Tag: public

Surplus golf simulator is put on the auction block

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 5, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two public hearings Thursday, the first on the next two phases of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project, and the second on setting the maximum tax dollars for certain tax levies for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday (April 6) in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcomed, and encouraged, to attend the meeting in person. A virtual option is available for citizens who do not want to attend in-person. Information on joining the virtual session through the GoToMeeting portal is listed below.

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

Two proclamations will be made by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark including declaring April 6, 2023, as Junior Achievement Day, and the week of April 9-15, 2023, as Telecommunicators Week.

Phase 6 of the West Hill Sewer Separation Project will include sanitary and storm sewer installation with separation of sanitary sewer from the Papoose Creek tunnel. Work will be on Sycamore Street from 8th Street to Fulliam Avenue, Iowa Avenue from 10th Street to Fulliam Avenue, and Fulliam Avenue from Iowa Avenue to Sycamore Street. New water mains will also be a part of the project with repaving of the streets to follow the completion of the underground work.

A resolution approving the plans and specifications for Phase 6A and Phase 6B will be voted on later in Thursday’s meeting. If approved, the bid documents will be released on April 7 with bids opened on May 9 and the project awarded on June 1. A construction schedule will be determined during a pre-construction meeting with the contractor later in June.

All cities in Iowa are required by the State of Iowa to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies prior to adoption and certification of the final budget. The second public hearing Thursday is on the proposed maximum tax levy for 2023/2024. This maximum levy only includes the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and employee benefits levies. The tax dollars from those levies are $13,934,443 in the FY 23-24 budget compared to $12,992,776 in the FY 22-23 budget.

While the total property tax rate has been reduced 1.87 percent (to $15,67219 per $1,000 of valuation), an 8.36 percent increase in taxable valuations will result in a 6.65 percent increase ($1,009, 751) in property tax dollars. The maximum tax dollars for the tax levies considered in the public hearing will be a 7.65 percent increase ($941,667) over the FY 22-23 budget.

A resolution approving the maximum tax dollars for certain tax levies for the FY 23-24 budget will be voted on later in Thursday’s meeting.

Also on the agenda are resolutions setting public hearings on April 20 for the FY 23-24 budget, Amendment #1 to the FY 22-23 budget, and on declaring Tom Bruner Field as surplus and authorizing the sale to the Muscatine Community School District.

The Council will also be asked to accept a $1.738 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for the Mulberry Neighborhood Project. This pilot project was developed to focus on revitalizing an area that is near downtown, has a high visibility impact, and can be replicated by other communities.

The Muscatine Neighborhood Project will be completed over a three-to-five-year period with a $22 million budget. Items to be funded include living street improvements, street lighting, sidewalks, bikeway trail, trees, pocket park, expanding internet access, commercial façade improvements, exterior housing repairs, acquisition and clearance of nuisance properties, and Community Development Block Grant administration.

Another project that is awaiting City Council approval on Thursday is the installation of a sidewalk connector from Sunset Housing to the back side of the Muscatine Soccer Complex, across the Muscatine Slough, and connecting with the Kent Stein Trail Kent Stein Park.

The Kent Stein trail connector is part of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine South End Improvement Fund Projects. If approved, The Henley Group will complete the installation of an asphalt trail connector from Kent Stein Park to the Muscatine Soccer Complex, and CR Landscape will complete the sidewalk connector from Sunset Housing to the Kent Stein Connector.

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

On-Line Participation

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

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

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

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

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Tags City, conduct, Council, hearings, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Thursday, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to assist with tree debris removal this week

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

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

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

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

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

REGULAR CURBSIDE YARD WASTE COLLECTION

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

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

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

Visit Yard Waste Collection for more details.

COMPOST FACILITY IS OPEN

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hold two public hearings, set four more, and be asked to approve donating a surplus fire engine to Ukraine during their March 16 regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

The Council will conduct a public hearing on declaring city owned property at the intersection of Houser and Hershey as surplus and then authorizing the sale of the property through a sealed bid process. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

The second public hearing is on the plans and specifications for Phase 1 of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project. The project divides the reconstruction into three phases with each phase accomplished in the two months between the end of the school year and the beginning of the next. A resolution on the matter will be voted on later in the meeting.

Four public hearings will be scheduled by resolutions including the rescheduling of a public hearing on the plans and specifications for West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6. That public hearing was scheduled for Thursday but delayed as the final plans were not completed in time. That public hearing will now be held on April 6.

Two other public hearings will be scheduled for April 6 pending resolution approval by Council on Thursday including one of the maximum tax levy for the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget. All cities in Iowa are required by the State to pass a resolution establishing their maximum property tax dollars for certain levies prior to adoption and certification of the final budget. Per State requirements, the Notice of Public Hearing for the 1st public hearing on the budget only includes the General, Transit, Tort Liability/Insurance, Emergency, and Employee Benefits levies.

The other on the 2024 Consolidated Funding Application and Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Application. MuscaBus applies annually to the Iowa Department of Transportation for Federal (FTA) and State (STA) funding to financially support our transit system. This funding is to help with operating expenses and capital expenses for new bus purchases. The Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) is facilitated by Iowa’s State Transit Assistance (STA).

A public hearing will also be set for May 4 on the 2024 Annual Plan and Amendments to the Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan. Under federal regulations each public housing authority must submit an annual plan not less than 75 days prior to the start of the agency’s fiscal year. The MMHA must submit the annual plan, including a budget, annual goals, and proposed policy changes, no later than May 15.

The City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. or shortly thereafter depending on the length of the budget meeting. The public is welcomed to attend the both meetings in person but public comments on the proposed budget will not be heard until the April 6 public hearing.

Citizens who do not want to attend the in-depth meeting in person 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).

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

On-Line Participation

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, March 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.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Tags City, Council, Four, hearings, hold, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Floodgate passes test; ready for use if needed

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works “exercised” the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek Wednesday (March 15) as part of a staff training exercise and in preparation for potential floods this spring and summer.

“We have a lot of new people that have never been involved with closing this flood gate and a few that have only done it one time,” Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, said. “This was good training and a good exercise of the gate in case we have to close it for real in the case of a major flood event.”

The City of Muscatine closed East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 and detoured traffic onto East 5th Street as the gate was moved into place, connecting and completing the flood wall that separates Mad Creek and HNI Corp.

Maintenance of the flood gate is conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season.

PHOTO GALLERY

Tags “exercised”, Creek, Department, flood, gate, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, Street, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to close 2nd Street Wednesday for flood gate maintenance

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works is planning to exercise the flood gate on 2nd Street at Mad Creek as part of a training exercise and flood preparedness plan.

The City of Muscatine plans to close East 2nd Street from Oak Street to Highway 92 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, as the gate is moved into place to complete the flood wall and then moved back to its storage location.

The detour for the street closure will be to use East 5th Street from either Park Avenue or from Oak Street.

Maintenance of the flood gate is usually conducted annually prior to the start of the spring flood season. The National Weather Service has indicated that there is a well above normal risk for flooding in their 2023 Spring Flood Outlook with the highest potential for moderate flooding (above 18 feet) the last two weeks of April.

Tags Department, exercise, flood, gate, Iowa –, Muscatine, planning, public, Street, Works

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings are on City Council March 2 agenda

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Two public hearings will be conducted and three more will be set during the Muscatine City Council meeting Thursday (March 2). Public hearings will be held on the sale of City property and on updating City Code in regards to designated truck routes. Three public hearings will be scheduled for March 16 with Council approval.

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).

The first public hearing is in regards to the proposed sale and exchange of property with Stockton Realty Company. The proposed agreement has the City selling the property at Lake 1 of Arrowhead Lake to Stockton Realty and Stockton Realty selling 3.2 acres of land to the City. The purpose of the sale is to address solid waste migration from the Muscatine Couty Landfill.

The second public hearing is on modifications to the ordinance designating truck routes in the City of Muscatine. Specifically, the revisions would remove the truck route designation from Lucas Street and modify the truck route designation of Houser Street so that it only applies to the portion of Houser from Grandview Avenue to Hershey Avenue.

Resolutions on each public hearing topic will be discussed and voted on later in the Council meeting.

Also on the agenda are resolutions setting public hearings on declaring certain City property as surplus and selling that real estate by sealed bid (two lots on Houser just off of Hershey Avenue), the plans and specifications for Phase I of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project, and the plans and specifications for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.

The Council will be asked to approve a purchase order with Watersmith engineering for the Muscatine Slough Conceptual Design Project. This project is envisioned as making the area between Houser Street and the Muscatine Transfer Station a nature education destination for the community with the added benefit of preventing flooding on both sides of Houser Street.

City Council will also be asked to approve a contract with Pros Consulting for a market analysis, operations plan, and design recommendations for an amphitheater on the Muscatine riverfront. This is another step in the fundraising process of the project.

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, March 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.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/970499597

Tags conducted, during, hearings, Iowa –, more, Muscatine, public, Three, 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

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

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

Public meeting January 10 to discuss West Hill Phase 6A

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 4, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will host a public meeting January 10 to introduce Phase 6A of the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project. The meeting will be an open house format and held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

The meeting is specifically for residents directly affected by the project and to answer any questions they may have regarding their easement agreements. The general public is also welcomed to attend.

Residents on Sycamore Street from East 8th Street to West Fulliam and those on West Fulliam from Sycamore Street to just west of Nelson Drive will be mostly affected by Phase 6A along with some residents on 9th, 10th, and 11th streets between Sycamore Street and Iowa Avenue.

If you have a question, comment, or request, visit Muscatine Connect, or download the app from the AppStore or GooglePlay.

Tags City, host, introduce, Iowa –, January, meeting, Muscatine, public, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

No more fines at Musser Public Library

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Library fines have become a thing of the past at Musser Public Library effective today (Jan. 3, 2023), as the library stops charging fines for overdue materials and institutes the forgiveness of past fines. These policy changes will have an impact on more than 2,500 Musser Public Library (MPL) patrons.

The RiverShare Library Consortium – Musser Public Library and six other library systems in eastern Iowa – has elected to discontinue applying overdue fines to items returned late. Some of the consortium’s libraries, including Musser, have also decided to waive existing overdue fines. The changes are based on the findings of the American Library Association (ALA), who in January 2019 passed a resolution encouraging libraries to eliminate overdue fines because they are a barrier to equitable access.

“Our vision at Musser Public Library is to be the gateway to learning and information for all ages. By becoming a fine-free library, we go a step further towards attaining this goal,” Musser Public Library Director Bobby Fiedler said.

Studies cited by the ALA indicate that some community members can feel discouraged from checking out library items or even obtaining a library card if there is the potential of racking up fines for overdue materials. The studies also show that overdue fines on library materials have no impact on ensuring materials are returned on time.

In eliminating fines, our local library aims to bring back library users whose accounts are blocked due to unpaid overdue fines and encourage more people to sign up for a library card and use library materials without the fear of incurring overdue fines.

“We are dedicated to making our library as accessible as possible to those who need it most,” Fiedler said.

Two types of fees Musser Public Library will retain are for lost and damaged items and for equipment usage and rentals, such as copying, printing and renting equipment including hotspots and tablets.

Tags – Have, become, fines, Iowa –, Library, Muscatine, Musser, past, public, thing

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Online surplus auction scheduled for January

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine Department of Public Works (DPW) will conduct an on-line public surplus auction January 4, 2023, through January 18, 2023. Randy Moeller, Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Muscatine, has indicated that two surplus pickup trucks will be available.

All items are available to bid on through the auction web site www.publicsurplus.com starting January 4, 2023, and running through 3 p.m. on January 18, 2023. Potential bidders can go to that website, search for Iowa, and then City of Muscatine for the auction items. You must register to view items and to bid on items.

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Reduced hours for Musser Library Friday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date December 23, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will be operating reduced hours on Friday (Dec. 23). Musser Library will open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. due to the weather conditions.

The library will be closed on Saturday (Dec. 24), Sunday (Dec. 25), and Monday (Dec. 26) for the Christmas holiday. The library will resume normal hours on Tuesday (Dec. 27). 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

Tags Center, Community, Iowa –, Library, Muscatine, Musser, operating, public, reduced, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City announces early closings due to weather conditions

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center, Muscatine Art Center, and Muscatine City Hall each announced early closings due to the current weather conditions.

In consideration of the safety of staff and patrons, the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center closed at 1 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22). Musser Library will reopen at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, weather permitting.

For more information visit the LIBRARY website or call 563-263-3065

The Muscatine Art Center closed at 2 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) due to the extreme cold and snowy conditions. The Art Center will be closed for the Christmas holiday Friday (Dec. 23) through Monday (Dec. 26).

The Art Center will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday (Dec. 27). Normal hours 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 City of Muscatine closed City Hall at 2 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 22) due to the extreme weather conditions, City of Muscatine offices will be closed on Friday (Dec. 23) and Monday (Dec. 26) for the Christmas holiday. All offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday (Dec. 27).

Residents and visitors are advised to keep up to date on weather conditions before travelling during the holiday weekend. Dangerous cold temperatures, wind, and blowing snow will make travel difficult. Be safe on the road and at home this holiday season.

Download HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (PDF) for more information on the holiday schedule for the City of Muscatine.

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

City preparing for potential winter storm later this week

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Department of Public Works was out coating the streets of Muscatine with brine in anticipation of a potential winter storm that could move into the area Wednesday night through Saturday.

“Crews were out today spreading salt and brine on city streets,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director said. “This storm, if it arrives as currently forecasted, has the potential to bring a lot of snow and high winds into the area.”

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Muscatine County at 2:42 p.m. Monday indicating that heavy snow is possible with accumulations of 5-10 inches and wind gusts as high as 50 mph. Blizzard conditions will also be possible with extreme cold wind chills as well. The watch is in effect from late Wednesday night through late Friday night.

Very cold temperatures will also arrive late in the week and, combined with the wind, could create wind chill values dropping to as low as 25 to 35 below at times.

Stineman indicated that there is a potential for the City of Muscatine to declare a Snow Emergency, which would be the first under the revised Snow Emergency Ordinance.

“We will be watching the weather forecast and will make a decision Wednesday afternoon,” Stineman said. “We do urge residents to make preparations and locate off-street parking for their vehicles as the storm arrives.”

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. Public notice will be provided prior to the implementation of a Snow Emergency declaration.

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.

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.

The National Weather Service reminds residents that travel could be difficult with widespread blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility. The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Tags brine, coating, Department, Iowa –, Muscatine, public, streets, with, Works