Tag: hearings

Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting

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

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 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

Continue reading “Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citizens who do not want to attend the in-depth meeting in person can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below.

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

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

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, March 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

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

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

Two public hearings are on City Council March 2 agenda

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

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcomed to attend the meeting in person. Citizens who do not want to attend the in-person meeting can watch and/or participate through the GoToMeeting virtual meeting portal. Information on joining the virtual session and how to make a comment during the meeting is listed below. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, March 2, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (669) 224-3412, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 970-499-597 when prompted.

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

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

Light agenda for Muscatine City Council on Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two public hearings and vote on six action items in a rather light agenda for the final meeting of July when the Council meets in regular session Thursday (July 21 in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

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

One of the highlights for Thursday’s meeting will be the proclamation of Friday, July 22, as MuscaBus Driver Appreciation Day by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark. The Mayor will also recognize Bill McCracken who was named the 2022 MuscaBus Driver of the Year.

The first public hearing concerns the Development Agreement with Kent Corporation for the former McKee Button Factory Building renovation. The agreement will come before the Council for approval in August. The second public hearing is on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and cost estimate for the proposed Transit Wash Bay Project. The project is funded by federal and local funds, and will be voted on later in the meeting.

The Council will also be asked to approve the declaration of an ambulance as surplus and authorize its donation to Ukraine in servicing the citizens during the war with Russia. This will be the third ambulance donated by Muscatine with the first two now on board a ship heading to Ukraine.

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

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

On-Line Participation

To view or participate virtually, click on the link below or call in to the GoToMeeting. Be sure to mute your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on GoToMeeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member. Those wishing to speak should use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, July 21, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT

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

Continue reading “Light agenda for Muscatine City Council on Thursday”
Categories
City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on June 2 Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two public hearings on the vacation of utility easements Thursday (June 2) 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.  

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will open the meeting by swearing in Firefighter Dan Deckert to service with the Muscatine Fire Department, and will ask the Council to approve a lengthy list of appointments to the various boards of commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine.

A public hearing on vacating utility easements located at Lots 2 and 3 of Beau Bien Subdivision, will be followed by a public hearing on vacating utility easements at 2923 Mulberry Avenue on property owned by the First Baptist Church. Resolutions to approve the vacation will be acted on by Council later in the meeting.

The second and final reading of an ordinance updating Appendix A of the Code of the City of Muscatine to reflect current City Code and Iowa Code related to civil penalties, fines, and violations. If approved, the ordinances will be submitted for publication before becoming official. 

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. 

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.

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.

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, June 2, 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

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/9704995

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

Four public hearings on City Council agenda for March 3

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Four public hearings will be held during the first Muscatine City Council meeting of March on Thursday (March 3) including three tied to the City’s next bond issue in May 2022. 

 

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 City’s next bond issue, scheduled for May 2022, will provide funding for a number of City projects that have recently been completed, are currently underway, or will be underway in calendar years 2022 and 2023. These projects and the proposed bond issue were reviewed with the City Council as part of the recent budget sessions. 

 

The bond issue is estimated at $6,200,000 with $6,090,000 for project costs and $110,000 for estimated bond issuance costs. The projects include those classified as Essential Corporate Purposes including the Park Avenue improvements, the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction project, Park improvements, Building Demolition projects, Flood Damage repairs, Transfer Station Tipping Floor Restoration, the Public Safety Telephone System upgrade, and purchases of a new fire engine and two ambulances for the Fire Department. 

 

General Corporate Purpose projects include the purchase of the former Kum and Go property, Aquatic Center repairs, Deferred Building Maintenance projects, and the City portion of the new Vehicle Wash Bay. 

 

The public hearings will be held prior to the City Council taking action on the attached resolution.

 

The first public hearing will be on the maximum tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget. Only the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and Employee benefits levies are included. The FY 22/23 budget will see an increase of $395,583 from these levies (3.95%) but actual tax bills will be lower due to an increase in taxable valuations and state rollbacks.

 

The Council will also set a public hearing for the FY 2022/2023 budget. That hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 17 with the City budget due in the hands of the Muscatine County auditor by March 31.

 

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 3, 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 Regular Meeting | Thu, Mar. 3, 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


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

 

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.

Continue reading “Four public hearings on City Council agenda for March 3”