Muscatine council approves development deal, contracts and multiple ordinances; votes at a glance
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Summary
The Muscatine City Council on April 17 approved a package of development, infrastructure and code items, including a riverfront development agreement, sewer project contracts and multiple ordinance readings.
The Muscatine City Council on April 17 approved a series of resolutions, contracts and ordinance readings spanning development agreements, infrastructure contracts, and code changes.
Major actions included adoption of a development agreement with Lumber Lofts LLC that authorizes annual tax-increment payments for a riverfront redevelopment project, awarding a contract for the West Hill Sewer Separation project Phase 6d, authorization of demolition and property disposition in the consolidated Muscatine Urban Renewal Area, and the second/third readings or waivers of several code amendments and ordinances. Council also approved contract awards for pipe rehabilitation, airport snow removal equipment contingent on federal grant execution, and a five-year landfill operations contract.
Votes at a glance
- Transit consolidated funding application (Resolution 17A): Adopted; motion by Councilmember Lewis, second by Councilmember Gordon; unanimous vote. This authorizes submission of state and federal transit funding applications.
- Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency 2025'29 five-year plan and 2025 annual plan (Resolution 17B): Adopted unanimously; motion by Councilmember Gordon. The council adopted the agency's plan and capital fund program as submitted.
- Adoption of Amendment No. 1 to the FY2024'25 budget (Resolution C): Adopted unanimously.
- Development agreement with Lumber Lofts LLC (Public hearing E / resolution): Adopted unanimously. Councilmembers praised the private investment and riverfront site. Motion and second recorded in the minutes; final roll call showed all ayes.
- Disposition of 910 East Second Street (Hawkeye lumberyard) within the consolidated Muscatine Urban Renewal Area (Resolution F): Adopted unanimously; motion by Councilmember Lewis. Council later approved DW Zinsser to demolish or salvage buildings at 911 East Second Street with a contract award of $14,950.
- Third and final reading: ordinance to mirror the state historic building code (Title 8, Ch.1, Sec.4): Approved on third reading with all ayes.
- Second readings approved: ordinance to relax side-yard setback requirements for certain narrow, preexisting residential parcels (residential infill), and an amendment removing the requirement to submit engineered plans for post-frame buildings under 1,440 sq ft. Both received unanimous approval to proceed.
- Waive third reading and adopt on second and final reading: amend Title 3, Ch.5, Sec.10 to allow sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Musco Sports Center: Council approved waiving the third reading and adopted the ordinance on second and final reading (unanimous vote). Councilmember Lewis voiced concerns from some residents about alcohol in a venue used for youth sports but acknowledged the facility also hosts adult events.
- Contracts and awards: - DW Zinsser: Award for demolition/salvage at 911 East Second Street for $14,950 — approved unanimously. - West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6d: Awarded to K.E. Flatwork of Eldridge, Iowa; amount stated in the meeting record (verbatim) during the vote (see provenance); approved unanimously. - Rehabilitation of underground pipes (Cured-in-Place lining): Contract to Invisio Sewer LLC, not to exceed $125,482 — approved unanimously. - FAA snow removal equipment: Council accepted bid and authorized award contingent on receipt and execution of FAA grant agreement — approved unanimously. - Five-year landfill operations contract: Awarded to Bronze Excavating LLC at $41,760 per month — approved unanimously. - Purchase order for anaerobic digester cleaning to NutriJect Systems, Inc.: $120,000 — approved unanimously. - Purchase order to Donald Consulting for Musco Sports Center security camera, PA and network system: $98,874.93 — approved unanimously. - Change order No. 4 for downtown revitalization: $10,667.90 — approved unanimously. - Contract deeding vacated rights-of-way at 1719/1715 Pearlview and 607 Van Buren to adjacent property owners: adopted unanimously.
What council said: During the Lumber Lofts discussion councilmembers thanked the developers for investing in Muscatine and referenced the riverfront site as an asset. On other votes councilmembers frequently noted the projects advance infrastructure needs or are covered by grant funding.
Several measures were routine and carried unanimously; a small number of higher-profile items (the FY26 budget) drew recorded opposition (see separate budget article).
