Muscatine City Council to discuss moratorium on portions of pit bull ordinance


Presentations on a riverfront amphitheater, a watershed study, and animal control regulations are on the agenda for the Muscatine City Council in-depth session on Thursday (Jan. 13) in the Council Chambers of Muscatine City Hall.

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.

One of the first items on the agenda Thursday is a resolution establishing a moratorium on certain portions of Title 6, Chapter 9 (Keeping of Pit Bull Dogs) of Muscatine City Code. If approved by Council, the moratorium would be implemented immediately and expire on May 11, 2022.

City staff was directed by City Council at the October 14, 2021, in-depth meeting to explore updating Title 6, Chapter 8 (Animal Regulations), and that presentation will be heard later in the council meeting. At that time, it was determined that changes to Chapter 8 needed to be made prior to addressing the Pit Bull dog ban.

The moratorium, if approved, would temporarily halt the enforcement on the Keeping of Pit Bull dogs ordinance.

The moratorium, once adopted, would not allow individuals to bring pit bulls within the corporate City limits, nor would it revoke any citations issued prior to the adoption of the moratorium. The moratorium also does not affect any section of Chapter 8 (Animal Regulations) including the enforcement of regulations regarding vicious and/or dangerous animals.

The presentation on Animal Regulations contained in Title 6, Chapter 8 of City Code will include staff insights and research conducted to date on animal control regulations, including proposed changes to regulations related to animal registration and licensing, animal care, irresponsible animal ownership, dangerous animals, tethering, and fine structure.

The Council will also hear a presentation on the progress on the development of a riverfront amphitheater and a presentation on the Lake Park Boulevard Watershed Study results. Details on both of these presentations can be found by clicking on the links contained in the Thursday Council Agenda.

Thursday’s meeting is open to the public. Citizens attending the meeting are asked to follow current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations for wearing a mask indoors whether vaccinated or not. The City of Muscatine does not require wearing a mask, but does urge the public to follow Public Health and CDC recommendations.

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.

Information on the presentations and other agenda items can be found by clicking AGENDA to download the January 13, 2022, City Council agenda and/or attachments.

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

Muscatine City Council In-Depth Meeting | Thu, Jan. 13, 2021 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (CDT)

Join the meeting from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone by clicking the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/322447925

You can also use your phone by dialing +1 (646) 749-3122, follow the prompts, and type in Access Code 322-447-925 when prompted.

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/322447925

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