Muscatine council approves $4.26 million sewer contract, appoints interim fire chief and advances multiple infrastructure and transit measures

The Muscatine City Council on May 1 adopted a string of ordinances, resolutions and contracts, including a $4,263,028.47 award for the West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6D project and the appointment of Michael (Mike) Hartman as interim fire chief effective May 1, 2025.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt on third and final reading an amendment to City Code (Title 10, Chapter 26, Section 2) to relax side-yard setback requirements for certain very narrow, preexisting residential parcels. The council also approved a separate ordinance amending city building-code provisions (Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 4; Title 8, Chapter 10, Section 2) to remove the requirement that engineered plans be submitted for post-frame buildings under 1,440 square feet; both actions passed on voice vote.

On personnel, the council approved a resolution appointing Michael Hartman as interim fire chief and administered his oath of office during the meeting. The city administrator thanked Hartman for returning from retirement and praised the fire and police departments for supporting the appointment.

Major capital actions included adopting a contract and bond with KE Flatwork Inc. for the West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6D project in the amount of $4,263,028.47 and awarding a $463,626.30 construction contract for Folium Avenue reconstruction Phase 3. City Engineer Kevin confirmed the Folium work completed recent phases and said the project could have an additional separate phase if a roundabout at Hauser and Folium is later advanced.

The council approved multiple smaller but consequential items: a deduction change order of $438,871 for the Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex (Change Order No. 3); a purchase order not to exceed $123,528 with Merit Construction for technology and low-voltage installation at the complex; and a change order of $110,059.88 for West Hills Sewer Separation Phases 6A/6B. The council also approved a letter of understanding with Bonsack & Fraumelt LLP for the FY2024–25 city audit.

On transit and airport matters, the council approved the Iowa DOT FY2025 Transit Joint Participation Agreement for operating assistance in the amount of $170,390 and a Federal Transit Administration capital assistance contract of $335,816 for two light-duty buses. Council members also approved submission of a grant application to the Iowa DOT for multiple projects at the Muscatine Municipal Airport.

The council set public hearings for May 15, 2025 on an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for Community Development Block Grant funds, on the Mulberry Avenue sidewalk reconstruction project, on an amendment to the city’s rabies code to reflect Iowa state law, and on Amendment No. 2 to the city’s FY2024–25 budget.

Several resolutions and administrative actions passed by unanimous vote. One substantive abstention occurred when Mayor Brad Bark announced he would abstain from the resolution authorizing a special warranty deed for property at 1246 East Fifth Street to Muscatine County Area Habitat for Humanity due to his association with that organization; the remainder of the council voted to adopt the resolution.

All votes recorded on the consent agenda items and the listed motions were carried by voice or unanimous vote unless otherwise noted in the meeting minutes. The meeting concluded with council reports and a direction to staff to present additional traffic-mitigation standards (see separate article on Claremont speed humps) before further action on resident requests.

Actions (selected): - Ordinance (Title 10, Ch. 26, §2) adopted on third reading to relax side-yard setbacks — outcome: adopted. - Ordinance (Title 8, Ch. 1 §4; Title 8, Ch.10 §2) adopted on third reading to remove engineered-plan requirement for <1,440 sq ft post-frame buildings — outcome: adopted. - Resolution appointing Michael Hartman interim fire chief — outcome: adopted; oath administered. - Contract award: KE Flatwork Inc., West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6D — $4,263,028.47 — outcome: adopted. - Contract award: Folium Avenue Reconstruction Phase 3 — $463,626.30 — outcome: adopted. - Change Order No. 3, Muscatine Indoor Sports Complex — deduction $438,871 — outcome: adopted. - Purchase order: Merit Construction — not to exceed $123,528 (technology/low-voltage) — outcome: adopted. - IADOT Transit Joint Participation Agreement (operating) — $170,390 — outcome: adopted. - FTA Capital Assistance contract for two light-duty buses — $335,816 — outcome: adopted. - Grant application to IADOT for airport projects — outcome: adopted.

(For full roll-call tallies, background documents and ordinance texts, see the city clerk’s official minutes and posted agenda packet.)