Tag: Iowa –

Volunteer today and help determine Muscatine’s future

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine wants you to join our team and help determine the future of Muscatine, aesthetically and economically.

That’s right … you, the citizens of Muscatine can be a part of the decision-making process, help guide Muscatine to a brighter future, and keep Muscatine on the path to being the place to live, work, and raise a family.

The City of Muscatine is seeking residents who would be interested in becoming part of the decision-making process for Muscatine’s future, those that are willing to volunteer their time and wisdom by serving on one of the various boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many areas to help the community

The City of Muscatine has 12 different boards and commissions that support and advise different departments and different aspects of life within Muscatine, and applications are currently being accepted. See BOARDS for list of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine and the application in a PDF format.

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

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

How can I apply to volunteer my time?

Those interested in becoming a member of a board or commission can complete an application and either email the form to the administrative secretary or mail the form to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761. The City keeps applications on file in case vacancies occur. If you are interested and available in volunteering your time, please submit your application for a future term of office.

All applications are reviewed by the Nominating Committee to ensure applicants meet the qualifications to serve on a specific board or commission, to ensure there are no potential conflicts of interests, and to ensure that each board or commission has a gender balance as prescribed by Iowa Code. Those that meet the requirements are submitted to the full Council for approval. The nominating committee includes the Mayor, two Council representatives, and the City Administrator or a representative from city staff. Details on the Nominating Committee are available by clicking HERE.

The City of Muscatine welcomes all residents to submit their names and resumes for a specific board or commission or a general submission for any board or commission. Most boards or commissions require some knowledge of the subject matter and the responsibilities for the specific board of commission

Tags City, determine, future, help, Iowa –, join, Muscatine, Team, wants

City of Muscatine Press Releases

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 arrested, one sought following alleged assault Sunday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 17, 2023

MUSCATINE Iowa – Two individuals have been arrested and a third is being sought following an investigation into an alleged assault that occurred on April 9, 2023, according to the Muscatine Police Department (MPD).

MPD officers responded to a report of an assault at the Muscatine Walmart, 3003 N. Highway 61, at approximately 11:33 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2023. A subsequent investigation established that two males had assaulted a third male causing an injury that required medical attention.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals have been arrested and charged for their involvement with the incident:

Duran Flowers Jr. – 08/05/94 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury), Simple assault, and Disorderly Conduct.

Charlene Rene Thompson – 12/16/88 – 1816 Logan St. C1, Theft in the 5th degree.

In addition, an arrest warrant has been filed for the arrest of:

Emanuel Matthew Ellis – 05/26/04 – Address unknown, Serious Assault (causing bodily injury) and Disorderly Conduct.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone who believes they may have additional information related to this incident is encouraged to call Officer Cesar Cabrera at (563) 263-9922 ext. 266.

Tags – Have, arrested, been, being, following, individuals, Iowa –, Muscatine, sought, third

City of Muscatine Press Releases

New LIve Fire Training Facility being fabricated by MFD

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 13, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Work is underway to construct a new live fire training facility using Conex containers at Muscatine Fire Department Station 2 off of Stewart Road. The facility will be a cost savings to the department and replace the procurement and use of old mobile homes for Fire Academy training.

The purchase of three Conex containers was approved by the Muscatine City Council during their March 16 meeting with the $9,485.00 cost being covered by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

In his memo to the City Council, Battalion Chief Darrell Janssen said that Conex containers have proven to be a very effective way of creating a training facility that can be used for multiple live fire training scenarios.

“These containers can be modified and converted into various training props, which includes live fire rooms that can simulate real life situations,” Janssen said. “Creation of a live fire training facility like this has been a department goal for years as it provides flexibility, realistic training opportunities, and has a lower environmental impact than what we have had available for use in the past.”

“I would like to say thank you to the Fire Chief, mayor, city administrator, and city council for making this possible,” Captain Andy Summitt said.

Summitt and Lieutenant Andrew McSorley have been heavily involved in the investigation and development of a live fire training facility.

“Many on staff spent hours preparing the trailers we were using for fire training, putting up drywall, fixing the floors, and prepping for the live burns,” Summitt said. “It was a costly, time-consuming process. We knew that there had to be a better way, one that was more durable and less costly.”

McSorley added that many departments are now going to these Conex boxes to burn in.

“They are safer, easier, last forever, and really cheap,” McSorley said.

Summitt, McSorley, and firefighter Sean Paustian were among those that started visiting other departments and seeing what they have done, including the facility at Iowa City, taking pictures and measurements to develop the basic layout for Muscatine.

“Iowa City facility graciously gave us all the help we needed along with input,” Summitt said. “We will work to have them come down and instruct us how to do the burns so that we can get the most bang for our buck.”

Staff continued with their research by calling and visiting other departments to see what they were doing, what worked, and what didn’t.

“We learned a lot for our design from the problems they encountered,” McSorley said. “Some departments don’t even burn in them, but just smoke the trainees out with a smoke machine.”

McSorley took all the information, sat down with paper and a ruler, and drew out the design for the Muscatine live fire training facility.

“We are getting to be such a young department that, if we are going to do it right, we might as well design it so that we can burn in it,” McSorley said.

When the first box arrived at the training site located at the old armory next to Station 2, it was discovered that the concrete pad had an arch to it. That meant that one end of the 8-foot x 40-foot container was 16-inches off the ground. With a team effort that is not unique for the City of Muscatine, Tyson Wedekind, the Roadway Maintenance Supervisor in the Department of Public Works, had his staff deliver and prep a level pad made up of crushed asphalt for the container.

“They had to pull off for other assignments but will be back in the next couple of weeks to create pads for the other two trailers,” McSorley said.

Public Works is not the only partner in the development of the training facility as the Fire Department has received help from Hoffmann, Inc., and MUSCO.

“Hoffmann donated two guys to us and a welder, which is amazing from them,” Summitt said. “I cannot thank them enough for that. And MUSCO provided their fork lift truck to help us place the containers.”

Kris Lee, president of Hoffmann, Inc., was on site Tuesday to see how the work was progressing. McSorley was hired by Hoffman while he was still in college and worked there until eight years ago when he decided to follow his lifelong dream to become a firefighter.

“I have known Andrew for a long time and when he reached out to us, we were happy to help,” Lee said.

McSorley noted that the expertise and equipment that Hoffman has donated to the fabrication of the facility is saving the department thousands of dollars, and a lot more in man hours.

The first container being worked on will house the burn room, a section of the container that has to be built to certain specifications and is lined with steel on the sides, the top, and on the bottom to absorb the heat of the fire. Behind that will be the control room where the instructors will maintain the fires.

“The heat inside one of these things is insane,” McSorley said. “We are going to have to put special covers on our helmets and use our older gear during the exercises.”

A second box will fit perpendicular to the first box with a third box sitting alongside the second box when the first phase of the facility has been completed. Both of these will be used to simulate rooms in a home or entrances to a home.

The second and third containers will have ports cut into the side so a pipe can be inserted to dispense smoke and keep the smoke machine outside. Plans also include using the piping of smoke into additional containers as the facility rises vertically and horizontally.

“There will be days with our academies when we will just pump these units full of smoke and let the trainees do searches,” McSorley said. “We will build walls in them to simulate rooms. An end to one container will look like the front of a house with a door, and the end of another container will look like a window with plexiglass in it so we can do vent and search.”

Paustian did construction before becoming a firefighter and will be constructing the rooms in the interior portions of the second two boxes. Plans include building a couple of closets and a bathroom that the trainees will have to open up and search through.

McSorley recalled four or five winters ago that a department in the general vicinity missed a child that was in a closet.

“For me, I’ve got two little kids, and that hit home,” McSorley said. “That is something that, in my academies now, we really hit hard on searches, especially in places that you don’t think of looking into.”

The current academy trainees will finish with the county burn trailer since the new facility will not be ready in time.

“This will be permanent training facility,” Summitt said. “My vision is that in the next couple of years we will go up maybe two-, three-, and four-stories high. We can stack them to make an upstairs, and to simulate basements. You can even stack them vertically to simulate elevators that you can repel down into. It will be the future training ground for sure.”

Tags construct, Facility, fire, Iowa –, live, Muscatine, training, underway, using, work

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Surplus golf simulator is put on the auction block

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 13, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct an on-line public surplus auction April 21, 2023, through May 5, 2023. The only item for bid is a used golf simulator at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course that was recently declared surplus.

All items are available to bid on through the auction web site www.publicsurplus.com starting April 21, 2023, and running through 3 p.m. on May 5, 2023. Potential bidders can go to that website, search for Iowa, and then City of Muscatine for the auction items. You must register to view items and to bid on items.

Tags City, conduct, Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, online, public, will, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Five presentations are on Council’s in-depth agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 12, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine staff will be making five presentations to the Muscatine City Council Thursday during the in-depth council session. City Council meets at 6 p.m. 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).

The Council will hear from the Parks and Recreation director Rich Klimes and Program Supervisor Kelsie Stafford on the Special Events Process. City staff assist with the coordination of 150-200 special events on public property annually. The public property venues available for hosting events include but are not limited to park shelters and open green spaces, Riverview Center, Pearl City Station, Kent Stein Park, Riverfront, general parks, Muscatine Soccer Complex, Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, Muscatine Aquatic Center, public streets, and the Downtown area.

Water and Resource Recovery Facility Director Jon Koch will be joined by Jay Brady from Stanley Consultants on presenting the Capital Improvement Plan for the Water and Resource Recovery Facility, city owned lift stations, and the gatewells operated among multiple levees in the city. The general condition of the existing facilities was established and a prioritized capital improvement plan developed to guide investments in these assets.

Koch will then introduce Bob Veenstra of Veenstra and Kim who will present the findings of the latest Sewer Rate Study that, if approved by Council, would be used to adjust the Sewer User Rates along with the Collection and Drainage Rates. The current sewer rate structure is expiring on June 30. The last study was conducted in 2018 and set the rates for the next five years. The latest study was initiated in September 2022 and concluded that a continuation of the three percent annual increase to the rates will satisfy inflation-driven cost increases as well as new capital needs at the Water and Resource Recovery Facility and lift stations.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will discuss the impact of changes in state law that directly affect City Code on Home Occupations. Fangman will also address potential updates to the nuisance appeal process.

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 13, 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, Five, Iowa –, making, Muscatine, Presentations, staff, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public Works trains staff, “exercises” flood gate #1 Wednesday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 12, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Public Works Street Department spent Wednesday morning training staff and exercising Mississippi Drive Structure #1. The flood gate is located adjacent to the seawall at the eastern end of Mississippi Drive.

Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, stated that just four of the current staff had participated in a previous installation of the floodgate so the training was needed to get all staff up to speed on the deployment procedures for the gate.

Exercising the flood gate involves the installation of each piece of the structure, physical inspection of each piece and accomplishing repairs as needed, and dismantling and proper storage of each piece of the structure. Training was supervised by staff members who had participated in a previous installation.

Annual drills (exercises) are conducted to retain familiarity with the mechanics and manpower requirements of installing closure structures in years when the actual need to close does not occur. Sporadic intervals of personnel turnover make drills extremely necessary. Conduct gate closure drills on Mississippi Drive Structure #1 and on East 2nd Street Structure #2. The structure on East 2 nd Street was cleaned and exercised on March 15.

Flood gates were removed from 5th Street in 2006 when the bridge was elevated, therefore, no action is required at 5th Street. Two other flood gates cross CP Rail tracks including one across from the bluff on Mississippi Drive, and the other just south of Washington Street on the spur towards HeinzKraft.

The Mississippi River is currently at 14.33 feet and is expected to rise to 15.3 feet by next Tuesday. The current forecast is for the Mississippi to reach minor (16 feet) to moderate (18 feet) flood stage by the first week of May. A level of 18 feet would affect most of the parking area inside Riverside Park.

Watch a video of the procedure at https://youtu.be/lAtsmIy7IcI.

To comment, provide a suggestion, or notify the city of an issue please visit MUSCATINE CONNECT, powered by SeeClickFix, or download the app from the Apple App store or Google Play. For more information visit CITIZEN REQUEST. Citizens also have the option, if they have a comment or concern, to email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov.

Tags Department, Iowa –, morning, Muscatine, public, spent, Street, training, Wednesday, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Pavement restoration begins on Lucas Street

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 7, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Construction work continues at two locations on Lucas Street in Muscatine as part of Phase V of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project (WHSSSP).

Hagerty Earthworks, Inc., the prime contractor for this phase of the project, closed the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and Lucas Street Wednesday as underground work proceeded into the intersection. Lucas Street is now closed to traffic from Fletcher to Logan with residents on Fletcher and connected side streets detouring using Fletcher Avenue (down Miller’s Hill) to Hershey Avenue.

The intersection is tentatively scheduled to reopen in two weeks when underground work and backfilling of the area with rock has been completed.

Drivers are reminded that Greenwood Cemetery is not to be used as a shortcut around the construction on Lucas. Most of the entrances have been closed to traffic unless needed for funerals. Drivers using Hershey Avenue are urged to slow down and watch for increased traffic near the intersection with Fletcher Avenue.

Sub-contractor Heuer Construction, Inc., has prepared and started repaving the 900 block of Lucas Street including the intersection with Green Street. This underground work in this section of Lucas was completed last fall but there was not enough time for pavement restoration before the winter shutdown. A temporary rock surface was installed so the street could be open over the winter. The section is currently closed to all traffic.

The westbound driving lane was poured Thursday (April 6) with the eastbound lane scheduled to be poured Monday, weather permitting. Driveways and sidewalks will also be replaced. This section is tentatively scheduled to be reopened April 21, weather permitting.

Hagerty still has sanitary and storm sewer separation work along with water main underground work on Climer Street from the Logan intersection to Lucas.

Once the 900 block of Lucas has been completed, Heuer is scheduled to complete pavement work in the alley off of Logan. Repaving of Lucas from Logan to Fletcher will be scheduled once the underground work on Lucas has been completed. The last segment to have the pavement restored will be Climer from Logan to Lucas. The pavement restoration timeline is dependent on the completion of underground work.

Hagerty Earthworks, Inc., was awarded the $6.03 million contract for Phase V of the WHSSSP. This phase includes replacing sewers on West 8th Street from Broadway to Lucas, on Climer Street from West 8th Street to Lucas, Logan Street from Lucas to Climer, Lucas Street from 912 Lucas to Fletcher Avenue, and through the ravine between Climer and Lucas.

Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project

The Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project has resumed with lane restrictions in place at various locations from Main Street to Houser Street. Sidewalk work is underway from Musser to Houser on the west side of Grandview Avenue with southbound traffic moved to the middle lane. Sidewalk work on the east side will begin once the west side is completed.

Concrete and landscaping work also continues at the Oregon/Warren intersection with Grandview Avenue, and at several other locations on the west side of Grandview from Main Street to Warren.

Heuer Construction, Inc., was awarded the $7.74 million contract for the two-year Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project that will remove and replace the pavement from Main Street to approximately 200 yards past Houser Street while adding sidewalks and additional streetscaping to provide a much more inviting corridor for residents and visitors.

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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.

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

Tags Construction, continues, Iowa –, locations, Lucas, Muscatine, part, Street, work

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

City offices closing early due to forecasted severe weather

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 31, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine offices will be closing at 1 p.m. today (March 31) due to the forecasted severe weather. The closures include Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center and the Muscatine Art Center.

A tornado watch is in effect for the Muscatine area until 8 p.m. tonight.

Two rounds of storms are forecasted to move through the Muscatine area and will be accompanied by sustained strong winds. Residents are advised to be ready to evacuate to safe places in their homes or in the workplace should severe weather occur. If you do not have to be out this afternoon and evening, please stay home and stay safe.

The National Weather Service recommends residents remain vigilant and aware of any active watches. A warning may be issued at a moment’s notice. Remind family of a communication plan your family has prepared in the case of an emergency, know how to evacuate and/or get to safety from wherever you are, and remember that if a warning is issued you may have only seconds to take action.

Tags City, closing, forecasted, Iowa –, March, Muscatine, offices, today, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

One round for Spring Leaf Collection April 3-7

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 30, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Spring leaf collection will last just one week and there will be just one round of curbside collection from Muscatine residences in April according to the Department of Public Works (DPW). Residents are urged to gather their unwanted leaves curbside no later than April 2 for the curbside collection event set for April 3-7.

“We are asking residents who want the City of Muscatine to collect their left-over leaves to have them raked to the curb by April 2,” Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, said. “We will be making just one round through each zone this year.”

Only one leaf vacuum truck will be sent out during the week. That truck will start in Zone 1 Monday and continue making one round through all zones. The primary collection effort will end when Zone 8 is completed.

“Due to the constraints of staffing and the number of projects that are or will be underway this spring, we decided to have just one round of collection,” Wedekind said. “Therefore it is important for residents who want to utilize this opportunity to have their leaves raked and ready to pick up by April 2.”

Residents who miss the collection can utilize their left-over leaves for mulch, place them in a compost pile on the resident’s property, or place them into City of Muscatine leaf bags. Residents can place the bags curbside for collection by the Solid Waste Division on their regular refuse collection day, or transport the bags to the Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station. City of Muscatine leaf bags are available at the Muscatine Transfer Station, and at Hy-Vee and Fareway.

Wedekind also said that DPW will not be taking any calls for leaf collection this spring.

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.

Tags Collection, Iowa –, just, last, leaf, Muscatine, spring, There, week, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Street trees create urban forest, help beautify Muscatine

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 29, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – For more than 30 years, the City of Muscatine has received the Tree City USA designation for its efforts in the area of sound urban forestry management. The Parks and Recreation Department works diligently to manage street trees in public rights-of-way, care for trees in city parks, and to diversify the urban canopy.

Citizens of Muscatine have the opportunity to assist with these efforts by complying with the ordinances found in the Weeds and Vegetation Management chapter of the City Code of Muscatine (Title 16, Chapter 8).

Street trees consist of trees located within the public right-of-way. The maintenance of these trees is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner including trimming at heights of ten feet (10’) above sidewalks and fourteen feet (14’) above streets. A nuisance may be issued for trees that are not in compliance.

If a citizen wishes to plant a new tree or remove an existing street tree, a permit must be obtained from the Parks and Recreation Department office. While street tree permits are free to obtain, costs associated with planting new street trees or the removal of healthy street trees are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

New street trees must be a species found on the Right-of-Way Tree Planting List.

Any street tree that is diseased, dead, or otherwise poses an immediate threat to the public health and welfare shall be the responsibility of the City. If a citizen would like to request the Parks and Recreation Department to evaluate a street tree adjacent to their property, a Street Tree Request Form may be submitted on the City website.

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

Tags City, Iowa –, more, Muscatine, received, than, tree, years

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Block of Grant closed March 29-31 to install fire hydrant

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 29, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Grant Street will be closed to through traffic from Washington Street to Park Avenue as Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) installs a fire hydrant at the Grant Street and Park Avenue intersection. The closure begins today (March 29) and will last through the end of the work day on Friday (March 31).

Local traffic will be permitted up to the intersection and access to all businesses will be maintained during the closure. MPW anticipates backfilling and reopening the street by the end of the day on Friday.

An additional closure will be needed as early as next week for finishing repairs to the street including repaving of the work area. A schedule for the finishing work has not been established but will be announced ahead of the work.

Please obey all traffic control signage and be alert for construction workers. Find alternate routes if possible.

Tags closed, from, Grant, Iowa –, Muscatine, Street, through, traffic, Washington, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Section of Lucas closed to traffic starting March 29

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 28, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Lucas Street will be closed to all traffic from Green to West 4th Street, including the Green Street intersection, starting Wednesday (March 29) as work begins to prepare this section of Lucas Street for repaving. The West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project underground work was completed last fall, but the weather did not permit repaving to be accomplished before the winter shutdown.

Local traffic only past the Main Street and West 4th Street intersections.

Northbound through traffic on Lucas will be detoured from West 4th Street onto Cherry Street, to West 5th Street, to Locust Street, and to West 8th Street. Southbound through traffic on Lucas will be detoured on to West 8th Street, to Locust Street, to West 5th Street, and to Cherry Street.

Please obey all traffic control signage and be alert for construction workers. The closure is expected to last 2-3 weeks, weather permitting.

Tags closed, from, green, Iowa –, Lucas, Muscatine, Street, traffic, West, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to assist with tree debris removal this week

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

MUSCATINE – Iowa – Crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be collecting tree and limb debris this week (March 27-31) that are the result of fallen tree branches (and in some cases whole trees) from last Saturday’s heavy, wet snow. Residents who have tree debris they would like the City to collect curbside need to call DPW (563-263-8933) to be placed on a list.

Residents can also contact DPW through the Muscatine Connect application powered by SeeClickFix on the residents’ smartphone or using their personal computer, laptop, or tablet and click MUSCATINE CONNECT for a direct link to the page. The app is available from the Apple App Store and from GooglePlay.

The debris needs to be placed curbside and within the following guidelines.

Smaller tree limbs need to be cut in four-foot lengths and bundled with string or cord;
Larger tree limbs (up to 10 inches in diameter) needs to be cut in no longer than 10-foot lengths;
Other larger tree debris will be collected (except for tree roots and stumps) if trimmed into small sections;
Bundles, larger tree limbs, and other tree debris needs to be placed curbside;
Contact Public Works (563-263-8933) to be placed on a list for curbside collection of larger tree limbs and larger tree debris;

REGULAR CURBSIDE YARD WASTE COLLECTION

The City of Muscatine continues to offer curbside pickup of grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste placed in City of Muscatine Yard Waste bags. These will be collected by the Solid Waste Division on the residents’ regular refuse collection day.

Bags, tree limbs, and other trimmings should be placed near the refuse container on the day of scheduled pickup. Bags are available at Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Main Street, Fareway, and at the Muscatine Transfer Station when that facility is open to the public.

Yard waste bags that have store brand names on them will not be picked up curbside, but can be taken to the Compost Facility for disposal.

Visit Yard Waste Collection for more details.

COMPOST FACILITY IS OPEN

Residents will also be able to bring brush and branches less than 10 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length to the Muscatine Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station on South Houser Street. Larger trees and logs can also be taken to the location but tree stumps or roots are not accepted. All material brought to the compost facility needs to be secured during transportation to the compost site as loose material may fall onto city streets causing traffic hazards or damage to vehicles.

The Compost Facility is located at 1000 South Houser Street in Muscatine and open from 12-5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Non-residents and commercial users of the Compost Facility will be charged a fee for yard waste brought to the site.

Visit Compost Facility for more details and to view the fee schedule for non-resident and for commercial users.

Tags collecting, Crews, Department, from, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, tree, will, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Preparedness key lesson of Severe Weather Awareness Week

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 24, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD), National Weather Service (NWS), and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) have joined together to promote Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 27-31.

“Iowa is no stranger to severe weather,” said HSEMD Director John Benson. “We frequently see tornadoes, flooding, straight-line winds and even derechos. So take the time now to prepare yourself and your family so you know what to do if severe weather is headed your way.”

Benson urges Iowans to take three simple steps to be better prepared:

Be aware of weather hazards by signing up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa (alert.iowa.gov) or use a NOAA Weather Radio or other type of alerting tool.
Make an emergency plan with your family. Think about where you will go and what actions you will need to take to stay safe if you are impacted by severe weather.
Build an emergency kit with items you and your family will need if you must evacuate your home.

For each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week a different subject will be highlighted:

Monday – Severe thunderstorms
Tuesday – Weather alerts
Wednesday – Tornadoes
Thursday – Family preparedness
Friday – Flash floods

The annual statewide tornado drill will take place on Wed., March 29, beginning at 10 a.m. during the weekly NOAA Weather Radio test. In the event of severe weather, the drill will be postponed to March 30 at 10 a.m. Additional information about the tornado drill can be found on local NWS websites.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

The National Weather Service officially defines severe thunderstorms as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs, and vehicles. Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees, or cause structural damage to trees.

Some thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather as you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms can also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning, and heavy rain can cause flash flooding.

To learn more, visit the Severe Thunderstorm Safety page on the National Weather Service website.

Learn About Thunderstorms

Thunderstorm Safety (PDF)

RECEIVING WARNING INFORMATION

Today’s technology offers many ways to be alerted to severe weather. The most important point is to be intentional and proactive by having multiple ways to receive warnings, know which hazards alert on the various systems, choose the alert methods that work best for you in different situations (at home, at the ball park, etc.), and react quickly when the hazard occurs.

Some types of alerting systems include:

WEATHER WARNINGS

Do you know the difference between a National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning? Check your knowledge below.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared! Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Watches and Warnings (PDF)

TORNADO SAFETY

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year. Although tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and the southeastern United States, they have been reported in all 50 states.

To learn more, visit the Tornado Safety page on the National Weather Service website.

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS

There are three simple steps that you can take to be more prepared at any time of the year for any emergency including weather related hazards.

Build A Kit – Create an emergency supply kit that would have everything that you would need to sustain you and your family for three to five days.
Make A Plan – Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is key. Make sure that everyone in your family knows what to do in the event of an emergency and practice that plan.
Be Aware – Learn about the hazards that can affect your community, and learn how to get information about current weather and road conditions.

More information can be found at READY IOWA.

FLOOD SAFETY

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat in the United States and Muscatine has the annual threat of spring flooding of the Mississippi River. The National Weather Service offers a Flood Safety Tips and Resources page with valuable information on what to do before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood.

While there is more time to prepare for river flooding, there is little time to prepare for a flash flood, a rapid rise of water in low-lying areas that can be caused by heavy rain, ice or debris jams, and levee or dam failure. The most common cause in Muscatine is copious amounts of rainfall from thunderstorms. Remember to turn around and don’t drown.

Types of Advisories, Watches and Warnings

The information provided on the Ready Iowa Be Aware page is courtesy of the National Weather Service (NWS). These are hazards that regularly affect the state of Iowa. For additional information, visit your local NWS website.

Floods

A flood watch is issued when current and developing conditions are such that there is a threat of flooding, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent.
A flood warning is issued when there is flooding along larger streams causing a serious threat to life or property. A flood warning will usually contain river stage (level) forecasts.
A flash flood watch indicates that flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.
A flash flood warning signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, streams, creeks, or urban areas is imminent or already occurring.

Heat

A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for two consecutive days.

Tornadoes/Wind

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
A tornado warning means that a tornado is indicated by radar or has been sighted by storm spotters. The warning will include where the tornado is and what towns will be in its path.
A wind advisory is issued with sustained winds from 25 to 39 mph and/or gusts to 57 mph.

Severe Thunderstorms

A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a thunderstorm produces hail 3/4 of an inch or larger in diameter and/or winds which equal or exceed 58 mph. Severe thunderstorms can result in the loss of life and/or property. Information in this warning includes: where the storm is, what towns will be affected, and the primary threat associated with the storm.

The NWS developed two new categories of damage threat for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. These tags and additional messaging are designed to promote immediate action, based on the threats.

The criteria for a destructive damage threat are at least 2.75-inch diameter (baseball-sized) hail and/or 80 mph thunderstorm winds. Warnings with this tag will automatically activate a WEA on smartphones within the warned area.
The criteria for a considerable damage threat are at least 1.75-inch diameter (golf ball-sized) hail and/or 70 mph thunderstorm winds. This will not activate a WEA.

Winter Weather

A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way or are already here.
A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
A blowing snow advisory is issued when wind-driven snow reduces surface visibility, possibly hampering travel.
A wind chill advisory is issued when the wind chill could be life threatening if action is not taken.
A wind chill warning is issued when the wind chill is life threatening.
A freezing rain/drizzle advisory is issued when freezing rain or freezing drizzle is forecast but a significant accumulation is not expected. However, even small amounts of freezing rain or freezing drizzle may cause significant travel problems.

Tags Department, Emergency, Homeland, HSEMD, Iowa –, Management, Muscatine, National, Security

City of Muscatine Press Releases

School issues statement regarding threat to high school

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The following is a statement from Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Clint Christopher and Muscatine Police Chief Tony Kies regarding the response to a threat called into Muscatine Police just after the start of the school day.

Muscatine High School students, families, and staff members,

Our high school was ‘swatted’ this morning. That means that a fake threat was called into the Muscatine Police Department from outside of the state of Iowa. The threat also referenced a staff member’s name that does not exist within our high school or district.

Muscatine Police responded accordingly, swept the entire building, and once they informed us that there was no credible threat, we could resume the school day.

While this is certainly a disruption to the day, we will do our best to resume school as normal at Muscatine High School. Should any students or staff need to speak with a counselor, please know it is okay.

Similar ‘swatting’ calls are happening to other school districts across the state of Iowa. Mulberry Elementary School was also temporarily locked down due to its proximity to Muscatine High School.

Please know that we take the safety of all students and staff very seriously and work very closely with the Muscatine Police Department. We appreciate their efforts and timely response.

Thank you,

Clint Christopher
Superintendent

Tony Kies
Chief, Muscatine Police Department

Tags Community, District, following, from, Iowa –, Muscatine, School, statement, Superintendent

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Police respond to, investigating false threat to high school

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Joint Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call from an unknown individual at approximately 8:25 a.m. Monday (March 21) who reported there was a shooting that had just occurred at the Muscatine High School.

This same type of “swatting call” was received at several other emergency communication centers across eastern and central Iowa around the same time. A “swatting call” is a false report made to law enforcement to elicit a large response from authorities.

Members from Muscatine Police and Muscatine Fire departments along with the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Muscatine High School.

It was quickly determined that the 911 call had been a hoax and that there was no armed threat at the school, nor was there any threat to students or staff. The Muscatine High school and some surrounding schools were placed on a temporary lockdown while the incident was being resolved and a thorough check of the campus was being conducted.

Additional police presence remained at the high school in an effort to ease safety concerns of students and staff.

The incident remains under investigation and the Muscatine Police Department is working with outside agencies in an effort to identify those responsible. Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Jeff DeVrieze at (563) 263 – 9922, ext. 629.

Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Clint Christopher and Muscatine Police Chief Tony Kies issued a statement late this morning regarding the incident.

“Our high school was ‘swatted’ this morning,” the statement read. “That means that a fake threat was called into the Muscatine Police Department from outside of the state of Iowa. Muscatine Police responded accordingly, swept the entire building, and once they informed us that there was no credible threat, we resumed the school day.”

Similar ‘swatting’ calls happened to other school districts across the state of Iowa, and have been occurring across the country for the past several months.

READ FULL STATEMENT

Tags call, Center, Communication, Emergency, from, Iowa –, Joint, Muscatine, received

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

Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

Tags close, Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, River, Street, Washington, will, Works