehindCarTooCloseOverFlowingToteInCan

For a list of items collected, view the recycling guide (PDF).

Hablo Espanol? – View Spanish version of the recycling guide (PDF).

Continue reading “Time to review etiquette for refuse/recycling bin use”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hold two public hearings, set four more, and be asked to approve donating a surplus fire engine to Ukraine during their March 16 regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

The Council will conduct a public hearing on declaring city owned property at the intersection of Houser and Hershey as surplus and then authorizing the sale of the property through a sealed bid process. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

The second public hearing is on the plans and specifications for Phase 1 of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project. The project divides the reconstruction into three phases with each phase accomplished in the two months between the end of the school year and the beginning of the next. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

Four public hearings will be scheduled by resolutions including the rescheduling of a public hearing on the plans and specifications for West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6. That public hearing was scheduled for Thursday but delayed as the final plans were not completed in time. That public hearing will now be held on April 6.

Two other public hearings will be scheduled for April 6 pending resolution approval by Council on Thursday including one of the maximum tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget. All cities in Iowa are required by the State to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies prior to adoption and certification of the final budget. Per State requirements, the Notice of Public Hearing for the 1st public hearing on the budget only includes the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and Employee Benefits levies.

The other on the 2024 Consolidated Funding Application and Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Application. MuscaBus applies annually to the Iowa Department of Transportation for Federal (FTA) and State (STA) funding to financially support our transit system. This funding is to help with operating expenses and capital expenses for new bus purchases. The Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) is facilitated by Iowa’s State Transit Assistance (STA).

A public hearing will also be set for May 4 on the 2024 Annual Plan and Amendments to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan. Under federal regulations each public housing authority must submit an annual plan not less than 75 days prior to the start of the agency’s fiscal year. The MMHA must submit the annual plan, including a budget, annual goals, and proposed policy changes, no later than May 15.

The City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. or shortly thereafter depending on the length of the budget meeting. The public is welcomed to attend the both meetings in person but public comments on the proposed budget will not be heard until the April 6 public hearing.

Citizens who do not want to attend the in-depth meeting in person can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual 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 Civic- TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Information on the other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

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, March 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

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.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Floodgate passes test; ready for use if needed

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works “exercised” the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek Wednesday (March 15) as part of a staff training exercise and in preparation for potential floods this spring and summer. 

“We have a lot of new people that have never been involved with closing this flood gate and a few that have only done it one time,” Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, said. “This was good training and a good exercise of the gate in case we have to close it for real in the case of a major flood event.”

The City of Muscatine closed East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 and detoured traffic onto East 5th Street as the gate was moved into place, connecting and completing the flood wall that separates Mad Creek and HNI Corp.

Maintenance of the flood gate is conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season. 

PHOTO GALLERY

Continue reading “Floodgate passes test; ready for use if needed”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Seasonal Job Fair at Municipal Golf Course March 18

MUSCATINE, Iowa –The Parks and Recreation Department is looking to hire dependable, hardworking individuals to fill a variety of seasonal positions for the 2023 spring and summer seasons. A job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, in the Clubhouse at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course. 

Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand to interact with attendees, discuss the job functions of available positions, and to discuss employment options.

If you are an individual who may consider a flexible work schedule, able to focus on higher level skills like safety and customer service, or an individual looking for their first job but willing and able to learn on the job, the Parks and Recreation Department has an opportunity for you.

A variety of positions are available including lifeguards, slide attendants, cashiers, equipment operators, office clerk, Golf Clubhouse supervisors, gas dock attendants, recreation program leaders, seasonal maintenance laborers, groundskeepers and College Search Kickoff program assistants. 

Come out to the Golf Course to talk with current staff, review open positions, and fill out an application. Interested persons may also fill out an application ahead of time by visiting the Career Center on the City of Muscatine website.

For more information, please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241.

Parks and Rec seasonal job fair promo with jobs (JPG) 031523

Continue reading “Seasonal Job Fair at Municipal Golf Course March 18”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Riverside Park restroom facility temporarily closed

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The restrooms located near the playground inside Riverside Park are temporarily closed. An inspection of the restrooms Wednesday morning discovered that the restrooms were severely damaged by vandalism during the overnight hours. Parks and Recreation Department officials stated that the restroom facility will be closed until repairs can be made.

The City of Muscatine apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the vandalism and will work as quickly as possible to repair the facility.

Continue reading “Riverside Park restroom facility temporarily closed”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine selected Meeting Town for RAGBRAI L

MUSCATINE, Iowa – RAGBRAI L is coming to Muscatine this year with the announcement that the City of Muscatine will be a Meeting Town for riders on the final leg of the event on July 29. The 67.1 final leg of RAGBRAI L begins in Coralville and passes through Iowa City and West Liberty before riders see the Mississippi River for the first time in Muscatine’s Riverside Park.

Vendors and support vehicles will be lined up inside Riverside Park as riders have the opportunity to take a break from the ride and/or dip their tires into the Mississippi River before beginning the final 27-mile ride along the river up to Davenport.

The last 4 miles of the 2022 route along the Mississippi near Lansing stunned riders with its beauty after one of the most challenging days of the week, Phippen said. So the stretch between Muscatine and Davenport will give riders a longer view of the river they worked all week to reach for the traditional front-tire dip.

“This year, I wanted that same feel, to hug the river as much as possible,” Ride Director Matt Phippen said. “For that entire stretch out of the corner of their eye, they’re going to see the river that they’re going to eventually dip into.”

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark noted that the community is excited to have RAGBRAI back in Muscatine.

“We have been working hard for the past several months to have RAGBRAI back for the first time since 2016,” Bark said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us but I know this community is ready for the challenge.”

Muscatine was the ending town for RAGBRAI in 1976, 1986, 1995, 2001, 2006, 2016.

Visit the RAGBRAI L home page to find out more

Continue reading “Muscatine selected Meeting Town for RAGBRAI L”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to close 2nd Street Wednesday for flood gate maintenance

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works is planning to exercise the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek as part of a training exercise and flood preparedness plan. 

The City of Muscatine plans to close East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, as the gate is moved into place to complete the flood wall and then moved back to its storage location.

The detour for the street closure will be to use East 5th Street from either Park Avenue or from Oak Street.

Maintenance of the flood gate is usually conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season. The National Weather Service has indicated that there is a well above normal risk for flooding in their 2023 Spring Flood Outlook with the highest potential for moderate flooding (above 18 feet) the last two weeks of April.

Continue reading “City to close 2nd Street Wednesday for flood gate maintenance”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Changing batteries part of spring home safety checklist

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three out of every five home fire deaths are the result of fires in homes that do not have smoke alarms or in homes where smoke alarms are not working according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom and in every common area on each floor of the home, at least 10 feet from a stove, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts. 

Worn out or missing batteries are the most commonly cited reason for non-working smoke alarms, but changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same is the simplest and most effective way to reduce injury or death from fire.

If a smoke alarm makes a “chirping” sound it is letting you know that you need to change the battery immediately.

MODERN HOMES BURN QUICKER

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) notes that modern homes contain a large quantity of synthetic furnishings which ignite and burn faster than natural materials such as wood and cotton. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted full scale fire tests and concluded that escape time in flaming fires can be as little as three minutes, as compared to 17 minutes in tests conducted in the 1970s.

Early smoke detection and alarm notification is needed so occupants can escape before conditions become untenable according to the IAFC position paper. Interconnecting smoke alarms allows for faster notification of occupants in areas remote from where initial ignition occurs in the home.

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries. However, today’s smoke alarms are not all designed the same, making battery messaging more nuanced.

Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

USE NATURAL GAS – YOU NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in Iowa homes, apartment buildings, and new construction projects. They should be replaced every seven to eight years according to the IAFC.

“Basically, every residence that has a fuel-fired heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage will be required to have CO detectors,” Hartman said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning (breathing in large amounts of CO) can cause serious tissue damage, loss of consciousness, or suffocation in minutes without any warning.

The NFPA provides additional information on carbon monoxide safety (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) and also provides a Safety Tip Sheet (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers additional information about carbon monoxide and detector placement (Carbon Monoxide Detector).

LIFE SAVING DEVICES

The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths per 1,000 fires), either because no smoke alarm was present or an alarm was present but did not operate, as it was in homes with working smoke alarms (5.7 per 1,000 fires). 

Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are life saving devices, and having working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms dramatically increases your chance of survival from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

Although it seems like a hassle, it’s better to get into the practice of changing your smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change your clocks, than to wait until the telltale beeping of a dying battery at two in the morning. Many times, this beeping ends up in the removal of the battery or the detector all together, thus rendering the detector useless.

Fires & carbon monoxide emergencies are real and very scary. A working smoke detector performs its functions around the clock and alerts you and your loved ones to a fire or carbon monoxide emergency even while you are asleep. 

When the alarm sounds you should “Get out & Stay Out”, then call “911” and advise the MUSCOM dispatcher of the problem.

If you need assistance changing or testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, please contact the Muscatine Fire Department.

Read article on Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements.

Read the IAFC position paper on the use of residential smoke alarm

Continue reading “Changing batteries part of spring home safety checklist”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Spring Forward: Time to change clocks, batteries this weekend

MUSCATINE, Iowa – March is a month of change as we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring. Change also includes losing an hour of sleep in the second weekend of the month as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins.

Muscatine residents will officially “spring” forward at 2 a.m. Sunday (March 12, 2023) but most will move their clocks up one hour Saturday night before going to sleep.

Not only is this the weekend to change your clocks, it is also a good time to review your safety checklist. 

The Muscatine Fire Department reminds residents that this weekend is also a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to change the batteries, to check the dates on the detectors, and to remind family and friends to do the same.

“The bi-annual changing of time is the perfect opportunity to make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up-to-date and in working order,” Mike Hartman, Assistant Fire Chief, said.

If you do not have both of these detectors … purchase and install them.

When the alarm sounds you should “Get out & Stay Out”, then call “911” and advise the MUSCOM dispatcher of the problem.

Tragedy was averted in two recent residential fires despite smoke detectors not working. Both homes were destroyed by fire but the sleeping occupants were awakened by family pets and they were able to escape.

“If their pets did not wake them, we would have lost more than just two homes,” Hartman said. “We were very fortunate. Working smoke detectors may have alerted the occupants sooner and potentially saved their homes.”

Hartman noted that research has showed that sleeping individuals do not smell smoke so the sounds emitting from a smoke detector are important to rousing sleeping individuals.

“Studies have also shown that children, especially, will sleep through an alarm that beeps because it sounds a lot like an alarm clock,” Hartman said. “The alarms that actually speak to you have been shown to greatly increase a person’s ability to escape a fire.”

Pre-teenage children don’t wake up to traditional high-frequency tone alarms according to research from the Center for Injury Research and Policy. Detectors that speak or vibrate when activated can help wake children or Individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

A variety of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available and finding the right one for your family situation is important Hartman said.

“Also be sure to check the date on the smoke detector,” Hartman said.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) also recommends replacing smoke alarms in homes every 10 years and those that actually speak warnings are more effective in saving lives than those alarms that just beep.

The Fire Department also recommends photoelectric alarms with a 10-year lithium battery and to mark the date of installation on the detectors.

“These detectors do not last forever,” Hartman said. “It is important that you check the date on the detectors and replace those that are seven years old or more.”

Continue reading “Spring Forward: Time to change clocks, batteries this weekend”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Residents sought to help develop, improve Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine is seeking residents who would be interested in becoming part of the decision-making process for Muscatine’s future by volunteering to serve on one of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine.

The Art Center Board of Directors and the Library Board of Directors each have two positions open starting July 1, 2023, while the Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and the Public Art Advisory Commission each have one position to be filled.

The Art Center Board of Trustees meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Muscatine Art Center. The Board of Trustees exercises change, control, and supervision over the museum and the art center. Members are appointed to three-year terms with a maximum of two full terms.

The Library Board of Trustees meets at 4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center. The Board is responsible for overseeing management of the library by the Library Director, employing and removing the Library Director as necessary, approving the expenditure of money allocated by the City Council to the library, and approving the library budget for submission to the Council. Members serve six-year terms with a maximum of two full terms with one member a resident of Muscatine County appointed from a list of names submitted by the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Responsibilities include reviewing proposed subdivisions, rezoning requests, and sales of public property, making recommendations concerning growth management of the city, and formulating a five-year capital improvement plan for the city. Members are appointed to five-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive full terms, must be citizens of Muscatine, qualified in knowledge or experience to advise City Council in matters pertaining to the development of the city, and must not be elected officers of city government. 

The Recreation Advisory Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the lower level conference room at City Hall. The commission is responsible for conferring with an assisting the City Administrator in the preparation of the Parks and Recreation budget, recommending procedures and policies in connection with the administrator of city parks, the cemetery, golf course, and harbor operations, investigating means by which parks and recreation can be improved, and making recommendations for the long-range needs of the recreation programs for the city. Members serve three-year terms with a maximum of two full terms. 

The Public Art Advisory Commission was established to promote and encourage programs to further public awareness of, accessibility to, participating in, and support for the artistic and cultural development of the City of Muscatine. The commission meets at least four times per year. Five members comprise the commission with one member representing or having an interest in public art from Muscatine County and the remaining four members being residents of the City of Muscatine. The members serve a three-year term and members can serve two consecutive terms. Currently one position needs to be filled.

Anyone interested in joining one of these boards is asked to fill out an application and submit the form by Friday, May 19. Applications can be either emailed to the administrative secretary or mailed to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761.

Many areas to help the community

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 currently being accepted. See BOARDS for list of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine and the application in a PDF format.

Muscatine is a great place to live and work, and nothing demonstrates that fact more than how residents come together to serve for the betterment of the community as a whole. Whether that service comes by serving on the committee, volunteering for a project, offering to help on an organizational level, or in just helping out a neighbor, Muscatine residents are working together to make a great community even better.

The City of Muscatine is very thankful and grateful for the many residents who have volunteered their time and service to be a member on one of the many boards and commissions that assist in developing and monitoring City programs, policies and services.

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 are 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. Details on the Nominating Committee are available by clicking HERE.

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.

Continue reading “Residents sought to help develop, improve Muscatine”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Final discussion of FY23-24 budget set for Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two sessions on Thursday (March 9) beginning with a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. concerning the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The second meeting is the regular March In-Depth meeting that will begin at approximately 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

Budget discussions were delayed while the Iowa state legislature worked to correct their original calculation of the “rollback” rate that is used to adjust actual valuations to table valuations, and limiting the annual growth of property assessment. Residential property was used along with multi-residential property to calculate the rollback and that would have increased the amount of property taxes residential property owners would pay. The adjustment removed multi-residential from the calculations, which lowered the rollback rate from 56.49 to 54.65 percent.

The changes lowered the amount of property tax that school districts along with city and county governments would receive for FY 23-24, and thus created budget headaches for those charged with creating budgets for each entity. 

Once the revised estimate of property taxes was calculated by county auditors, each entity had to review their budgets and see what, if any, cuts would have to be made. Fortunately, the City of Muscatine anticipates asking the Council for a 1.87 percent reduction in the City’s property tax rate. The City rate was 15.97054 (per $1,000 valuation) for FY 22-23 but is proposed to be 15.67169 for FY23-24. That rate is nearly the same as the 15.67209 rate the City had for 10 straight years through the FY 21-22 budget.

City Administrator Carol Webb and Finance Director Nancy Lueck will provide updated general information schedules to City Council members Thursday along with conducting discussions on budgets not yet reviewed by City Council including Debt Service and a number of Special Revenue Funds.

The meeting will wrap up with the presentation of an updated General Fund Budget Fund statement and discussions on budget issues identified prior to Thursday’s meeting. 

Once the discussions are wrapped up, the City Council will be asked on March 16 to set a public hearing for April 6 on the proposed property tax levy. Once that hearing is held and a resolution approving the maximum property tax is adopted on April 6, the Council will then set a public hearing for April 20 on the proposed budget. The Council will also be asked on April 6 to set an April 20 public hearing on Amendment #1 to the FY22/23 budget.

The FY23-24 budget needs to be filed with the County auditor by April 30.

The City Council in-depth meeting will begin at 6 p.m. or shortly thereafter depending on the length of the budget meeting. The public is welcomed to attend the both meetings in person but public comments on the proposed budget will not be heard until the April 6 public hearing.

Citizens who do not want to attend the in-depth meeting in person can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual 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 Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

The budget discussion will not be televised or held virtually.

On the in-depth agenda:

  • A presentation by Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hartman on proposed International Fire Code updates that will are a part of the City Code of Muscatine;
  • A presentation by Captain of Patrol Jeff Jirak on the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program; and,
  • A presentation by Director of the Water Resource & Recovery Facility Jon Koch on participation by the City of Muscatine in the Choose Green Business program.

Information on the other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

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, March 9, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

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.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Final discussion of FY23-24 budget set for Thursday”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Afternoon fire damages home; no injuries reported

MUSCATINE, IOWA – Two Muscatine residents escaped injury when their home caught fire Tuesday (March 7) afternoon.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 1:31 pm. Tuesday for a fire at the back of a house near the gas meter at 2920 Park Avenue West, Muscatine. Fire crews found the residents out of the house upon arrival at the scene.

Due to the strong winds this afternoon, the fire was pushed into the structure and had entered into a back room. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and stopped the fire from spreading further. However, the fire did enter the attic of the home from the overhang of the roof with fire crews entering and overhauling the attic as well. 

The main body of fire was under control within five minutes but searching and extinguishing hidden fire continued for almost two more hours.  

One occupant was medically evaluated as a precaution, but was released at the scene. There were no injuries to any responders. 

The on-scene investigation is complete. A final cause has yet to be determined but it does appear to be an accidental fire. The initial fire loss estimate is $100,000. 

The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine County EMA responded with the initial call. The Muscatine Fire Department had14 firefighters on scene. The American Red Cross and 1-800-BOARD UP assisted the fire victims at the scene. 

About the Muscatine Fire Department: 

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to over 5,900 calls in 2022. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

Continue reading “Afternoon fire damages home; no injuries reported”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Police tentatively identify body found in Discovery Park

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department (MPD) has tentatively identified the deceased male that was located in Discovery Park Friday (March 3) as 21-year-old Trevor Allen Wixom. The MPD is awaiting final confirmation of the deceased from the State Pathologist.

Wixom was reported as a missing person in October 2022. For the past several months, the MPD has been conducting an ongoing investigation in an effort to locate Wixom.

MPD responded to Muscatine’s Discovery Park at around 10:45 a.m. Friday on a report of a possibly deceased person found within the boundaries of the park. Investigators from the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscatine County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

The case remains under investigation. Any person who believes they have information regarding Wixom and/or the investigation, please contact Sergeant Jeff DeVrieze at (563) 263 – 9922, ext. 629.

Continue reading “Police tentatively identify body found in Discovery Park”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Deceased individual found in Discovery Park Friday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department responded to Discovery Park, located in the 3200 block of Cedar Street in Muscatine, at around 10:45 a.m. Friday (March 3) for reports of a possibly deceased person found within the boundaries of the park. 

Muscatine Police Department personnel responded and located the deceased body of a male subject at that location. Investigators from the Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, and Muscatine County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to assist in the investigation. 

The identity of the male individual located is being withheld pending further verified identification and notifications to family. 

If any person has information pertaining to the investigation, please contact Sergeant Jeff DeVrieze at (563) 263 – 9922, ext. 629.

Continue reading “Deceased individual found in Discovery Park Friday”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Five police officers promoted during Friday ceremony

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Family, friends, and coworkers gathered in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall Friday morning as five members of the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) were promoted by Police Chief Anthony (Tony) Kies. Receiving promotions were Jeff Jirak to Captain, John Hesseling to Lieutenant, Jeff DeVrieze to Sergeant, Mitch Griffin to Corporal, and Britt Jameson to Detective.

Chief Kies welcomed everyone to the first promotion ceremony under his watch and then recited the oath of office to each officer. A pinning ceremony followed with their respective new badges pinned onto their uniform by their spouse. A reception followed in the Council Chambers for those in attendance.

Promoted officers following Police Promotion Ceremony 03-03-23Pictured following the promotion ceremony Friday in the Council Chambers are Muscatine City Hall are, left to right: Captain Jeff Jirak, Police Chief Anthony (Tony) Kies, Sergeant Jeff DeVrieze, Detective Britt Jameson, Corporal Mitch Griffin, Lieutenant John Hesseling, and Assistant Police Chief Steve Snyder.

Continue reading “Five police officers promoted during Friday ceremony”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Cemetery access roads are not a bypass around construction

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Drivers are reminded that the access roads inside Greenwood Cemetery are not to be used as a pass through around the street construction currently underway on Lucas Street. The access roads are for family visiting loved ones in the cemetery and for caretakers of the grave sites.

Lucas Street is closed to through traffic from Logan to Newell as work is underway in the Lucas-Logan intersection.

The official detour has northbound traffic on Lucas detoured to West 8th Street, to Broadway, to Newell, and back to Lucas Street. Southbound traffic on Lucas is detoured to Newell, to Broadway, to West 8th Street, and back to Lucas Street.

The Greenwood Cemetery office and retail sales center, located south of the Logan-Lucas intersection at 1814 Lucas Street, is accessible by taking Lucas from the West 8th Street intersection. The office remains open during regular business hours.

The annual Greenwood Cemetery cleanup is underway and officials are concerned that damage to the cemetery grounds, gravesites, or to those working on cleaning up the cemetery could occur if drivers use the cemetery to bypass construction.

Grave decorations include, but are not limited to, wreaths, silk flowers, grave blankets, wooden crosses, toys, cobblestones, and potted plants. Undecorated metal shepherd’s hooks, Remembrance Vigil Candles, and Solar Lights will not be removed.

New grave decorations may be brought in after Saturday, April 1, 2023, with no more than two decorations per grave site.

Please call (563) 263-7051 if you have any questions or require more information. You may also email cemetery staff at greenwoodcemetery@muscatineiowa.gov.

Continue reading “Cemetery access roads are not a bypass around construction”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings are on City Council March 2 agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Two public hearings will be conducted and three more will be set during the Muscatine City Council meeting Thursday (March 2). Public hearings will be held on the sale of City property and on updating City Code in regards to designated truck routes. Three public hearings will be scheduled for March 16 with Council approval.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcomed to attend the meeting in person. 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 virtual 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 Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

The first public hearing is in regards to the proposed sale and exchange of property with Stockton Realty Company. The proposed agreement has the City selling the property at Lake 1 of Arrowhead Lake to Stockton Realty and Stockton Realty selling 3.2 acres of land to the City. The purpose of the sale is to address solid waste migration from the Muscatine Couty Landfill.

The second public hearing is on modifications to the ordinance designating truck routes in the City of Muscatine. Specifically, the revisions would remove the truck route designation from Lucas Street and modify the truck route designation of Houser Street so that it only applies to the portion of Houser from Grandview Avenue to Hershey Avenue.

Resolutions on each public hearing topic will be discussed and voted on later in the Council meeting.

Also on the agenda are resolutions setting public hearings on declaring certain City property as surplus and selling that real estate by sealed bid (two lots on Houser just off of Hershey Avenue), the plans and specifications for Phase I of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project, and the plans and specifications for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project. 

The Council will be asked to approve a purchase order with Watersmith engineering for the Muscatine Slough Conceptual Design Project. This project is envisioned as making the area between Houser Street and the Muscatine Transfer Station a nature education destination for the community with the added benefit of preventing flooding on both sides of Houser Street.

City Council will also be asked to approve a contract with Pros Consulting for a market analysis, operations plan, and design recommendations for an amphitheater on the Muscatine riverfront. This is another step in the fundraising process of the project.

Information on the other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments. 

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, March 2, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting

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.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Continue reading “Two public hearings are on City Council March 2 agenda”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Chief Talkington steps away with plenty of memories

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Brett Talkington spent his final day as Chief of Police for the City of Muscatine just as he has done almost every day during his nearly 35-year career in law enforcement … meeting with members of the public. Talkington officially retires from public service today (February 28).

Talkington joined the Muscatine Police Department in 1988, was promoted to Corporal in 1996 and Lieutenant in 1998. He was promoted to Captain of Patrol in 2010 and became the Chief of Police on February 3, 2011.

“I started thinking about being a police officer in high school but really started wanting to do it early in my career in college,” Talkington said. 

It was during those college years that he played fast pitch softball during the summer with a couple of police officers from Ames.

“I did a couple of ride-alongs with them and figured out pretty quickly that being a police officer was something that I kind of wanted to do,” Talkington said.

As a pretty social individual, Talkington found out early on that one of his favorite parts of the job was being able to visit with members of the community on almost a daily basis. That led to his dedication towards and active promotion of community policing by the Muscatine Police Department. Community policing basically is a collaborative partnership between law enforcement and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in police.

“I always liked to get out and talk with people so I probably was doing community policing before it was actually a thing,” Talkington said. “There has always been community policing in law enforcement and we always try to push the page on that, do more of that, and do a better job of that.”

Some of Talkington’s top memories as a police officer came from his interactions with individuals and families during some of the darkest times of their lives. He believes that by getting out and talking with the people, talking with the kids, and trying to help people through some of their issues can give you a feeling of great accomplishment. You deal with people at some of the worst times of their lives, he said, and if you just make a difference in a few of those lives that is what it is all about.

“Thinking back over my career, some of the top moments were when people got back to me later in life and thanked me for helping them through a personal issue or a family issue or with the kids or parents,” Talkington said. “Just dealing with people in general through the years and helping those people through problems was one of the biggest satisfactions for me. Again, people are at their worst times when we deal with them, not always, but most of the time.”

A field training officer who guided Talkington early in his career told him that how you deal with people initially is how that interaction is going to go. You set the tone for how it is going, he was told, good or bad. 

That philosophy stuck with Talkington who has tried to pass it along to others as he rose through the ranks.

“In my 35-year career I have come across a lot of good cops and a lot of good supervisors,” Talkington said. “And I like to think that I have helped mentor some of those people and mold them and form them. As a field training officer, I like to think that I helped develop a lot of officers in the department.”

One of those that he has seen rise through the ranks. Tony Kies, will be taking over as Chief of Police Wednesday. 

“Tony is going to do a great job as chief and Jeff (Jirak) is going to do an outstanding job as captain,” Talkington said. “As I look down the list of the new lieutenants, sergeants and corporals, each will do a great job in their new roles, and in their different positions. They will develop into those positions and Muscatine will be better for them.”

This is an exciting time for the Muscatine Police Department and Talkington knows that the department is in a real good place right now.

“That goes back to the whole department doing what they are supposed to be doing and following the rules,” Talkington said.

Being accredited by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) by meeting an established set of professional standards and the use of ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) to prevent misconduct, avoid police mistakes, and promote officer health and wellness has created one of the top police departments in the state of Iowa.

“With CALEA everyone knows what is expected of them and they are held to higher standards than a lot of other departments are,” Talkington said.

Members of the Muscatine Police Department were doing some retaining on the ABLE program Tuesday, a process that the department does annually. 

“ABLE gives everybody from the lowest person, the lowest officer, the rookie officer, all the way up to the chief, the techniques to intervene if somebody looks like they are getting out of hand with the person they are dealing with,” Talkington said. “Other officers, no matter their rank, can step in and this training gives them the right to do that without repercussions.”

The training has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of complaints, and a better relationship between the department and citizens. 

“Sometimes you get into situations and it gets the better of you,” Talkington said. “The continual training from this program has helped our officers to stop before saying something they shouldn’t say or do something they shouldn’t do.”

The department and the citizens of Muscatine have also benefited from some additional high-end training that officers have been able to take.

“We have been blessed by a council and city administration that has provided us the money to send our people to really high-end training,” Talkington said.

“I would classify Muscatine as one of the better departments in the state of Iowa,” Talkington said. “Being CALEA certified is a huge thing for us and for the community itself, as well as the training programs that we send people to.”

Talkington’s message to those might like a career in law enforcement, especially with the Muscatine Police Department is … “we will get you trained, get you out on the road, and we are always looking for good people”

Continue reading “Chief Talkington steps away with plenty of memories”