Public-Private funding for Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex is moving forward; Council asked to approve

[City of Muscatine]

The Muscatine City Council will be asked to authorize a Destination Iowa Grant application during its regular meeting Thursday, December 15, that may lead to the design and construction of the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. 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.

City staff presented the concept of an indoor sports complex to the Muscatine City Council on December 1, with the City Council supporting the concept and allocating $600,000 in 2024 bond proceeds for the design and construction of the facility. The City has since received funding commitments from the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors and two private donors.

The facility will be located on the north end of the Soccer West complex on South Houser Street. The Destination Iowa Grant, if awarded, will provide additional revenue for the project along with the financial commitments made by the City of Muscatine, Muscatine County, and private individuals.

The Council will also be asked to approve a Letter of Acceptance to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for funding to replace the bridge over Mad Creek on Park Avenue West. The bridge is in need of replacement and will have a weight limit implemented during the design of its replacement. The DOT will fund the bridge replacement while the City will pay for the engineering design.

A public hearing will be scheduled for January 5, 2023, for a Sewer Lining Project that is currently in development by the Department of Public Works. Several aging sections of sewers are in need of replacement but the high construction costs would make replacement of these sections prohibitive. A cured-in-place liner is being discussed as a low-cost but effective alternative to actual replacement of the pipes.

Also on the agenda:

  • Approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit for the year ended June 30, 2022;
  • Approval of the Tax Increment Financing Policy;
  • Awarding a contract to KE Flatwork, Inc., to replace the tipping floor at the Transfer Station;
  • Approval of renewing the School Resource Officer agreement with  Muscatine Community School District; and,
  • Approval of a professional services agreement with Watersmith Engineering for the Kent Stein to Sunset Housing Trail connector.

Information on these and other 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, December 15, 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