Tag: will

Busy City Council agenda with four public hearings

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will have a somewhat busy agenda for their meeting Thursday (Oct. 20) with four public hearings and 15 action items.

Public hearings will be held on the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028, the vacation of a trail easement, and on a community needs assessment as part of a proposed application for a Community Development Block Grant to support the Downtown Revitalization Program.

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 with instructions for joining the virtual session listed below.

Resolutions adopting the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028 will be held later in the meeting along with resolutions approving the vacating of a trail easement, and the application for Community Block Grant funds.

The City Council will also be asked to approve the contract for replacing the City Hall Porch, and set public hearings on vacating a utility easement and on the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project. The meeting will conclude with an update on the Grandview Avenue Reconstruction Project and the West Hill Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.

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

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

On-Line Participation

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 20, 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.

The link, phone number, and access code are the same for both meetings. You can remain logged on between meetings or exit and re-enter at the appropriate time.

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

Tags – Have, agenda, busy, City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, somewhat, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Back on the rails and back to Muscatine

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will be back to the rails for the 2023 holiday season, and will be rolling into Muscatine on December 3. The train is scheduled to arrive in Muscatine at 7:30 p.m. with the event performance from 7:45-8:15 p.m.

The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will be making its first cross-continent tour in three years, following virtual concerts in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The train will again raise money, food and awareness for local food banks in communities along the CP network.

The arrival of the Holiday Train draws thousands to Downtown Muscatine to watch as 14 railroad cars all decked out in a festive glow travel downriver and stops inside Riverside Park. Many food pantries in the Muscatine area have benefited from the donations of money and food items dropped off as the train arrives. And then there is the festive music that accompanies an all too brief stage show. The last time the Holiday Train visited Muscatine was in 2018.

“I’m grateful to the CP team members who adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver two exceptional virtual Holiday Train shows and to all those who continued to donate while we kept community members safe,” said Keith Creel, CP’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“The Holiday Train is all about families and communities coming together to celebrate the season and help those in need,” Creel said. “We are excited to be back out on the rails and in our communities, taking these two beautiful trains across our network and sharing the joy that comes with gathering in the spirit of giving.”

The arrival of the Holiday Train is a much-anticipated event for communities along the CP network, and live music is essential to the CP Holiday Train experience. Calgary country star Lindsay Ell and the vocal trio of Texas Hill (Craig Wayne Boyd, Adam Wakefield, and Casey James) will be the featured entertainment during the Muscatine stop.

Holiday Train shows are free to attend. CP asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they are able. Collection stations will be set up during the Muscatine stop, with all donations staying in the community to help people in need. Because local food banks buy food at a discount, cash donations can go further than food donations to help those in need.

The Salvation Army is the designated organization to receive the donations during the Muscatine stop.

Since its inception in 1999, the CP Holiday Train has raised $21 million and collected five million pounds of food for community food banks along CP’s network. CP will again donate to all food banks that would ordinarily benefit from a Holiday Train stop, including those that typically receive the train in alternating years.

CP Press Release

Tags 2023, Back, Canadian, holiday, Iowa –, Muscatine, Pacific, rails, Train, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Four presentations on Council’s in-depth agenda

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 12, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will hear four presentations at their October In-Depth meeting Thursday (Oct. 13).

Presentations will be given on the Explorer Program with the Muscatine Fire Department, City of Muscatine Code Enforcement services, an overview of the budget-basis financial statement for FY 2021-2022, and an update on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will provide the Council with an overview of the Code Enforcement service, and then discuss three areas covered in the Code of the City of Muscatine. Those areas include snow and ice on sidewalks, weed and vegetation management, and nuisances.

That will be followed by two presentations from Finance Director Nancy Lueck. The first will be an overview of the Budget Basis Financial Statement for the year ended June 30, 2022. The second will be an overview of the budgeted uses for the American Rescue Plan Funds received by the City of 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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, October 13, 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 City, Council, Four, hear, Iowa –, Muscatine, Presentations, their, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Council set to vote Thursday on ordinance allowing UTVs

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 5, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine City Council will vote on an ordinance revising Title 7, Chapter 2 of City Code that would permit the use of off-road utility vehicles (UTV) on city streets. The vote will be taken following the third and final reading of the proposed ordinance.

Those interested in the proceedings of the City Council will note that the Council meeting will start at 6 p.m. beginning with Thursday’s (Oct. 6) City Council meeting. The City Council meets 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.

The Council directed city staff during the May 12, 2022, in-depth meeting to prepare changes to portions of Title 7 (Vehicles and Traffic), Chapter 2 (Traffic Regulations General) related to All-Terrain Vehicle Regulations.

The changes include definitions associated with all-terrain vehicles, equipment standards for operation, operating provisions, prohibited streets and highways, provisions for crossing prohibited streets and highways, and other items associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles inside the city limits.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) will not be allowed on city streets in Muscatine for any reason.

In other action Thursday, the Council will:

Conduct a public hearing for Environmental Information for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project;
Approve a purchase order to Sulzco, LLC for tree removal, site clearing, grading, and filling of the northwest corner of the Houser and Grandview intersection;
Set public hearings for the revised Bike & Pedestrian Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, on vacating a trail easement, and on a Community Block Grant application;
Approve a request to submit a railroad crossing elimination grant application.

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, October 6, 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 City, Council, Iowa –, Muscatine, ordinance, revising, Title, vote, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Block of West 2nd closed to traffic this weekend

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 4, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The 200 block of West 2nd Street will be closed to traffic from noon Friday (Oct. 7) through noon Sunday (Oct. 9) for “Rockin’ On 2nd”. A stage will be set up near the Pearl City Chiropractic Building. Access to the Pine Street parking lot will be restricted or unavailable over the weekend.

The same block will be closed to traffic from noon Saturday, October 15, to noon on Sunday, October 16, for the “Couture & Canines Runway Show”. The event will be held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. with additional activities also planned.

Please use caution during these times and find alternate routes if possible. Additional parking is available in Riverside Park. Access to all businesses will be available.

Tags block, closed, from, Iowa –, Muscatine, noon, Street, traffic, West, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Families will have a blast at a bewitching bash

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date October 3, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Trunks full of treasure will be emptied of their goodies by costumed characters of all sorts and sizes as the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department hosts a scary good time this Halloween.

Children will have the opportunity to gather goodies and show off their costumes under a spook-tacular light show with festivities taking place 6:00-7:30 p.m. on October 30, 2022, at the Muscatine Soccer West Complex.

Decorated vehicles will be lined up in the Soccer West parking lot on the west side of South Houser Street with a cast of characters ready to distribute goodies with trick or treating beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Children are reminded to wear their Halloween costumes and bring their own trick-or-treat bag. Attendees may park in the Muscatine Soccer Complex main lot located at 401 South Houser Street.

Trunk decorators are needed. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department by phone at (563) 263-0241 or via email at parksoffice@muscatineiowa.gov to reserve a parking space for your trunk.

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

Tags costumed, emptied, Full, goodies, Iowa –, Muscatine, their, treasure, Trunks, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Public Safety Open House is set for Sunday (Oct. 2)

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 28, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A popular event will return to Muscatine this weekend as the Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine Police Department, Muscatine Sheriff’s Department, and Muscatine County Joint Communications (MUSCOM) join forces to host the 2022 Public Safety Open House. The event will be held from 12-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, inside and around the Public Safety Building, 312 East 5th Street.

This is a golden opportunity for young and old to visit the Public Safety Building for an enjoyable learning experience that will include demonstrations, discussions, and games. Visitors will be able to meet and interact with Public Safety staff, and learn a little bit more about what they do and the equipment they use.

Visitors will be able explore various fire and emergency apparatus inside the Central Fire Station, and visit a variety of booths to learn more about the Explorers Program and how Hands Only CPR could save a life. A smoke house will be located in the alley behind the fire station that teaches children how to safely exit a house in a smoke-filled atmosphere, and a mini smoke house that will demonstrate how smoke flows.

The Fire Department also plans to have a recruitment booth with video and handouts for fire pits and fire safety, a gear demonstration booth, and a photo booth with Freddie the Fire Truck. Also inside the station will be games for the children including a hose trace where children are blindfolded and have to follow the hose like a firefighter would to exit a building.

A vehicle extrication demonstration will show how the jaws, cutters, spreaders, rams, etc., are used to extricate victims from automobile accidents, a demonstration of the aerial tower truck, and a demonstration on how to use a fire hose to shoot water into a house.

The Muscatine Police Department is planning a variety of static displays of a squad car, armored vehicle, and tactical equipment. Children will not want to miss an opportunity to meet Muscatine’s K-9 officer and learn about the work he does, and parents will not want to miss the opportunity to visit the drug trailer and see some of the warning signs of drug use. You may also want to give the drunk goggles a try.

The Iowa State Police will have a seatbelt impact trailer on hand that is designed to simulate how a seatbelt can save you. The Muscatine Police Tactical Team also plan to demonstrations with the Muscatine Police robot. There will also be games where children can earn prizes.

MUSCOM will have a couple of games set up and some 911 giveaways in the Public Safety Building basement. Anyone interested can also tour MUSCOM as long as they are escorted by a staff member.

The Muscatine County Sheriff’s Department will also have their K-9 officer on hand as well as static displays of squad cars, boats, and other related items in the alley parking lot.

October is fire prevention month and this year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is marking the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, which will be held October 9-15. The Muscatine Fire Department is planning several events during the week to highlight the theme.

Tags event, Iowa –, Muscatine, popular, return, this, weekend, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Muscatine Police K9 Dexter to receive protective vest

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Muscatine Police Department’s K9 Dexter will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

K9 Dexter’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, Ill., and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. Delivery is expected within eight- to 10-weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,740 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20-months-old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.

There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744 to $2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Tags bullet, departments, Dexter, Iowa –, Muscatine, Police, receive, stab, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Dredging operations set to begin at two locations

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Dredging of the Muscatine Boat Harbor and Marina will begin in the next two weeks after the dredge used for the operation was launched Friday morning from the downriver boat launch in Riverside Park.

That boat launch will be closed to the public starting Monday (Sept. 19) for a dredging operation of its own. Braun Excavating will begin the removal of mud and debris from the ramp area of the boat launch with the first order of business removing the ramp and dock located near the Pearl City Station.

The entire boat launch area will be blocked off throughout the operation.

Individuals wanting to launch and/or recover their boats during this operation are asked to use the newer boat launch in the upriver end of Riverside Park.

Dredged material will be placed on the ramp to dewater before being removed from the site. The public is urged to stay off the old boat launch area and to avoid the piles of dredged material.

Some parking restrictions may occur.

Crews from the Water Resource and Recovery Facility will be conducting the dredging operations of the Muscatine Boat Harbor and Marina. Dredged material will be piped to holding bags located in the old Hawkeye Lumber site and allowed to dewater and dry over the next several months.

Dredging operations should begin once the piping and floats are installed in the harbor, and the bags are placed and connected at Hawkeye Lumber.

Tags begin, Boat, Dredging, Harbor, Iowa –, Marina, Muscatine, next, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Downriver boat launch in Riverside Park closed starting Monday

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date September 15, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The boat launch in the downriver portion of Riverside Park will be closed to the public starting Monday, September 19, for dredging operations to clean mud and debris from the area of the old launch. The entire boat launch area will be taped off during the operation.

Individuals wanting to launch and/or recover their boats during this operation are asked to use the newer boat launch area in the upriver end of Riverside Park.

Dredged material will be placed on the ramp to dewater before being removed from the site. The public is urged to stay off the old boat launch area and to avoid the piles of dredged material.

Some parking restrictions may occur.

Tags Boat, closed, downriver, Iowa –, launch, Muscatine, Park, portion, Riverside, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Art Center Fall concert series begins September 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Construction Update: Block of Park Avenue remains closed to traffic

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

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

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

LUCAS AND MAIN INTERSECTION CLOSED

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

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

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

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

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

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

GRANDVIEW WORK CONTINUES

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

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

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

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The City of Muscatine and the Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, wear seat belts, and be aware of construction workers. Use an alternate route if possible.

Click on CONSTRUCTION to visit the Department of Public Works Construction Projects page where more information can be found on City of Muscatine construction projects. An interactive map is available showing current street closures and street work.

If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Changes to snow emergency regulations on Council agenda

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

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

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

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

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

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

In other business Thursday, the Council is expected to:

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

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

On-Line Participation

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

Muscatine City Council Meeting | Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)

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

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

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

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Block of Logan to be closed to through traffic starting August 15

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 12, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Logan Street will be closed to through traffic between Lucas and Climer streets starting Monday (Aug. 15) according to the Department of Public Works.

West Hill Sanitary & Storm Sewer Separation Project (WHSSSSP) work has moved west out of the ravine through the alley that ends at Logan Street. The contractor is now ready to begin work on Logan Street with the stretch from the alley toward Lucas accomplished first. The section between the alley and Climer will follow.

During the winter new sanitary sewer pipe was placed in the ravine from High Street toward the intersection of the east/west and the north/south portions of the alleys connecting Climer and Logan. Ravine work resumed Tuesday and has been completed up to Logan Street. Access to driveways in the alleys are being temporarily restored with a rock surface until paving portions of the alley can be completed.

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

Repaving Climer Street from the 700 block to High Street started Wednesday with curb and gutter on both sides of the street. The driving lanes were being poured on Friday but work was halted due to the brief rain shower over the noon hour. Climer will be opened to traffic, at least temporarily, next week but the exact day is dependent on the weather. Once opened, however, there will be some lane restrictions as work on sidewalks and driveways is completed.

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

Lucas Street remains closed to traffic from Busch to West 8th as the contractor prepares this section of Lucas for repaving, which should be accomplished over the next two weeks depending on the weather.

Project work moving east on Lucas Street from the West 8th Street intersection started Wednesday as sanitary sewer pipe is replaced from West 8th up to the curve where Lucas becomes West 4th Street. Progressive closures of Lucas Street will occur moving to the east including the Main Street intersection.

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

Tags between, closed, Iowa –, Logan, Lucas, Muscatine, Street, through, traffic, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Lucas closed West 8th to West 4th starting Wednesday

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Lucas Street will be closed to traffic from West 8th to just past Main Street starting Wednesday morning, and travelers can expect Logan Street to be closed from Lucas to Climer within the next week or two according to the Muscatine Department of Public Works as part of the West Hill Area Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project.

Repaving Climer Street from the 700 block to High Street is scheduled to begin Wednesday with curb and gutter on both sides of the street. The driving lanes are tentatively scheduled to be poured on Friday. Once cured, access to the Climer will be permitted with some lane restrictions as work on sidewalks and driveways is completed.

Project work will be moving east on Lucas Street from the West 8th Street intersection starting Wednesday morning (August 10) as the sanitary sewer pipe is replaced from West 8th up to the curve where Lucas becomes West 4th Street. Progressive closures of Lucas Street will occur moving to the east including the Main Street intersection.

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

Project work near Logan Street will move west out of the ravine through the alley that goes toward Logan Street this week. During the winter new sanitary sewer pipe was placed from High Street toward the intersection of the east/west and the north/south portions of those alleys.

Ravine work began Tuesday and is expected to be into the alley intersection by Wednesday morning at which point all access to the alley up to Logan will be closed. As soon as the sewer is run up to Logan Street, access to driveways in the alleys will be restored. Eventually that portion of the alley will be paved but a rock surface will be placed as quickly as possible when the work in the alley is complete for access to the driveways.

Tags closed, from, Iowa –, just, Lucas, Muscatine, Street, traffic, West, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Construction Update: 700 block of Climer closed for repaving

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 5, 2022

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

Haggerty Earthworks, Inc., indicated that the block will be prepped for paving on Monday and Tuesday with curb and gutter poured on both sides Wednesday and the driving lanes on Thursday, weather permitting. The tentative schedule calls for the block to reopen on August 15. Some lane restrictions may be implemented as the contractor completes driveway and sidewalk replacement.

The underground crew on Climer will be moving to the ravine between High Street and Logan to complete that section of sewer separation. Logan Street is tentatively scheduled to be closed to traffic on August 15 as underground work begins from Lucas to Climer. Area residents will be notified of the exact date of the street closure and the contractor will work with residents on access to their residences.

Meanwhile a second underground crew is wrapping up work at the Bush intersection on Lucas Street. That work is tentatively scheduled to be completed August 9, weather permitting. That crew will then move to the other side of West 8th Street and begin the sewer separation work toward Green Street.

Paving of Lucas from West 8th to Busch is tentatively scheduled to begin after the competition of the 700 block of Climer Street depending on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Busch Street Detour – In order to maintain access to the residents of Busch Street, the City of Muscatine obtained permission from the owner of property located at the end of Greenwood Drive to use that private property to construct a connector path from the alley behind Busch Street to the end of Greenwood Drive. The path has been completed but is open to local traffic only.

Using the route from Lucas down Greenwood Drive to the connector to the alley and to Busch provides access to all the homes on Busch during the Lucas intersection closure. Once the Busch-Lucas intersection is reopened, the temporary access road will be removed and reseeded to return it to its original condition.

Since the temporary access area runs next to a ravine, there have been problems in the past with people using that area to dump trash and other materials. If any such activity is witnessed during this period of use to access Busch Street please notify the Police Department.

GRANDVIEW WORK CONTINUES

Pavement restoration on Houser Street from Grandview Avenue to Mittman is scheduled to begin Saturday (Aug. 6). The contractor anticipates completing the intersection next week with plans to reopen that leg of the intersection around August 15, weather permitting.

The Sampson leg of the intersection will remain closed as underground work continues between Grandview Avenue to the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing.

Heuer Construction, Inc., will resume work on sidewalks and driveways in Phase 1 of the Grandview Project after Houser is completed, and continue working on sidewalks and driveways in Phase 2 until the Sampson intersection is ready for paving.

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If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

Tags beginning, block, Climer, closed, Iowa –, Monday, Muscatine, Street, traffic, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Ripperger is promoted to Fire Lieutenant

Post author By City of Muscatine
Post date August 4, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A third generation firefighter will be promoted to Fire Lieutenant by the Muscatine Fire Department Thursday. Spencer Ripperger, a six-year veteran of the MFD, will be officially installed as a Fire Lieutenant during a ceremony at Station One at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

“I am excited to step into this leadership role,” Ripperger said. “There are so many great opportunities with this department.”

Ripperger will be assigned to Station Two located on Stewart Road and is a member of the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT), a special response multi-disciplined team that is prepared to serve citizens in the areas of hazardous materials, confined space rescue, high angle rope rescue, trench rescue, water/ice rescue, and clandestine lab clean up.

Among his other duties will be overseeing the HAZMAT unit that will respond to incidents in a five-county area (Muscatine, Louisa, Henry, Washington, and Keokuk counties).

“Every member of this department train in the different types of special responses, along with training to enhance their firefighting and EMT skills,” Ripperger said.

That includes department members who attend specialty training monthly and then return to the Muscatine Fire Department to help train staff. Ripperger recently led a team of six at a 40-hour confined space rescue class hosted by the Davenport Fire Department and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Muscatine, Davenport, and Rock Island Arsenal firefighters took part in the class. That team included Ripperger and firefighters Reece Hall, Ben Barrett, Kyle Davis, Colton Pauls, and Michael Fleming.

Training for a variety of high-risk rescues is a key part of the job for firefighters and firefighter/EMTs including high-angle rescues, ice/water rescues/ trench rescues. Firefighters also train in auto extrication, fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials, and ambulance transport.

Ripperger’s grandfather was a volunteer firefighter and his father just retired as a member of the Davenport Fire Department.

“My wife (Sarah) was extremely excited about the promotion,” Ripperger said. “And now we have another generation that want to be firemen including our sons Huxson (4) and Weston (2).”

Tags fire, firefighter, generation, Iowa –, Lieutenant, Muscatine, promoted, third, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

Two streets scheduled to reopen to traffic on August 2

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – A major step will be accomplished in two road projects next week with Grandview Avenue scheduled to be open to two-way traffic and through traffic scheduled to resume on West 8th Street. The schedule for the openings is weather dependent.

The last quadrant of the West 8th and Lucas intersection was poured Friday morning. Once cured, the intersection will have the joints cleaned and sealed with a final cleanup on Monday before the barricades are pulled Tuesday morning. Lucas Street will remain closed from West 8th to Busch, however.

The final section of Grandview Avenue was completed on Thursday. The contractor will be cleaning and sealing the joints, and do a final cleanup on Monday before pulling the barricades Tuesday morning. Houser will remain closed from Grandview to Mittman and Sampson will remain closed from Grandview to just past the Canadian Pacific Railroad crossing.

Drivers are reminded that these two streets are part of active construction zones and there may be some lane restrictions as work continues. Please proceed with caution, slow down, and watch for construction workers. Speed limit is 25 mph and fines are doubled in construction zones.

Underground work from West 8th to Busch continues with pavement restoration tentatively planned to begin in two- to three-weeks. Pavement restoration is also scheduled to begin in the next two weeks on Climer through the High Street intersection.

Grandview Avenue work will focus on prepping and paving Houser Street from Grandview to Mittman while also working on sidewalks and driveways in both Phase I and Phase II of the project.

Since the temporary access area runs next to a ravine, there have been problems in the past with people using that area to dump trash and other materials. If ay such activity is witnessed during this period of use to access Busch Street please notify the Police Department.

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If you have a comment or concern, please email feedback@muscatineiowa.gov or pwrequest@muscatineiowa.gov. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.

Tags accomplished, Iowa –, major, Muscatine, next, projects, road, step, week, will

City of Muscatine Press Releases

“Gravity on Tour” lands in Muscatine Sunday (July 31)

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

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Ballet Des Moines will bring its full company of professional dancers to Muscatine this Sunday, sharing world-class arts and education programming directly with patrons of all ages in a one-of-a-kind day of fun activities.

The free performance will take place in the green space south of the basketball courts in Riverside Park. The 7 p.m. performance will be preceded by free family STEM activities inside Pearl City Station from 5 to 7 p.m. Be sure to come early, bring your blankets or lawn chairs, and sit back to enjoy the entertainment.

Everyone is invited to come explore a mobile planetarium, Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality lab, send a postcard to space, and investigate other STEM activities while exploring how the universal language of music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible.

Gravity on Tour includes excerpts from Ballet Des Moines’ ground-breaking GRAVITY season along with a host of interactive STEM experiences, from Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality Lab and the Science Center of Iowa’s mobile planetarium to sending postcards to space and back. These free performances build on the April 2022 world premiere of the interdisciplinary ballet Of Gravity and Light, exemplifying how music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible to audiences of all ages.

Ballet Des Moines CEO Blaire Massa worked with community leaders statewide to determine tour locations, ensuring a strong sense of collaboration with tailored opportunities specific to the interests and values of each community.

“We’ve worked diligently for the past several months to ensure we’re delivering on our community engagement, outreach, and education initiatives — to expand access to the arts, while wielding creativity and expression as a tool to expand learning, build confidence, and forge community connections,” says Massa. “From educational workshops and in-person ballet classes to meet-and-greets with the artists, pop-up planetariums, and young professional cocktail parties, there’s no shortage of opportunities to collaborate and inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity across our state.”

STEM partners throughout the 21-22 season have included the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) and Iowa State University.

“Working with Ballet Des Moines this year has allowed us to introduce students to activities that help support our objectives at ISGC, to help inspire, educate, and employ the next generation of explorers,” says director Dr. Sara Nelson. “It’s been wonderful to watch as students learn more about the connections between science and art and how dance can be used to express those understandings.”

Each performance will include excerpts from BDM’s GRAVITY season, highlighting a diverse range of programming including this spring’s world premiere Of Gravity and Light, a pas de deux from Swan Lake, and Flight, a joy-filled contemporary ballet by Ballet Des Moines Artistic Director Tom Mattingly. In between the evenings performances, NASA Solar System Ambassadors will guide the audience through scientific discussions.

Gravity on Tour was made possible by Principal Foundation and the Iowa Arts Council. Additional details about the tour can be found at www.balletdesmoines.org/summer-tour

FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY STEM ACTIVITIES 5-7PM

Enjoy a mobile planetarium, Iowa State University’s FLEx Virtual Reality lab, send a postcard to space, and investigate other STEM activities while exploring how the universal language of music and movement can make abstract concepts more human and accessible.

SCI programming reaches every county in the state of Iowa, promotes cultural awareness and provides unique experiences for Iowans. The broad range of available opportunities — from Science @ Your Site, which offers a variety of assemblies and demonstrations at schools, libraries and festivals, to professional development training that advance STEM literacy and bring innovative activities to educators statewide — speaks to the many roles SCI plays for the community and is the foundation upon which SCI has built a successful organization.

Centrally located in Downtown Des Moines, SCI’s hands-on exhibits, special-format theaters and unique programming attract Iowans and distant visitors. Through daily visitors, a statewide educational outreach program and the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool, the Science Center of Iowa serves more than 300,000 people annually.

Founded by Blue Origin in 2019, Club for the Future is a foundation whose mission is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM and to help invent the future of life in space. The Club and its collaborators are doing this through Postcards to Space, space-focused curriculum, and access to space on Blue Origin’s rockets.

Earth is finite. To protect our gem of a planet and enable a future of abundance and growth, Earth needs space. Write or draw your vision on a postcard for what you think the future of life in space will look like—or any other message you’d like to send to space. Write or draw on a provided postcard to Club for the Future, we’ll launch it to space and back on a New Shepard rocket, and return it to you stamped “Flown to Space.” Send us as many postcards as you’d like—we’ll fly them all.

FLEx is a mobile learning program for advanced design technology benefiting 3rd through 12th students and beyond in a 21st century paradigm. Structured around STEM, design thinking, 21st Century skills, and University Constructs (4 C’s), this environment extends distant educational offerings by delivering full-scale augmented and virtual visualization, digital to real prototyping, circuit bending and visual programming.

As an Iowa State design outreach program for Iowans, the FLEx can visit classrooms, schools, libraries, science and art centers, educational conferences and other community events throughout the state. Programs can be offered inside or outside, weather permitting, to best complement the learning environment and event.

A part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program since 1990, the ISGC continually strives to improve and inspire Iowa’s future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The ISGC supports aerospace research, education and outreach activities for all Iowans with NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships, competitions for grants within higher education members (with NASA Mission Directorate alignment), as well as informal education grants with outreach affiliates. The ISGC is primarily funded under NASA Award No. 80NSSC20M0107.

About Ballet Des Moines

Ballet Des Moines was launched as a professional ballet company in 2012, bringing world-class performing artists to the Des Moines community for classical and contemporary main stage productions. Ballet Des Moines offers training opportunities for pre-professional dancers and engages thousands of local youth each year through rich educational and outreach programs. The mission of Ballet Des Moines is to enrich lives through inspiring dance performances, inclusive education and outreach programs, and innovative community partnerships. www.balletdesmoines.org

About the Iowa Space Grant Consortium

Tags Ballet, bring, company, dancers, Full, Iowa –, MOINES, Muscatine, professional, will