Muscatine County public meetings in 2022

City Council

The City Council will review several infrastructure projects, including sewer work and bridge funding. The body is also deciding on various alcohol license renewals and the approval of over $7.4 million in bills.

• Allocation of $600,000 local funding for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex
• Approval of bills totaling $7,451,048.84
• Purchase order of $298,756 to Midwest Alarm for Public Works and Public Safety access control
• Purchase order of $172,474 to Jeff Hackett Electric for emergency backup generators
• Contract award to KE Flatwork, Inc. for Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing

The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including a $298,756 access control system and $172,474 for backup generators. The council also authorized $600,000 in local funding for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex and approved a TIF policy. A change order for the West Hill Sewer Separation Project was pulled from the agenda.

• Approved $600,000 local funding for Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex (7-0)
• Approved $298,756 purchase order to Midwest Alarm for access control (7-0)
• Approved $172,474 purchase order to Jeff Hackett Electric for backup generators (6-1)
• Awarded Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing contract to KE Flatwork, Inc. (7-0)
• Adopted a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policy (7-0)
• Approved renewal of School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement with Muscatine Community School District (7-0)
• Approved $7,451,048.84 in bills for July, August, and September 2022 (7-0)
• Tabled Change Order #1 for West Hill Sewer Separation Project Phase 5

General

The board is meeting to approve bills and credit card expenses. Members will discuss the fiscal year 2023-24 budget and receive reports on long-range planning and personnel.

• Approval of bills totaling $2,595.32
• Approval of credit card charges for $139.54 and $528.38
• Discussion of Budget for fiscal year 2023-24
• Finance training session scheduled for January 19th
• Personnel reports regarding Support Foundation and Facilities Technician

The Board of Trustees approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022 meeting. The board approved bills totaling $2,595.32 and two sets of credit card bills totaling $139.54 and $528.38. A financial review session was scheduled for January 19.

• Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved bills in the amount of $2,595.32
• Approved credit card bills in the amount of $139.54
• Approved credit card bills in the amount of $528.38
• Set Financial Review session for January 19 at 4:45 p.m.

General

The Library Board of Trustees is meeting to discuss budget monitoring and policy updates. The board will consider a request to use Unique Management Services for recovering overdue materials and a request to amend the circulation policy.

• Request to use Unique Management Services for overdue/missing materials starting Jan 1, 2023
• Request to amend and approve Circulation policy
• Request to approve library closure on Jan 12, 2023, for staff in-service
• Request to approve 2023 Library Holiday closure calendar

The Board approved a trial of Unique Management Services to recover overdue materials and amended the circulation policy to reflect a new fine-free system. The Board also approved the 2023 holiday closure calendar and a staff in-service closure date.

• Approved trial of Unique Management Services for overdue material recovery up to $1,500
• Approved amendments to Circulation policy for fine-free system
• Approved library closure on January 12, 2023, for staff in-service
• Approved 2023 Library Holiday closure calendar
• Ratified bills for payment from 11/18/22 and 12/02/22
• Approved agenda and minutes from 11/16/22

General

The Airport Advisory Commission is meeting to discuss updates on engineering qualifications, grants, and airport systems. The body is also scheduled to approve the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

• Approval of Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Request for Qualification for Engineers
• SRE Grant update
• Fuel System update
• AWOS Frequency Change

The Commission approved the October 24, 2022, minutes and recommended the submission of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with an amendment to update connector taxiway sketches. Members also expressed a desire that a proposed Kent Corporation grain elevator not interfere with runway 24 approach heights.

• Approved October 24, 2022, minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended submission of CIP with amendment to update connector taxiway sketches

City Council

The City Council will hold an in-depth meeting to discuss the Tax Increment Financing Policy. Members will also review a presentation regarding potential updates to nuisance regulations, the appeal process, and administrative fees.

• Tax Increment Financing Policy discussion
• Potential updates to nuisance regulations
• Potential updates to the nuisance appeal process
• Potential updates to administrative fees

City Council discussed a proposed tax increment financing (TIF) policy and updates to nuisance regulations, appeals processes, and administrative fees. No final votes were taken on these items; instead, Council consented to bring the proposals back for future votes.

• Consented to bring TIF policy for a vote on December 15, 2022
• Consented to bring proposed nuisance regulation changes back for a future vote
• Consented to pursue an appeals officer model for nuisance appeals
• Consented to move forward with an increase in administrative fees for nuisance abatements

General

The commission will review the FY 21/22 budget results across various departments and facilities. Members will also receive updates on current programs and infrastructure projects.

• FY 21/22 budget results for Boat Harbor, Cemetery, Golf, and Pools
• Updates on Kent Stein Park Diamond #16 Renovation
• Aquatic Center slides, roof, and caulking projects
• Southend projects including playgrounds, pickleball, and shelters
• Musser Trail and Kent Stein Trail Connector updates

The commission reviewed FY 21/22 budget results and received updates on various park projects and programs. Members reached a consensus not to support a request from the Muscatine Community School District to have diamond #1 and Bruner Field gifted to them.

• Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Opposed Muscatine Community School District request for diamond #1 and Bruner Field (consensus)

City Council

The Zoning Board of Adjustments is meeting to review a conditional use application. The board will consider a request to allow a storefront retail business at a specific location.

• Conditional use request ZBACU0002-2022 for tobacco, cigars, and vape retail at 839 Park Ave

General

The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to update its by-laws and review goals and objectives. The body will discuss collaborations with the County Historic Preservation regarding the Historic Jail and the Mulberry HRDP Grant.

• Update to by-laws
• Support for Historic Jail Preservation
• HRDP Grant Collaboration for Mulberry
• MOU with County HPC
• Review of October issued permits

The Commission approved revised bylaws and a support letter for a tax abatement application at 403 W 4th St. Staff was directed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and County Historic Preservation Commissions.

• Approved October 24, 2022 minutes (all ayes)
• Adopted revised bylaws (all ayes)
• Approved support letter for tax abatement application at 403 W 4th St (all ayes)
• Directed staff to draft an MOU between County and City Historic Preservation Commissions

General

The Art Center Board of Directors is meeting to review committee reports and approve bills. Key discussions include the fiscal year 23-24 budget, staffing for a facilities technician, and community engagement programs.

• Budget and staffing for Fiscal Year 23-24
• Personnel discussion regarding Facilities Technician
• Community engagement programs including American Queen and school groups
• Building and Grounds report on the Japanese Garden

The Board of Trustees approved several sets of bills and credit card payments. Members scheduled a Financial Review session for January 19. Staff provided updates on long-range planning, budget requests, and community engagement programs.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved bills totaling $1,888.84
• Approved credit card bills totaling $210.63
• Approved credit card bills totaling $70.22
• Set Financial Review session for January 19 at 4:45 p.m.

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the sale of property at Lot 1 Arrowhead Lake. The body is also reviewing multiple resolutions for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate obligations and internal fund advances for urban renewal projects.

• Public hearing regarding the sale of property at Lot 1 Arrowhead Lake
• Approval of bills totaling $2,000,069.22
• 13 resolutions for annual appropriation for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate obligations
• Agreement with Iowa DOT to accept an ARPA grant for MuscaBus
• Nuisance Abatement Appeal for 1244 Dale Street

The City Council approved 13 resolutions obligating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate funds for various development projects. Council also authorized six internal fund advances for urban renewal programs and accepted an ARPA grant for MuscaBus.

• Upheld nuisance abatement for 1244 Dale Street (7-0)
• Approved 6 internal fund advances for Urban Renewal projects (7-0)
• Approved 13 TIF rebate obligations for various developers (7-0)
• Adopted Iowa League of Cities Record Retention Manual (7-0)
• Approved depository resolution with Community Bank & Trust (7-0)
• Accepted completed work on Taxilane Expansion and authorized final payment (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Iowa DOT for MuscaBus ARPA grant (7-0)
• Approved Annual Street Finance Report for FY 2021/2022 (7-0)

General

The Library Board of Trustees is meeting to discuss a fine-free policy and a board member position. The board will also consider a request to install new shelving in the front entryway.

• Request to install new shelving in front entryway
• Discussion on fine-free policy
• Discussion on board member position
• Presentation on Friends Survey

The Board voted to implement a fine-free model and amnesty for patron fines starting January 1, 2023. Members also approved a request from the Friends of the Library to install new shelving in the front entryway. Additionally, the Board nominated a candidate for an open board position.

• Approved implementation of Fine Free model and amnesty for patron fines effective Jan 1, 2023
• Approved request to install new shelving in front entryway (approx. $8,000)
• Approved presenting Kraig Reed to the nominating committee for open board position
• Approved agenda and minutes from 10/19/22
• Ratified bills for payment from 10/21/22 and 11/04/22

City Council

The City Council will hold an in-depth meeting to review a proposed snow pushback policy following a new snow emergency ordinance. The body will also receive updates on the Bee City USA Program and the Muscatine Art Center's Institutional Plan.

• Proposed Snow Pushback Policy for after snow events
• Bee City USA Program discussion
• Muscatine Art Center Institutional Plan update

The City Council agreed to implement a proposed snow pushback policy and join the Bee City USA program. Council requested more information on the 'No Mow May' program before making a decision. The Art Center Director provided an update on the institution's four-year plan.

• Approved moving forward with proposed snow pushback policy
• Approved joining Bee City USA program
• Tabled decision on 'No Mow May' pending more information

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding a utility easement vacation and the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project. The body is also considering several contracts for city infrastructure and municipal airport improvements.

• Public hearing for the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project
• Public hearing for the vacation of a utility easement at 5105 Sevig Street
• Purchase order for Midewest Alarms for Art Center camera and intrusion system upgrade ($60,311.00)
• Purchase order to Raynor Door for automatic gate openers at Public Works ($21,961.00)
• Contract award to Maple Valley Tree Service for demolition at 713 Locust

The City Council approved several infrastructure projects, including the Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing and a new AVGAS Fuel System for the municipal airport. The council also voted to demolish a structure at 713 Locust despite a request for more time from the property owner.

• Approved demolition of structure at 713 Locust by Maple Valley Tree Service (6-1)
• Approved plans for Transfer Station Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project (7-0)
• Approved vacation of utility easement at 5105 Sevig Street (7-0)
• Approved Iowa DOT Grant for new AVGAS Fuel System at Muscatine Municipal Airport (7-0)
• Approved engineering services agreement with Bolton & Menk for municipal airport (7-0)
• Approved $60,311 purchase order for Art Center camera and intrusion system upgrade (7-0)
• Approved $21,961 purchase order for automatic gate openers at Public Works (7-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Muscatine as a 2023 RAGBRAI host city (7-0)

General

The commission will review the FY 21/22 budget results across various departments including the marina, pools, and golf maintenance. Members will also receive updates on current programs and infrastructure projects.

• FY 21/22 budget results for Parks and Recreation
• Updates on Kent Stein Park Diamond #16 Renovation
• Aquatic Center updates regarding slides, roof, and caulking
• Southend Projects including playgrounds, pickleball, and shelters
• Musser Trail and Kent Stein Trail Connector updates

City Council

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance request to allow a 20-foot shipping container at 719 Woodlawn Ave. The container will be used for storage of lawn equipment and tools.

• Approved October 4, 2022 meeting minutes (All ayes)
• Approved variance appeal ZBAV0005-2022 for shipping container at 719 Woodlawn Ave (All ayes)

General

The Airport Advisory Commission will discuss updates on the Taxilane Widening Project, SRE Grant, and Fuel System. The body is also scheduled to approve the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

• Approval of Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Taxilane Widening Project update
• SRE Grant update
• FY2024 FAA Preapplication (AIP)
• Stormwater and Well permit renewals

The Commission approved the minutes from August 22 and September 19, 2022. Members discussed updates to the Taxilane Widening Project, SRE Grant, and fuel system. The Commission requested additions to the draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) regarding pavement rehabilitation.

• Approved August 22 and September 19, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

General

The Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to update by-laws and review issued permits from September. The body will discuss collaborations with County Historic Preservation regarding the Historic Jail and the Mulberry HRDP Grant.

• Support letter for 403 W 4th St
• Historic Jail Preservation support
• HRDP Grant Collaboration for Mulberry
• Update to by-laws
• Review of September issued permits

The Commission approved the July 25, 2022 minutes and reviewed issued permits from June through September. Members discussed updating outdated by-laws and established a need for short-term and long-term goals. Staff was directed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County Historic Preservation to coordinate project completion.

• Approved July 25, 2022 minutes (All Ayes)
• Directed staff to draft MOU between County and City Historic Preservation Commission
• Directed staff to draft support letter for tax abatement application at 403 W 4th St
• Directed staff to draft support letter for Downtown Façade Program

General

The Art Center Board of Directors is meeting to review committee reports and approve bills. Discussions include the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget and a planned presentation to the City Council on November 10th.

• Budget and staffing for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
• Long Range Planning presentation for City Council on November 10th
• Japanese Gardens and Grant Reports
• Supervisor Training and Facilities Technicians personnel reports
• Exhibitions including Encore for Murder and American Queen

City Council

The City Council is meeting to consider adopting the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. The body will also discuss downtown revitalization funding and various infrastructure projects.

• Public hearings on Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan and Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028
• Purchase order of $139,062 for Kelly Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Inc for Public Works heaters
• Purchase order of $9,000 to Martin & Whitacre Surveyors & Engineers, Inc for 67th Ave. Sidewalk Project
• Approval of bills totaling $2,400,698.31
• Proposed vacation of trail easement at 5101 Sevig Street

General

The Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review board by-laws and discuss a fine-free policy. The board will also receive updates on a flag pole project funded by ARPA funds.

• Discussion of fine-free policy
• Flag pole update using ARPA funds
• Proposed by-law amendments regarding quorum, order of business, and meeting conduct
• Discussion of 2022-23 holiday schedule
• Discussion of board member positions

General

The City of Muscatine Civil Service Commission is meeting to address the decertification of the firefighter list.

• Decertification of firefighter list

City Council

The City Council will receive presentations on the Fire Department Explorer Program and code enforcement services. Members will review the budget-basis financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and discuss proposed projects for the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

• Presentation on Fire Department Explorer Program
• Presentation on Code Enforcement Services
• Budget-Basis Financial Statement Overview for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022
• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update and proposed projects for second tranche funding

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss goal setting. No other legislative actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Council goal setting discussion

General

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding environmental information for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sewer Separation Project. The body is also considering an ordinance regarding all-terrain vehicles and several resolutions to set future public hearings for city planning and grants.

• Public hearing for Phase 6 of the West Hill Sewer Separation Project
• Approval of bills totaling $8,623,594.55
• Professional services agreement with Legal Abstract Company for $7,840.00
• Tax abatement applications for 3307 Baton Rouge Rd, 403 W. 4th Street, and 1124 Mulberry Ave
• Ordinance revising City Code regarding all-terrain vehicles

General

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is meeting to discuss updates on city projects and the budget process. The commission will also review the City of Muscatine Smoking Policy and the City Deer Hunt.

• City of Muscatine Smoking Policy update
• City Deer Hunt update
• Budget process discussion

City Council

The Zoning Board of Adjustments will consider three variance appeals regarding building sizes and setbacks. The board will also review a request for a temporary home-based beauty shop.

• Variance for 320-sf garage conversion to bedroom at 1305 E 5th St
• Variance for 1,440 sq. ft. garage and setback at 2026 Breese Ave
• Variance for 30x30 home addition setback at 1610 Mulberry Ave
• Conditional use request for home-based beauty shop at 1425 Grand Ave

General

The Muscatine City Council, County Board of Supervisors, and School Board of Education are meeting for joint updates. The session includes reports on property taxes, housing, and city projects. The meeting concludes with a tour of Muscatine High School facilities.

• Property Tax Infographic presentation
• Housing update
• City projects update
• Eastern Iowa Mental Health disability services report
• Tour of MHS Student Center, Fine Arts Renovation, and Science STEM Wing

General

The Board of Water, Electric, and Communications Trustees will meet to review utility reports and expenditures. The board is considering recommendations for 2023 vehicle purchases and a labor agreement with IBEW Local No. 55.10.

• Advanced purchase of long lead time vehicles for 2023
• Agreement between MPW and IBEW Local No. 55.10
• Payment of August expenditures and transactions
• September 2022 Utility Reports

General

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to update its by-laws and review issued permits from June through August. The body will also discuss support for Historic Jail Preservation and a grant collaboration regarding Mulberry.

• Review of permits issued in June, July, and August
• Update to commission by-laws
• Discussion on supporting Historic Jail Preservation
• HRDC Grant Collaboration regarding Mulberry

General

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss administrative updates and policy changes. Key items include the review of board by-laws and a potential shift to a consortium-wide fine-free policy.

• Approval of Illinois Townships' annual contracts
• Review and amendment of Board of Trustees By-Laws
• Discussion of consortium-wide Fine Free Policy
• Update on flag pole
• Review of Chapter 1 of the Trustees Handbook

General

The Art Center Board of Directors will meet to approve bills and credit card charges. The board will receive reports from committees regarding long range planning, finance, collections, and building and grounds.

• Approval of bills and credit card charges
• Update on collection from Jim Burr Estate
• Discussion of Japanese Garden and associated booklet
• Personnel reports on supervisor training and vacations
• Exhibition updates for Encore for Murder and American Queen

City Council

The City Council will review preliminary and final plats for two subdivisions and vote on ordinances regarding snow emergency routes and all-terrain vehicles. The body is also considering a resolution for special assessments to private properties and the approval of bills totaling $2,074,233.17.

• Approval of bills totaling $2,074,233.17
• Combined Preliminary/Final Plat of Muscatine Community School District Central Kitchen Subdivision
• Combined Preliminary/Final Plat of Curry Acres Subdivision
• Ordinance revising City Code regarding Snow Emergency Routes
• Ordinance revising City Code regarding All-Terrain Vehicles

General

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet to approve minutes from August 9, 2022. The body will also review two subdivision applications.

• Curry Acres Subdivision: 9 lots on 11.34 acres at 2147 Highway 61
• MCSD Central Kitchen Subdivision: 1 lot on 2.5 acres at 3200 Lucas St

City Council

The City Council will hold an in-depth meeting to discuss several planning and policy items. The session includes a review of a multi-year capital improvement plan and proposed changes to council rules.

• Draft Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2024 through 2028
• Proposed Muscatine School District Baseball/Softball Complex at Kent-Stein Park
• Proposed revisions to the Rules of City Council
• GMCCI Overview of the Live Muscatine Program
• Discussion regarding a SolSmart Designation

General

The City Council will hold a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance regarding all-terrain vehicles. The body is also considering development agreements with Kent Corporation and Muscatine Downtown Investors LLC, as well as a settlement with Republic Services.

• Public hearing and first reading of ordinance revising Title 7, Chapter 2 regarding All-Terrain Vehicles
• Second reading of ordinance revising Title 7, Chapter 10 regarding Snow Emergency Routes
• Development Agreement with Kent Corporation including annual appropriation tax increment payments
• Development Agreement with Muscatine Downtown Investors LLC
• Approval of bills totaling $2,256,818.50

General

The Art Center Board of Directors will meet to approve bills and receive committee reports. Discussions include facility improvements and community engagement events.

• Approval of credit card bills totaling $102.15
• Stanley Gallery entrance and security camera improvements
• Japanese Garden updates and related booklet
• Community Stage and Ice Cream Social family events
• Personnel items regarding Jim Burr Memorial and intern Jessica Myers

General

The City Council is considering updates to snow emergency routes and ATV/UTV ordinances. The body is also reviewing several infrastructure contracts and liquor permit requests.

• Public hearing for changes to City Code Title 7, Chapter 10 Snow Emergency Regulations
• Approval of bills totaling $4,746,690.80
• Contract and bond for 67th Ave Sidewalk Improvements
• Professional services agreements for West Hill Sewer Project and Tipping Floor Resurfacing Project
• Liquor permit requests for Love’s Travel Stop #882 and Food Truck Fight