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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Volunteer firefighters receive Hazmat training in Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Volunteer firefighters from Fruitland, Montpelier, Buffalo, and Blue Grass received Hazardous Material (Hazmat) training from the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) as part of their Firefighter 1 curriculum recently. The 16-hour course on Hazmat Operations was held Saturday at Station 2 in Muscatine.

 

“This is part of the 160-hour Firefighter 1 program that they need to be certified by the State of Iowa,” Jason Vershoore, Fire Mechanic and Fire Inspector for the MFD, said.

 

Vershoore was also the lead instructor for the class and was assisted by Firefighter Craig Chelf.

 

This is the second year that the MFD has conducted the three-day class to help the volunteer firefighters earn their certification.

 

Vershoore, and other Muscatine firefighters, conduct the class on their off-days.

 

“I think they all enjoyed themselves,” Vershoore said of those attending the class.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Art Center to host two programs on historic Japanese Garden

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The historic Japanese Garden located at the Muscatine Art Center will be featured in two programs this spring. An informational session on the rehabilitation of the garden will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 7 while a more in-depth look at the history of the garden will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 22.

 

Muscatine Art Center Director Melanie Alexander will speak about the decision-making process, the scope of the project, the roles of those involved in the project, and the project’s funding sources during the information session on April 7.

 

Beth Cody, author of Iowa Gardens of the Past, will present during the second program as she dives into the history of the 1930 Japanese Garden and places the garden into historical context. Cody was contracted through a grant from Humanities Iowa to explore the influences behind the creation of the garden, research landscape designers of Japanese-style gardens in the Midwest, investigate the fates of other Japanese-style gardens from the time period, and follow loose ends pertaining to the specifics of Laura Musser McColm’s garden.

 

When Laura Musser McColm had the Japanese-style garden installed at her home at 1314 Mulberry Avenue, it became an occasional gathering space for Laura’s clubs such as the Twentieth Century Club and the Muscatine Garden Club. When the property was gifted to the City of Muscatine in 1965, it became a public space maintained by the Muscatine Art Center and the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department. 

 

During McColm’s lifetime, the garden underwent relatively few major changes. However, as the Muscatine Art Center added the Stanley Gallery and then a building to connect the gallery to the historic house, the ornamental sumacs original to the garden were lost and replaced with white pine trees. The Japanese yews, a fixture in the garden for many decades, are not original to the garden. There is not adequate documentation to determine if they were planted late in McColm’s lifetime or in the early years of the museum.

 

“Gardens grow and evolve,” Alexander said. “For years, the Muscatine Art Center staff sought professional guidance for addressing concerns related to the health and size of the yew trees. The staff also looked into options for returning the water feature to regular operations.” 

 

However, issues in the garden were more complex and decisions made decades ago led to damage of the underground piping for the water feature and to shading out the types of plants original to the garden. 

 

After speaking with Muscatine Art Center staff in 2020, Heidi Hohmann, Associate Professor in the Landscape Architecture Department at Iowa State University, examined archival materials held by the Muscatine Art Center, documented existing conditions in the garden, and prepared the Historic Landscape Preservation Plan. The plan included recommendations and presented options for returning historic features to the garden.

 

MOST LIKE EXISTING 9-20 (JPG)Hohmann’s photographic comparisons showing images taken in the early 1930s to those in 2020 underscored the need to address concerns in the garden. Fortunately, many of the changes can be mitigated, while some of the most prominent features, such as the streams and ponds, remain intact. 

 

The Muscatine Art Center staff used Hohmann’s Preservation Plan to secure a $122,402 historic preservation grant from the nationally funded Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Program. In Iowa, this grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and project reporting goes through the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office and then through the National Parks Service. The staff also secured a $100,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The two grants, along with a few private donations, will cover all costs associated with the project. 

 

The active phase of the project will begin in the coming weeks with archaeological work conducted by Tallgrass Archaeology, LLC. Many trees will be removed as part of the project with tree removal expected to begin as early as April. There will be periods of time when work on the site will make it necessary to close the walkway between the Muscatine Art Center’s parking lot off of Cedar Street and the main entrance on the Mulberry Avenue side of the property. The walkway closure is not expected to impact the sidewalk along Mulberry Avenue. 

 

“While visitors have enjoyed the environment created by yews for many decades, they have caused significant problems that take away from the historic character of the garden,” Alexander said. “New plantings will be based on historic photographs and follow the Department of the Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. For a project like this, it is important to focus on what will be gained.”

 

Among the gains will be the return of the historic look and feel of the garden including the return of running water on a regular basis. The historic character of the garden will also be enhanced by the return of sumac trees, other trees and shrubs found in historic photographs, the emphasis on rockwork, the reintroduction of smaller plantings that have been shaded out, and the installation of a Torii gate reproduction and other built features.

 

Both the April 7 and May 22 programs are scheduled for one hour and will take place in the Muscatine Art Center’s Music Room. The programs are free of charge, and there is no advance registration. A booklet about the garden is currently in development and expected to be available by summer 2022.

 

Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center encounter paintings made by artists recognized around the world, fascinating objects connected to Muscatine’s past, beautifully crafted decorative arts, charming period rooms, and a Japanese Garden installed nearly a century ago. Learners of all ages can pique their curiosity through changing exhibitions, classes, and events. The Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m-5 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.   Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. For more information, visit Muscatine Art Center, visit the Art Center Page on the City of Muscatine website, or follow the Art Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, 

 

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Curbside bulky waste collection benefitting residents and City

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine implemented the Bulky Waste Collection Program in 2020 as a replacement for the annual Spring Cleanup Week and as an enhancement to the already established curbside waste pickup program.

 

Curbside bulky waste collection was previously offered to Muscatine and Fruitland residents for free three times a year, and a massive collection effort was staged in late April with a designated Spring Cleanup Week.

 

The current program eliminated Spring Cleanup Week and permits unlimited free curbside bulky waste collection throughout the calendar year from Muscatine and Fruitland residential refuse customers. Residents are limited to having two appliances collected free of charge per calendar year, however, with the Solid Waste Division picking up additional appliances for a fee that must be paid before collection.

 

The Curbside Bulky Waste Collection program has saved the city money and has, for the most part, eliminated the unsightly, oversized, and potentially hazardous piles of bulky waste that were normally scene throughout Muscatine prior to and during Spring Cleanup Week.

 

“The cleanup week collection required assistance from multiple divisions and the use of temporary workers,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director, said. “And it took away resources that should have been used for roadway maintenance projects.”

 

In the past the City used 13 full time employees, nine temporary employees, and 14 pieces of equipment from the Department of Public Works along with eight full time employees, 17 temporary employees, and eight pieces of equipment from the Solid Waste Division to complete the collections during the designated Spring Cleanup Week.

 

“Going to a program where we schedule pickups on resident’s regular refuse collection day allows us to limit the workload to just two employees and one piece of equipment,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager, said. “Having residents call in to schedule pickups makes better use of our time and of residents’ time.”

 

Residents wanting a curbside bulky waste collection will need to call 563-264-JUNK (563-264-5865) or email the Muscatine Transfer Station at bulkywaste@muscatineiowa.gov to schedule a pickup on the residents refuse collection day.

 

Please call by 3:30 p.m. at least two (2) days before your regular refuse collection day to schedule a curbside bulk waste pickup.

 

“If you call in and get the answering machine we will call you back,” Jennifer Calcott, Transfer Station clerk, said. “If you email us, we will call you. We are making every effort to talk with anyone who calls in to review the rules and set up a collection day. The most important thing for the public is to remember that you need to call in at least two business days ahead of your collection day to be put on the schedule.”

 

If residents have a large amount of bulky waste items they would like collected by the City, multiple pickups can be scheduled to keep the piles to a more manageable size for both the resident and City staff.

 

Once a pickup is scheduled with the City, residents will be permitted to place the unwanted items curbside the night before their regular refuse collection day or by 5:00 a.m. on the collection day.

 

Popp noted that scavengers are a problem when setting out bulky waste in terms of creating a bigger mess for his staff to cleanup and in terms of creating hazards in the taking apart of appliances and other items in the boulevard. Pieces of scavenged material such as nuts, bolts, and pieces of glass create hazards not only for the City workers but also for the residents.

 

“We may not see all the little pieces that the scavengers leave behind and that could create a hazard for the resident and their family,” Popp said.

 

Residents could also clean up the bulky waste themselves and haul the material to the Transfer Station where they would be charged a tipping floor fee.

 

A link to the Bulky Waste Collection page on the City of Muscatine website is located in the upper right half of the main page. You can also visit the Solid Waste Division page or visit the Transfer Station page for more information.

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Survey seeks public input on Downtown Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine is partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) on the first step to develop and implement strategies for a stronger community starting with an assessment of Downtown Muscatine.

 

“This partnership will assist us in defining the importance of downtown development and, specifically, how we can implement strategies to make the downtown more viable,” Jodi Royal-Goodwin, Community Development Director, said. “Downtown revitalization is a key ingredient in growing our community and a City priority.”

 

The City has contracted with the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center to have the Downtown Assessment completed. The Assessment will be performed by an experienced team of professionals who identify local strengths and weaknesses creating the basis for recommendations on how to attract customers to the area.

 

The first step of the Assessment is a pre-visit online survey that will be followed by an intense, on-site study of the downtown area. The survey is open to the public and available at Downtown Muscatine Survey but will close on April 15. The goal is to have 100 residents and businesses complete the survey to give the assessment team an understanding of Muscatine before they hit the streets.

 

The short survey seeks public input on the strengths and weaknesses of Downtown Muscatine, how to improve the business climate, and what public amenities are most needed in the district.

 

A downtown or traditional commercial district represents a community’s history and helps define the community according to the IEDA. City planners will have a better understanding of the unique identity of the downtown district, and features and strengths that draw residents, visitors, businesses, and commerce through the survey and assessment team visit.

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Newest member of ambulance fleet arrives; being prepped for service

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The newest member of the Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) ambulance fleet made its long-awaited arrival to Station 1 today (March 23) becoming the first of two 2021 Type III E450 gas ambulances that are scheduled to be delivered this year. The second Type III ambulance is scheduled to arrive mid-summer.

 

The recent arrival is actually the second “new” ambulance in the Muscatine Fleet following the arrival of a 2021 Type I ambulance that was a demonstration unit and went into service on February 10. Type I ambulances are built on a truck chassis while Type III are built on a van chassis.

 

“The two Type III ambulances are the culmination of a lot of hard work and coordination between the Muscatine Fire Ambulance Committee and Feld Fire,” Battalion Chief Ted Hillard said. “We wanted our staff to be involved with the development of these ambulances because they are the ones who really know what works and what doesn’t, and what should go where.”

 

Fire Mechanic Jason Verschoore was instrumental in the design of the two units along with committee members Craig Chelf, Roy Patterson, Andrew McSorley, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hartman, and Hillard.

 

“We have found that it works out very well to listen to the fire crews who actually man these units,” Patrick Macke, Feld Fire representative, said. “The comfort and safety of both the crew and the passengers are high on their lists and we listened to their recommendations.”

 

The new units have plenty of safety options including a patient loading system that allows the crew to load and unload patients without having to physically pick up the cot. The box includes more storage room for equipment and more room in the cab.

 

“These units also have a new safety belt system that allows the crew to be secured but still able to get up and assist the patient as needed,” Verschoore said. “Moving forward all of our units will have these safety features in them.”

 

Safety of the crew and patient is one high priority for the Muscatine Fire Department as well as patient comfort.

 

“These units actually have mood lighting (blue lights) along the ceiling that are useful when transporting young patients, or transporting patients in   high stress situations,” Hillard said. “These lights have a calming effect that makes the transport much better for both the patient and the crew.”

 

The 2021 Type III Ford E450 gas ambulance was ordered in December 2020 to replace a 2011 remount ambulance with nearly 300,0000 miles. The delivery date kept being pushed back due to supply chain issues. 

 

A 2022 Type III E450 gas ambulance was ordered in September 2021 to replace a 2014 Remount Ambulance with over 260,000 miles, and that delivery is expected this summer.

 

“We are just waiting on a side window to come in to complete the 2022 ambulance,” Macke said. “Supply chain issues have been our biggest hurdle.”
 

The MFD plans to replace a 2016 ambulance in FY 2023-2024. That ambulance currently has 183,000 miles on the chassis.

 

The 2021 demo unit is a Type I ambulance and currently based in Station 2 (southend). This unit has most of the safety features of the two Type III ambulances but is also four wheel drive and the chassis can be lowered to make entry and exit into the box easier for patients and crew.

 

“One of the problems we have had with our older units is that they are not four-wheel drive and we would have to plow ahead of them during winter weather so they could reach the patient,” Hillard said.  

 

The Type III ambulance delivered today is currently being prepped for service and will be housed in Station 1.

 

Watch VIDEO TOUR of the new ambulance.

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Want to work? The City may have the job for you

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine currently has a variety of employment opportunities available for qualified individuals who have the desire for public service. From seasonal to part- and full-time opportunities, the City of Muscatine is the organization that you want to work for with great benefits a great staff to work with.

 

The City of Muscatine is actively seeking individuals within a 30-mile radius of the Muscatine city limits (including Iowa and Illinois residents) who would like to join the team as we work to make Muscatine a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

Seasonal Job Fair set for April 2

 

Job Fair April 2, 2022 (JPG)The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting dependable, hardworking individuals to fill seasonal positions for the spring and summer of 2022. To ensure all qualified individuals have a chance to learn more about open positions and how to apply, a second seasonal job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, in the Clubhouse at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course.

 

The Muscatine City Council recently passed an increase in the hourly rate for seasonal workers making these positions a great opportunity for individuals, including high school and college students, seeking seasonal work.

 

A variety of opportunities are available including Aquatic Center Manager, 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. A complete list of opportunities is available on the City of Muscatine website at SUMMER POSITIONS. 

 

Make plans to come out to the Muscatine Municipal 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 downloading a copy from the City of Muscatine website (Seasonal Job Application). 

 

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

 

Other opportunities for employment with the City of Muscatine include:

 

  • Clubhouse Supervisor – The Clubhouse Supervisor will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the clubhouse including, but not limited to, making tee times for golfers, checking in golfers, collecting daily fees for play, assisting the food and beverage team, maintaining the cleanliness of the clubhouse, keeping the outside cart staging area neat and organized, and selling merchandise  in the pro shop. Open until filled.
  • Fire Fighter – The Muscatine Fire Department is compiling a list of prospective candidates for the position of firefighter. If you are interested in joining our premier team of firefighter-paramedics, please submit your application to be placed on the current selection list by the May 18 deadline. Click here to view our recruitment video.
  • Compost Site Technician (Part-Time/Seasonal) – This is a customer service, clerical position monitoring activity at the compost site. Work involves responsibility for greeting and directing customers, taking payments, and monitoring proper disposal of compost site materials. The position will be open until filled.
  • Substitute Refuse Collector – The Muscatine Transfer Station is accepting applications for individuals to serve as a substitute refuse collector on an as needed basis.  Hours will vary depending on need. Individuals applying should be reliable, physically able to lift 75 pounds and be able to work flexible and early morning hours. The position will remain open until filled.
  • Transit Driver (Part-Time) – The Transit Division of the Department of Public Works is looking for a few people who love driving and providing excellent customer service to the community. Click on the link for more information on hours and qualifications. The position will remain open until filled. All applicants are welcomed.

 

For more information, visit the Employment Opportunities section on the City of Muscatine web site. The City of Muscatine is an equal employment affirmative action employer.

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Lane restriction at Pearl-Liberty intersection for street repair

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Pearl Street will be closed at the intersection with Liberty starting today (March 21) for an emergency repair as part of the 2022 Full Depth Patching Program. Liberty has been used as a detour during the Grandview Avenue reconstruction and the higher-than-normal traffic has created buckles in the roadway.

 

Pearl will be closed in both directions at Liberty while Liberty will be reduced to one-lane of traffic during the repair work. Drivers are asked to please alternate for the lane restriction on Liberty, slow down when driving through the construction area, watch for construction workers, and find alternate routes if possible.

 

Heuer Construction, Inc., was awarded the 2022 Full Depth Patching contract and have started an emergency repair on Hershey Avenue near the northbound ramps for Highway 61. The Liberty and Pearl intersection repair is the second emergency repair added to the contract.

 

Once the emergency repairs are completed, Heuer will move to 1608 Cedar Street (near the intersection with Parham).

 

Also included as part of the 2022 contract is Isett Avenue (Bidwell Road to the Heinz pedestrian entrance), Houser Street (Fulliam Avenue to Dawson Street), Stewart Road (Oregon Avenue to Wallace Street), Robin Road (Sunrise Circle east to end of the concrete), Frontage Road (Cleveland Street to Ford Avenue), and Devitt Avenue (Ridgewood Avenue to Pinefield Street). Additional emergency repairs may be added if time and money remain in the contract.

 

Additional traffic notes:

 

  • Heuer Construction, Inc., has closed one outside lane of Park Avenue from Washington to Colorado to begin work on the DOT punch list from the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project that was substantially completed last fall.
  • Musser Street is closed from the intersection with Wisconsin and Baker to the Grandview intersection as the east side of the Musser-Grandview intersection is reconstructed as part of the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project.
  • West 8th Street is closed to through traffic from Broadway to Lucas for landscaping and finishing work as part of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project. This section of West 8th will remain closed to through traffic as sewer work begins in the Lucas and West 8th intersection. That work is tentatively scheduled to start March 28. More details on the intersection closure will be announced next week.

 

Drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution when travelling through the construction zone, obey traffic control devices, and be aware of workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

 

For more information on City of Muscatine construction projects click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page.

 

If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

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Annual Easter Egg Hunt set for April 9 in Weed Park

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The green grass of Weed Park will be filled with colorful eggs on April 9 as the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department hosts the 2022 Easter Egg Hunt. Children are invited to bring their baskets, and their parents, to the Hunt that will be held on from 10-11:00 a.m. in the upper loop of Weed Park.

 

Families attending the event may gather near the Rose Garden playground in the Upper Loop of Weed Park prior to the official start time. Children will be split into three age groups to hunt for their prize-filled eggs in specific locations including three years and under, four years through kindergarten, and first through third grade. 

 

Participants will be asked to closely follow age categories. Children are encouraged to bring their own Easter basket.

 

Celebrate the holiday, enjoy the start of spring weather, and gather with both family and friends in the Weed Park Upper Loop. This is a FREE event that is sure to be fun for the whole family. 

 

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

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Season golf passes available at Municipal Golf Course

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Season passes for the 2022 season at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course are available now in the Pro Shop inside the clubhouse during regular business hours. Payment plans are available during the months of March, April, and May. 

2022 Season Pass Rates

Adult

$1,680.00

Seniors (age 65+)

$1,590.00

Family

$1,060.00

College Student

$1,400.00

Junior (age 17 and younger)

$1,165.00

 

Season passes that are purchased prior to April 1st will also receive an incentive card that is good for two range tokens, two guest green fees, two 18-hole cart rentals, one 15-minute golf lesson, 15 minutes on the TruGolf Simulator and 10 percent off any golf retail merchandise purchase over $50 (some restrictions apply). Incentive cards are not available with the payment plan. 

 

Installment plans are available over a two- or three-month period and will include a $30.00 installment fee.

 

 

2022 Daily Rates

 

9-Hole

18-Hole

Adults

 

 

Weekdays

$20.00

$24.00

Weekends

$21.00

$26.00

Mon-Thurs 12-4 p.m.

$15.00

$17.00

Senior (Age 65+)

 

 

Weekdays

$19.00

$22.00

Weekends

$20.00

$24.00

Mon-Thurs 12-4 p.m.

$14.00

$16.00

Juniors (Age 17 & Under)

 

 

Weekdays

$19.00

$19.00

Weekends

$10.00

$10.00

Outing Fees

 

 

Weekday and Weekend

$22.00

$27.00

Cart Fees (per person)

 

 

Daily

$11.00

$17.00

                                    

A complete list of 2022 fees can be found on the Municipal Golf Course website.

 

For more information, to schedule a golf lesson, or to schedule a tee time, please call the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course at 563-263-4735. 

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City Administrator’s February report of City activity available

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The monthly City Administrator Report to the City Council and Citizens of Muscatine is now available highlighting the many accomplishments by the departments of the City of Muscatine during the month of February. 

 

The City Administrator’s Monthly Report is intended to provide a brief summary of City activities, with links to additional information where possible. Due to the variety and complexity of City functions, however, the report is not all-encompassing. 

 

Please always feel free to contact the City of Muscatine for more information or with questions or concerns. Any feedback can be provided to the City Administrator’s office by sending an email to feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.

 

You can also view past and upcoming events on the City’s calendar.

MONTHLY REPORT

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Traffic Alert: Full Depth Patching project begins March 21

MUSCATINE, Iowa – As warm weather returns so does construction work in Muscatine with the 2022 Full Depth Patching Program and work on the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) punch list for the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project set to begin next week. Lane restrictions will be in place as these projects continue.

 

Heuer Construction, Inc., was awarded the 2022 Full Depth Patching contract and will begin on Monday (March 21) with an emergency repair on Hershey Avenue near the northbound ramps for Highway 61. Once that repair has been completed, Heuer will move to 1608 Cedar Street (near the intersection with Parham).

 

Also included as part of the 2022 contract is Isett Avenue (Bidwell Road to the Heinz pedestrian entrance), Houser Street (Fulliam Avenue to Dawson Street), Stewart Road (Oregon Avenue to Wallace Street), Robin Road (Sunrise Circle east to end of the concrete), Frontage Road (Cleveland Street to Ford Avenue), and Devitt Avenue (Ridgewood Avenue to Pinefield Street). Additional emergency repairs may be added if time and money remain in the contract.

 

Heuer Construction, Inc., will also be closing down one outside lane of Park Avenue from Washington to Colorado Tuesday (March 22) to work on the DOT punch list.

 

Additional traffic notes:

 

  • Musser Street is closed from the intersection with Wisconsin and Baker to the Grandview intersection as the east side of the Musser-Grandview intersection is prepared for paving.
  • West 8th Street is closed to through traffic from Broadway to Lucas for landscaping and finishing work as part of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project. This section of West 8th will remain closed to through traffic as sewer work begins in the Lucas and West 8th intersection. That work is tentatively scheduled to start March 28. More details on the intersection closure will be announced next week.

 

Drivers are reminded to slow down and use caution when travelling through the construction zone, obey traffic control devices, and be aware of workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

 

For more information on City of Muscatine construction projects click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page.

 

If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

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Public Hearing on proposed City budget set for Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A public hearing on the proposed City of Muscatine budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and a public hearing on Amendment 1 for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 City budget are on the agenda for the Muscatine city Council meeting Thursday (March 17). 

 

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.

 

The proposed budget for 2022/2023 totals $62,172,479. This includes $36,568,089 in governmental fund expenditures and $25,604,390 in business-type/enterprise fund expenditures. Of the total proposed budget, $9,940,200 is for capital projects in both governmental and business-type funds. A public hearing on the proposed budget must be held before the Council can address the resolution adopting the budget.

 

The City Council recently completed the budget review process for the fiscal year 2022/2023 budget. As part of that review, revised estimate revenue and expenditure amounts for the current year (2021/2022) were also reviewed by City Council. Each year, these revised estimate amounts become Amendment #1 to the current year budget. A Public Hearing must be held prior to the Council considering the resolution to adopt Amendment 1.

 

The Council will also be asked to set a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would strike Title 6, Chapter 9 of the City Code of Muscatine regarding the keeping of pit bulls. This is the first step of the process. The public hearing would be held on April 7.

 

Several other public hearings will be set by Council Thursday including five more on April 7 concerning an ordinance establishing vacant and non-residential property maintenance regulations, the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for a Community Needs Assessment, the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project at the Muscatine Transfer Station, on an ordinance change to allow residency outside of Iowa for Civil Service covered employees, and on the plans and specifications to widen a portion of the taxi lane at the Muscatine Municipal Airport.

 

The Council will be asked to schedule three public hearings on April 21 including one on an ordinance regulating cargo containers in residential areas, one on an ordinance revising weed and vegetation management regulations, on the 2023 Consolidated Funding Application for MuscaBus.

 

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.

 

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the March 17, 2022, City Council agenda and/or attachments.

 

The best way for the public to participate is to dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2, and, at the appropriate time, unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Muscatine City Council In Depth Meeting | Thu, Mar. 17, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 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


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Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to 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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

DPW to begin Spring leaf collection effort on April 4

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Winter may finally be losing its grip on Muscatine and it may still be a little early for residents to begin cleaning up their yards, but the Department of Public Works (DPW) is preparing to assist residents with their cleanup efforts by scheduling the annual Spring leaf collection. 

 

DPW leaf vacuum trucks will be out on the streets of Muscatine starting April 4 collecting leaves that have been raked, or carried, to the boulevard in front of a homeowner’s residence. The trucks will begin with Zone 1 and continue until all eight zones are completed.

 

Residents should have their leaves piled in the boulevard in front of their residences for pickup prior to April 4. 

 

Residents can also contact Public Works by phone (563-263-8933) or email pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov for more information on spring leaf collection or visit Street Cleaning for additional information.

 

This is the only time leaf collection will be conducted during the Spring season. Residents are reminded that they can bag their own leaves and take them to the Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station. The Compost Facility will be open for the season starting March 19. (See COMPOST FACILITY)

 

General guidelines for leaf pickup:

  • Leaves should be placed near but not beyond the curb, and should be within reach of the leaf vacuum. Leaves should be free of tree branches and twigs as they can cause the leaf vacuums to clog up. 
  • All leaves must be placed outside of fenced areas.
  • Leaves are not to be placed in the street to avoid clogging storm drains.
  • Leaves should not be placed in street or extend into traffic lanes, thereby creating traffic hazards.
  • Leaves should not be placed around obstacles such as mailbox posts, sign posts and light poles.
  • Crews will not pick up leaves mixed with debris, logs, branches, rocks, plastic, metal or glass containers, or any other types of refuse.
  • Leaves should not be placed on City cul-de-sacs, vacant land, or City property except on the public right-of-way along the curb/shoulder area.
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Time to tee it up … Municipal Golf Course opens Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Pull the bag out of the closet and dust off those clubs as the 2022 golf season begins Thursday (March 17) at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course. Tee times start at 12 p.m. with daily tee times available starting at 9 a.m. Friday (March 18).

 

The decision on use of golf carts will be made on a daily basis, and dependent on course and weather conditions. 

 

The Driving Range will also be open starting Thursday with golfers asked to hit from the mats until it is determined that the grass is ready for players to hit from. Driving Range tokens can be purchased at the Pro Shop and previous season tokens may be used.

 

Season passes are now on sale with payment plans available during the months of March, April and May. Passes that are purchased prior to April 1 will also receive an incentive card good for two range tokens, two guest green fees, two 18-hole cart rentals, one 15-minute golf lesson, 15 minutes on the TruGolf Simulator, and 10 percent off any golf retail merchandise purchase over $50 (some restrictions apply). Incentive cards are not available with the payment plan. 

 

Pass holders for the 2022 season can also take advantage of the “refer a friend” special. Current pass holders will receive a $50 gift card to the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course when they refer a new pass holder for the 2022 season who did not have a 2021 season pass. All Junior Pass referrals are eligible for a $25 golf course gift card.  

 

A complete list of 2022 fees can be found on the Municipal Golf Course website.

 

For more information, to schedule a golf lesson, or to schedule a tee time, please call the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course at 563-263-4735. 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City waives first year neutered pet registration fee through April 30

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will be suspending the first-year registration fee for neutered dogs and cats from March 19 through April 30 to promote pet registration within the city. The offer does not apply to non-neutered pets.

 

All dogs and cats six (6) months of age or older are required to be registered with the City of Muscatine.

 

A pet license runs concurrently with the pet’s rabies vaccination. The pet license is required to be renewed annually with each yearly rabies vaccination. If your pet has received a two or three year vaccination, you must renew your pet license annually or pay the multiple years of license fees at the time of registration.

 

It is the responsibility of the owner to present proof the pet being registered is altered. The pet licensing requirement applies to all pets over six months of age. It excludes owners of seeing-eye dogs or owners who are confined to a wheelchair. Both are exempt from paying the pet fee; however they are still required to register their animals with the Finance office at City Hall.

 

Owners must provide a certificate from a licensed veterinarian certifying that the dog or cat has received a rabies inoculation and the date that the inoculation occurred. 

 

The annual cost of registration for a neutered pet is $5.00 but the annual fee is reduced to $3.00 for pet owners 65 and older. The fee for non-neutered pets is $25.00 per year with the annual fee reduced to $15.00 per year for pet owners 65 and older. 

 

The neutered pet first year fee will be waived if the pet is registered prior to April 30 with the Department of Finance and Records at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine.

 

The Department keeps a complete registry of all licensed dogs and cats, their breed, color and sex, along with the name and address of the owner, and the number of the license tag. The registry is used to verify compliance with City Code during investigations by the Muscatine Police Department Animal Control Officer.

 

Neutered pets who receive a two- or three-year rabies inoculation may be registered for two or three years (based on the rabies inoculation received) if the multiple year fee is paid at the time of registration (i.e., $10.00 for two-years; $15.00 for three-years). Multiple year registrations will receive the first-year discount through April 30 as part of the City’s pet registration promotion.

 

The license will be in effect until the anniversary date of the rabies vaccination of the animal and shall be renewable as determined by the animals’ vaccination schedule.

 

Revisions to Chapter 8 (Animal Regulations) of Title 6 (Police and Public Safety) of the City Code of Muscatine were recently approved by the Muscatine City County. The revised ordinance went into effect Sunday, March 13, 2022. Informative articles on changes to the Animal Control Ordinance will be published in the future.

 

For more information on pet licensing, call the Finance Department at 563-264=1550 or visit the Pet Licensing page on the City of Muscatine website.

 

The City of Muscatine will be at two upcoming events to facilitate pet registration.

 

  • It Takes A Village Animal Rescue and Resources, along with national nonprofit Petco Love, will host the first of a series of “Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership” events from 1-5 p.m., Saturday (March 19), at the Salvation Army, 1000 Oregon St., Muscatine. Free canine DAPPv shots will be provided to 250 pets on a first come, first serve basis. Microchipping will also be available.

 

  • The Muscatine Humane Society, 920 S. Houser Street, Muscatine, will be hosting a low-cost event for dogs and cats from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, April 8, that will include rabies vaccination and microchipping on a first come, first served basis.
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Unique format planned for State of the City 2022 address

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will present his first “State of the City” address in a rather unique format this year. Joining him in a discussion of the past, present, and future of Muscatine will be City Administrator Carol Webb.

 

The presentation will be part of the March 31 Muscatine In Focus show. The City of Muscatine is inviting residents to submit questions they have about Muscatine’s future that will be presented to Bark and Webb during the presentation. Residents are asked to limit questions to 140 characters or less, be respectful with content, and submit the questions to Communications Manager Kevin Jenison (kjenison@muscatineiowa.gov) or to feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.

 

Questions will be compiled by subject matter with the most frequently asked posed to the mayor and city administrator.

 

Deadline for submitting questions is March 25.

 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Expect traffic delays in three areas of city next week

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Mother Nature was not kind to one outdoor road project last week as work to replace a light pole base in the median on Mississippi Drive between Linn and Broadway streets was pushed back one week. 

 

The revised plan has Heuer Construction, Inc., starting work either Monday (March 14) or Tuesday (March 15) with a flagger at either end of the section of median (at Linn and at Broadway) to flag vehicles through. Work will be conducted during daytime hours with the street opened in the evenings.

 

Drivers are urged to use caution when travelling through the construction zone, obey traffic control devices, and seek alternate routes if possible.

 

Also expected next week will be the repair of a collapse sewer on Sampson Street. The section of street has been barricaded with traffic reduced to one lane. Drivers are asked to alternate when travelling through the work area, use caution, and obey traffic control devices. The work is estimated to take most of the week.

 

Drivers are also reminded that Iowa Avenue will be closed from 3rd to 4th streets starting Monday (March 14). The block will be closed to traffic for 45 days as Graham Construction Company completes demolition work on the former Musser Public Library building and connects utility services. See previous story.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Block of Iowa Avenue to be closed to traffic for 45 days

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Iowa Avenue will be closed to traffic from 3rd Street to 4th Street starting Monday, March 14, as Graham Construction Company completes demolition work on the former Musser Public Library building and connects utility services. The work is expected to take 45 days and should be completed by April 30 depending on the weather.

A one-block detour has been established that will take Iowa Avenue traffic to Sycamore Street and back to Iowa Avenue. Access to Muscatine County Human Services and Muscatine Center for Social Action will be maintained by the contractor.

Former Library Construction public detour 030322 (JPG)

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Three boards are seeking individuals to fill openings

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three of the boards authorized by the City of Muscatine are looking for members to fill their ranks as the Muscatine Art Center Board of Trustees has two openings, the Public Art Commission one opening, and the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center Board of Trustees has one opening.

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. Currently two positions need to be filled.

 

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 will meet at least four times per year. Five members will 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 will be appointed by the City Council and serve a three-year term. Members can serve two consecutive terms. Currently one position needs to be filled.

 

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. 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, April 15. 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 for the Historic Preservation Commission and other boards and commissions. 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 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.

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Time to change clocks; check smoke, CO alarm batteries

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, as residents “spring” forward and move their clocks up one hour. 

 

The Muscatine Fire Department reminds residents that this is also a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to change the batteries, 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

“Studies have 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.”

 

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.”

 

The 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.

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).

 

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 alarms.

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