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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public Works crews keep pushing back snow

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Snow plows were back on the streets early Wednesday and received some help from the rising temperatures. Crews worked to pushed back snow to the curb in all areas of Muscatine to allow for the melting snow to filter into the storm inlets.

Public Works officials said that this was a difficult storm to move snow due to the extreme cold and wind that accompanied a total of nearly five inches of snow. However, crews were able to make at least one pass through every street and alley in Muscatine before the temperatures climbed above freezing to aid in the snow removal effort.

Public Works crews will continue to monitor street conditions and will add salt and/or sand as needed due to the temperature fluctuations.

If you have a question, comment, or request, visit Muscatine Connect, or download the app from the AppStore or GooglePlay. 

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Early start time for City Council Thursday; two meetings scheduled

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will have an early start to their Thursday (April 14) schedule with a special meeting at 5:15 p.m. to hear a presentation from the Merge Urban Development Group on the Carver Corner Redevelopment.

 

Following the special meeting, the City Council will conduct their regularly scheduled In-Depth session but at an earlier time. The In-Depth session is now scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with presentations on the city deer management plan, the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Project, and a presentation on violent crime statistics.

 

Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

 

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but do not feel comfortable in attending in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below. 

 

Merge will be presenting an updated proposal that includes a five-story, 56-unit mixed use building with a residential mix of studio, 1-bed and 2-bed units as part of a $9 million project. The ground floor would consist of a residential lobby space, bike storage, and approximately 6,000 square feet of micro retail and retail space.

 

While the initial development includes one building, the developer has expressed interest in developing the entire parcel in the future dependent on financing.

 

The presentation will be followed by a vote on a resolution committing to support an application to the Iowa Economic Development Group by Merge Urban Development Group for the proposed Carver Corner Development.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Richard Klimes and Superintendent of Parks Nick Gow will open the In-Depth meeting with a presentation on the results of the 2021-2022 City Deer Management Plan and a discussion on the positives, negatives, and other considerations for allowing public property to be used for future City deer hunts.

 

The 2021-2022 program continues the management plant that allows for the controlled reduction of the deer population through maintenance instead of eradication. The past season was determined to be a success with 18 hunters taking 39 deer from Sept. 18, 2021, through Jan. 10, 2020.

 

Klimes and Gow will also provide an update on the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Fund Projects. These projects include upgrades to Taylor Park (i.e., pickleball courts, splash pad, and modular restroom), shelters at Taylor, Musser, and Kent Stein Parks, and playgrounds at Musser, Taylor, and Sunset Parks.

 

The final presentation will come from Lt. David O’Connor of the Muscatine Police Department (MPD) who will review violent crime trends in Muscatine and some of the community policing efforts being conducted by the MPD.

 

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 City Council agenda and/or attachments of click on the links below. 

 

Special Meeting | In-Depth Session

 

The best way for the public to participate virtually is to log on or dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2. 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 the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 14, 2022 | 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM (CDT) 
 Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 14, 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.

 

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

 

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.