Tag: Muscatine

Vision Center partnership will add trees to the community

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Vision Center, P.C., and the City of Muscatine Department of Parks and Recreation have partnered on a rather unique project to plant trees in Muscatine and the surrounding area. The Vision Center is donating a tree to the Muscatine community with every purchase of Botaniq eyewear, and Botaniq pledges to plant one tree in partnership with One Tree Planted.

“When the rep (Jan) came in with this new line, she explained what Tura was doing with planting a tree for every frame sold,” Tawnya Strause of the Vision Center said. “It inspired us to do the same thing for our community. Not only are the glasses unique but the company was wanting to help with replacing trees for our planet and so does Vision Center.”

An initial tree planting is scheduled for September 20 inside Riverside Park with the assistance of Parks and Recreation Park Maintenance Superintendent Nick Gow and Landscape Horticulturist Melissa Baker. One larger tree was purchased to start the program with 25 saplings purchased from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that will be allowed to grow before being planted on future planting days.

The Vision Center has made a two-year commitment to the program with plans to do another planting in Spring 2023.

Tura, Inc., a Vision Center provider, is offering a new earth friendly brand of sustainable products and a manufacturing process that integrates eco-friendly packaging for frames … Botaniq Eyewear. Every element of Botaniq eyewear is designed with style and the planet in mind with the raw materials ISO-certified, which means they are environmentally safe. Some of the materials that make their product special is bio-based acetate, 60 percent stainless steel, and natural wood

Tags – Have, Center, City, Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, Vision

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Five presentations on Thursdays City Council agenda

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Five presentations are on the agenda for Thursday’s Muscatine City Council meeting including the draft of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Years 2024 through 2028.

The City Council meets for their in-depth session Thursday (September 8) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session 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 attending in person. Instructions for joining the virtual session are listed below.

Capital improvement planning is the planning, coordination, and scheduling of public physical improvements for a community over a period of years, with scheduling developed according to priorities based on need, desire, and importance of such improvements to the community as well as the constraints of the city’s ability to finance, implement, and administer the projects. A five-year CIP is required of all Iowa cities by state law.

The initial draft was presented to the City Council at their July 14, 2022, in-depth session.

In other presentations Thursday, the Council will hear:

An overview of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce Live Muscatine Program;
Discussion on potential revisions to the Rules of Council;
An overview of the proposed Muscatine School District Baseball/Softball Complex at Kent-Stein Park; and
Discussion on possible SolSmart Designation, a program designed to help facilitate the expansion of solar energy within a community.

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

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

On-Line Participation

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, September 8, 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

Tags agenda, City, Council, Five, Iowa –, meeting, Muscatine, Presentations, Thursday’s

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Art Center Fall concert series begins September 18

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Art Center will welcome an array of musicians for a series of free performances this fall. The opening concert will be held in the Muscatine Art Center’s Music Room at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 18.

The first concert features the music of Francis Verba, a French classical guitarist with a wide and colorful repertoire of European and Latin American music. Verba plays a unique, custom-made guitar, and his revolutionary method for holding the instrument allows him to express profoundness and purity in his sounds, enchanting all of the senses.

“The Francis Verba concert has been many, many months in the making,” Melanie Alexander, Muscatine Art Center Director, said. “We are delighted to share his talents with the Muscatine community. His performance promises to be an experience unlike any other the Muscatine Art Center has offered before.”

Verba has been awarded first prizes in several national and international competitions. He has performed in over 50 countries and served as the Executive Director of the highly prestigious “Concours International de Guitare de Radio France” guitar competition.

In addition to the performance, concertgoers will be treated to the visual delights of painted portraits by Cecile Houel, whose portrait of the Dalai Lama was included in the Muscatine Art Center’s 2020 invitational exhibition, “Hard Won, Not Done”.

Houel is a French-American artist who has dedicated her life to her art, pushing technical limits but staying true to her own artistic identity. In 2014, Houel began painting portraits of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. She paints very personalized portraits of the famous Laureates using the oil medium.

The Francis Verba concert is presented free of charge thanks to a grant from the Mary Jo and Richard Stanley Human Conditions Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. Reservations are not required.

Other upcoming concerts at the Muscatine Art Center include the Mad Creek Mudcats on October 2, the Japanese Taiko Drum performance by Japan America Society of Iowa’s Soten Taiko on October 15, Ballet Folklorico on October 20, and LADAMA in partnership with Quad City Arts on October 27. Details about these performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

____

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through 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. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a quarterly newsletter.

Tags array, Center, free, Iowa –, Muscatine, musicians, series, welcome, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Contractors battle weeds while prepping for seeding

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 6, 2022

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.

Tags against, City, contractors, Iowa –, local, massive, Muscatine, projects, race, Time

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Employer group offers tips for a healthier community

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 6, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month and the Family Meals Movement, the #WorkingWellMuscatine employer group is offering some tips that support the Healthy Hometown concepts of Eat Well, Move More, Feel Better. Individuals can use these resources in their office, or share them with employees, friends, and neighbors. The goal is to build healthier workplaces and a healthier community.

Eat Well

Did you know that September is Family Meals Month? According to the FMI Foundation, people who eat more meals together eat more fruits and vegetables, and have better diets in general. But did you know that family meals improve family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem solving too?

No matter how you define family, visit this website (Stay Strong with Family Meals) to learn more about staying strong with family meals.

If you would like to know more about how having meals as a family is beneficial visit #FamilyMealsMovement and NY Times Better Family Meals. Or just google family dinner and see what pops up.

September is also Better Breakfast Month – so visit Build A Better Breakfast for ideas to make breakfast better!

Move More

Doing 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms. But smaller amounts of physical activity — as little as 10 to 15 minutes at a time — may make a difference. Find something you enjoy and make it a habit! Visit Depression and Anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms for more information.

Feel Better

A National Hotline has been set up to help people considering suicide get immediate help – Call or Text 988 for access to help 24/7.

Information about the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be found at #BeThe1To

Most companies also have an Employee Assistance Program – check out the benefits that are available from your company and eat more, move more, and feel better

Tags family, Iowa – In, Meals, Month, Movement, Muscatine, National, Prevention, recognition, Suicide

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Sport Starters introduces sports to toddlers and parents

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for Sport Starters, an introductory sports program for two- and three-year-old children with their parents. Participants will work on basic motor skills, socialization, and spend quality time with their parent while playing a variety of sports and games. Parent participation is required for this program.

The Muscatine Parks and Recreation staff will introduce a different sport each week such as soccer, football, tee-ball, volleyball and more. Each sport will be supplemented with a few different games to keep your child learning and experiencing over the course of this 45-minute class outside the Pearl City Station on the riverfront. Classes will be held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. beginning September 13 and running through October 20.

Registration is being taken now in the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department office in the lower level of City hall, over the phone at (563) 263-0241, and online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/muscatine/Home. The resident fee is $25.00 while the non-resident fee is $30.00. Reserve your spot by Tuesday, September 6.

Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information.

Tags Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, registrations, Sport, Starters, taking

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Flag Football fun returns to Kent Stein Park this Fall

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A flag football league for boys and girls is being organized by the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department. Competition will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, September 13 through October 20. Play will take place on Diamond #3 in Kent Stein Park from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Youth Flag Football has been designed to teach football skills and teamwork through organized practices, informal scrimmages, and formal games. Flag football will be played under the lights of Kent Stein Park with the guidance of coaches and referees.

Participants in the Youth Flag Football league will receive a t-shirt and a mouthpiece.

Registration is open now with a $25.00 fee for Muscatine residents and a $30.00 fee for non-residents. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 6, so don’t hesitate to reserve your spot in-person, over the phone, or online.

Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information.

Tags being, boys, flag, football, girls, Iowa –, league, Muscatine, organized

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Revised all-terrain vehicle ordinance to be considered

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 31, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The public is invited to provide comments during a public hearing Thursday as the City Council considers proposed revisions to the All-Terrain Vehicle Ordinance.

The City Council meets in regular session Thursday (September 1) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual session 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 attending in person. Instructions for joining the virtual session are listed below.

The City Council directed City staff to prepare changes to the All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations during the May 2022 In-Depth session. Since then, the State of Iowa passed a new code governing All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Off-Road Utility Vehicles (UTV) throughout all 99 counties. The revisions to the City Code of Muscatine being proposed include definitions and requirements related to the use of ATVs and UTVs, and reasonable rules and regulations for the maintenance and operation of ATVs and UTVs on approved roadways within the City of Muscatine.

The first reading of the proposed revised ordinance will be held later in the meeting along with the second reading of the proposed revisions to the snow emergency regulations that include a return to snow emergency route designations.

In other business Thursday, the Council is expected to:

Approve the Development Agreement with Kent Corporation in regards to renovations of the former McKee Button Factory;
Approve the Development Agreement with Muscatine Downtown Investors LLC to create two upper-story units at 100 West 2nd Street; and,
Approve a Supplemental Agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for maintenance of primary roads in municipalities.

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, September 1, 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.

Tags comments, during, hearing, invited, Iowa –, Muscatine, provide, public, Thursday

City of Muscatine Press Releases

For one night only it is an “Encore for Murder”

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 31, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Friends of the Muscatine Art Center will be offering a special performance of Encore for Murder that will feature a cast of local talent performing alongside Gary Sandy of WKRP in Cincinnati fame. The one-night-only performance will be held at 7 p.m. on September 17 in the Muscatine High School Auditorium.

Written by Max Allan Collins, Encore for Murder follows private eye Mike Hammer, a character originally created by Mickey Spillane and further developed by Collins. Presented in a radio show format, an actress attempting a return to Broadway receives a death threat, and Mike Hammer, played by Sandy, is on the case. The situation is complicated as the actress is recently widowed and is a former love interest of Hammer’s.

The production is a special tribute to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of the first Mickey Spillane novel, I, the Jury, in 1947. Muscatine-native Collins was a childhood fan of mystery writer Mickey Spillane, and the two later became friends and collaborated on a comic book series in the 1990s called Mike Danger. Upon Spillane’s death in 2006, Collins developed the unfinished Hammer drafts, including a single page written by Spillane with the plot for this production, Encore for Murder.

In addition to authoring the radio play, Collins is Co-Director and has been actively involved in the production.

“The 75th anniversary of this iconic character will be honored a number of ways,” Collins said. “A new Mike Hammer novel, Kill Me If You Can, will be out about a week after our production, and a biography I’ve written with James Traylor, Spillane — King of Pulp Fiction, will be out early next year. My 1999 documentary Mike Hammer’s Mickey Spillane is being expanded for Blu-ray release and the streaming services.

“I’m thrilled to bring Encore to Murder to Muscatine as part of that celebration, with Gary Sandy as Mike Hammer,” Collins said. “Gary was Patty McCormack’s co-star in Mommy’s Day, the indie film we shot here in 1996.”

This is not the first time Encore for Murder has been staged. It was first presented in 2010 at the International Mystery Writers Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky. Then, in 2018, Encore for Murder was presented at the Murray Theatre in Clearwater, Florida. In both instances, Gary Sandy played the lead role of Mike Hammer.

“The pieces really fell into place once Max arranged for Gary Sandy to take the stage in Muscatine,” said Co-Director Karen Cooney. “Having performed and directed for local theater for decades, I knew our actors could rise to the occasion. It has been a truly memorable experience to work with Max and Gary.”

The project began as a modest radio show production. When Cooney learned that Collins had written a script that had already been performed, the chance to spotlight the Muscatine author and his role in continuing the Mike Hammer store was too fantastic to pass up.

The roster of local actors for the performance includes Courtney Cooper, Chris Causey, Rob Minder, Cassidy Probasco, Brian Linderman, Keith Porter, Evan Maynard, Randall Cooper, Judy Wilson, Rene Mauck, and Chad Bishop.

To accommodate a larger audience, Encore for Murder will be staged at the Muscatine High School Auditorium. 2705 Cedar Street, Muscatine. General admission tickets are $15. Premium seating with admission to the After Party at the Merrill Hotel is $50.

At the After Party, guests will enjoy a question-and-answer session with Collins and Sandy, photo opportunities, autographs, and a selection of desserts and beverages. Proceeds from the performance and After Party will benefit Friends of the Muscatine Art Center. Tickets can be purchased at macfriends.booktix.com and information is posted at muscatineartcenter.org.

Kent Corporation and the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, through a tourism grant, are leading sponsors of the performance. Other sponsors include HNI Corporation, Bayer, Martin & Whitacre, CBI Bank & Trust, Kay Chapman CPA, and Pack-n-Ship. Partner organizations are the Merrill Hotel, Muscatine High School, Muscatine Community College, and Muscatine Access Channel Nine.

The Merrill Hotel is offering a discount for the evening of September 17 to those who are attending Encore for Murder. A reservation link to the Merrill is posted on the event page on the Muscatine Art Center’s website.

—

Friends of the Muscatine Art Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to support educational program at the Muscatine Art Center. Membership dues and proceeds from events help ensure that the Muscatine Art Center can continue to offer high-quality, low-cost programming for the Muscatine community. The mailing address is 1314 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, Iowa. Information about Friends can be found at www.muscatineartcenter.org.

Tags Center, Encore, Friends, Iowa –, Muscatine, offering, performance, special, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

‘Library of Rock’ available this Fall at Musser Library

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 31, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Hey teens. If you ever had visions of rocking out with friends but have not learned your instrument well enough yet or played along with others, you can find your way to rock ‘n’ roll glory at the Musser Public Library this Fall.

Teens’ Librarian Mr. Emerson Taylor is inviting all middle school and high school students to join him for an epic program called “Library of Rock.” Being part of this group will teach you how to play in a rock band, even if you have just started playing. Sessions will be from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. every Friday in October and on November 4.

“I think that every teen should have the opportunity to participate in a ‘garage band’ experience as a way to express themselves and follow their interest,” Taylor said, noting the library is not very busy on Friday evenings. “I am really looking forward to this new venture because depending on the interest of the group, we may have a country, rock or hip-hop sound.”

He added that he is hoping to enlist other adult musicians to help with the program.

“I play several instruments and can help them,” Taylor said. “And we may have more music teachers joining the program to give pointers.”

If you are interested in trying Library of Rock or have any questions, contact Mr. Taylor by visiting his office on the library’s first floor, or you can email him at etaylor@muscatineiowa.gov or call (563) 263-3065 ext. 128.

Tags – Have, ever, Friends, Iowa –, learned, Muscatine, rocking, teens, visions, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Construction Update: Block of Park Avenue remains closed to traffic

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 29, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Park Avenue will remain closed to traffic through Thursday (Sept. 1) following a water main break in the 1500 block of Park Avenue, between Washington and Jefferson streets, last Wednesday (August 24). Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) were able to repair the break Wednesday.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City of Muscatine requested the block remain closed to traffic as damage to the pavement underlayment is repaired. A detour remains in effect using Grant Street on the east and University Avenue on the west to navigate around the closure.

LUCAS AND MAIN INTERSECTION CLOSED

Underground sewer installation as part of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project Phase 5 has moved through the Lucas and Main streets intersection. Hagerty Earthworks, Inc., the prime contractor for Phase 5, has closed the intersection to traffic and established a detour for traffic coming up Main Street using George Street to Green Street and back to Lucas.

Lucas Street remains closed from west of the West 8th Street intersection through the Bush Street intersection. Underground work in that section has been completed and the roadway prepped for paving. The contractor anticipates paving to being on Wednesday depending on the weather. That section of the project could be reopened to traffic the first week of September if the weather cooperates.

Lucas Street also remains closed east of the West 8th Street intersection as underground sewer replacement continues toward Green Street. Limited access is allowed east and south of the Main Street intersection with limited parking.

The 700 block of Climer Street will be closed to all traffic beginning Monday as pavement restoration begins from the alley at 700 Climer to just past the High Street intersection. No parking signs were put out Friday morning ahead of the reconstruction work.

Logan Street is closed from Lucas to the alley in the mid-1100 block with limited access from the alley to Climer Street. Sewer work is proceeding on Logan from Lucas toward Climer. Once completed the block will be prepped for pavement replacement and underground work in the 800 and 900 blocks of Climer will begin.

Pavement replacement is wrapping up in the 700 block of Climer and the High Street intersection. Both will be opened to local traffic only once all driveways and sidewalks are completed.

GRANDVIEW WORK CONTINUES

The Houser Street leg of the Grandview Avenue intersection has been reopened to traffic but the intersection will be a three-way stop through the remainder of the Grandview Avenue project. Work on prepping the Sampson leg of the intersection is currently underway.

Heuer Construction plans to continue work on sidewalks and driveways from Franklin Street south toward Houser in addition to completing the Sampson leg of the Grandview Avenue intersection.

Grandview Avenue is now open to two-way traffic. Drivers are reminded that Grandview from Main Street through the Houser intersection remains active construction zone with some lane restrictions as work continues. Please proceed with caution, slow down, and watch for construction workers. Speed limit is 25-mph and fines are doubled in construction zones.

___

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 Avenue, closed, Iowa –, Muscatine, Park, remain, through, Thursday, traffic, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Parks and Rec, other City departments seek job applicants

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 29, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is recruiting dependable, hard workers to fill various positions for Fall 2022 and for Winter 2022/2023. Positions are available at the Muscatine Soccer Complex, Kent Stein Park, Greenwood Cemetery, Park Maintenance and for various recreation programs.

A variety of job opportunities are available including:

Seasonal Equipment Operator ($12.00/hr)
Seasonal Groundskeeper ($12.00/hr)
Lead Groundskeeper ($14.00/hr)
On-Site Supervisor ($12.00/hr)
Football Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
Flag Football Official ($13.00/hr)
Basketball Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
Soccer Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
Baseball/Softball Program Instructor ($14.00/hr)
Recreation Program Aide ($11.00/hr)

Submit an application on the City of Muscatine’s Career Center webpage. Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information.

Additional Employment Opportunities

A variety of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities are available and the City of Muscatine is actively seeking applicants who have the desire and interest to work for an organization that takes pride in their community, pride in community service, and pride in their employees. Individuals within a 30-mile radius of the Muscatine city limits (including Iowa and Illinois residents) are eligible to apply.

Transit Driver

MuscaBus is looking to fill an opening in our night time ride program. The job consists of operating public transit vehicle, picking up passengers at times and locations designated on daily schedule and delivering them safely and on time to their destination. Also responsible to collect fares from passengers and accounts for money received. Assists passengers as required.

Police Officer

If you are called to public service and want to make a positive contribution, the City of Muscatine invites you to join the professional, accredited, and dedicated Muscatine Police Department. Work involves responsibility for community protection of life and property, crime prevention, law enforcement and arrest, assigned patrol, traffic control and supervision, investigation, records and reporting processing, community outreach, and other special police related assignments.

Parking Meter Attendant

Patrols on foot in assigned areas of the City to enforce parking ordinances; issues tickets for parking violations. Provides information to the public concerning parking regulations and enforcement; answers inquiries concerning City services and promotes good public relations between the public and the City. Performs routine meter repairs; reports street or sidewalk obstructions or hazards; collects parking monies from metered areas. Operates a variety of computer programs. Performs related work as required. Work hours are Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch (28 hours/week)

Refuse Truck Driver

The Solid Waste Division of the Department of Public Works is taking applications for a 3/4-time Refuse truck Driver. This is manual and semiskilled work in the operation of a refuse collection packer truck. Work involves responsibility for operation of a refuse collection packer truck. Work requires that employees of this class follow established routes and maintain collection schedules. Emphasis of the work is upon operating the packer truck although on assigned routes employees of this class also collect and load refuse into the packer.

Engineer

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has an opening for an engineer who would assist with city/civil engineering studies, project design, review, and inspections relating to City infrastructure related projects. The position has responsibility to oversee and perform design for Capital Improvements as assigned. Other responsibilities include reviewing easement documents, design and construction projects in accordance with state laws and engineering standards.

VISITING THE CAREER CENTER PAGE – The City of Muscatine utilizes applicant tracking software that makes it easier for individuals to search for and to apply for City employment. The entire application process is now 100 percent online. Individuals who do not have access to a computer can visit Muscatine City Hall or Musser Public Library for assistance in filling out an application (see below for more information).

Job seekers can see a list of available positions and how to apply by clicking on the “Employment” button on the homepage of the City of Muscatine website (located in the upper left side of the main screen).

The Career Center will open in a new window and job seekers can view the list of current full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities by clicking on “available positions”. Search the list and click on the title to see the job description. Interested candidates can then click on the green “apply” button to begin the application process.

Potential applicants must register before applying by creating a profile. You only need to register once and can edit your profile at any time. Applicants can track the status of his or her application through their profile. Once registered you will also be able to sign up for email notification(s) of job openings in specific departments through the Talent Network.

For those who do not have access to a computer, the Department of Human Resources at Muscatine City Hall will have paper applications available for the job seeker to fill out. Human Resources staff is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions or to help in the online or paper process. Contact Human Resources at 563-264-1550.

Tags Department, dependable, hard, Iowa –, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, recruiting, workers

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Local history to be spotlighted at the Art Center

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Visitors to the Muscatine Art Center can explore two very different stories from Muscatine’s past inside the Stanley Gallery starting on September 3.

The exhibition “Captivated by Japan: Laura Musser McColm & Her Era,” will be located on the main floor of the Stanley Gallery, and considers some of the factors that may have sparked Laura Musser McColm’s installation of a Japanese-style garden in 1930.

The graphic illustrations of Sean Fitzgibbon can be found on the middle floor, and tell the story of Norman Baker, his time in Muscatine, and his cancer hospital in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

“Both exhibitions are on view through October 23,” Muscatine Art Center Director Melanie Alexander said. “Objects from the permanent collection are featured on both floors. The top floor is a mix of home furnishings, clothing, and garden features that either were made in Japan or contain Japanese-inspired design elements. On the middle floor, a selection of artifacts from the Norman Baker collection are on view.”

The “Captivated by Japan” exhibition weaves in research by author and consultant Beth Cody who was contracted to investigate and write about the 1930 Japanese Garden. The original research project was funded by a grant from Humanities Iowa while Cody’s involvement in the exhibition was funded by a Humanities Project Grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

Cody’s research looked at trade with Japan in the late 1800s followed by Japan’s presence at highly-visited expositions such as the World’s Fairs. Laura Musser McColm attended both the 1896 Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Other sources of inspiration included operas such as The Mikado and Madam Butterfly, teahouses like the Japanese Room at the Hotel Muscatine, and the availability of Japanese goods for sale through traveling bazaars, catalogues, and department stores such as the McColm & Co. Store.

Laura’s husband, Edwin, was President of McColm & Co. while Laura, herself, served as Treasurer and Secretary before becoming President upon the death of her husband in 1933.

Cody also documented landscape designers who created Japanese-style gardens in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her research focused on landscape designers who worked in the Midwest in the decades and years just before the installation of Laura’s garden in 1930.

“The fabrics, porcelain, and decorative objects in the exhibition capture the imagination,” Alexander said. “As we prepare to rehabilitate the Japanese Garden, it has been so important that the staff, board, and broader community revisit why there is Japanese Garden in Muscatine.”

To complement the “Captivated by Japan” exhibition, staff has arranged a loan of Kokeshi dolls from the collection of Kristin McHugh-Johnston. The dolls are on view in the showcases near the front desk.

A full afternoon of programs is scheduled for October 15 starting with a look at the Kokeshi collection at 1 p.m. followed by a guided tour of the “Captivated by Japan” exhibition at 1:30 p.m. The day concludes with a Japanese Taiko Drum performance by Japan America Society of Iowa’s Soten Taiko. The performance is funded by the Mary Jo & Richard H. Stanley Human Conditions Grant.

On the middle floor of the Stanley Gallery, visitors are immersed in the strange world of Norman Baker, a Muscatine native who was an inventor, radio broadcaster, politician, and medical swindler. Baker set up a cancer hospital in Muscatine and battled the American Medical Association, along with the Federal Radio Commission. In 1933, Baker was “run out” of Iowa and set up a radio station in Mexico that broadcasted to the United States. In 1937, Baker purchased the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

The Crescent Hotel is the centerpiece of illustrator and author Sean Fitzgibbon’s graphic non-fiction book. Illustrations from the book are on view in the exhibition alongside Norman Baker artifacts. A closing reception is scheduled for October 23. Fitzgibbon will sign books, and copies of his book, What Follows is True: Crescent Hotel, are available for purchase through the Muscatine Art Center. The book signing is from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

At 3:00 p.m., the historical short film, Norman Baker: The Man in Purple, will be screened in the Music Room at the Muscatine Art Center. Filmmaker Chad Bishop and producer Laura Liegois will be on hand to discuss the film.

Admission to the exhibitions is free of charge. Admission to the events on October 15 and October 23 are also free of charge. Reservations are not necessary.

ABOUT THE ART CENTER – 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, different, explore, from, Iowa –, Muscatine, Stories”, very, Visitors

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Police, Fire respond to fatal pedestrian-train accident

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Fire Department responded to the area of Sampson Street and Grandview Avenue at approximately 12:38 a.m. Saturday (August 21) for a report of a pedestrian who was hit by a train. When officers and firefighters arrived they located 41-year-old Josh Carpenter of Muscatine who was deceased.

No further details will be released as the Muscatine Police continue their investigation into this incident. Please contact Detective Casey Jensen at 563-263-9922 extension 614 if you have any information.

PD RELEASE

Tags area, Department, fire, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, responded

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Stop signs added as Houser-Grandview intersection is opened

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 19, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Houser Street leg of the Grandview Avenue intersection has been reopened to traffic but drivers should beware … the intersection will be a three-way stop through the remainder of the Grandview Avenue project.

Temporary stop signs were installed Friday after Heuer Construction, Inc., crews finished cleaning and sealing the intersection. The Mittman connection with Houser was opened Thursday.

Heuer Construction plans on continuing work on sidewalks and driveways from Franklin Street south toward Houser. The Sampson leg of the Grandview Avenue intersection is expected to be completed in mid- to late-September after all underground work is completed.

Drivers are reminded that there is a 25 mph speed limit and fines are doubled in the construction zone. Please be alert for construction workers and pay attention to traffic control devices.

WEST HILL PROJECT

Logan Street is closed to through traffic between Lucas and Climer streets with the contractor currently installing sewer from the alley toward Lucas. Once that section is completed, the contractor will place a temporary surface on the completed work and begin underground work from the alley towards Climer.

Local traffic will be permitted on Logan as the underground work is being completed. Once the underground work has been accomplished, the block of Logan will be prepped for paving and repaved.

Repaving Climer Street from the 700 block to High Street has been completed but the street will remain closed until sidewalk, driveways, and boxouts have been completed. Climer will be open to local traffic only once that is completed with the street closed at the High Street intersection.

Underground work on Climer from High to Logan will resume once work on Logan between Lucas and Climer has been completed. Advance notification will be given when this section of Climer is closed to traffic.

Lucas Street remains closed to traffic from Busch to West 8th as the contractor prepares this section of Lucas for repaving, which is scheduled for the week of August 22 depending on the weather.

Project work moving east on Lucas Street from the West 8th Street intersection continues with sanitary sewer pipe installed from West 8th up to the curve where Lucas becomes West 4th Street. Progressive closures of Lucas Street will occur moving to the east including the Main Street intersection.

There will be limited access available with this section of Lucas reduced to one lane where the underground work is being completed. A temporary driving surface will be provided behind the underground work once the contractor determines it is safe to do so. Driveways along the work area will be inaccessible while the sewer is being installed, but the contractor will attempt to restore driveway access as quickly as possible with a temporary driving surface.

Tags – Grandview, Avenue, been, Houser, intersection, Iowa –, Muscatine, reopened, Street, traffic

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Changes to snow emergency regulations on Council agenda

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Revisions to the current City of Muscatine Snow Emergency Regulations will be the subject of a Public Hearing during Thursday’s (Aug. 18) City Council meeting.

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.

During its December 21, 2021, in-depth session the City Council agreed to move forward with updating City Code to allow for a snow emergency ordinance that would prohibit parking on posted snow routes. The potential revisions to the ordinance were presented to City Council at the July 15,2022, in-depth meeting with the Council agreeing to proceed with the revisions.

The Snow Emergency Regulations were changed in 2013 from essentially posted snow routes that would become no parking areas when a snow emergency was declared so that plows could more easily remove snow from the street. The change implemented the alternative side of the street parking policy with the thought that it would result in more vehicles being moved off the street to allow for more efficient snow removal of the streets to the curb lines.

The alternate side parking provision in the current ordinance has proven to be difficult to enforce and difficult for the public to understand and comply with. The proposed revisions to the ordinance would bring back the posted snow emergency routes where parking would be prohibited during snow removal. In addition, the revised ordinance clarifies when a snow emergency would be declared along with added sections on stalled vehicles, removal and impounding of vehicles, and citation on vehicles.

In other business Thursday, the Council is expected to:

Set a public hearing for September 1 on potential environmental impacts for West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project Phase 6;
Set a public hearing for September 1 on ATV/UTV Ordinance revisions;
Approve the contract and bond for the 67th Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project;
Approve a purchase order for a modular restroom building at Taylor Park;
Approve payment of economic assistance for certain small businesses in the Grandview Corridor;
Approve issuing purchase orders for three projects at the Weed Park Aquatic Center; and,
Approve a legal retention agreement for City Attorney services..

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, August 18, 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.

Tags City, current, Emergency, Iowa –, Muscatine, regulations, Revisions, Snow, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Administrator’s July report of City activity available

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 17, 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 July.

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.

Included in this month’s message from the City Administrator is information and a link related to the Community Investment and Settlement Agreement between the City of Muscatine and Canadian Pacific Railroad Company that the City Council recently approved.

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

Family displaced as fire damages mobile home Tuesday

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Quick response by the Muscatine Fire Department contained a fire in a mobile home to a bedroom Tuesday (Aug. 16) with one occupant of the residence treated at the scene and released.

The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at approximately 11:15 a.m. Tuesday of a single-family mobile home on fire at 57 Cyril Avenue, Muscatine, with two animals inside.

Upon arrival fire crews found smoke and fire coming from a rear window and immediately initiated an attack on the fire. They were able to ‘knock down’ the main body of the fire within minutes, and continued to overhaul the rest of the residence to ensure the fire was completely out.

There was fire damage to a rear bedroom and smoke damage throughout the rest of the building. The on-scene investigation determined the initial cause was an accidental fire that started in the bedroom. Smoke detectors did not activate in the mobile home.

Direct fire and smoke loss estimate is approximately $20,000, with about $10,000 to the structure and $10,000 to the contents. The American Red Cross was called to assist the residents including three adults and two small children who have been displaced due to this fire.

There was one injury to an occupant and two cats succumbed to the fire. There were no injuries to responders.

The Muscatine Fire Department was assisted by the Muscatine Police Department. Approximately 17 fire fighters responded to the fire, including four new firefighters who responded from their fire academy training at Station 2.

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 5,027 calls in 2018. 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 – Quick, contained, Department, fire, Iowa –, mobile, Muscatine, response

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City Deer Hunt schedule set; informational meeting August 22

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The 2022-2023 deer bow hunting season within the limits of the City of Muscatine will be held Sept. 17, 2022, through Jan. 10, 2023. The hunting season was approved by the Muscatine City Council on August 4, 2022.

The City of Muscatine has participated in a city-wide Deer Management Zone Program in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources since the 2006-2007 Deer Hunting Season. A total of 758 deer have been harvested in the 15 years of the program’s existence including 39 a year ago.

This year’s hunt within the city limits will again be for bow hunting on approved private property with two (2) acres or more. Property owners may combine parcels to reach the two (2) acre minimum.

New this year, with the approval of City Council, will be allowing deer hunting on the City property sites of McKee Park and the City property adjacent to the Hershey Avenue and Houser Street intersection. The main focus of allowing hunting on designated public property is to give hunters that do hot have a place to hunt in the City Deer Hunt a place to hunt. Special rules on who will be allowed to hunt on public property will be discussed at the August 22, 2022, informational meeting.

Required Informational Meeting

The informational meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022, at the Aquatic Center in Weed Park. Hunters interested in participating in this year’s hunt are required to attend this meeting. Information will be presented on certain public properties that will be allowed to hunt on this year.

Required Qualifying Shoots

In advance of the upcoming bow hunting season for deer within the city limits, the City of Muscatine will once again host a qualifying shoot for interested parties. In order for individuals to be eligible to participate in this year’s hunting season within the city limits, they must pass a shooting proficiency test.

The test will be given at the lower-level lot of the Weed Park Maintenance Facility, 1211 Weed Park Drive, on the following dates:

Saturday, August 78, 2022 – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Questions concerning the City of Muscatine’s 2022/2023 deer hunting season can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Department at 563-263-0241.

Tags 20222023, City, deer, hunting, Iowa –, limits, Muscatine, season, within

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Aquatic Center adjusts hours for remainder of season

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 13, 2022

The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department is wrapping up yet another fun and safe summer with the Muscatine Aquatic Center adjusting operating hours in August and September to accommodate for staffing shortages leading up to the new school year.

The Muscatine Aquatic Center will reduce open hours as follows:

August 13 – August 21 Noon – 6:00 p.m.

August 22 – August 26 Closed

August 27 – August 28 Noon – 6:00 p.m.

August 29 – September 2 Closed

September 3 – September 5 Noon – 6:00 p.m.

Please contact the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 263-0241 for more information.

Tags another, Department, Muscatine, Parks, Recreation, safe, summer, with, wrapping