Tag: Iowa –

Grandview Avenue Reconstruction work resumes on February 28

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 25, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Construction activity will return to the Grandview Avenue corridor Monday (Feb. 28) as Heuer Construction begins milling the pavement from Houser to Musser streets, weather permitting.

Two-way traffic will be maintained during the milling process, and the roadway will be rough with drivers urged to slow down, use caution when travelling through the construction zone, and find alternate routes when possible.

One of the major construction events for Phase II of the project will be the replacement of a culvert at Briar’s Ditch that will necessitate a full closure of Grandview Avenue from Briar’s Ditch to Musser Street. Traffic will be detoured at Houser to Musser and back to Grandview, or Sampson to Stewart Road/Oregon and back to Grandview during the full closure.

The full closure is tentatively planned to begin Wednesday (March 2) and last for approximately three weeks.

Access to all businesses in the construction zone will be maintained either from Musser or from Houser.

Additional information on the project can be found on the City of Muscatine web site at Grandview Avenue Revitalization.

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

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

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

Tags – Grandview, activity, Avenue, Construction, corridor, Iowa –, Monday, Muscatine, return, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Community Survey available for citizen participation

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 25, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive quality of life survey through March 11. The survey is currently available online for randomly selected residents and will be available to all residents starting Friday (Feb. 25).

If a resident received a survey invitation in the mail, it is very important that the resident completes that version (accessing the survey using the URL provided in the mailed material). The community-wide open participation survey is available by clicking the following link: https://polco.us/sr4w8x. An email address and zip code are required to register for the survey that ensures that Polco receives only one response per person.

“We’re very excited to be conducting this survey,” Kevin Jenison, City of Muscatine Communications Manager, said. “This survey will help City staff and Council identify priorities for the community and improve the quality of life in Muscatine.”

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark hopes all residents will participate in this survey.

“Muscatine is a great community and the results will help to create a better community for individuals and families to come live in, work in, and raise a family in,” Bark said. “I encourage everyone living in Muscatine to take the survey and help us chart our community’s future.”

City Administrator Carol Webb and Jenison have been working with independent consultant Polco to develop the survey over the past few months. The instrument, known as The National Community Survey™, allows City staff and Council to compare results and benchmark residents’ opinions against other communities across the country. The survey includes questions about quality of life, important characteristics of community, services provided by the City of Muscatine and priorities for the future. The survey is available online in English and Spanish.

Polco is an innovative online engagement platform that lets residents provide direct input to the local government decision-making process. By using Polco, the City of Muscatine is making public participation easier for residents.

The survey questions in the open participation survey are the same as in the sampled survey, but with two small updates including a map at the beginning that asks where the respondent lives, and a question at the end that asks where they heard about the survey.

Both versions of the survey are scheduled to close on March 11. If a resident received a survey invitation in the mail, it is very important that they complete that version (accessing the survey using the URL provided in the mailed material). An email address and zip code is required to register for the survey that ensures that Polco receives only one response per person.

Residents with questions about the survey may contact the City of Muscatine by phone at 563-264-1550, by email at kjenison@muscatineiowa.gov or by visiting the City of Muscatine website.

About The National Community Survey™ (The NCS™): The NCS was among the first scientific surveys developed to gather resident opinion on a range of community issues, and has been used in more than 350 jurisdictions across 46 states. The NCS is a cost-effective survey of resident opinion and an important benchmarking tool that allows for comparison among communities. Communities using The NCS have reported that the tool improved service delivery, strengthened communications with community stakeholders and helped leaders identify clear priorities for use in strategic planning and budget setting. The NCS is the only resident survey endorsed by the International City/County Management Association and the National League of Cities.

About Polco: (www.polco.us) Polco was developed to quickly deploy and analyze surveys online, providing the agility to gather critical information from community stakeholders throughout the nation. We have created tools for governments, economic development organizations and nonprofits to measure community livability. Respondents to The NCS are asked to join the City’s Polco panel to see the survey results and continue to engage with the city on future research.

Tags a comprehensive, announce, City, excited, Iowa –, launch, life, Muscatine, quality

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Monthly Report for January 2022 available for review

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 24, 2022

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

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

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

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

MONTHLY REPORT

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fruitland couple faces 42 charges of animal neglect

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 24, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Fruitland couple was arrested Thursday (Feb. 24) and charged with 42 counts of animal neglect following a two-week investigation that began after 42 dogs were rescued from the couples’ mobile home in Fruitland on Feb. 10.

Muscatine Police Department (MPD) charged both Douglas Elshoff, 65, and Karen Elshoff, 61, 150 Main Street, Fruitland, Iowa, with 42 counts of animal neglect in accordance with Iowa Code Section 717B.3.

Douglas and Karen Elshoff were released on a promise to appear in court, and both are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Elshoff’s had previously signed over custody of all 42 dogs to the Muscatine Humane Society voluntarily. All dogs continue to be housed and treated at the Muscatine Humane Society, 920 South Houser Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

MPD received an anonymous tip on February 10, 2022, regarding allegations of animal neglect occurring at 150 Main Street, Fruitland, Iowa. The tip alleged that a couple were living in a mobile home with an excessive number of dogs. The overcrowded conditions in the mobile home were suspected of causing severe health issues for the dogs.

Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel investigated the anonymous tip, and discovered that an excessive number of dogs were housed in the mobile home, and concerns of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions were identified.

In conjunction with the Muscatine Police Department, a search warrant was obtained for removal of the animals.

The Muscatine Police Department, with assistance from Muscatine Animal Control and the Muscatine Humane Society, accessed the residence and were able to rescue the animals. A total of 42 dogs were rescued from inside the mobile home. The conditions of the mobile home were considered unsafe for the animals due to the excessive amount of animal waste present, as well as a lack of access to adequate food and medical care.

In accordance with Iowa Code 717B.5, which outlines the rescue of threatened animals, the Muscatine Police Department worked with the Muscatine Humane Society to take over possession, care, and maintenance of the animals while the investigation continues. The animals will remain with the Muscatine Humane Society until dispositional proceedings can be held.

Tags animal, arrested, charged, counts, couple, Fruitland, Iowa –, Muscatine, Thursday, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Explorer Post to focus on Fire, EMS career opportunities

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 22, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A new Fire/EMS Explorer Post has been formed in Muscatine sponsored by the Muscatine Fire Department, providing a hands-on program for boys and girls 14- to 21-years-old to learn about careers in Fire and EMS.

“There was an explorer post a couple of years ago and we are bringing it back,” Benjamin Barrett, Muscatine firefighter, said.

An informational night will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday (Feb. 24), at the Public Safety Building, 312 East Fifth Street, Muscatine.

Exploring is about helping young men and women make an informed decision about future careers and determine if a career in the fire services is the right one for them. Typically, a young adult will either:

Get involved, learn about a career, and decide to pursue it;
Decide to pursue the activities as a community volunteer; or
Learn enough about the career to determine it is not the right fit for them.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about careers in Fire and EMS,” Barrett said. “Explorers get hands-on experience in a variety of career opportunities. They will also have the opportunity to earn certifications in areas like CPR.”

Fire & EMS careers include firefighters, forest firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), fire marshals, fire inspector/investigator, disaster responders, emergency managers, search and rescue services, shelter managers, lifeguard, and ski patrol.

The program emphasizes five areas including career opportunities with hands-on, interactive experiences and learning how to develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Developing life skills is an emphasis to facilitate positive social interactions, citizenship encourages the desire to help others while respecting the basic rights of others. The Explorer program also emphasizes character development which will help members make ethical choices while facilitating service-learning opportunities.

The program also helps with a leadership experience, giving youth leaders the opportunity to coordinate program activities while learning leadership skills through the Explorer’s training material.

Do you want to get your hands dirty? Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of members in your community? If so, then this is the program for you. All youth 15- to 20-years-old are welcome to come explore, learn, and join in the fun whether they live in Muscatine or outside the city limits.

For more information and to find out how you can join today, contact Assistant Fire Chief Michael Hartman (mhartman@muscatineiowa.gov) or Firefighter Benjamin Barrett (bbarrett@muscatineiowa.gov). You can also call the Public Safety Building at (563) 263-9233 and ask for either one.

You can also visit the Exploring website at www.exploring.org

About the Muscatine Fire Department:

The Muscatine Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services, rescues (high angle, rope, water, etc.), building inspections, and public education for the City of Muscatine, and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Muscatine County with a combined population of 43,000 across 145 square miles while also providing HAZMAT for Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, Keokuk, and Henry counties. MFD firefighters and paramedics responded to 5,709 calls in 2021. The Muscatine Fire Department began as a volunteer fire company on January 7, 1875 and was established as a full-time department in January 1916. The Muscatine Fire Department ambulance service received the 2012 Career Ambulance service of the Year Award from Iowa Emergency Medical Services.

Tags been, Explorer, Fire/EMS, formed, Iowa –, Muscatine, Post, sponsored

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Art Center to be closed to public as exhibitions change

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 18, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Art Center will be closed to the public from February 21 through March 8 to facilitate the changing of exhibitions. Art Center staff will be working behind the scenes to pack up the Nature Connects exhibition, deep clean the facility, and install several new exhibitions during this time period.

During the closure, appointments must be made in advance by calling 563-263-8282. Appointments are available Monday through Friday.

Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center encounter paintings made by artists recognized around the world, fascinating objects connected to Muscatine’s past, beautifully crafted decorative arts, charming period rooms, and a Japanese Garden installed nearly a century ago. Learners of all ages can pique their curiosity through changing exhibitions, classes, and events. For more information, visit Muscatine Art Center, visit the Art Center Page on the City of Muscatine website, or follow the Art Center on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,

Tags Center, closed, February, from, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, through, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Anonymous tip leads to rescue of 42 dogs from trailer

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 17, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department received an anonymous tip on February 10, 2022, regarding allegations of animal neglect occurring at 150 Main Street, Fruitland, Iowa. The tip alleged that a couple were living in a mobile home with an excessive number of dogs. The overcrowded conditions in the mobile home were suspected of causing severe health issues for the dogs.

In conjunction with the Muscatine Police Department, a search warrant was obtained for removal of the animals.

The investigation remains ongoing and any criminal charges are pending.

Tags 2022, anonymous, Department, February, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, received, regarding

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Council to discuss revised revisions to animal regulation ordinance

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will review changes to an amended ordinance revising portions of Title 6, Chapter 8, of the Code of the City of Muscatine during Thursdays’ (Feb. 17) regular meeting in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings but do not feel comfortable in attending in person.

The first reading of an ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 8, of the Code of the City of Muscatine regarding Animal Regulations was heard during the Feb. 3 Council meeting with council members requesting several changes to the ordinance language. The second reading containing those changes referenced by council members and members of the public will be heard this Thursday (Feb. 17).

The Council will also consider an ordinance revising Title 1, Chapter 2, Section 14 of the Code of the City of Muscatine regarding standard penalties. The revision will align City Code with Iowa code for penalties.

City staff will also be asking the Council to set a Public Hearing for March 3 on the Maximum Tax Levy for the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Budget. This is the first of two Public Hearings that need to be held prior to the FY 22-23 budget being adopted and filed with Muscatine County in late March.

The public is welcomed to attend Thursday’s City Council meeting that will be held in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore St., Muscatine. Meetings are aired live and recorded for re-broadcast on Muscatine Power & Water Civic TV (Cable Channel 2), and broadcast live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel.

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 is listed below.

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

Muscatine City Council Regular Meeting | Thu, Feb. 17, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)

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

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.

Tags amended, changes, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, ordinance, review, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City offices closed February 21; refuse collection delayed

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 15, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine offices will be closed on Monday (Feb. 21, 2022) for the President’s Day holiday. All offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday (Feb. 22, 2022).

Muscatine Transit (MuscaBus) will not be in service on Monday with regular service resuming Tuesday. Please remember that a mask is required to ride MuscaBus. For more information visit the TRANSIT page on the City of Muscatine website, or call 563-263-8152. Be sure to visit and follow MuscaBus on Facebook.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, but will resume regular hours on Tuesday. Transfer Station hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with the last load on the scale at 3:15 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. with the last load on the scale at 11:45 a.m.

There will be no curbside refuse or yard waste collection on Monday. Residents on the Monday route will have their refuse collected on Tuesday, Feb. 22, along with the regular Tuesday route.

There will be no change to the curbside recycling collection.

There will be no curbside bulky waste collection on Monday or Tuesday. Curbside bulky waste collection is not completed on holidays or on “double” days when two-days of refuse collection are undertaken in one day.

Muscatine and Fruitland residents are reminded that they need to call 563-264-JUNK (563-264-5865) to schedule a curbside bulky waste collection by the Solid Waste Division or email bulkywaste@muscatineiowa.gov.

For more information, visit the SOLID WASTE DIVISION page on the City of Muscatine website or call 563-263-9689. Visit the CURBSIDE BULK COLLECTION page on the City of Muscatine website to schedule a collection or call 563-264-5865.

The Compost Facility is currently closed for the season. For more information about the facility, visit COMPOST SITE on the City of Muscatine website.

The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will be open to the public on Monday. Normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.). For more information visit the LIBRARY website or call 563-263-3065

The Muscatine Art Center is normally closed to the public on Monday, and staff will have the holiday off. The Art Center normal hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.). The Art Center is normally closed to the public on Mondays. For more information, visit the ART CENTER website or call 563-263-8282.

The Muscatine Fire Department and Muscatine Police Department will be staffed, and the Department of Public Works will have staff on-call. For non-emergency issues during City office closures, please call 563-264-1550, Public Safety at 563-263-9922, or Public Works at 563-263-8933. In the case of an emergency, always call 911.

The Muscatine Municipal Golf Course is closed for the season. The Clubhouse and Pro Shop are observing winter hours of 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesdays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; and, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Clubhouse and Pro Shop are closed on Sunday and Monday.

Reservations for the Simulator may be made by calling the Pro Shop at (563) 263-4735. You can also visit the GOLF page on the City of Muscatine website. You can also follow the Muni on Facebook.

All City of Muscatine parks, including the Muscatine Dog Park, Muscatine Pollinator Park, and the Muscatine Trail System, will be available for the public’s use. The public is urged to use caution while enjoying City of Muscatine recreational opportunities.

For more information about City parks and amenities visit the PARKS & RECREATION page on the City of Muscatine website. You also follow Parks & Rec on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions concerning Parks and Recreation programming or facility rentals, please call 563-263-0241 and leave a message, or email parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond as quickly as possible.

Tags 2022, City, closed, Iowa –, Monday, Muscatine, offices, President’s, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fire Department puts new ambulance into service

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 11, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department (MFD) has a new ambulance that went into service Thursday (Feb. 10), but this one becomes part of the Muscatine fleet in a different way … as a former demonstration (demo) unit.

“Our top priority is to maintain a quality fleet of ambulances for our operations,” Jerry Ewers, Muscatine Fire Chief, said. “The purchase of this demo unit will do that.”

There are few options for replacing an ambulance that has come to the end of its useful life and supply chain issues are making the wait time for new or refurbished ambulances longer and longer.

“The new addition to our fleet is a demo unit that we purchased instead of opting for the remount/refurbishment of the current ambulance,” Mike Hartman, assistant fire chief, said.

MFD originally sought to remount the 2012 ambulance box onto a new chassis but vendors were hesitant to bid on the remounting due to delays in deliver of computer chips and other supply chain issues that would impact the vendors ability to deliver the unit in a timely manner.

The Fire Department was looking at 18 months to get a chassis for the remount, but the ambulance that was planned for the remount already had over 260,000 miles on it.

“We just could not keep the old ambulance in service any longer,” Hartman said.

The 2021 demo unit is a Type I ambulance which means that the ambulance box is on a truck chassis (Ford F-450) instead of the van chassis that the department historically uses (Type III ambulances – E-450).

“We have some challenges on where equipment is kept due to the ambulance being a demo unit, but we were able to get everything on the ambulance,” Hartman said. “It is just that some things are in slightly different locations.

The benefits of purchasing the demo unit include quick delivery (within one month of the order). The demo unit is not exactly like the ambulances currently in the fleet, but will serve the community well according to Ewers.

“Given the condition of the present ambulances and the extended timeline for any remounting delivery, this is what will serve the community the best,” Ewers said.

MFD received City Council approval on Jan 6, 2022, for the purchase of the demo unit from Feld Fire for $209,313.15.

A 2021 Type III Ford E450 gas ambulance was ordered in December 2020 to replace a 2011 remount ambulance with nearly 300,0000 miles but the unit has not been delivered yet. Hartman expects delivery in March but the delivery date keeps getting pushed back due to supply chain issues.

“So that rig will have a delivery time of around 15 months versus the demo unit at around three-to-four weeks,” Hartman said. “It took us an additional week to get the demo unit ready to go into service.”

Another benefit from this purchase is that the department will be able to see how the different chassis performs.

“The ride should be better and I have heard that the truck chassis lasts a little longer,” Hartman said. “It is also a four-wheel drive, so we didn’t have to have the chain system added to the rig.”

A 2022 Type III E450 gas ambulance was ordered in September 2021 to replace a 2014 Remount Ambulance with over 260,000 miles, and that delivery also continues to be pushed back. The department plans to replace a 2016 ambulance in FY 2023-2024. That ambulance currently has 183,000 miles on the chassis.

Tags ambulance, Department, fire, into, Iowa –, Muscatine, service, that, went

City of Muscatine Press Releases

West Hill public information meeting scheduled for February 17

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 10, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will host a public information meeting on Phase 5 of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project from 5-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore St., Muscatine. This will be an open house format with no formal agenda for the meeting. Maps will be available for the public to review.

Representatives from the Department of Public Works, and general contractor Hagerty Earthworks LLC will be on hand to update the public on the schedule for the second year of the three-year project, and answer questions about any issues that the public may have.

Phase II of the project will replace the combined sewer along with other infrastructure improvements on Climer, High, Logan, and Lucas streets, and Knott Avenue.

A schedule of the work for 2022 and what is planned for 2023 will be available during the public meeting. The public, especially anyone in the affected construction area, is welcome to attend the meeting.

More information can be found on the West Hill page on the City of Muscatine website.

Tags City, host, information, Iowa –, meeting, Muscatine, Phase, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

State, local health agencies moving from response to recovery

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 9, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The State Public Health Disaster Emergency Proclamation will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. For nearly two years, the proclamation waived specific provisions in Iowa code that allowed the state to shift resources to respond to the public health emergency. As such, the state publicly reported information that was more detailed and frequent than what the agency would typically produce. This allowed the state to respond and shift resources appropriately.

The expiration of the proclamation will result in operational changes related to the state’s pandemic response. State agencies, including the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), will now manage COVID-19 as part of normal daily business and reallocate resources that have been fully dedicated to the response effort to serve other important needs for Iowans.

IDPH and your Muscatine County Public Health Department remain committed to doing the work we’ve always done around disease surveillance to protect the health of all Iowans. Moving forward the Iowa Department of Public Health will continue to provide critical data to understand COVID-19 prevalence in Iowa. The Muscatine County Public Health Department will refer our communities to IDPH for continued updates on COVID-19 beginning February 16, 2022.

Changes in Published Data:

Both the coronavirus.iowa.gov and vaccinateiowa.gov websites will be discontinued.
Weekly COVID-19 data points will be published on the IDPH website beginning February 16, 2022.
IDPH is no longer requiring Long Term Care facilities to notify them when they have three or more infections in residents, therefore this will no longer be reported publicly by IDPH. Instead, IDPH will use Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) data to identify and assist facilities in infection control.
Hospital general COVID-19 data is available through the CDC: www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/nhcs.htm

Moving Forward the IDPH Website, www.idph.iowa.gov, will Include:

Positive Cases
Positive tests since March of 2020 (age/sex/race)
Deaths since March of 2020
Case by county
Positive tests in past 7 days
Epi Curve since March of 2020
Variant breakdown by week
Vaccine Data
Total series completed
Booster completed
County map
Fully vaccinated (age/sex/race)

Public Health Work Continues

First COVID-19 data upload to IDPH website will be February 16, 2022
Access to COVID-19 testing and vaccine remain unchanged.
At this time, Test Iowa at Home will continue unchanged. www.testiowa.com
COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic allocations continue.

For information related to COVID-19, visit www.idph.iowa.gov/ or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC.

Tags Disaster, Emergency, expire, Health, Iowa –, Muscatine, Proclamation, public, State, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Transfer Station closed after chemical spill Monday afternoon

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 7, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A chemical spill on the tipping floor at the Muscatine Transfer Station has closed the facility for the rest of today (Feb. 7). Officials hope to reopen the facility on Tuesday (Feb. 8).

City of Muscatine officials said that a reaction caused by the chemical spill created an unsafe condition for both the public and for employees at the facility. All employees were evacuated prior to the arrival of emergency personnel from the Muscatine Fire Department.

The City of Muscatine immediately closed the facility to the public as a safety precaution.

The tipping floor is the area where trash is dumped by refuse haulers and the public before being transferred to semi-trucks to be hauled to the Muscatine County Landfill.

Investigation into the cause of the spill is being conducted and more details will be released once that investigation is complete.

Tags chemical, closed, floor, Iowa –, Muscatine, spill, Station, tipping, Transfer

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to host public meeting on Grandview Reconstruction Phase II February 10

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will host a public information meeting on Phase II of the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Rose Bowl Bowling Center, 1411 Grandview Avenue. This will be an open house format with no formal agenda for the meeting. Maps will be available for the public to look at.

Representatives from the Department of Public Works, general contractor Heuer Construction, Inc., and the engineering firm of Bolton and Menk will be on hand to update the public on the schedule for the second year of the two-year project, and answer questions about closures or any other issues that the public may have.

Phase II of the project will remove and replace the pavement along with other infrastructure improvements from Musser Street to the South Houser Street/Sampson Street intersection. Heuer Construction tentatively plans to resume construction activity on February 28 when they will close Grandview Avenue from Brier Ditch to Musser Street. The detour will be Musser to South Houser (or vice versa) and will be posted.

Work on this section is expected to take three weeks and includes milling and removal of the existing pavement, sanitary and storm sewer installation, water main replacement, and replacement of the culverts at Brier Ditch.

Phase I of the project removed and replaced the pavement from Pearl Street to Musser Street. Most intersections have been repaved but the contractor still has work to do to complete the sidewalks and remaining intersections.

Anyone with questions about the project and/or timeline for completion of the project are urged to attend the meeting on February 10.

The City, the contractor, and consultants will resume their weekly meeting with business owners along Grandview Avenue on March 4. The meetings will be held at 9 a.m. every Friday in the parking lot at the Rose Bowl.

Tags City, host, information, Iowa –, meeting, Muscatine, Phase, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Council to hold public hearing on revised Animal Control Ordinance

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 2, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct a public hearing on changes to the Animal Control Ordinance, and then hear the first reading of that ordinance during Thursdays’ (Feb. 3) meeting in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

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 Muscatine City Council directed staff to prepare changes to portions of Title 6, Chapter 8 of Muscatine City Code related to animal regulations during the October 14, 2021, in-depth meeting. Substantial changes were proposed by staff during the January 13, 2022, in-depth meeting, and the code was revised following feedback from City Council.

A summary of the changes can be found by clicking the link on the February 3 City Council agenda or download the file by clicking Animal Control Revisions.

“It is possible that additional resources will be needed to effectively enforce the proposed code changes,” Carol Webb, City Administrator said in her memo to the City Council. “City staff will seek to offset those costs to some degree through appropriate fees and penalties associated with animal control.”

The Council will be asked to set a public hearing for revisions to the Standard Penalties section of Muscatine City Code (Title 1, Chapter 2, Section 14). The public hearing will be scheduled for February 17 if approved by Council.

Three other public hearings will be held Thursday, each a part of the South End Improvement Project. The first of the three will be on the plans, specifications, form of contract, cost estimate, and bid opening date for the Taylor Park Improvement Project. The second concerning bid documents for the Taylor Park Splashpad Project, and the third on the High-Intensity Activated crosswalk (HAWK) Project.

Thursday’s City Council meeting is open to the public. Citizens attending the meeting are asked to follow current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations for wearing a mask indoors whether vaccinated or not. The City of Muscatine does not require wearing a mask, but does urge the public to follow Public Health and CDC recommendations.

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 February 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, Feb. 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

Tags changes, City, conduct, Council, hearing, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine in Focus to premiere Thursday on Cable Channel 9

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A new show will premiere this Thursday through the cooperation of Muscatine Community College (MCC) and the City of Muscatine.

“Muscatine in Focus,” hosted by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark, will premiere at 5:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 3) on Muscatine Access Channel Nine available on the Muscatine Power & Water cable network. The presentation will be available after the live airing on the Muscatine in Focus (formerly Our City) YouTube channel sponsored by the City of Muscatine, and on the Muscatine Access Channel Nine YouTube page.

Producing the show is Chad Bishop of the MCC Video Department who worked with Mayor Bark in the development of the program that is broken down into four segments and each lasting three to four minutes.

The first show will feature Hannah Howard from the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce, Tony Tone from the Muscatine Community School District, City Administrator Carol Webb, and City council member Peggy Gordon.

The show will air each week with approximately 35-40 episodes planned.

Tags cooperation, Iowa –, Muscatine, premiere, show, this, through, Thursday, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Fire, Police release annual department reports

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Fire Department and the Muscatine Police Department have released their annual reports for the calendar year 2021. These reports are available on the City of Muscatine website. The reports present an overview of the activities that each department is involved in and the various programs offered by each department.

Muscatine Fire Department Annual Report

Muscatine Police Department Annual Report

Tags – Have, Department, fire, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, released

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Homeowners may still see savings despite proposed tax rate increase

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine, like most of us, will be facing a challenging budget year according to a presentation provided by City Administrator Carol Webb and Finance Director Nancy Lueck to City Council Thursday. The presentation provided an overview of the work that has gone on behind the scenes in preparation for the budget discussions with City Council.

“One of the central budget goals was to maintain service levels and to provide departments the resources they need to continue to provide those services to our residents,” Webb said.

Other goals through the budget preparation process were to provide funding for continued capital improvements, propose reasonable tax rates or other funding options, balance department budget requests with funding that is available, and further the city’s strategic plan and City Council priorities.

To meet these goals, City staff had several considerations to deal with including the increasing cost of providing current services, valuations that were essentially flat from the previous year, the first year of the phasing out of the State backfill reimbursement, a reduction of the estimated utility franchise fee revenue, and the change in the State property tax residential rollback factor (from 56.4094 percent to 54.1302 percent).

“We were able to maintain current service levels with the budget that we will be presenting,” Webb said.

Staff and City Council established five strategic priorities through strategic planning and goal setting sessions in October and November last year that include:

Providing excellent customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors through effective citizen outreach and engagement, employee training, and improved organizational processes;
Support a healthy community through the availability of quality affordable housing, outstanding recreational and cultural amenities, collaboration with community and healthcare partners, and opportunities for lifelong learning;
Provide reliable (and safe) public infrastructure that meets the community needs by continuing to update and implement the city’s Capital Improvement Plan;
Provide for a safe community that residents may live, work, and play in with exceptional public safety and community services; and,
Creating a vibrant community by enhancing and improving the vitality of the community core and gateways including the Grandview Avenue Corridor, Park Avenue Corridor, Riverfront, and Downtown areas to support a thriving economy, vibrant neighborhoods, and a high quality of life and place.

City department staff used these goals and priorities as they developed their department budgets in November and December. These preliminary budgets were reviewed with the City Administrator and Finance Director in December and January to form a budget proposal to be presented to the City Council over the next two weeks.

“I am very proud of the hard work from staff as we worked to present a balanced budget to the City Council,” Webb said.

With property valuations essentially flat, the City had to look for other revenue resources to meet the rising costs of providing essential services to the citizens of Muscatine. Use of one-time funds such as the State COVID Relief Funds and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist in balancing both the Revised Estimate and the FY 2022/2023 budget are included in the revenue recommendations.

“However, the use of these funds to help balance the budget are not sustainable,” Webb said.

Other revenue recommendations in the proposed budget include spending down the Emergency Levy balance from prior years and levy the maximum Emergency Tax Levy rate.

There are eight levies that are included in the property tax rate implemented by the City of Muscatine. The FY 2021-2022 rate of 15,67209 per $1,000 of assessed valuation has been the city property tax rate for the past 10 years. A slight increase is anticipated for FY 2022-2023 (1.90 percent) that will raise the rate to 15.97054 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

However, that does not mean that the portion of a homeowner’s property tax that is paid to the city will go up. In fact, due to the rollbacks from the State some residential property owners will be paying two percent less this year.

“It is a little complicated to understand but if a residential property owner’s valuation is virtually unchanged from a year ago, the rollback will reduce their taxable valuation four percent,” Lueck said. “With the proposed 1.9 percent tax rate increase, the actual savings to residential homeowners will be about two percent of the amount they paid to the city a year ago.”

While seeking out additional revenue options, City staff also are making several expense recommendations to the City Council. Among them are funding capital projects through Road Use Tax, Local Option Sales Tax, and other outside sources as appropriate, reviewing and reducing budget line items where possible, and funding only critical vehicle and equipment requests from various departments.

“We do want to provide departments with the resources to maintain service levels,” Webb said. “And that has been a key goal throughout the development of this proposed budget.”

The information presented to the City Council Thursday was a high-level preview of the proposed fiscal year 2022/2023 general fund budget. The proposed budget will be reviewed by the City Council starting Saturday (see meeting schedule). The finalized version will be presented during a public hearing in March.

Budget Overview Presentation

Tags budget, challenging, City, facing, Iowa –, like, most, Muscatine, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public Safety, other employment opportunities await you

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – If you are called to public service and want to make a positive contribution to the residents and visitors to Muscatine the City of Muscatine has several opportunities for you.

The Muscatine Police Department is compiling a list of candidates for the position of a police officer. If you are interested in joining a top-notch team responsible for community protection you need to submit your application for the current round of selections by 5 p.m. Monday (Jan. 31).

The Muscatine Fire Department is compiling a list of prospective candidates for the position of fire fighter. If you are interested in joining our premier team of firefighter-paramedics, please submit your application to be placed on the current selection list by the May 18 deadline. Click here to view our recruitment video.

The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting dependable, hard workers to fill positions for the 2022 spring and summer programs. Positions available include lead groundskeeper, equipment operator, groundskeeper, on-site supervisor, equipment operator on the weekend tournament crew at Kent Stein Park, clubhouse curbside services, food and beverage cashier, clubhouse supervisor, pool manager, lifeguard, slide attendant, pool cashier, recreation program instructor, recreation program aide, Parks & Recreation office clerk, College Search Kickoff program assistant, and College Search Kickoff program technician. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center is seeking a part-time library assistant responsible for maintaining library social media accounts, preparing the monthly newsletter, and creating and anchoring daily messages for the library’s television station.

The Transfer Station is accepting applications for individuals to serve as a Substitute Refuse Collector on an as needed basis. Hours will vary depending on need. Individuals applying should be reliable, physically able to lift 75 pounds and be able to work flexible and early morning hours. The position will remain open until filled.

The Transit Division of the Department of Public Works is seeking a part-time Transit Driver for the night bus route. Click on the link for more information on hours and qualifications. The position will remain open until filled and all applicants are welcomed.

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

Tags – If, called, contribution, Iowa –, make, Muscatine, positive, public, service, want

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City of Muscatine budget discussions set to begin with City Council

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 26, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The final pieces to the puzzle of the City of Muscatine Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget were being put together Wednesday (Jan. 26, 2022) afternoon in preparation for the start of “Budget Season” on Thursday.

City Administrator Carol Webb and Finance Director Nancy Lueck have worked with department heads and members of each department’s staff over the past several months preparing the proposed budget for City Council’s consideration.

Webb will present an overview of the proposed budget to City Council at 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 27) in the first of a series of budget sessions that will be held in the City Council chambers and virtually through a GoToMeeting link (listed below). Each session will also be shown live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel.

Council members, Webb, and certain staff members will be present in the City Council chambers for each session. All sessions are open to the public. Citizens attending the meeting are asked to follow current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations for wearing a mask indoors whether vaccinated or not. The City of Muscatine does not require wearing a mask, but does urge the public to follow Public Health and CDC recommendations.

Public comment during the budget sessions will not be permitted with the public asked to make notes of any questions or concerns that they may have. The public can bring up those questions and concerns during the budget’s Public Hearing in March.

Thursday’s meeting will be followed by several weeks of presentations to the City Council by the various departments and outside agencies supported by the City of Muscatine. The first session will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. Sessions will also be held on Feb. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, and 12. The February 12 meeting will be held only if discussions are not completed at the February 9 session.

A significant change, approved by the Iowa Legislature in 2019, to the annual city budget adoption process is that municipalities are required to hold an additional public hearing to identify “a total maximum property tax dollars to be derived from certain levies in the budget for the next fiscal year”.

The public hearing and the passage of a resolution on the proposed maximum property tax dollars must proceed setting a public hearing on the adoption of the budget.

To help cities meeting the requirements of holding two public hearings, the State of Iowa moved back the deadline to file an approved budget with the county auditor for certification to March 31. The previous deadline was March 15.

A complete schedule of the meetings along with additional information can be found at 2021/2022 Proposed Budget on the Finance & Records page of the City of Muscatine web site.

CITY OF MUSCATINE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET SESSIONS

Virtual Meeting Information:

Please click the link below to join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-budget-discussions
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 Access Code: 138-111-853
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/138111853

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday City Council 6:30 p.m. General Fund Overview

January 27, 2022 Chambers -7:30 p.m. to City Council

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Saturday City Council 8:00 a.m. City Council Budget Review

January 29, 2022 Chambers -3:00 p.m. Legal Services

City Administrator

Human Resources

Risk Management

Finance

Information Technology

Community Development

Airport/Airport Subsidy

Police Operations

Animal Control

Library Operations

Cablevision

Art Center

Fire Operations

Ambulance

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Tuesday City Council 5:30 p.m. Parks Administration

February 1, 2022 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Park Maintenance

Aquatic Center

Recreation

Soccer

Kent Stein

Wellness

Cemetery

Golf Course

Boat Harbor

Marina

Soccer Events

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Wednesday City Council 5:30 p.m. Public Works Administration

February 2, 2022 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Engineering

Roadway Maintenance

Traffic Control

Snow and Ice

Street Cleaning

Building & Grounds

Collection & Drainage

Equipment Services

Equipment Replacement

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Virtual 5:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce

February 3, 2021 Session Only -6:30 p.m. Marketing & Tourism

Senior Resources

Humane Society

MCSA

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Saturday City Council 8:00 a.m. Iowa Legislatures

February 5, 2022 Chambers -3:00 p.m. Transit

Parking

Refuse Collection

Landfill

Transfer Station

WPCP

Storm Water

Housing

Review & Discussion Begin-

General Fund

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Tuesday City Council 5:30 p.m. Capital/Dept/TIF/RUT

February 8, 2022 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Local Option Review

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Wednesday City Council 5:30 p.m. Review & Discussion

February 9, 2022 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Decisions for Public Hearing

(may continue on 2/12)

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Saturday City Council 8:00 a.m. Final Decision for Public Hearing

February 12, 2022 Chambers -3:00 p.m. (extra meeting if not concluded

February 9)

CITY OF MUSCATINE CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS

Virtual Meeting Information:

Please click the link below to join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofMuscatine/city-council-meeting
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412 Access Code: 970-499-597
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday, Regular Council 7:00 p.m. Council Orders Notice of

February 17, 2022 Meeting -9:00 p.m. Maximum Property Tax

And Set Public hearing #1

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Regular Council 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing #1 on Maximum

March 3, 2022 Meeting -9:00 p.m. Property Tax and approve

Related resolution

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Regular Council 7:00 p.m. Set Public Hearing #2 for

March 3, 2022 Meeting -9:00 p.m. Adoption of Budget

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Regular Council 7:00 p.m. Hold Public Hearing #

March 17, 2022 Meeting -9:00 p.m. and Adoption of Budget

March 31, 2022 (Latest Day) Approved Budget filed with

County Auditor

Tags 20222023, City, final, Fiscal, Iowa –, Muscatine, pieces, puzzle, year