City of Muscatine

The City Council meeting included several key agenda items. The first involved a resolution supporting the application by HNI to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for a high-quality job project involving a $26.8 million investment focused on modernization, R&D, and equipment, which is anticipated to lead to the creation of higher-skilled jobs. The council unanimously approved this resolution. Next, the council set a public hearing date for a resolution concerning general obligation loan agreements for borrowing up to $4,225,725. The Sister Cities organization provided an update celebrating its 30th anniversary and discussing upcoming projects, including hosting a special education training workshop. A significant discussion focused on the reconfiguration of Second Street from Pine to Mulberry from one-way to two-way traffic, with staff detailing public feedback, which generally favored the change, and plans for implementation during warmer temperatures, including revising loading zones. Finally, an update was provided on the ongoing zoning ordinance revision, specifically focusing on regulations for cell towers, highlighting changes related to federal/state mandates, height limits, co-locations, and screening standards.

The Comprehensive Plan for the City of Muscatine, covering the period 2025-2045, serves as a roadmap to guide decision-making, establish land use regulation, and fulfill the aspirations of its citizens. The plan is organized around four guiding themes: 'Make It Ambitious' for inspiring the future, 'Make It Home' for increasing housing options, 'Make It Connected' for a complete transit network, and 'Make It Adventurous' for enhancing recreational opportunities. It addresses key areas including land use and design, mobility, housing and neighborhoods, parks and trails, and public facilities, with a vision to strengthen Muscatine as an ideal place to live, work, and play, and a goal to add 2,000 new housing units by 2033.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and claims totaling $869,262.19. Key discussions involved two separate public hearings concerning the request to vacate and close sections of secondary roads. The first hearing resulted in the approval of Resolution #11-15-21-01 to vacate a section of 41st Street in Fruitland Township, addressing access control for Grain Processing Corporation. The second public hearing addressed the vacation of a section of Keokuk Avenue in Lake Township, involving discussions on property tax implications and maintenance responsibilities for landowners, leading to the approval of Resolution #11-15-21-02. The Board also approved utility permits for Muscatine Power and Water and Mid-America Energy Company, and authorized the purchase of two light-duty trucks for the County Engineer's department. Furthermore, the Board acted as the Board of Canvassers for the recent city and school elections, certifying amended canvass results for Muscatine and Wilton races. Operational changes included approving a change of ownership application for Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery, LLC, and authorizing the elimination of two part-time Diversion Officer positions in favor of one full-time position at the County Jail, funded by the Commissary fund. Finally, the Board re-appointed Brad Akers to the Zoning Committee and set a public hearing date for a rezoning request in Wapsie Township.

The meeting included the swearing-in of three new firefighters. Key discussions involved public hearings concerning a moratorium on city code to streamline permitting for outdoor restaurant seating due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, and a proposed amendment to the city budget. Resolutions adopted included approving the moratorium, adopting an amendment to the 2019-2020 city budget, approving the write-up of uncollectible debts totaling $15,572.27 from former housing tenants, approving a contract for the reconstruction of taxiway A, setting a public hearing for the vacation of a portion of the Cypress Street right-of-way, and approving an outline development plan for the expansion of Cottage Grove senior housing. Purchase orders were approved for a high-strength waste storage tank and a stationary pressure washer. The council also approved funding acceptance for a new light duty transit bus and participation in the Iowa Water Wastewater Agency Response Network.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a period for public comment on items not on the agenda. The Council unanimously approved the routine consent agenda, which included bills totaling over eight million dollars. A public hearing was held concerning the amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan to update downtown street improvement descriptions and identify new projects, including Musco sports lighting tax increment financing and forgivable loans for small businesses. Following the hearing, the Council adopted a resolution to proceed with setting a public hearing for a development agreement with Musco sports lighting, and another resolution to set a public hearing regarding a zoning change request from Agricultural to Light Industrial Commercial for 32.78 acres near US 61 and Mittman Road. Public comment was heard regarding the rezoning, specifically concerning the proposed Loves truck stop location, its operational schedule, and its potential impact on the residential neighborhood. Subsequent agenda items involved the adoption of resolutions setting public hearings for various development agreements and annual appropriation tax increment finance obligations for Harrison Lofts, Hinds, Chennai Corporation, Riverview Hotel Development, Union Tank Car Company, and Wallview Developments Limited (Projects 1 and 2). Finally, resolutions authorizing internal advances of funds for the 2020 Urban Renewal Administration and Professional Support Program were addressed.