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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Contractors battle weeds while prepping for seeding

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It is a race against time for two local contractors and two massive projects for the City of Muscatine. Both the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project and Phase 5 of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project are looking at a September 30 deadline for Fall seeding of finished areas.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has two windows for seeding with a permanent lawn mixture that is typically used for residential and commercial turf sites. The spring window is open from March 1 through May 31 with the fall window running between August 10 and September 30.

Much of the Grandview Avenue corridor has been completed but has not been seeded, and that has given weeds an opportunity to grow. The same is true for the West Hill project. There has been a constant effort by the City of Muscatine and the contractor(s) to keep control of the weeds and not let them become too overgrown especially in areas more visible to the public. This has been an ongoing effort by the contractor(s) as well as prepping the areas between the back of curb and sidewalk for seeding.

Heuer Construction, Inc., is working to complete sidewalks and driveways in Phase 1 (Main Street to the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing on Grandview), backfilling, and placing topsoil in order to complete seeding before the window closes. Some completed areas in Phase 2 (Canadian Pacific Railroading crossing to just south of the Houser Street intersection) are scheduled to be seeded this fall.

Hagerty Earthworks, Inc., has also been working to complete areas on West 8th Street and Climer Street along with the ravine area from West 8th to Logan for seeding before the fall window closes.

The City of Muscatine and the Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, wear seat belts, and be aware of construction workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

Click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page where more information can be found on City of Muscatine construction projects. An interactive map is available showing current street closures and street work.

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four proclamations, one public hearing on Council agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Four proclamations and a public hearing on rezoning property for the expansion of a local business highlight the agenda for the Muscatine City Council on Thursday (May 5) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

 

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

 

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will issue four proclamations during the opening segment of the Council session Thursday as he recognizes May 11-17 as National Police Week in Muscatine, acknowledges May to be Historic Preservation Month, May 15-21 as National Emergency Medical Services Week, and as National Public Works Week in Muscatine. Bark will also proclaim May 11 as Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

 

Thursday’s public hearing concerns rezoning a 17.4 parcel in the 1900 block of Stewart Road. Musco Lighting is planning to expand their current manufacturing operations onto the parcel. The request from Musco Lighting was unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and now goes before Council for approval.

 

The Council will also hear the second reading of an ordinance concerning cargo container regulations, and an ordinance amending the weeds and vegetation management regulations. If approved, the third reading will be held on May 19.

 

The third and final reading of an ordinance on vacant property and non-residential property maintenance regulations, and an ordinance striking the striking the keeping of pit bull chapter from City Code will also be heard Thursday. If approved, the ordinances will be submitted for publication before becoming official. 

 

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

 

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

 

The best way for the public to participate virtually is to log on or dial in to the GoToMeeting session, mute your device, watch the session on YouTube or Cable Channel 2. At the appropriate time, you will be able to unmute your device to ask a question or make a comment. The public can also use the “chat” feature on the GoToMeeting virtual meeting to pose a question to the Mayor, Council, or staff member.

 

Please mute your computer or phone while listening to the proceedings (press *6 when using phone or mute button on computer). A chat window is available when you use your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Those wishing to speak or to ask a question are asked to use the chat box to post a message that will be seen by the Mayor who will address the questions or call on the speaker in turn. Those using their phones must wait until the Mayor asks for additional comments. The Mayor will recognize you prior to you addressing the Council.

 

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, May 5, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)


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


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

 

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.
 
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597