Tag: Muscatine

Lucas-Logan intersection closed March 1-24; Detour announced

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The intersection of Lucas and Logan streets will be closed to all traffic for approximately three weeks starting Wednesday (March 1) afternoon as Phase 5 of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project progresses. Work is expected to be completed by March 24, weather permitting.

Haggerty Earthworks, LLC, started placing a new sanitary main from Logan to Newell on January 9 and was scheduled to complete that run Tuesday with the installation of the final manhole just south of the intersection with Fletcher Avenue. Once that is completed crews will move down to the Logan-Lucas intersection to begin connecting the new sanitary main to the existing sanitary main. The work will necessitate the complete closure of the intersection.

Residents on Lucas north of the Logan intersection will have access from the Newell end of Lucas Street. Residents on Lucas south of the Logan intersection will have access from West 8th Street. Residents on Logan will have access from Climer Street.

DETOUR – Northbound traffic on Lucas will be detoured on to West 8th Street, to Broadway, to Newell, and back to Lucas Street. Southbound traffic on Lucas will be detoured on to Newell, to Broadway, to West 8th Street, and back to Lucas Street.

NEXT STEP – Once the work in the Lucas-Logan intersection is completed, Haggerty Earthworks LLC will be moving to the Logan-Climer intersection. The final major segment of Phase 5 is Climer Street from Logan to Lucas with both water main and sanitary storm sewer separation work to be completed.

Pavement restoration will begin as the weather permits including the completed sections on Lucas from Green to West 4th streets, and on Lucas from Logan to Newell. Once the construction season begins in earnest, pavement restoration will follow the completion of underground work.

LET US KNOW – Contact the City of Muscatine for more information on projects, services, and with questions or concerns regarding a project or service. Feedback may be provided by sending an email to feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.

You can also 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. Or you can click on Request Form to go directly to the request page.

To download the Muscatine Connect app to your smartphone 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 approximately, closed, intersection, Iowa –, Logan, Lucas, Muscatine, streets, traffic, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Transfer Station tipping floor closed five days for resurfacing

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The tipping floor at the Muscatine Transfer Station will be closed to the public starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday (March 1) for a floor resurfacing project. The tipping floor is tentatively scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. Monday (March 6) unless unforeseen circumstances necessitate postponement.

Citizens who plan to take material to the tipping floor (trash, household hazardous waste) and drop off areas for recycling, appliances and electronics, and tires will need to hold onto that material until the floor is reopened.

The Muscatine Organic Recycling Center (MORC) will also be closed Wednesday through Monday.

The top surface of the tipping floor was determined to be in need of a high strength concrete resurfacing following years of wear from daily operations of receiving and processing municipal and commercial waste. The City contracted with Bolton and Menk to assist the Solid Waste Division of the Department of Public Works in developing a plan to restore the surface of the tipping floor.

KE Flatwork, Inc., was the lowest responsible bidder for the project at $301,947.00 and was awarded the contract by the Muscatine City Council at their February 2 meeting.

Customers will not be permitted to drop off material at the Transfer Station after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday with the last load on the scale at 1:45 p.m.

The City of Muscatine curbside refuse collection program and the Republic curbside recycling collection program will operate as usual.

For further information, contact the Muscatine Transfer Station at 563-263-9689.

Tags closed, floor, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Station, tipping, Transfer, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

January report of City department activity released

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 27, 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 January 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 possibl

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public comment sought on moving two bus shelters

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 22, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Transit Division (MuscaBus) of the Department of Public Works is seeking public comment on a proposal to move two bus shelters in Muscatine. Public comments will be taken from Feb. 23 through March 9 by calling MuscaBus at 563-263-8152 or by emailing Transit Supervisor Amy Fortenbacher at afortenbacher@muscatineiowa.gov.

The first bus shelter that is proposed to be moved is at the intersection of Liberty and Warren streets. The shelter is currently located on Liberty Street but will be moved around the corner to Warren Street. The move will accommodate the addition of the pedestrian/bike trail that is being installed as part of the street/sidewalk reconstruction in the area.

The second bus shelter is currently located on East 5th Street just east of the Mulberry Avenue intersection. The Transit Division proposes to relocate the shelter closer to residential housing on Bloomington Lane. The current MuscBus stop on Bloomington Lane between Sunset Park and the Muscatine Soccer Complex does not have a shelter.

The 5th Street location has not been used as a bus shelter, but used more as a place to congregate and smoke.

If you would like to leave a comment or would like additional information, please call MuscaBus at 563-263-8152 or email Transit Supervisor Amy Fortenbacher at afortenbacher@muscatineiowa.gov.

The public comment period is open Feb. 23 through March 9.

INFORMATION FLYER

Tags Department, division, Iowa –, MuscaBus, Muscatine, public, seeking, Transit, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Reception for retiring Police Chief scheduled February 27

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 22, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The public is invited to join City of Muscatine staff in congratulating Police Chief Brett Talkington on his retirement from the Muscatine Police Department after nearly 35 years of service to the community with the last 12 years as the Chief of Police. The reception will be held from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Monday (Feb. 27) at the Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center, 408 E. 2nd Street, Muscatine.

RETIREMENT FLYER

Tags City, congratulating, invited, Iowa –, join, Muscatine, Police, public, staff

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Art Center, Library close early due to weather

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 16, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Art Center along with the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center closed this afternoon due to the weather conditions.

The Muscatine Art Center closed at 2 p.m. today with the Mini Masters and the Alexander Clark program both cancelled. A new date for the Clark program will be announced later.

Both facilities will open at their regular times on Friday (Feb. 17).

It was announced earlier today that Republic Services had suspended recycling collection for Thursday due to the weather. Republic will resume recycling collection on Friday with a one-day delay (Thursday recycling to be picked up on Friday and Friday’s recycling on Saturday).

Tags along, Center, Community, Iowa –, Library, Muscatine, Musser, public, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City offices will be closed Monday for President’s Day

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 16, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine offices will be closed on Monday (Feb. 20, 2023) for the President’s Day holiday. All offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday (Feb. 21, 2023).

Muscatine Transit (MuscaBus) will not be in service on Monday with regular service resuming Tuesday. 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. 21, 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 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays. The Clubhouse and Pro Shop are closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday.

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 2023, City, closed, Iowa –, Monday, Muscatine, offices, President’s, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City of Muscatine declares Snow Emergency Feb. 16-17

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 15, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine has declared a Snow Emergency starting at 8 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 16) through 8 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17). Muscatine is under a Winter Storm Warning and is expected to receive 4-7 inches of snow starting Wednesday night.

“Our trucks are out right now spraying areas of our streets with brine (a salt-water mixture that helps melt snow),” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director, said. “The snow plows will be out early Thursday morning and will work as long as needed to move snow off the streets.”

This is the first time that a Snow Emergency has been declared under the revised Snow Emergency Ordinance.

Muscatine’s Snow Emergency Ordinance limits on-street parking during a declared Snow Emergency to allow plows to access and clear streets during extreme winter storms.

According to the revised code, when weather conditions warrant the declaration of a snow emergency, motor traffic will be expedited and parking on City of Muscatine streets will be prohibited or restricted for snow plowing and other purposes.

During a declared snow emergency, no person shall park, or allow to remain parked, any vehicle on any portion of a Snow Emergency route. Here is a MAP of the Snow Emergency routes. Signage marking the designated Snow Emergency routes were installed by the City of Muscatine late last year.

Once a Snow Emergency ends there is still the possibility of parking restrictions as Department of Public Works crews push back the snow to the curb.

The Snow Push Back policy would be implemented, if needed, once snow removal operations are complete to the appropriate levels of service on all Class I, Class II, and Class III roadways. See SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY for the classifications of different roadways.

Residents will be provided 24-hour notice prior to the implementation of the Snow Push Back policy’s odd-even parking plan. See SNOW PUSH BACK POLICY for more information on parking restrictions.

Tags City, declared, Emergency, Iowa –, Muscatine, Snow, starting, through, Thursday

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Kies to be sworn in as new police chief at Council meeting

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 15, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine will have a new Police Chief starting on March 1 as current Chief Brett Talkington retires on February 28. The swearing in of Anthony (Tony) Kies, currently Captain of Patrol for the Muscatine Police Department, as the next Police Chief is one highlight of Thursday’s Muscatine City Council meeting. The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall.

A 17-year-veteran of the Muscatine Police Department, Kies was selected as the next Chief of Police following an extremely competitive process. The Muscatine City Council unanimously approved his appointment at their December 1 meeting.

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

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

Two public hearings will be set during the regular meeting, the first on updated the designated truck routes as defined in Chapter 11, section 6 of the Muscatine City Code, and the second on the transfer of property located at 1 Arrowhead Lake subdivision.

Approval of support for the applications by Musco Lighting and Kent Pet Group, Inc., to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program is also on the agenda. Both companies are looking to expand their manufacturing operations in Muscatine.

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

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, February 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

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

Tags – Have, Chief, current, Iowa –, March, Muscatine, Police, starting, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Musco, Kent to make presentations to Council Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 8, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three presentations are on the Muscatine City Council agenda for their February In-Depth meeting including one of proposed updates to the building code regulations. The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall.

The in-depth 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 has nearly completed a series of special meetings on the FY 2023-2024 proposed budget. Wednesday night the Council listened to Finance Director Nancy Lueck and City Administrator Carol Webb review Capital, Debt, and Road Use Tax funds along with a review of the Local Option Sales Tax.

Another special session will be held immediately after the Council’s in-depth session with Lueck and Webb reviewing TIF, Special Revenue, and Other funds.

Musco Lighting will be making a presentation to the Muscatine City Council as they seek Tax Increment Financing Assistance for their expansion of production space at their facility on Stewart Road. Kent Corporation will also be making a presentation seeking Tax Increment Financing Assistance for business expansion.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 9, 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.

Tags agenda, City, Council, February, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, their, Three

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public meeting on Wayfinding Program set for February 23

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine is seeking to develop a Wayfinding Program that will have a positive impact on commerce and economic activity within Muscatine. The program will be designed to attract visitors, promote a pedestrian-friendly environment, and enhance the community’s identity.

The first step in developing that plan is the formation of a Wayfinding Master Plan. The City has contracted with Corbin Design of Traverse City, Mich., to complete this first step. As part of this process, the City and Corbin Design will host a public meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on February 23 on the third floor of the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center.

“Representatives from Corbin Design will be on-site to explain the process and take input from community members on what they feel is important for visitors to find in the city and surrounding areas,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director, said.

A Wayfinding Program was added to the Urban Renewal Plan and approved by the Muscatine City County in January 2022. The program is proposed to be completed over five years with funding from future tax increment funds. A request for proposals was issued in September 2022. Nine proposals were received and reviewed by an interview team in December 2022. A contract with Corbin Design was approved by the Muscatine City Council in January 2023.

Along with hosting the public meeting on February 23, Corbin Design will also be visiting Muscatine to learn about the area, gather information about visitors, and determine wayfinding and signage needs.

The Wayfinding Program will consist of the installation of welcome and directional signage including monument signs, City gateway signage, directional signage for recreation and cultural amenities, landmarks, business districts, and neighborhoods.

Tentatively the public meeting will be conducted similar to meetings held prior to construction on Mississippi Drive and Grandview Avenue and include displays of possible wayfinding that attendees can view and comment on. City staff and representatives from Corbin Design will also be on hand to answer questions on the goal of the program, the process, and receive feedback from citizens on the design and placement of wayfinding in Muscatine.

Tags City, develop, Iowa –, Muscatine, program, seeking, that, Wayfinding, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Transfer Station tipping floor closed for resurfacing March 1-5

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The tipping floor at the Muscatine Transfer Station will be closed to the public starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, for a floor resurfacing project. The tipping floor is scheduled to reopen to the public at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 6.

KE Flatwork, Inc., was the lowest responsible bidder for the project at $301,947.00 and was awarded the contract by the Muscatine City Council at their February 2 meeting.

All customers will not be permitted to drop off material after 2:00 p.m. on March 1 with the last load on the scale at 1:45 p.m.

“Curbside refuse and recycling collection will operate as normal,” David Popp, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Muscatine, said.

For further information, contact the Muscatine Transfer Station at 563-263-9689.

Tags closed, floor, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Station, tipping, Transfer, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Parks and Rec seasonal job fair is February 11

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 3, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department will host a job fair from 10 a.m. to12 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, in the Clubhouse at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course looking to recruit dependable, hardworking individuals to fill seasonal positions for the spring and summer of 2023.

A variety of opportunities are available including lifeguards, slide attendants, cashiers, equipment operators, office clerk, Golf Clubhouse supervisors, gas dock attendants, recreation program leaders, seasonal maintenance laborers, groundskeepers and College Search Kickoff program assistants.

Come out to the Golf Course to talk with current staff, review open positions, and fill out an application. Interested persons may also fill out an application ahead of time by visiting the Career Center on the City of Muscatine website.

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

Tags City, Department, Fair, host, Iowa –, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two new exhibitions open in February at Muscatine Art Center

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 1, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Two new exhibitions opening at the Muscatine Art Center in February will focus on people. In the ultra-realistic work of Marc Sijan, the spotlight is on the individual facial characteristics that make human beings so similar, yet so unique. In the second exhibition, photographic portraits by Bob Campagna are joined with stories to capture the experiences of the first residents and staff members of Clark House as they built a community in the 1970s.

“Both exhibitions present real people and provide an opportunity for visitors to consider how these people experienced their world,” Muscatine Art Center Director, Melanie Alexander said. “Work by Marc Sijan has been presented twice before at the Muscatine Art Center, and people are always blown away by the level of detail from the pores to the veins.

“Bob Campagna is also familiar to many in Muscatine,” Alexander said. “He was the City’s first Low Income Housing Director in the 1970s, but many know him through his photography and his work with Muscatine students to create the windows and doors of Muscatine posters.”

Marc Sijan is one America’s leading hyper-realist sculptors. Sijan has received international recognition and has presented over 50 one-man museum exhibitions. His exhibitions often set attendance records whenever his work is exhibited. The exhibition in Muscatine features eight life-size figurative sculptures and opens on February 9.

Bob Campagna’s “Faces of Hope: The Original Residents of the Clark House” will open February 16 on the middle floor of the Stanley Gallery at the Muscatine Art Center. “Faces of Hope” includes portraits of most of the original residents of the Clark House, and it also explores the stories as remembered by those involved in managing aspects of the building project, selecting the first residents, assisting those first residents with move in, and establishing an environment that created a sense of community. In addition, the exhibition details some of the efforts to preserve the historic Alexander Clark house.

“The move of the historic Alexander Clark house was a dramatic moment,” Alexander said. “Beyond the logistics of moving and preserving the Alexander Clark house, there are a series of displays highlighting the story of Alexander Clark and sharing what makes Alexander Clark significant on a national level.”

Alexander Clark was Iowa’s most prominent Black citizen of the 19th century and a national leader in the cause of equal rights. His career culminated with service as U.S. ambassador to Liberia. Born free in Pennsylvania in 1826, he settled in Muscatine at age 16. He worked as a barber and acquired timberland along the Mississippi River and sold firewood for steamboats. He invested in real estate and amassed considerable wealth, becoming one of the town’s most accomplished residents.

Clark emerged as a civil-rights leader while in his early 20’s. He was a delegate to the National Convention of the Free People of Color in 1853, connecting with national leaders such as Frederick Douglass in the fight for equal rights. During the Civil War, he played a major role in the formation of Iowa’s only Black regiment.The Iowa Supreme Courts’ ruling in Clark’s lawsuit against segregated schools in 1868 affirmed the right of all Iowa children to attend public school regardless of race, religion, nationality, or appearance. Clark was also active in Republican politics and won acclaim as “the Colored Orator of the West” for his speeches on suffrage and universal rights.

Clark became the second Black graduate of the University of Iowa School of Law in 1884 at the age of 58. His son, Alexander, Jr., was the first Black graduate of the law school in 1879. Clark’s access to Black audiences swelled when, in 1882, along with his son Alexander, Jr., and fellow attorney Ferdinand L. Barnett, he purchased The Conservator, Chicago’s first Black newspaper. He served as the editor and became the sole owner in 1884. In 1887, he chaired the executive committee of the National Colored Press Association, connecting him to prominent journalist and activist Ida B. Wells.

A series of programs connected to the “Faces of Hope” exhibition will be presented in February and March. At 5:30 p.m. on February 16, local historian Dan Clark, who serves on the Alexander Clark Foundation, will join author Rachelle Chase for a discussion on efforts to reach school children, scholars, and the general public with the story of Alexander Clark. Chase is currently completing the middle school book, The Time I Was Susan Clark.

The Alexander Clark Foundation is working with a consultant and scholars to attain national significance through the National Register of Historic Places for the Alexander Clark house.

At 5:30 p.m. on February 23,, the Darwin Turner Action Theatre will perform at the Muscatine Art Center. The event is presented in partnership with Global Education at Stanley Center and the University of Iowa Arts Share program. The group was originally established in 1968 as Black Action Theatre.

The series concludes at 5:30 p.m. on March 23 with Bob Campagna discussing his memories of the Clark House and 1970s Muscatine.

All programs are offered free of charge and take place at the Muscatine Art Center. Reservations are not necessary.

Both “Faces of Hope” and “Marc Sijan: Ultra-Realistic Sculptures” will be on view through April 9, 2023.

—

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free of charge. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events.

Tags Center, exhibitions, February, focus, Iowa –, Muscatine, opening, people, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Contracts to demolish four structures on Council agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 1, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council is expected to approve the demolition of four structures as the City of Muscatine continues to work on removing unsafe structures that are a hazard to public safety and return the parcel to a state that can be redeveloped, if possible, and returned to the tax rolls.

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

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

Contracts to demolish structures at 613 W. 5th Street, 1244 Dale Street, 1805 Bryan Avenue, and 1207 Cedar Street will be awarded upon approval of the resolutions by the City Council Thursday.

The Council will also be asked to approve a contract for the rehabilitation of underground pipes with Insituform Technologies, LLC, of Chesterfield, Missouri. The cured-in-place project is anticipated to save the City hundreds of thousands of dollars by using liners to repair eight sections of sewer pipe instead of digging up and replacing the pipes.

Also on the agenda is a request to enter into a professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk for a preliminary design of a roundabout at Green, Hershey, and Grandview (Carver Corner). The City Council gave consensus for the roundabout at the January 12 in-depth meeting. The preliminary design will assist other design firms working on the other buildings in the vicinity of Carver Corner that may be affected by the construction of a roundabout.

The meeting will begin with the swearing in of Muscatine firefighter John Peters by Mayor Brad Bark.

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

A special City Council meeting will be held immediately following the regular meeting as the Council continues listening to FY 23-24 budget presentations from various City departments. On the agenda for Thursday’s session are presentations from four outside agencies seeking funds from the City of Muscatine including the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Senior Resources, the Humane Society, and the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA).

Budget discussions between the City Council and the various City of Muscatine departments will continue at 8 a.m. on February 4 in the City Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall. Discussions will continue on February 7 with a final review on February 8. A complete timetable for the budget discussions can be found by clicking on BUDGET SCHEDULE.

On-Line Participation

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

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

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

Tags approve, City, Council, demolition, expected, Four, Iowa –, Muscatine, structures

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Police release annual report for 2022

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date February 1, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department has released the 2022 annual report highlighting the activities of the various divisions and programs sponsored by the department. Click on the following link to download the 2022 Annual Report as a PDF.

One of the highlights from the Patrol Division is the success of the Project ABLE program, a concept designed to prevent public harm through developing a department-wide commitment to the ideals of peer intervention. Training to the Project ABLE standards has resulted in no personnel complaints in 2022.

Several programs also saw continued success in 2022 including:

The POPCAN Project works to create a safer environment in places where a higher volume of calls for service and serious incidents have transpired.
The Code Blue program assisted six families in need during 2022 by providing meals and emotional support.
The “Book and a Badge” series, a partnership with Musser Public Library that talks about different aspects of a police officer’s job and allowed officers to read a book to children during each episode.
Continued support for the Muscatine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) group that is helping to ensure that all segments of the Muscatine community feel included and supported.
Continued use of Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and Community Policing (COP) projects as the cornerstone of proactive law enforcement efforts in Muscatine. That allows for greater communication and interaction between citizens and law enforcement.

Be sure to download and review the report for more detailed information about these and other programs and divisions sponsored by the Muscatine Police Department.

Tags 2022, annual, Department, highlighting, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, released, Report

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Fire responds to record number of calls in 2022

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It was another record setting year for the Muscatine Fire Department, but it is not one of those records you like to break at all. The Muscatine Fire Department responded to a record 5,909 calls for service in 2022, breaking the previous record of 5,709 calls that was answered in 2021. If you thought that the Muscatine Fire Department was busy in 2021, you were right. The Department responded to 5,238 calls for service in 2019.

The record call volume continues a steady upward trend in service calls with the number of calls climbing 47 percent over the last decade. The Department has seen the number of service calls top 5,000 annually in each of the last six years including 5,100 in 2017, 5,027 in 2018, 5,238 in 2019, 5,034 in 2020, and 5,709 in 2021.

Medical calls made up 86.2 percent of the service calls in 2022, down from 91 percent of service calls in 2021 and 92 percent in 2020. The Department responded to 817 fire incidents in 2022, a 37 percent increase over 2021 (521 fire responses).

Five of the 12 months in 2022 saw the Department respond to over 500 calls with December leading the way with 591 calls followed by November (537), July (523), June (519), and May (504. February had the highest fire responses at 79 with April next at 75, and December with 74. December had the highest number of medical calls at 373 with November second at 338.

MFD Fast Facts:

Every fire call category was up in 2022 including the most building fires in the last 10 years.
The top five fire responses in 2022 were structure fires (51), vehicle fires (15), vegetation fires (15), trash fires (11), and cooking fires (7).
Training continues to be a main ingredient for the life of a Muscatine firefighter with the department conducting 11,586 hours of training in 2022.

Click on the following link to download the 2022 Annual Report as a PDF.

Tags another, Department, fire, Iowa –, Muscatine, record, setting, those, year

City of Muscatine Press Releases

MUSCOM to start video streaming from 911 callers

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine County Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) is excited to announce the launch of “Prepared Live” in the dispatch center. Built by the company Prepared, the software enables the Muscatine 9-1-1 dispatch center to livestream, receive multimedia, and receive location from mobile callers in real-time.

This addition to our technology suite will significantly improve our ability to effectively and efficiently respond to emergencies in the community.

“The ability for our Public Safety Dispatchers to view live streaming from 911 callers will give our first responders a better understanding of exactly what type of situations they will be entering,” Chris Jasper, Director of Emergency Management and 911 for Muscatine County, said. “We hope that this will enhance officer safety and give them more accurate information before they arrive on scene.”

Participation in video streaming during a call is completely voluntary and consent of the caller is required. If the caller consents, they will receive a livestream link via text from the dispatcher, enabling them to activate live video upon clicking to activate the link.

It is important to note that the video call function will not provide MUSCOM with access to the contents or settings of a caller’s phone.

The launch follows three weeks of preparation and training to ensure that the dispatchers and the team are able to properly utilize the software. Working side-by-side with Prepared’s customer success team, MUSCOM has created and adopted policies to ensure that “Prepared Live” is used effectively in various scenarios.

“We are very excited to start utilizing ‘Prepared Live’ in our center as it has proven to help tremendously in various capacities across the country,” Jasper said.

Originally founded as a company focused on school safety, Prepared, led by co-founders Mike, Dylan, and Neal, is a mission-driven organization with a passion for improving public safety. In creating an app to help mitigate school emergencies, the team discovered that valuable data is lost in existing 9-1-1 processes and set out to address the problem. Since public launch in October of 2021, Prepared Live has helped protect over two million American citizens in cities around the country.

To learn more about Prepared and “Prepared Live”, visit Prepared911.com

Tags announce, Center, Communications, County, excited, Iowa –, Joint, Muscatine, MUSCOM

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine woman charged after hit and run incident

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 26, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A Muscatine woman has been charged following a hit and run investigation by the Muscatine Police Department.

The Muscatine Police & Fire Departments were called to the 300 block of Broadway Street on January 13, 2023, for a female who had been run over by a vehicle. The initial investigation revealed that the collision had been the result of a larger disturbance where two groups of people came together for a mutual fight.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Cora Lynn Reed, 18 (DOB 06/21/04), of 214 Park Avenue, voluntarily arrived with a passenger in the 300 block of Broadway Street, for the purpose of participating in a physical confrontation.

As Reed tried to leave the area, she struck a 17-year-old female who was also partaking in the disturbance. The 17-year-old was run over by the front tire of Reed’s vehicle. Reed then reversed the vehicle, running over the 17-year-old a second time. Reed then left the scene with her passenger.

Cora Lynn Reed was arrested Thursday (Jan. 26, 2023) and charged with serious injury by vehicle, a Class D felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor. Reed is considered to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tags been, charged, following, investigation, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, woman

City of Muscatine Press Releases

BUdget season for Muscatine Council, City staff

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 25, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The final pieces to the puzzle of the City of Muscatine Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget were being put together Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2023) afternoon in preparation for the start of “Budget Season” 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 FY 23-24 budget to the City Council during a special Council session at 6:00 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 26). This is the first of a series of budget sessions that will be held in the City Council chambers over the next several weeks.

Council members, Webb, and City staff members will be present in the City Council chambers for each session. All sessions are open to the public.

Public comment during the budget sessions will not be permitted. The public is urged to make notes of any questions or concerns they may have and bring up those questions and concerns during the Public Hearing for the proposed budget that will be held 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. 28. Sessions will also be held on Jan. 31, Feb. 1, Feb. 2, Feb. 4, Feb. 7, Feb. 8, and Feb. 11. The February 11 meeting will be held only if discussions are not completed at the February 8 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 meet 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 2023/2024 Proposed Budget on the Finance & Records page of the City of Muscatine website.

CITY OF MUSCATINE FY 2023-2024 BUDGET SESSIONS

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday City Council 6:00 p.m. General Fund Overview

January 26, 2023 Chambers -7:00 p.m. to City Council

*Can be seen on MPW Civic TV Channel 2, City of Muscatine YouTube Page, and by following the GoToMeeting link on your computer, laptop, or smart phone.

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Date Location Time Department/Agency

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

January 28, 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

Housing

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Tuesday City Council 6:00 p.m. Parks Administration

January 31, 2023 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 6:00 p.m. Public Works Administration

February 1, 2023 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 City Council 7:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce

February 2, 2023 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Marketing & Tourism

Senior Resources

Session to be held following the City Council Regular Meeting Humane Society

MCSA

*Can be seen on MPW Civic TV Channel 2, City of Muscatine YouTube Page, and by following the GoToMeeting link on your computer, laptop, or smart phone.

Date Location Time Department/Agency

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

February 4, 2023 Chambers -3:00 p.m. Transit

Parking

Refuse Collection

Landfill

Transfer Station

WPCP

Storm Water

Review & Discussion Begin

General Fund

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Tuesday City Council 6:00 p.m. Capital/Dept/TIF/RUT

February 7, 2023 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Local Option Review

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Wednesday City Council 6:00 p.m. Review & Discussion

February 8, 2023 Chambers -9:00 p.m. Decisions for Public Hearing

(session may continue on 2/11)

Date Location Time Department/Agency

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

February 11, 2022 Chambers -10:00 a.m. (extra meeting if not work is not

concluded on February 8)

CITY OF MUSCATINE CITY COUNCIL SESSIONS

Virtual Meeting Information:

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday, Regular Council 6:00 p.m. Council Orders Notice of

February 16, 2023 Meeting -8:00 p.m. Maximum Property Tax

And Set Public hearing #1

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Regular Council 6:00 p.m. Public Hearing #1 on Maximum

March 2, 2023 Meeting -8:00 p.m. Property Tax and approve

Related resolution

Set Public Hearing #2 for

Adoption of Budget

Date Location Time Department/Agency

Thursday Regular Council 6:00 p.m. Hold Public Hearing #2

March 16, 2023 Meeting -8:00 p.m. and Adoption of Budget

March 31, 2022 (Latest Day) for approved Budget filed with County Auditor

Tags 20232024, City, final, Fiscal, Iowa –, Muscatine, pieces, puzzle, year