Tag: Three

Changing batteries part of spring home safety checklist

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date March 10, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three out of every five home fire deaths are the result of fires in homes that do not have smoke alarms or in homes where smoke alarms are not working according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Smoke alarms should be placed in every bedroom and in every common area on each floor of the home, at least 10 feet from a stove, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts.

Worn out or missing batteries are the most commonly cited reason for non-working smoke alarms, but changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, testing those alarms, and reminding others to do the same is the simplest and most effective way to reduce injury or death from fire.

If a smoke alarm makes a “chirping” sound it is letting you know that you need to change the battery immediately.

MODERN HOMES BURN QUICKER

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) notes that modern homes contain a large quantity of synthetic furnishings which ignite and burn faster than natural materials such as wood and cotton. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted full scale fire tests and concluded that escape time in flaming fires can be as little as three minutes, as compared to 17 minutes in tests conducted in the 1970s.

Early smoke detection and alarm notification is needed so occupants can escape before conditions become untenable according to the IAFC position paper. Interconnecting smoke alarms allows for faster notification of occupants in areas remote from where initial ignition occurs in the home.

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working batteries. However, today’s smoke alarms are not all designed the same, making battery messaging more nuanced.

Following is information to help make sure all smoke alarms have working batteries, accounting for the multiple types of smoke alarms on the market and their varying battery requirements:

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

USE NATURAL GAS – YOU NEED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

Carbon monoxide detectors are required in Iowa homes, apartment buildings, and new construction projects. They should be replaced every seven to eight years according to the IAFC.

“Basically, every residence that has a fuel-fired heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage will be required to have CO detectors,” Hartman said.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning (breathing in large amounts of CO) can cause serious tissue damage, loss of consciousness, or suffocation in minutes without any warning.

The NFPA provides additional information on carbon monoxide safety (Carbon Monoxide Alarms) and also provides a Safety Tip Sheet (PDF). United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers additional information about carbon monoxide and detector placement (Carbon Monoxide Detector).

LIFE SAVING DEVICES

The death rate per 1,000 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms (12.3 deaths per 1,000 fires), either because no smoke alarm was present or an alarm was present but did not operate, as it was in homes with working smoke alarms (5.7 per 1,000 fires).

Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are life saving devices, and having working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms dramatically increases your chance of survival from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

Although it seems like a hassle, it’s better to get into the practice of changing your smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change your clocks, than to wait until the telltale beeping of a dying battery at two in the morning. Many times, this beeping ends up in the removal of the battery or the detector all together, thus rendering the detector useless.

Fires & carbon monoxide emergencies are real and very scary. A working smoke detector performs its functions around the clock and alerts you and your loved ones to a fire or carbon monoxide emergency even while you are asleep.

When the alarm sounds you should “Get out & Stay Out”, then call “911” and advise the MUSCOM dispatcher of the problem.

If you need assistance changing or testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, please contact the Muscatine Fire Department.

Read article on Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements.

Read the IAFC position paper on the use of residential smoke alarm

Tags deaths, every, fire, fires, Five, home, Iowa –, Muscatine, result, Three

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

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 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

Musco, Kent to make presentations to Council Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On-Line Participation

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 9, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

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, February, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, their, Three

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three arrested after drive-by shooting Tuesday night

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date January 18, 2023

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Muscatine Police Officers of a drive-by shooting in Muscatine Tuesday night.

The Muscatine Police Department responded at approximately 1:02 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 18) to a report of gunshots fired in the 1300 block of Oak Street. There were no injuries reported but a residence was struck multiple times by gun fire.

The suspect vehicle was stopped as it was leaving the scene.

Three individuals were placed under arrest and charged with Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon (C Felony) due to their involvement in the incident. Those charged include Christian James, 18 (DOB 11/26/2004), 102 Spencer Avenue, Fruitland, Iowa, a 17-year-old female from Muscatine, Iowa, and a 16-year-old male from Davenport, Iowa.

This is believed to be a targeted incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Investigation into the incident is ongoing. Please contact Detective Jeff DeVrieze of the Muscatine Police Investigative Unit at 563-263-9922 (extension 611) if you have any information relevant to the case. Callers may remain anonymous.

All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tags – Have, arrested, been, following, individuals, investigation, Iowa –, Muscatine, Three

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three Muscatine Police officers to receive Lifesaving Awards Thursday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date November 30, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three Muscatine Police officers will be honored with a Lifesaving Award, a new Police Chief will be officially named, and discussion on a proposed indoor soccer complex in Muscatine are on the Muscatine City Council agenda for Thursday (Dec. 1).

The City Council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday 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.

Muscatine Police officers Jacob Elliot and Kassy Middaugh along with Corporal Todd Koch will be awarded the Muscatine Police Department Lifesaving Award by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark. In two separate incidents, the officers used their CPR training to revive male victims who were unconscious and not breathing. Both victims regained a pulse and were breathing when Muscatine Fire Department paramedics arrived on the scene.

Muscatine Patrol Captain Anthony (Tony) Kies was selected as the next City of Muscatine Police Chief upon the retirement of current Police Chief Brett Talkington on February 28, 2023. The highly competitive selection process had over 30 candidates interviewed with the top six invited to Muscatine for face-to-face interviews on Nov. 18. Captain Kies selection is contingent on approval by the Muscatine City Council.

City Council will be asked to endorse the Soccer West Indoor Sports Facility Concept Plan and to support the use of $600,000 of 2024 bond proceeds for facility design and construction. The facility will offer various opportunities for indoor field access for soccer and other youth and amateur sports. The air-supported structure will include synthetic turf and other ancillary structures including restroom and concession facilities.

The $4 million project will be funded by a combination of local government funds, grant funds, and private donations. The community grant writer is currently working on two grant applications that are due in December. The City will operate and maintain the facility, but the community will also benefit from the economic activity generated by the facility that is estimated to be $3.8 million annually.

In other action, the Council will be asked to approve two purchase orders to Heuer Construction. The City of Muscatine learned from the Iowa Department of Transportation earlier this year that the city is responsible for maintaining several stormwater intakes and pipe sections on U.S. Highway 61 between 2nd Avenue and Grandview Avenue, and on Park Avenue between U.S. Highway 61 and Colorado Street.

Five sections on Highway 61 and eight sections on Park Avenue have been deemed hazards to the motoring public and need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Heuer Construction was the only DOT approved contractor who returned a bid for this work.

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, December 1, 2022 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

Tags honored, Iowa –, Lifesaving, Muscatine, officers, Police, Three, will, with

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Council to hear on CIP, Snow Ordinance, Grandview Grants

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hear three presentations from staff Thursday (July 14) during the Council’s In-Depth session in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

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

Capital Improvement Plan 2022-2026 Draft

Muscatine City Planner April Limburg will provide the Council with an overview of the working draft for the 2022-2026 City of Muscatine Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that has been developed over the last two months by City staff. The CIP is the planning, coordination, and scheduling of public physical improvements for a community over a period of years. A five-year CIP is required of Iowa cities by state law.

Projects in the plan were submitted by the various City departments and include any major non-recurring expenditure, or any expenditure for physical facilities in excess of $25,000. All submitted projects are included in the initial draft with a scoring mechanism used to assist in prioritizing each proposal.

Among the notable new projects in the draft CIP are the Fulliam Corridor Replacement, Isett Avenue Corridor Replacement, Houser Street Corridor Replacement, Papoose Station Generator and Public Restrooms, and a Synthetic Field with an Inflatable Dome.

The Council will review the CIP, add or remove projects from the five-year plan, and then approve the CIP to be used as a legislative and management tool to facilitate the scheduling, planning, and execution of a series of public improvement projects. Click on the following link to download a PDF version of the Draft CIP 2022-2026.

Snow Emergency Ordinance

Public Works Director Brian Stineman will then present on the proposed changes to the current Snow Emergency Ordinance in City Code. The goal of the changes is to provide of more easily understood policy for citizens and staff.

The current ordinance, implemented in 2013, is the alternate side of street parking policy that, when implemented, requires vehicles to be parked on the even or odd side of the street depending on the calendar date. Through feedback from staff and citizens, the City has determined that the ordinance, as written, is difficult to understand, difficult to comply with, and difficult to enforce.

City staff is proposing amending the current Snow Emergency Ordinance, returning to the snow emergency routes identified in the Public Works Snow Removal Plan, and purchasing and placing Snow Emergency Route signs. At such time as a snow emergency is declared, vehicles will need to be removed from the posted routes.

Grandview Neighborhood Grant Program

The final presentation will be provided by Community Development Director Jodi Royal-Goodwin on the proposed Grandview Neighborhood Grant Program that will be offered in two tiers. The first tier will focus on promoting positive neighborhood activities and funding small scale neighborhood projects through mini-grants of up to $1,000. The second tier will fund larger scale neighborhood improvements by providing financial assistance through grants of up to $10,000. The proposed grants will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars allocated to neighborhood revitalization.

The program is a part of the Grandview Corridor Revitalization Project that was launched in March 2021 with the goal of improving neighborhoods and enhancing Muscatine’s southern gateway. Five pillars were identified as part of the project including Economic Development, Business Support, Recreational Amenities, and Residential Support. Using Muscatine’s Heart and Soul engagement model and results from the 2022 Muscatine Community Survey, three key themes were developed and used to create the grant program. Those themes include grant program categories, varied grant amounts, and common eligibility requirements.

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, July 14, 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, Council, from, hear, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, Three, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Final reading on three proposed ordinances on May 19 Council agenda

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The final readings of three proposed ordinances are on the agenda for the Thursday (May 19) Muscatine City Council meeting along with a resolution approving the issuance of General Obligation Bonds.

The in-person meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa. A virtual meeting is also offered for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but cannot attend in person. Details for joining that meeting are listed below.

The final readings of an ordinance adopting Cargo Container Regulations, an ordinance amending the Weeds and Vegetation Management section of City Code, and an ordinance regarding zoning changes to the 1900 block of Stewart Road are on the May 19 agenda. The Cargo container and the Weeds and Vegetation Management ordinances have been revised following comments by City Council members during the May 5 Council meeting.

Once approved by Council, the ordinances will be published, implemented, and added to the current City Code.

Susan Gerlach of Public Financial Management, the City’s Financial Advisor for the May 2022 bond issue, will report to City Council on the bids received, the recommended successful bidder, and the bond rating Moody’s Investors Service has assigned to the City for the bond issue. The Council will be asked to approve awarding the bid on the bonds.

The estimated total bond issue is for $6.2 million with $2.5 million earmarked for the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project. Other projects that are part of the bond issuance including $1.08 million for a new fire engine, ambulance, and “demo” ambulance, $200,000 for the vehicle wash bay at Public Works, $200,000 for building demolition projects $338,500 for playground and Aquatic Center repairs, $450,000 to replace the tipping floor at the Muscatine Transfer Station, $725,000 for the local share of the Park Avenue 4-to-3 Lane Conversion Project, $195,000 for flood damage improvements, and $274,000 for deferred building maintenance projects.

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

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

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, May 19, 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 agenda, final, Iowa –, Muscatine, ordinances, proposed, readings, Three, Thursday

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three public hearings on Council agenda; three set to join MPD

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date April 20, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three new police officers will be sworn into service and the Muscatine City Council will conduct three public hearings Thursday (April 21) in the final meeting of April. The Council meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street, Muscatine, Iowa.

A virtual meeting will be held in conjunction with the in-person meeting for those who want to view the proceedings or make a comment but cannot attend in person. Details for joining the virtual meeting are listed below.

Three individuals will be sworn into service with the Muscatine Police Department at the start of Thursday’s meeting including Kassy Middagh, Darran Ritchie, and Samantha Wheeler. Each will be sworn in by Judge Tom Reidel.

The placement of cargo containers on private property is currently regulated under the rules for placement of pre-fabricated accessory structures (i.e., sheds). While cargo containers are functionally equivalent to many accessory structures used for storage purposes, they are not designed or built to be aesthetically compatible with a residential setting.

City Council directed staff to bring forward options for specific and restructure regulation of cargo container placement. The proposed regulations that are the subject of the first public hearing Thursday, would be placed in Chapter 20 of Title 10 (Zoning) of City Code. For a detailed look at the regulations click on Proposed Code Changes.

The second public hearing concerns the proposed revision to the weed and vegetation management regulations with the intent to make them easier to understand and enforce. The revision would relocate and centralize weed and vegetation into a single new chapter. Current regulations are spread across multiple chapters of City Code. For a detailed look at the proposed new chapter click on Title 16 Chapter 8.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the April 21, 2022, City Council agenda and/or attachments.

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, Apr. 21, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

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

Tags into, Iowa –, Muscatine, officers, Police, service, sworn, Three, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Three boards are seeking individuals to fill openings

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three of the boards authorized by the City of Muscatine are looking for members to fill their ranks as the Muscatine Art Center Board of Trustees has two openings, the Public Art Commission one opening, and the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center Board of Trustees has one opening.

The Art Center Board of Trustees meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the Muscatine Art Center. The Board of Trustees exercises change, control, and supervision over the museum and the art center. Members are appointed to three-year terms with a maximum of two full terms. Currently two positions need to be filled.

The Public Art Advisory Commission was established to promote and encourage programs to further public awareness of, accessibility to, participating in, and support for the artistic and cultural development of the City of Muscatine. The commission will meet at least four times per year. Five members will comprise the commission with one member representing or having an interest in public art from Muscatine County and the remaining four members being residents of the City of Muscatine. The members will be appointed by the City Council and serve a three-year term. Members can serve two consecutive terms. Currently one position needs to be filled.

The Library Board of Trustees meets at 4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center. The Board is responsible for overseeing management of the library by the Library Director, employing and removing the Library Director as necessary, approving the expenditure of money allocated by the City Council to the library, and approving the library budget for submission to the Council. Members serve six-year terms with a maximum of two full terms with one member a resident of Muscatine County appointed from a list of names submitted by the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors. Currently one position needs to be filled.

Anyone interested in joining one of these boards is asked to fill out an application and submit the form by Friday, April 15. Applications can be either emailed to the administrative secretary or mailed to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761.

Many areas to help the community

The City of Muscatine has 12 different boards and commissions that support and advise different departments and different aspects of life within Muscatine, and applications are currently being accepted for the Historic Preservation Commission and other boards and commissions. See BOARDS for list of the boards and commissions authorized by the City of Muscatine and the application in a PDF format.

Muscatine is a great place to live and work, and nothing demonstrates that fact more than how residents come together to serve for the betterment of the community as a whole. Whether that service comes by serving on the committee, volunteering for a project, offering to help on an organizational level, or in just helping out a neighbor, Muscatine residents are working together to make a great community even better.

The City of Muscatine is very thankful and grateful for the many residents who have volunteered their time and service to be a member on one of the many boards and commissions that assist in developing and monitoring City programs, policies and services.

How can I apply to volunteer my time?

Those interested in becoming a member of a board or commission can complete an application and either email the form to the administrative secretary or mail the form to Boards & Commissions, c/o Administrative Secretary, Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore, Muscatine, IA 52761. The City keeps applications on file in case vacancies occur. If you are interested and available in volunteering your time, please submit your application for a future term of office.

All applications are reviewed by the Nominating Committee to ensure applicants meet the qualifications to serve on a specific board or commission, to ensure there is no potential conflicts of interests, and to ensure that each board or commission has a gender balance as prescribed by Iowa Code. Those that meet the requirements are submitted to the full Council for approval. The nominating committee includes the Mayor, two Council representatives, and the City Administrator or a representative from city staff.

The City of Muscatine welcomes all residents to submit their names and resumes for a specific board or commission or a general submission for any board or commission. Most boards or commissions require some knowledge of the subject matter and the responsibilities for the specific board of commission.

Tags authorized, boards, City, fill, Iowa –, looking, members, Muscatine, Three