[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6190883,"mediaKeyId","5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319","parentId",5038420,"title","Votes at a glance: Muscatine City Council actions June 19, 2025","audioSeconds",3482,"startMs",811000,"endMs",4293000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319&start=811&end=4293","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319/thumbnail_811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6190883/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Muscatine-City-Council-actions-June-19-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190883-15e9e520626a21d69a57f7ba29e43f6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131466&Signature=R1pHchkD80XUdiAEd6CeGGZ6whKFcMD-ORIBaxs8~lFY4BNPUpIjr2iZodJtn55tNMEwBffXfzYQnjvIgXyw8uBP8TbB8VrbwfJucEMUepk57wfnVy9qSOxtsqrx~DoS--pYfM-6v1-5x3jOZxw-xADszWAKr2oRho75q689-1lk-GidwQa~JYq~jx6tZzolX6J7NP7edgpG50q9WJ5vWiPFBKQzcbJ0FuO2hWdEOCiGJJooRhHwViGxNn6gGAvpObvx0tq4WkO7eUzHUgOBUoqBaUaSfNzqOvx6YwWFTWi2X6lBtfgomtqcvLQPfLOE3IT1K1cgyhVI-ponFo06Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Muscatine City, Iowa","date","2025-06-20T12:36:01Z","article","The Muscatine City Council took a series of formal actions June 19. Below are the motions, movers/seconders when recorded, vote outcomes and key details drawn from the official meeting record.

1) Nuisance violation appeal (uphold and deny appeal)
Motion: Uphold and deny the appeal as presented
Mover: Council member Brockert; Second: Lampe
Vote: Unanimous (recorded ayes from Brockert, Conner, Lewis, Gordon, Lampe, Gingerich)
Outcome: Motion carries — appeal denied

2) Consent agenda approval (items 11a–i; 12a–b; 13a; 14a)
Motion: Approve consent agenda, bills totaling $2,339,672.97
Mover: Council member Lewis; Second: Lampy
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Approved

3) Franchise fee ordinance (first reading) — Interstate Power and Light (Alliant Energy)
Motion: Approve first reading of ordinance to amend franchise fee to 5%
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Council member Lewis
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: First reading approved; second reading to be scheduled (council discussed July 3)

4) Zoning ordinance (first reading) — 9.25-acre area between Clarebeck Lane and Greenacres Drive
Motion: Approve first reading of zoning amendment for the 9.25-acre area
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Council member Lewis
Vote: 5 ayes, 1 nay (Lampe opposed)
Outcome: First reading approved; second reading scheduled

5) Vacate and deed undeveloped Roby Avenue right-of-way (first reading)
Motion: Approve first reading to vacate/surplus and deed Roby Avenue undeveloped right-of-way to adjoining owner
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Lampy
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: First reading approved

6) Resolution — plans/specs/form of contract and cost estimate for new hangar and taxi-lane construction at Muscatine Municipal Airport
Motion: Adopt resolution approving plans, specs and cost estimate (bid date to be set)
Mover: Council member Lampy; Second: Council member Lewis
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Resolution adopted

7) Resolution — approve contract and bond with Eastern Iowa Excavating and Concrete LLC for Mulberry Avenue sidewalk reconstruction
Amount: $269,305.70
Motion: Adopt resolution approving contract and bond
Mover: Council member Lewis; Second: Council member Gordon
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Resolution adopted; contract awarded

8) Resolution — rehabilitation of underground pipe with cured-in-place liner (VISU Sewer LLC)
Amount: $125,492
Motion: Adopt resolution approving contract and bond
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Council member Brockert
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Contract awarded to VISU Sewer LLC

9) Purchase order — low-floor minibus to Hoagland Bus Company Inc.
Amount: $222,894 (approximately $175,000 covered by grant per council comment)
Motion: Approve issuance of purchase order
Mover: Council member Lewis; Second: Council member Gordon
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Purchase order approved

10) Declaration of surplus and authorization to sell items at public auction
Motion: Approve declaration and authorize sale
Mover: Council member Jindrich; Second: Lampe
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Approved

11) Amendment to Martin Gardener/Garden contract for downtown revitalization design services
Motion: Approve amendment to design services contract (downtown revitalization)
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Lampy
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Amendment approved

12) Resolution — West Hills Sewer Separation Project Phase 6C change order #3
Amount: $1,118,586.97
Motion: Approve change order #3
Mover: Council member Gordon; Second: Council member Brockert
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Change order approved

13) Purchase easements for West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6D
Amount: $16,228.88
Motion: Approve purchase of easements
Mover: Council member Brockert; Second: Council member Lewis
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Approved

14) Professional services — Martin Gardener (Paul Bruhn Grant design services for downtown façades)
Grant amount referenced in briefing: $747,000 (award from National Park Service through Department of Interior)
Scope: Design services for improvements to up to 7 downtown buildings (grant supports façades and exterior preservation, awards up to approximately $100,000 per property)
Motion: Approve professional services proposal
Mover: Council member Lampy; Second: Council member Lewis
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Approved; staff to proceed with design work for grant-funded façade projects

15) Agreement — video production and cablecast services with Jeremy Ferguson for FY 25–26
Motion: Approve agreement
Mover: Council member Lewis; Second: Conard
Vote: Unanimous (all ayes)
Outcome: Agreement approved

16) Other administrative items adopted by resolution or motion: multiple routine contract approvals, insurance renewal, and the setting of public hearing dates; motions carried with recorded unanimous ayes unless noted above.

Notes: All motions and vote tallies are reported as recorded during the June 19 meeting. If a specific ordinance or resolution number was not read into the record in the provided transcript block, it is listed as “not specified.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 19th, 2025 - Muscatine City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Muscatine City Council on June 19 approved a package of ordinances, resolutions and contracts including zoning and right-of-way items on first reading, airport and sidewalk project contracts, sewer rehabilitation and a large change order for the West Hills sewer separation project.","taxTitle","Muscatine City, Muscatine County, Iowa","taxId",55544,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190888,"State will change signage, city to paint pavement markings at five-way Park Avenue–East Second intersection",189,4571000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319&start=4571&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319/thumbnail_4571000.jpg","/articles/6190888/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/State-will-change-signage-city-to-paint-pavement-markings-at-five-way-Park-AvenueEast-Second-intersection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190888-d72ad42d6b0e374ea13c3a67696f8b2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131466&Signature=TqxFhiyjYdJHdjVq67yHc9dTIULQxTHQNLCdy9BimuOB8iQo5CsFe1z~GxCVXzVLOWsSyirKpkozh-NYZSsSfByXnbjsqSGSvWeSe-Q9jik7WJovNVEzddLcYoDn-CPsBbYIvkbP2HvJNawnGsmIOoUSbXuKkXTalnfXhgtY~MbNwkDGQoPu6MbGQIHPD~O~0epJLQzNFDVCYOjE6Ox7V~V~~0LNIqDLZS~I9TfsW6OnDNKwA5cKygt8bpQ6kY9r3wUgOu2f4Mjxk3AaBRJjqw2o2yGwYiie1ElZc6Y292sTaQRsfXqczi6rFo2pG89rhFgk7PTSQy~Qm2Oh452VLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City traffic staff told the Muscatine City Council on June 19 that a traffic engineering assistance study conducted through the state recommended new signs and pavement arrows — not a roundabout or signals — to address driver confusion at the five-way intersection of Park Avenue and East Second Street.

The study examined several alternatives, including additional signage, pavement markings with lane arrows, closing a leg of the intersection and options for a roundabout or signalization. The consultant and state officials concluded that a roundabout or signalization was not warranted; the recommended course is new arrows and advanced warning signage clarifying which lanes are for left turns, through movement and the 45-degree right movement that continues the state route.

City staff said the state will install updated signs and the city will assist with pavement markings. “The signage and the arrows are meant to clarify any confusion that might occur with how it’s supposed to function,” a city staff member said. The city described the expected cost as minimal and said pavement painting will be handled by city crews this summer.

Why this matters: The intersection has generated repeated citizen complaints since lane and curb changes were made; many drivers report uncertainty about which lane continues the state route. Council members said better signage and markings are the low-cost option that residents have requested and that closing Park Avenue south was not considered feasible by residents and council members.

What’s next: The state will move forward with sign installation on its schedule; the city will add pavement arrows and stop-bar painting as part of routine pavement-marking work. Council members thanked District 5 state staff for their assistance and asked staff to follow up if the changes do not reduce confusion.

","After a traffic engineering assistance study, state and city officials plan new signage and pavement markings to clarify movements at the five-way Park Avenue/East Second Street intersection; a roundabout or signalization was not recommended.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190892,"Council approves second-reading and adopts TNR policy after contentious public hearing",847,3013000,3860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319&start=3013&end=3860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319/thumbnail_3013000.jpg","/articles/6190892/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Council-approves-second-reading-and-adopts-TNR-policy-after-contentious-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190892-e8d9cc6157d24c074d97a230216fb0ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131466&Signature=kgLIzlavZOyFPyMCayqstIVA-5EQI7tvAsenmLPfjn5UzNa0VnsCuRNjT43nz2s1SZa-iI7-~GNLNaL4k13fviLZrpU-zlGfJ78qBY8eTLNHm2Z5wP8mSclCelDfU1moQb0UDqlgF7XWm1s6QLmMfZ0Il6sh1pMAvspPvgKYjbGaWCzGUg0M1beVmUzPtycxkrIwMIVOC39rFVbrnEsMTlQUo8jM10kAjS13DdBV2iCNvAMmNWUpR-7~hBAYVIqeXcpAAoy5DI50SGoygiAWwrlKq83P1cwMix6y8Dpcw7iZVyzn-NAMpw~FMWt681aTMDlDF54~dYLccPmsNQBDOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine City Council voted 5-1 on June 19 to approve a second-reading ordinance adding a community cats (trap-neuter-release, TNR) provision to city code, advancing the measure toward adoption.

Supporters from the community urged the council to adopt TNR as a humane and cost-effective alternative to the city’s existing practice of trapping and euthanizing feral cats. “We’ve done this for years and years and nothing is different,” local resident Casey Keeler said during public comment. “Why wouldn’t you try something new that is proven to work?”

Speakers backed by data and national examples told council members TNR programs have reduced colony sizes in other jurisdictions. Megan Keeler and Priscilla Brown cited studies and a state law exception that they said allows TNR; Megan provided an estimate the city now euthanizes roughly 400 cats annually and urged the council to adopt humane sterilization as a preventative approach.

Opponents, including Council member Gingerich, argued TNR conflicts with responsible pet ownership and that euthanasia or other removal policies are more appropriate. Gingerich told the council she had long opposed TNR and said she believed it disrespected some residents’ rights and property.

Motion and vote: The measure was moved by Council member Gordon and seconded by Council member Lewis. The roll call produced five ayes and one nay: Brockert Aye, Conner Aye, Lewis Aye, Gordon Aye, Gingerich Nay, Lampi Aye. The ordinance passed the second reading under the council’s procedures with the recorded vote.

Why this matters: Supporters said TNR reduces the number of feral cats over time, frees up shelter space, reduces euthanasia costs and reduces disease spread through vaccination. Opponents questioned efficacy and raised concerns about wildlife predation and nuisance behavior. Council members said the record of public comment and legal considerations would inform implementation.

Implementation notes: Council did not adopt accompanying budget details at the meeting. Speakers and several council members referred to grant-writing and volunteer capacity from local groups that offered to run or help fund TNR operations. The city clerk and staff indicated follow-up steps for ordinance publication and operational planning would be handled by city staff and volunteer groups.

","After hours of public comment both for and against, the council approved the trap-neuter-release ordinance on second reading with a 5-1 vote; supporters urged humane, cost-saving alternatives to current euthanasia practices while opponents said TNR is inconsistent with responsible pet ownership.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6190897,"Muscatine council approves first reading to rezone 9.25-acre parcel amid neighbor traffic, drainage concerns",2052,853000,2905000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319&start=853&end=2905","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5038420-e2e1ae739eb78666491766a703861319/thumbnail_853000.jpg","/articles/6190897/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Muscatine-council-approves-first-reading-to-rezone-925-acre-parcel-amid-neighbor-traffic-drainage-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190897-f748fd21b56c999a3d44b055d9c85a33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771131466&Signature=mnhNKM8lWkUYMCkgRV4SMFQ4achzLzey~0FagMJmWLfFtU5ASR5ZPYU4gRv-13Bfj1TtYcMmVrEqvikxpOqyF1ekyI5V7W-KCHRv~AXMRlNi0vSzHIM1g0Najq-IRErPkYI6c~b7ILG0ae0Dtnabf5MaqUB4cKwVayu3sund9RHZhWdo0prumGKe7ZkuVsas8C1H-8a-EB1EZ4go-JebGd26~IT9TWd86vorkiVD2RRbAyOPqfWJGtiQ7Egmq2O-bm5OlF276hQEvDLjlTH6MFSWJ0vfXaaaBH8JTzhOCD1aGWugRZblTpRAnR1Wpa~xZi05JcW5joLuwg-qRTBGCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine City Council on June 19 approved on first reading an ordinance to amend the city zoning for a 9.25-acre parcel located between the southern end of Clarebeck Lane and the northern end of Greenacres Drive, moving the measure to a second reading as scheduled.

Neighbors from Greenacres, West Bay Drive and surrounding streets filled the public hearing with concerns about converting a dead-end street into a through street, traffic safety, on-street parking and stormwater flowing across adjacent properties. “Making it a through street … totally changes the neighborhood,” resident Gina Othmer said, asking the council to require a cul-de-sac rather than a through connection.

The ordinance is the subject of ongoing debate because the property adjoins established neighborhoods. The city presented the rezoning as part of a proposed subdivision; staff and the developer plan sidewalks and stormwater controls inside the subdivision but said they would not widen or require sidewalks on the neighboring streets as part of this project.

Why this matters: Neighbors told the council that Greenacres is about 26 feet wide and currently functions as a dead-end neighborhood street with parking on both sides. Several speakers warned that increased throughput could require road widening, loss of front-yard space for some properties or relocation of mailboxes. Residents said the change could depress property values and increase safety risks during peak school travel times.

City staff answered several of the technical questions during the meeting. In response to concerns about sidewalks and widening, a city staff member said the project will require sidewalks in front of the new lots inside the subdivision but “it is not part of the project” to force improvements on the adjoining neighborhoods. City staff said the developer’s plan includes amended soils and other on-site measures intended to slow runoff; staff noted that the drainage route in the area flows to a leg of Papoose Creek and that the proposed subdivision would not directly tie into some existing Greenacres storm infrastructure.

Residents asked for additional traffic study and alternative street layouts. One resident said a nearby landowner indicated a horseshoe connection might be feasible and asked the city to consider broader connectivity, not just parcel-by-parcel development. Council members acknowledged the public concern about citywide traffic patterns, with one council member calling the issue a symptom of broader congestion around consolidated schools in Muscatine.

Council discussion focused on the project scope. Councilmember Conner asked staff to confirm that sidewalks and widening would not be required on existing neighboring streets; staff reiterated that the subdivision will include sidewalks only in front of the new houses. Councilmember Lampe voted against the first reading; all other council members voted in favor.

What’s next: The ordinance passed first reading and will return for a second reading on the council’s next scheduled meeting (the clerk indicated the July 3 meeting was being considered for second readings where no objections exist). Neighbors and council members asked staff to monitor drainage and traffic impacts as the project advances and to return with more information if conditions change.

","After extensive public comment about traffic, property values and stormwater, the Muscatine City Council approved a first reading to amend zoning for a 9.25-acre subdivision between Claire Beck Lane and Greenacres Drive; council and staff said sidewalks and some drainage changes are limited to the new subdivision only.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Muscatine City Council actions June 19, 2025

State will change signage, city to paint pavement markings at five-way Park Avenue–East Second intersection

Council approves second-reading and adopts TNR policy after contentious public hearing

Muscatine council approves first reading to rezone 9.25-acre parcel amid neighbor traffic, drainage concerns