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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Busy night for Muscatine City Council Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – It will be a busy night for the Muscatine City Council Thursday (April 20) with four public hearings, two special presentations, and a long list of action items for the Council to consider.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall. The public is welcome, 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).

Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark will begin the meeting with a proclamation declaring May 7-13, 2023, as Drinking Water Week. Bark will also introduce and recognize the Manta Rays Swim Team for their accomplishments.

The City Council will conduct four public hearings starting with a hearing on a request to approve the Consolidated Funding Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2024 and the Public Transit Infrastructure Grant (PTIG) Application. The City of Muscatine Transit Division (MuscaBus) annually applies for State and Federal Transit funds through the Consolidated Funding Application. The funds are applied to transit operating and capital expenses. The PTIG application will apply to the automatic drive-through wash bay expenses. 

A public hearing on Amendment #1 to the FY 2022-2023 city budget will follow along with a public hearing on the FY 2023-2024 city budget. The final public hearing is on declaring Tom Bruner Field as surplus and authorizing the sale of the property to the Muscatine School District.

During the budget review process for the FY 2023-2024 city budget, revised revenue and expenditure amounts for the FY 2022-2023 city budget were reviewed. These revised estimates become Amendment #1 to the current city budget, and require a public hearing and resolution to adopt the revised estimates.

The public hearing, and subsequent resolution to adopt, on the FY 2023-2024 city budget is the culmination over almost six months of work by city staff and City ­Council to develop and review the proposed budget. The proposed budget for 2023/2024 totals $67,398,621. This includes $37,719,031 in governmental funds expenditures and $29,679,590 in business-type/enterprise funds expenditures. Of the total proposed budget, $12,789,900 is for capital projects in both governmental and business-type funds.

Among the action items to be considered Thursday is awarding Phase 1 of the Fulliam Avenue Reconstruction Project to Heuer Construction.

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 20, 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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Surplus golf simulator is put on the auction block

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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Five presentations are on Council’s in-depth agenda

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine staff will be making five presentations to the Muscatine City Council Thursday during the in-depth council session. City Council meets at 6 p.m. 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).

The Council will hear from the Parks and Recreation director Rich Klimes and Program Supervisor Kelsie Stafford on the Special Events Process. City staff assist with the coordination of 150-200 special events on public property annually. The public property venues available for hosting events include but are not limited to park shelters and open green spaces, Riverview Center, Pearl City Station, Kent Stein Park, Riverfront, general parks, Muscatine Soccer Complex, Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, Muscatine Aquatic Center, public streets, and the Downtown area.

Water and Resource Recovery Facility Director Jon Koch will be joined by Jay Brady from Stanley Consultants on presenting the Capital Improvement Plan for the Water and Resource Recovery Facility, city owned lift stations, and the gatewells operated among multiple levees in the city. The general condition of the existing facilities was established and a prioritized capital improvement plan developed to guide investments in these assets.

Koch will then introduce Bob Veenstra of Veenstra and Kim who will present the findings of the latest Sewer Rate Study that, if approved by Council, would be used to adjust the Sewer User Rates along with the Collection and Drainage Rates. The current sewer rate structure is expiring on June 30. The last study was conducted in 2018 and set the rates for the next five years. The latest study was initiated in September 2022 and concluded that a continuation of the three percent annual increase to the rates will satisfy inflation-driven cost increases as well as new capital needs at the Water and Resource Recovery Facility and lift stations.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will discuss the impact of changes in state law that directly affect City Code on Home Occupations. Fangman will also address potential updates to the nuisance appeal process.

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 13, 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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting

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

Continue reading “Two public hearings set for April 6 Council meeting”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City offices closing early due to forecasted severe weather

MUSCATINE, Iowa – City of Muscatine offices will be closing at 1 p.m. today (March 31) due to the forecasted severe weather. The closures include Musser Public Library & HNI Community Center and the Muscatine Art Center.

A tornado watch is in effect for the Muscatine area until 8 p.m. tonight.

Two rounds of storms are forecasted to move through the Muscatine area and will be accompanied by sustained strong winds. Residents are advised to be ready to evacuate to safe places in their homes or in the workplace should severe weather occur. If you do not have to be out this afternoon and evening, please stay home and stay safe.

The National Weather Service recommends residents remain vigilant and aware of any active watches. A warning may be issued at a moment’s notice. Remind family of a communication plan your family has prepared in the case of an emergency, know how to evacuate and/or get to safety from wherever you are, and remember that if a warning is issued you may have only seconds to take action.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

One round for Spring Leaf Collection April 3-7

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Spring leaf collection will last just one week and there will be just one round of curbside collection from Muscatine residences in April according to the Department of Public Works (DPW). Residents are urged to gather their unwanted leaves curbside no later than April 2 for the curbside collection event set for April 3-7.

“We are asking residents who want the City of Muscatine to collect their left-over leaves to have them raked to the curb by April 2,” Tyson Wedekind, Roadway Maintenance Supervisor, said. “We will be making just one round through each zone this year.”

Only one leaf vacuum truck will be sent out during the week. That truck will start in Zone 1 Monday and continue making one round through all zones. The primary collection effort will end when Zone 8 is completed.

“Due to the constraints of staffing and the number of projects that are or will be underway this spring, we decided to have just one round of collection,” Wedekind said. “Therefore it is important for residents who want to utilize this opportunity to have their leaves raked and ready to pick up by April 2.”

Residents who miss the collection can utilize their left-over leaves for mulch, place them in a compost pile on the resident’s property, or place them into City of Muscatine leaf bags. Residents can place the bags curbside for collection by the Solid Waste Division on their regular refuse collection day, or transport the bags to the Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station. City of Muscatine leaf bags are available at the Muscatine Transfer Station, and at Hy-Vee and Fareway.

Wedekind also said that DPW will not be taking any calls for leaf collection this spring.

General guidelines for leaf pickup:

  • Leaves should be placed near but not beyond the curb, and should be within reach of the leaf vacuum. Leaves should be free of tree branches and twigs as they can cause the leaf vacuums to clog up. 
  • All leaves must be placed outside of fenced areas.
  • Leaves are not to be placed in the street to avoid clogging storm drains.
  • Leaves should not be placed in street or extend into traffic lanes, thereby creating traffic hazards.
  • Leaves should not be placed around obstacles such as mailbox posts, sign posts and light poles.
  • Crews will not pick up leaves mixed with debris, logs, branches, rocks, plastic, metal or glass containers, or any other types of refuse.
  • Leaves should not be placed on City cul-de-sacs, vacant land, or City property except on the public right-of-way along the curb/shoulder area.
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Block of Grant closed March 29-31 to install fire hydrant

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Grant Street will be closed to through traffic from Washington Street to Park Avenue as Muscatine Power & Water (MPW) installs a fire hydrant at the Grant Street and Park Avenue intersection. The closure begins today (March 29) and will last through the end of the work day on Friday (March 31).

Local traffic will be permitted up to the intersection and access to all businesses will be maintained during the closure. MPW anticipates backfilling and reopening the street by the end of the day on Friday. 

An additional closure will be needed as early as next week for finishing repairs to the street including repaving of the work area. A schedule for the finishing work has not been established but will be announced ahead of the work.

Please obey all traffic control signage and be alert for construction workers. Find alternate routes if possible.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Section of Lucas closed to traffic starting March 29

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Lucas Street will be closed to all traffic from Green to West 4th Street, including the Green Street intersection, starting Wednesday (March 29) as work begins to prepare this section of Lucas Street for repaving. The West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project underground work was completed last fall, but the weather did not permit repaving to be accomplished before the winter shutdown.

Local traffic only past the Main Street and West 4th Street intersections.

Northbound through traffic on Lucas will be detoured from West 4th Street onto Cherry Street, to West 5th Street, to Locust Street, and to West 8th Street. Southbound through traffic on Lucas will be detoured on to West 8th Street, to Locust Street, to West 5th Street, and to Cherry Street.

Please obey all traffic control signage and be alert for construction workers. The closure is expected to last 2-3 weeks, weather permitting.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City to assist with tree debris removal this week

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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Washington Street closed at River Road for culvert repair

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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Fourth Street, Weed Park playgrounds closed for maintenance

The playground areas in Fourth Street Park and in Weed Park will be temporarily closed this week for general maintenance and repairs. The Fourth Street Park playground will be closed today (March 20) through Wednesday with the Weed Park playground closed Wednesday through Friday.

The City of Muscatine and the Parks and Recreation Department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings on March 16 Council agenda

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Final discussion of FY23-24 budget set for Thursday

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will conduct two sessions on Thursday (March 9) beginning with a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. concerning the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The second meeting is the regular March In-Depth meeting that will begin at approximately 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

Budget discussions were delayed while the Iowa state legislature worked to correct their original calculation of the “rollback” rate that is used to adjust actual valuations to table valuations, and limiting the annual growth of property assessment. Residential property was used along with multi-residential property to calculate the rollback and that would have increased the amount of property taxes residential property owners would pay. The adjustment removed multi-residential from the calculations, which lowered the rollback rate from 56.49 to 54.65 percent.

The changes lowered the amount of property tax that school districts along with city and county governments would receive for FY 23-24, and thus created budget headaches for those charged with creating budgets for each entity. 

Once the revised estimate of property taxes was calculated by county auditors, each entity had to review their budgets and see what, if any, cuts would have to be made. Fortunately, the City of Muscatine anticipates asking the Council for a 1.87 percent reduction in the City’s property tax rate. The City rate was 15.97054 (per $1,000 valuation) for FY 22-23 but is proposed to be 15.67169 for FY23-24. That rate is nearly the same as the 15.67209 rate the City had for 10 straight years through the FY 21-22 budget.

City Administrator Carol Webb and Finance Director Nancy Lueck will provide updated general information schedules to City Council members Thursday along with conducting discussions on budgets not yet reviewed by City Council including Debt Service and a number of Special Revenue Funds.

The meeting will wrap up with the presentation of an updated General Fund Budget Fund statement and discussions on budget issues identified prior to Thursday’s meeting. 

Once the discussions are wrapped up, the City Council will be asked on March 16 to set a public hearing for April 6 on the proposed property tax levy. Once that hearing is held and a resolution approving the maximum property tax is adopted on April 6, the Council will then set a public hearing for April 20 on the proposed budget. The Council will also be asked on April 6 to set an April 20 public hearing on Amendment #1 to the FY22/23 budget.

The FY23-24 budget needs to be filed with the County auditor by April 30.

The City Council in-depth 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).

The budget discussion will not be televised or held virtually.

On the in-depth agenda:

  • A presentation by Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hartman on proposed International Fire Code updates that will are a part of the City Code of Muscatine;
  • A presentation by Captain of Patrol Jeff Jirak on the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program; and,
  • A presentation by Director of the Water Resource & Recovery Facility Jon Koch on participation by the City of Muscatine in the Choose Green Business program.

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 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.

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two public hearings are on City Council March 2 agenda

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also click on the green Muscatine Connect button in the upper left of the City of Muscatine website home page to view categories that you can open to send a comment, ask a question, or report a problem to City staff. Or you can click on Request Form to go directly to the request page.

To download the Muscatine Connect app to your smartphone visit the iPhone App Store or Google Play. Once installed you will be able to send information and pictures directly from your smart device to a specific department. It is our policy to respond within 24 hours during the work week and to resolve any issues within five business days, if possible.

Continue reading “Lucas-Logan intersection closed March 1-24; Detour announced”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Transfer Station tipping floor closed five days for resurfacing

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.

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

City offices will be closed Monday for President’s Day

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

Muscatine Transit (MuscaBus) will not be in service on Monday with regular service resuming Tuesday. For more information visit the TRANSIT page on the City of Muscatine website, or call 563-263-8152. Be sure to visit and follow MuscaBus on Facebook.

The Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, but will resume regular hours on Tuesday. Transfer Station hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with the last load on the scale at 3:15 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. with the last load on the scale at 11:45 a.m. 

There will be no curbside refuse or yard waste collection on Monday. Residents on the Monday route will have their refuse collected on Tuesday, Feb. 21, along with the regular Tuesday route.

There will be no change to the curbside recycling collection.

There will be no curbside bulky waste collection on Monday or Tuesday. Curbside bulky waste collection is not completed on holidays or on “double” days when two-days of refuse collection are undertaken in one day.

Muscatine and Fruitland residents are reminded that they need to call 563-264-JUNK (563-264-5865) to schedule a curbside bulky waste collection by the Solid Waste Division or email bulkywaste@muscatineiowa.gov. 

For more information, visit the SOLID WASTE DIVISION page on the City of Muscatine website or call 563-263-9689. Visit the CURBSIDE BULK COLLECTION page on the City of Muscatine website to schedule a collection or call 563-264-5865. 

The Compost Facility is currently closed for the season. For more information about the facility, visit COMPOST SITE on the City of Muscatine website.

The Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center will be open to the public on Monday. Normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m-2 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.). For more information visit the LIBRARY website or call 563-263-3065

The Muscatine Art Center is normally closed to the public on Monday, and staff will have the holiday off. The Art Center normal hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.). The Art Center is normally closed to the public on Mondays. For more information, visit the ART CENTER website or call 563-263-8282.

The Muscatine Fire Department and Muscatine Police Department will be staffed, and the Department of Public Works will have staff on-call. For non-emergency issues during City office closures, please call 563-264-1550, Public Safety at 563-263-9922, or Public Works at 563-263-8933. In the case of an emergency, always call 911.

The Muscatine Municipal Golf Course is closed for the season. The Clubhouse and Pro Shop are observing winter hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays. The Clubhouse and Pro Shop are closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday. 

Reservations for the Simulator may be made by calling the Pro Shop at (563) 263-4735. You can also visit the GOLF page on the City of Muscatine website. You can also follow the Muni on Facebook.

All City of Muscatine parks, including the Muscatine Dog Park, Muscatine Pollinator Park, and the Muscatine Trail System, will be available for the public’s use. The public is urged to use caution while enjoying City of Muscatine recreational opportunities. 

For more information about City parks and amenities visit the PARKS & RECREATION page on the City of Muscatine website. You also follow Parks & Rec on Facebook and Twitter. If you have questions concerning Parks and Recreation programming or facility rentals, please call 563-263-0241 and leave a message, or email parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond as quickly as possible.

Continue reading “City offices will be closed Monday for President’s Day”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On-Line Participation

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

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

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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public meeting on Wayfinding Program set for February 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading “Public meeting on Wayfinding Program set for February 23”
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City of Muscatine Press Releases

Transfer Station tipping floor closed for resurfacing March 1-5

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.

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 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.

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.

Continue reading “Transfer Station tipping floor closed for resurfacing March 1-5”