Potholes top Muscatine City Administrator’s Monthly Report for May


The Department of Public Works filled 1,057 potholes during the month of May, using 95 pounds of hot mix asphalt. That is one of the unique notes you can find in the monthly City Administrator Report to the City Council and Citizens of Muscatine available now.

The City Administrator’s Monthly Report is intended to provide a brief summary of City activities, with links to additional information where possible. Due to the variety and complexity of City functions, however, the report is not all-encompassing.

Please always feel free to contact the City of Muscatine for more information or with questions or concerns. Any feedback can be provided to the City Administrator’s office by sending an email to feedback@muscatineiowa.gov.

You can also view past and upcoming events on the City’s calendar.

MAY HIGHLIGHTS
City Administration presented 22 regular agenda items for consideration by City Council during May, and provided an overview of the American Rescue Plan and possible uses of associated funding to City Council (May 13 In-Depth Session).

Department of Public Works filled 1,057 potholes during May, up from 1,000 in April and 837.5 in March, using 95 pounds per hole of hot mix asphalt created by department owned equipment from recycled asphalt. Maintenance Division repaired approximately 300 pieces of equipment and vehicles.

Finance Department continued updating the narrative and financial schedules to be included in the published FY21-22 budget. Prepared long-range plans for major funds.
Parks and Recreation Department Mississippi Mist and the Aquatic Center opened for the season prior to Memorial Day despite cooler than normal temperatures. Shelters, Pearl City Station and the Riverview Center had great usage in the month of May with the great weather. Six large maple trees were donated to Weed Park near the Colorado Street entrance.

Community Development Department issued 63 permits and conducted 85 construction inspections. Added 3 new team members as Tamara Wegner filled the long vacant Code Enforcement position, Meghan Custis is an intern focused on neighborhood planning and supporting the implementation of Community Heart & Soul, and Kim Floyd a recently vacated Office Assistant position.

Fire Department The department hosted a car seat technician training (40 hours) and had three employees take the class; FF Ben Danielson, FF Elaine Sheber, and ambulance attendant Joe Colon. Lt. Roy Patterson and FF Josh Rudolph and FF Brandon Rodriguez are working to revive the Fire Explorer program, with a plan for a ‘mini academy’ for the summer months and a push to transition to regular meetings in the fall.

Police Department On 5/20/21 Captain Kies, Lieutenant Motto, Cpl. Koch, Officers Popp, Hull, Pena, and Shoultz delivered 1008 boxes of cereal for the Muscatine School District’s “Cereal Box Dominos” campaign at Jefferson school. This effort and presentation was greatly appreciated by school staff. The endeavor had a very positive impact on the Muscatine community. Captain Kies and Officer Cabrera had lunch with Anthony Spurille, a student at Franklin Elementary School. The student excelled in the classroom and was rewarded with his wish of having lunch with a Police Officer.

Highlights from the Muscatine City Council
RECENT ITEMS CONSIDERED BY CITY COUNCIL

May 6 Regular Meeting:

Approval of the Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency

Annual Plan

Commitment of Support for an application to the Iowa Finance Authority by Northport Apartments, LLC, for Housing Tax Credits
Approval of an Agreement between the City of Muscatine and Senior Resources to support the provision of Senior Resident Services.

May 13 In-Depth Meeting:

Overview of the Muscatine Solid Waste Division

Overview of landfill operations and governance structure

Overview of the American Rescue Plan Act funding for local governments

May 20 Regular Meeting:

Public Hearing and Approval of Amendment #2 to the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 City Budget Resolution supporting a grant application to the Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant

Program for grant funds to implement the Community Heart & Soul planning model

June 3 Regular Meeting:

Staff Update regarding the Muscatine Organics Recycling Center June 10 In-Depth Session:
Overview of the City Fireworks Code and associated activities Overview of the City’s Leaf Pickup Program

UPCOMING ISSUES BEFORE CITY COUNCIL

June 17 Regular Session

First Reading of an Ordinance related to Title 7 Chapter 12 of the City Code regarding Nuisance Vehicles
Approval to renew City of Muscatine Insurance Policy

Approval of a Design Contract for the East Hill Fire Station

Approval of a Six-Month Contract Extension with Rittmer, Inc for Landfill Operations

July 8 In-Depth Session

Proposed Property Maintenance Code Electric Vehicle Charger Review