Tag: Council

Busy night for Muscatine City Council Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 19, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It will be a busy night for the Muscatine City Council Thursday (April 20) with four public hearings, two special presentations, and a long list of action items for the Council to consider.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend the meeting in person. A virtual option is available for citizens who do not want to attend in-person. Information on joining the virtual session through the GoToMeeting portal is listed below.

The City Council session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will begin the meeting with a proclamation declaring May 7-13, 2023, as Drinking Water Week. Bark will also introduce and recognize the Manta Rays Swim Team for their accomplishments.

The City Council will conduct four public hearings starting with a hearing on a request to approve the Consolidated Funding Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 and the Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) Application. The City of Muscatine Transit Division (MuscaBus) annually applies for State and Federal Transit funds through the Consolidated Funding Application. The funds are applied to transit operating and capital expenses. The PTIG application will apply to the automatic drive-through wash bay expenses.

A public hearing on Amendment #1 to the FY 2022-2023 city budget will follow along with a public hearing on the FY 2023-2024 city budget. The final public hearing is on declaring Tom Bruner Field as surplus and authorizing the sale of the property to the Muscatine School District.

During the budget review process for the FY 2023-2024 city budget, revised revenue and expenditure amounts for the FY 2022-2023 city budget were reviewed. These revised estimates become Amendment #1 to the current city budget, and require a public hearing and resolution to adopt the revised estimates.

The public hearing, and subsequent resolution to adopt, on the FY 2023-2024 city budget is the culmination over almost six months of work by city staff and City Council to develop and review the proposed budget. The proposed budget for 2023/2024 totals $67,398,621. This includes $37,719,031 in governmental funds expenditures and $29,679,590 in business-type/enterprise funds expenditures. Of the total proposed budget, $12,789,900 is for capital projects in both governmental and business-type funds.

Among the action items to be considered Thursday is awarding Phase 1 of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project to Heuer Construction.

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, April 20, 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

Tags April, busy, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Night, Thursday, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 5, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two public hearings Thursday, the first on the next two phases of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project, and the second on setting the maximum tax dollars for certain tax levies for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday (April 6) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcomed, and encouraged, to attend the meeting in person. A virtual option is available for citizens who do not want to attend in-person. Information on joining the virtual session through the GoToMeeting portal is listed below.

The City Council session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

Two proclamations will be made by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark including declaring April 6, 2023, as Junior Achievement Day, and the week of April 9-15, 2023, as Telecommunicators Week.

Phase 6 of the West Hill Sewer Separation Project will include sanitary and storm sewer installation with separation of sanitary sewer from the Papoose Creek tunnel. Work will be on Sycamore Street from 8th Street to Fulliam Avenue, Iowa Avenue from 10th Street to Fulliam Avenue, and Fulliam Avenue from Iowa Avenue to Sycamore Street. New water mains will also be a part of the project with repaving of the streets to follow the completion of the underground work.

A resolution approving the plans and specifications for Phase 6A and Phase 6B will be voted on later in Thursday’s meeting. If approved, the bid documents will be released on April 7 with bids opened on May 9 and the project awarded on June 1. A construction schedule will be determined during a pre-construction meeting with the contractor later in June.

All cities in Iowa are required by the State of Iowa to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies prior to adoption and certification of the final budget. The second public hearing Thursday is on the proposed maximum tax levy for 2023/2024. This maximum levy only includes the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and employee benefits levies. The tax dollars from those levies are $13,934,443 in the FY 23-24 budget compared to $12,992,776 in the FY 22-23 budget.

While the total property tax rate has been reduced 1.87 percent (to $15,67219 per $1,000 of valuation), an 8.36 percent increase in taxable valuations will result in a 6.65 percent increase ($1,009, 751) in property tax dollars. The maximum tax dollars for the tax levies considered in the public hearing will be a 7.65 percent increase ($941,667) over the FY 22-23 budget.

A resolution approving the maximum tax dollars for certain tax levies for the FY 23-24 budget will be voted on later in Thursday’s meeting.

Also on the agenda are resolutions setting public hearings on April 20 for the FY 23-24 budget, Amendment #1 to the FY 22-23 budget, and on declaring Tom Bruner Field as surplus and authorizing the sale to the Muscatine Community School District.

The Council will also be asked to accept a $1.738 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for the Mulberry Neighborhood Project. This pilot project was developed to focus on revitalizing an area that is near downtown, has a high visibility impact, and can be replicated by other communities.

The Muscatine Neighborhood Project will be completed over a three-to-five-year period with a $22 million budget. Items to be funded include living street improvements, street lighting, sidewalks, bikeway trail, trees, pocket park, expanding internet access, commercial façade improvements, exterior housing repairs, acquisition and clearance of nuisance properties, and Community Development Block Grant administration.

Another project that is awaiting City Council approval on Thursday is the installation of a sidewalk connector from Sunset Housing to the back side of the Muscatine Soccer Complex, across the Muscatine Slough, and connecting with the Kent Stein Trail Kent Stein Park.

The Kent Stein trail connector is part of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Fund Projects. If approved, The Henley Group will complete the installation of an asphalt trail connector from Kent Stein Park to the Muscatine Soccer Complex, and CR Landscape will complete the sidewalk connector from Sunset Housing to the Kent Stein Connector.

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, April 6, 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

Tags City, conduct, Council, hearings, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Thursday, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Report of city department February 2023 activity released

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 21, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City Administrator Report to the Muscatine City Council and to the citizens of Muscatine is now available online by clicking MONTHLY REPORT.

The report highlights the many accomplishments of each City of Muscatine department during the month of February 2023, along with providing valuable metrics on the services provided by each department.

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 on projects or services, or with questions or concerns regarding a project or service. Feedback may be provided by sending an email to feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.

You can click on the green Muscatine Connect button in the upper left of the City of Muscatine website home page to view categories that you can open to send a comment, ask a question, or report a problem to City staff.

Click on Request Form to go directly to the request page.

To download the Muscatine Connect app visit the iPhone App Store or Google Play. Once installed you will be able to send information and pictures directly from your smart device to a specific department. It is our policy to respond within 24 hours during the work week and to resolve any issues within five business days, if possible

Tags Administrator, Citizens, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 15, 2023

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

Tags City, Council, Four, hearings, hold, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Final discussion of FY23-24 budget set for Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 8, 2023

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.

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

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

Tags City, conduct, Council, Iowa –, March, Muscatine, sessions, Thursday, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Five police officers promoted during Friday ceremony

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 3, 2023

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.

Pictured 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.

Tags Chambers, City, Council, coworkers, family, Friends, gathered, Iowa –, Muscatine

City of Muscatine Press Releases

January report of City department activity released

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 27, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City Administrator Report to the Muscatine City Council and to the citizens of Muscatine is now available online by clicking MONTHLY REPORT.

The report highlights the many accomplishments of each City of Muscatine department during the month of January 2023, along with providing valuable metrics on the services provided by each department.

Click on Request Form to go directly to the request page.

Tags Administrator, Citizens, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Musco, Kent to make presentations to Council Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 8, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three presentations are on the Muscatine City Council agenda for their February In-Depth meeting including one of proposed updates to the building code regulations. 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 in-depth session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

The Council has nearly completed a series of special meetings on the FY 2023-2024 proposed budget. Wednesday night the Council listened to Finance Director Nancy Lueck and City Administrator Carol Webb review Capital, Debt, and Road Use Tax funds along with a review of the Local Option Sales Tax.

Another special session will be held immediately after the Council’s in-depth session with Lueck and Webb reviewing TIF, Special Revenue, and Other funds.

Musco Lighting will be making a presentation to the Muscatine City Council as they seek Tax Increment Financing Assistance for their expansion of production space at their facility on Stewart Road. Kent Corporation will also be making a presentation seeking Tax Increment Financing Assistance for business expansion.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 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.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.

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

Tags agenda, City, Council, February, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, their, Three

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Contracts to demolish four structures on Council agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 1, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council is expected to approve the demolition of four structures as the City of Muscatine continues to work on removing unsafe structures that are a hazard to public safety and return the parcel to a state that can be redeveloped, if possible, and returned to the tax rolls.

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).

Contracts to demolish structures at 613 W. 5th Street, 1244 Dale Street, 1805 Bryan Avenue, and 1207 Cedar Street will be awarded upon approval of the resolutions by the City Council Thursday.

The Council will also be asked to approve a contract for the rehabilitation of underground pipes with Insituform Technologies, LLC, of Chesterfield, Missouri. The cured-in-place project is anticipated to save the City hundreds of thousands of dollars by using liners to repair eight sections of sewer pipe instead of digging up and replacing the pipes.

Also on the agenda is a request to enter into a professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk for a preliminary design of a roundabout at Green, Hershey, and Grandview (Carver Corner). The City Council gave consensus for the roundabout at the January 12 in-depth meeting. The preliminary design will assist other design firms working on the other buildings in the vicinity of Carver Corner that may be affected by the construction of a roundabout.

The meeting will begin with the swearing in of Muscatine firefighter John Peters by Mayor Brad Bark.

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

A special City Council meeting will be held immediately following the regular meeting as the Council continues listening to FY 23-24 budget presentations from various City departments. On the agenda for Thursday’s session are presentations from four outside agencies seeking funds from the City of Muscatine including the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Senior Resources, the Humane Society, and the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA).

Budget discussions between the City Council and the various City of Muscatine departments will continue at 8 a.m. on February 4 in the City Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. Discussions will continue on February 7 with a final review on February 8. A complete timetable for the budget discussions can be found by clicking on BUDGET SCHEDULE.

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 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.

Tags approve, City, Council, demolition, expected, Four, Iowa –, Muscatine, structures

City of Muscatine Press Releases

December report of department activity is released

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 19, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City Administrator Report to the Muscatine City Council and to the citizens of Muscatine is now available online by clicking MONTHLY REPORT.

The report highlights the many accomplishments of each City of Muscatine department during the month of December 2022, along with providing valuable metrics on the services provided by each department.

Tags Administrator, Citizens, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Short agenda for City Council on Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 18, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A short agenda awaits the Muscatine City Council Thursday (Jan. 19) with eight business items including approving the contract and bond for the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Replacement Project. Mayor Brad Bark is scheduled to open the City Council meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall.

Thursday’s regular 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 Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).

A special City Council meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday (Jan. 29) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall. The only agenda item for the meeting is a General Fund Overview by City Administrator Carol Webb and Finance Director Nancy Lueck. The overview normally leads off discussions on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget.

Budget discussions between the City Council and the various City of Muscatine departments will begin at 8 a.m. on January 28 in the City Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. Department discussions will continue on January 31, February 1, February 2, February 4, and February 7, with a final review on February 8. A complete timetable for the budget discussions can be found by clicking on BUDGET SCHEDULE.

On the agenda are:

Resolution reaffirming the Mulberry Revitalization District is blighted as defined under the Urban Renewal Plan;
Request to approve the purchase of a power cot for Ambulance Services;
Request to approve two agreements … one with Bolton and Menk for planning, engineering, and construction services at the Muscatine Airport, and the second on supporting the FY 23 Community Grant writer agreement;
Request to approve application for an Older Adult Home Modifications Program Grant; and,
Request to approve Change Order #11 for the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, January 19, 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.

Tags agenda, awaits, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, short, Thursday, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Council to conduct two meetings on January 5

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 4, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council have two meetings scheduled for their first meeting of 2023 starting with a closed session at 5:15 p.m. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to open their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall, but the start of that meeting may be delayed depending on the length of the closed session.

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 special City Council meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the Lower-Level Conference Room at Muscatine City Hall. The only agenda item for the meeting is a request to enter a closed session. The special meeting will be adjourned following the closed session without any action being taken.

A public hearing will be held during the regular session on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimates for the rehabilitation of underground pipes with a cured-in-place pipe liner. A resolution approving moving forward with the project is scheduled later in the meeting.

With the current state of the economy and with construction costs essentially prohibiting replacement options, Public Works staff has researched alternative and less-expensive rehabilitation options. The cured-in-place option is a cost-effective way to add 50 years to the life of the current sewer system at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

If approved by the City Council, the project would rehabilitate eight sections of aging sewer pipe according to Zack Etzel, Sewer Department Supervisor. Those sections are located in the 1500 block of Washington Street, 100 block of Sherman Street, 1700 block of Meadow Lane, 1200 block of Sunrise Circle, 800 block of Wier Street, 1000 block of Stone Street, and two sections in the 1400 block of Lincoln Boulevard.

Work will be completed by June 2, 2023.

The City Council will also be asked to approve a contract with Corbin Design for the development of a Wayfinding Master Plan, the first step in the development and implementation of a Wayfinding Program in the City of Muscatine. The wayfinding will include monument signs and gateways to the City, direction signage to and between recreation and cultural amenities, and specific business districts and/or neighborhoods.

The Parks and Recreation Department is asking the City Council to approve the purchase of a robotic painter for the soccer complex. The unit will reduce staff hours for laying out fields and would reduce the overall paint that is needed to be purchased. The robotic painter is a three-wheeled unit that can be controlled manually or with GPS and has over 100 different sport templates with thousands of variations.

Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Director Jon Koch is asking the City Council to approve the submission of a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed $2 million grant is a 100 percent funded grant with no match required from the City of Muscatine. If awarded, the grant would allow for the installation of new digester equipment and refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the old digester tank.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, January 5, 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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Administrator’s report of November activity available

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date December 27, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City Administrator Report to the Muscatine City Council and to the citizens of Muscatine is now available online by clicking MONTHLY REPORT.

The report highlights the many accomplishments of each City of Muscatine department during the month of November 2022, along with providing valuable metrics on the services provided by each department.

Tags Administrator, Citizens, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Council asked to approve indoor sports facility grant application

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date December 14, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will be asked to authorize a Destination Iowa Grant application during its regular meeting Thursday (Dec. 15) that may lead to the design and construction of the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

A virtual session 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 attending in person. Instructions for joining the virtual session are listed below.

City staff presented the concept of an indoor sports complex to the Muscatine City Council on December 1, with the City Council supporting the concept and allocating $600,000 in 2024 bond proceeds for the design and construction of the facility. The City has since received funding commitments from the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors and two private donors.

The facility will be located on the north end of the Soccer West complex on South Houser Street. The Destination Iowa Grant, if awarded, will provide additional revenue for the project along with the financial commitments made by the City of Muscatine, Muscatine County, and private individuals.

The Council will also be asked to approve a Letter of Acceptance to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for funding to replace the bridge over Mad Creek on Park Avenue West. The bridge is in need of replacement and will have a weight limit implemented during the design of its replacement. The DOT will fund the bridge replacement while the City will pay for the engineering design.

A public hearing will be scheduled for January 5, 2023, for a Sewer Lining Project that is currently in development by the Department of Public Works. Several aging sections of sewers are in need of replacement but the high construction costs would make replacement of these sections prohibitive. A cured-in-place liner is being discussed as a low-cost but effective alternative to actual replacement of the pipes.

Also on the agenda:

Approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit for the year ended June 30, 2022;
Approval of the Tax Increment Financing Policy;
Awarding a contract to KE Flatwork, Inc., to replace the tipping floor at the Transfer Station;
Approval of renewing the School Resource Officer agreement with Muscatine Community School District; and,
Approval of a professional services agreement with Watersmith Engineering for the Kent Stein to Sunset Housing Trail connector.

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

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. The session will also be broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2.

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | 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.

Tags asked, authorize, City, Council, Destination, Iowa –, Muscatine, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Annual Street Financial Report on Council agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date November 16, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will be asked to approve the Annual Street Finance Report for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 during the Council’s final meeting before the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, (Nov. 17), one of several housekeeping items that are on the Council agenda.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session is offered in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable attending in person. Instructions for joining the virtual session are listed below.

The City Street Finance Report is required by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) of all cities, and shows all street-related expenditures and related funding sources. Street related expenditures for the past fiscal year were $13,395,606 and that was up from $10,561,544 in Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and $9,385,512 in Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

Street-related costs in the General Fund (ongoing street maintenance) accounted for $3,009,908 in the past fiscal year, and street-related debt service on principal and interest for outstanding bond issues came in at $1,551,188.

Capital Project expenditures for Fiscal Year 2021/2022 came in at $8,496,825 and include: $5,569,960 for the Mississippi Drive/Grandview Avenue Corridor Project; $934,329 for street resurfacing, $837,063 for the 2nd Street Streetscape Project, $1,022,405 for the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project; $23,072 for the 67th Street Sidewalk Project engineering design; and, $109,996 for the right-of-way purchase for the new Love’s Truck Stop access road.

A major funding source for street expenditures is Road Use Tax ($3,289,871 in FY2021-2022). Additional funds came from Local Option Sales Tax ($774,940), Public Works charged for services ($122,410), and a federal grant from FEMA ($20,728) for windstorm cleanup.

Among the other items on the agenda is:

Swearing in of Firefighter Donald Petersen;
Resolutions for internal advances of funds for Tax Increment Urban Renewal Projects;
Resolutions for annual appropriation for Tax Increment Financing Rebate obligations;
Adoption of the Iowa League of Cities Record Retention Manual as the official schedule for the City of Muscatine; and,
Approval of an agreement with DOT and acceptance of an ARPA grant for MuscaBus.

To view the complete report and agenda summary along with other agenda click AGENDA to open a PDF version of the City Council agenda and/or attachments.

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 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.

Tags annual, approve, asked, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Street, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Administrator’s September report of City activity available

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date November 1, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City Administrator Report to the Muscatine City Council and to the citizens of Muscatine is now available online by clicking MONTHLY REPORT.

The report highlights the many accomplishments of each City of Muscatine department during the month of September 2022, along with providing valuable metrics on the services provided by each department.

Tags Administrator, Citizens, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Busy City Council agenda with four public hearings

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 19, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will have a somewhat busy agenda for their meeting Thursday (Oct. 20) with four public hearings and 15 action items.

Public hearings will be held on the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028, the vacation of a trail easement, and on a community needs assessment as part of a proposed application for a Community Development Block Grant to support the Downtown Revitalization Program.

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting with instructions for joining the virtual session listed below.

Resolutions adopting the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028 will be held later in the meeting along with resolutions approving the vacating of a trail easement, and the application for Community Block Grant funds.

The City Council will also be asked to approve the contract for replacing the City Hall Porch, and set public hearings on vacating a utility easement and on the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project. The meeting will conclude with an update on the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project and the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 20, 2022 | 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.

Tags – Have, agenda, busy, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, somewhat, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four presentations on Council’s in-depth agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 12, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hear four presentations at their October In-Depth meeting Thursday (Oct. 13).

Presentations will be given on the Explorer Program with the Muscatine Fire Department, City of Muscatine Code Enforcement services, an overview of the budget-basis financial statement for FY 2021-2022, and an update on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will provide the Council with an overview of the Code Enforcement service, and then discuss three areas covered in the Code of the City of Muscatine. Those areas include snow and ice on sidewalks, weed and vegetation management, and nuisances.

That will be followed by two presentations from Finance Director Nancy Lueck. The first will be an overview of the Budget Basis Financial Statement for the year ended June 30, 2022. The second will be an overview of the budgeted uses for the American Rescue Plan Funds received by the City of Muscatine.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 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.

Tags City, Council, Four, hear, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, their, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Council set to vote Thursday on ordinance allowing UTVs

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 5, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will vote on an ordinance revising Title 7, Chapter 2 of City Code that would permit the use of off-road utility vehicles (UTV) on city streets. The vote will be taken following the third and final reading of the proposed ordinance.

Those interested in the proceedings of the City Council will note that the Council meeting will start at 6 p.m. beginning with Thursday’s (Oct. 6) City Council meeting. The City Council meets Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

The Council directed city staff during the May 12, 2022, in-depth meeting to prepare changes to portions of Title 7 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 2 (Traffic Regulations General) related to All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations.

The changes include definitions associated with all-terrain vehicles, equipment standards for operation, operating provisions, prohibited streets and highways, provisions for crossing prohibited streets and highways, and other items associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles inside the city limits.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) will not be allowed on city streets in Muscatine for any reason.

In other action Thursday, the Council will:

Conduct a public hearing for Environmental Information for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project;
Approve a purchase order to Sulzco, LLC for tree removal, site clearing, grading, and filling of the northwest corner of the Houser and Grandview intersection;
Set public hearings for the revised Bike & Pedestrian Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, on vacating a trail easement, and on a Community Block Grant application;
Approve a request to submit a railroad crossing elimination grant application.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 6, 2022 | 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.

Tags City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, ordinance, revising, Title, vote, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Council to begin hour earlier starting Oct. 6

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 4, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council approved an updated “Rules of Council” at its September 15 meeting with one of the biggest changes being the starting time for Council meetings.

Starting Thursday (Oct. 6), City Council meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

The “Rules of Council” were last updated in 2016 and City staff proposed certain changes that reflect current Council practices and current Iowa law, and support efficient and orderly Council meetings. Iowa Code along with the City Charter and the City Code of Muscatine allow the Council to determine its own rules.

In addition to the meeting start time, the updated rules allow Councilmembers to participate in meetings via remote technology upon approval by the mayor. Virtual meetings became the norm following the declaration of a pandemic in 2020 and although in-person meetings have resumed, the virtual component remains to the benefit of the Council and the public.

Other changes were made to the order of business with several categories added, definitions were added, the rights and duties of Councilmembers and the rights of participating audience were updated, and language was added concerning meeting conduct.

Click RULES OF COUNCIL to read and/or download the PDF version of the rules.

Tags “Rules, approved, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, September, updated