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Art Center

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1. Does the Muscatine Art Center charge admission?

No, there is no admission fee to visit the Muscatine Art Center. There are fees for studio art classes and special fundraising events hosted by the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center. Scholarships are available for art classes.

2. Is the facility available to rent?

Yes, the music room in the Musser Mansion, the Stanley Gallery Studio, and the Japanese Garden are all available for rent. A complete fee schedule is available by calling 563.263.8282 or by visiting our website. Muscatine Art Center

3. How do I arrange for a guided tour for my group?

Tours may be scheduled by calling the Muscatine Art Center office weekdays at 563.263.8282.

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City Administration

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1. When and where are the City Council meetings held?

The meetings are held the first three Thursdays of each month. The meetings held on the first and third Thursday are regular meetings. The second meeting of the month is the in-depth meeting and is basically a work session for City Council. Typically there are no action items on the agenda for an in-depth meeting.

2. Where can I find the City's annual budget?

If you are interested in receiving a hard copy of the budget, please visit the Finance Department in City Hall, located at 215 Sycamore Street. View the online version of the City's budget on the following webpage. Budget

3. Who is my City Council member and how can I contact him or her?

To determine your ward or precinct, please view the Voting Precinct Map. Once you have determined your ward or precinct, view contact information for your councilmember on the City Officials page.

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Community Development

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1. I am purchasing a house that needs electrical and plumbing updates. May I do the work myself?

You must own and reside in the home to do any electrical or plumbing work. Otherwise, contractors who have the required state licenses must be used.

2. I am putting a new roof on my residence. Do I need a permit?

A building permit is required when existing shingles are to be removed and replaced. A permit is not required when laying shingles on top of the existing shingles. The International Building Code has set a limit of three layers of shingles maximum.

3. I'm installing a fence in my yard. Where can it be located and how tall can it be? Is there a permit required?

There is no permit required for fencing. However, the following regulations apply. Fences located behind the front line of the house may be six feet high. In front of the home, height is restricted to three feet for solid fencing or the fencing material must be at least 75% open (i.e., chain link). The fence may be placed on the property line, however if it will need to be maintained it is recommended that you leave room to do so on your property. Corner lots have further restrictions. It is recommended that you call the Community Development Department at 563.262.4141 for more details. Reference City Code 10-19-3 on the following page. City Code 10-19-3

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Finance

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1. How do I apply for a senior citizen discount on sewer and refuse collection fees?

A resident must be at least 65 years old to qualify for these discounts. Applicants should bring their Medicare cards to the Finance Department in City Hall, located at 215 Sycamore Street, to complete a short application form.

2. What is required to register a pet?

Pet licenses are required to be obtained by pet owners that live in the city limits of Muscatine. The City needs documentation from your pet's veterinarian showing the rabies vaccination is current, the vaccination expiration date, and if the animal has been spayed or neutered. The fees are as follows:

Spayed or neutered animals: $5

Unaltered animals: $25

Senior citizen rates (65 years of age or older):

Spayed or neutered animals: $3

Unaltered animals: $15

3. What is the property tax rate in the City of Muscatine?

For the fiscal year from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, the City's tax levy rate is $15.77146 per $1,000 of taxable valuation of property. The total consolidated tax rate (including the Muscatine County and Muscatine Community School district tax levies) is $40.64681 per $1,000 of valuation.

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Fire & EMS Services

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1. Is it necessary for the Fire Department to bring the big fire truck and all those fire fighters to a medical call when they're not really needed?

The answer is simple - we do need them. Our standard response to any medical call involving chest pain, cardiac arrest, auto wrecks, unconscious people in Station 1’s district, and all medical calls in Station 2’s district within the City is to send an engine to assist on these calls.

These engine companies are the same ones that respond to all fires in the City. We do not have enough bodies available to separate firefighting assignments from medical assignments. We do not have enough vehicles to divide them into firefighting vehicles and medical vehicles.

2. Why do you cut holes in the roof when a house is on fire?

One of the keys to successfully extinguishing a fire inside a building is to ventilate. Ventilation is the process by which byproducts of the fire (heat, smoke, and gasses) are removed from the structure so an interior attack can be made. Only firefighters or those who have experienced a fire first-hand can appreciate the untenable conditions inside a burning building.

Despite simulated fires seen in the movies or on television, the reality is that firefighters enter smoke-filled structures virtually blind and highly vulnerable to high temperatures, which can soar past 1,000 degrees at the ceiling.

Even with all our protective gear on and our air packs, firefighters cannot survive long when exposed to such extreme temperatures. Therefore it is imperative that the worst of the smoke and heat be removed in order for firefighting operations to be done properly.

3. How can I find out if my ambulance claim has been submitted to my insurance company?

If we did not obtain your insurance information at the time of the ambulance call, we will send an insurance information form along with your first bill. If you want us to bill your insurance, please fill out, sign, and return the insurance information form. Including a copy of your insurance card (front and back) is optional, but suggested. If you do not have access to a copy machine, stop by our office at 312 East Fifth Street and we will be glad to make copies of your cards.

Depending on what insurance you have, we might be able to take your insurance information over the phone. We will bill your insurance company for you, but the bill still remains your responsibility until it is paid in full.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a job with the City of Muscatine?

Applications are available in three ways:

• Online – Download an application.
  
• In person – Pick up an application at Human Resources in City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street.
  
• By mail – Request an application by calling 563.264.1550.

2. How do I file a liability claim with the City?

Applications are available in three ways:

• Online – Download an application.
  
• In person – Pick up an application at City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street.
  
• By mail – Request an application by calling 563.264.1550.

3. How do I reach the Human Rights Commission?

City staff recommends direct contact with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission by calling 800.457.4416 or visiting their website. Iowa Civil Rights Commission

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Musser Public Library

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1. How can I obtain a library card?

You may become a registered borrower with the Musser Public Library by visiting the library, at 304 Iowa Avenue, and presenting appropriate identification with a current address. Visit the library's website for more details. Musser Public Library

2. Where is the library located?

The library is located on the northwest corner of Third Street and Iowa Avenue at 304 Iowa Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa.

3. Does the library offer free wireless internet access?

The library provides a free wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) connection inside the building that may be accessed during normal business hours. Visit the library's website for more details. Musser Public Library

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Parking Division

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1. How should I pay my parking ticket?

Convenient drop boxes are located throughout the downtown area. Payments can also be mailed to City Hall at:
215 Sycamore St.
Muscatine, IA 52761

You may also use our online payment system. Online Payments

2. Can a parking ticket be appealed?

To appeal a parking ticket, please complete the following form. Parking Ticket Appeal Form

3. What if a meter isn't working properly?

Please call the Parking Department at 563.264.1550 to let us know the meter number and the problem with the meter. Also, you can put your name and address and a description of the problem with the meter on the back of the white ticket and drop it in one our our convenient drop boxes located throughout the downtown area.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I reserve a park shelter?

You may make a shelter or building reservation with a credit card payment by calling 563.263.0241 or by visiting the the Parks and Recreation Department office in City Hall at 215 Sycamore Street.

2. How do I sign my child up for an activity or see what activities are available?

You may register for an activity by visiting the the Parks and Recreation Department office in City Hall at 215 Sycamore Street. To register online and view activity availability, visit the following website. Activity Registration and Facility Availability

3. How do I reserve a ball field or soccer field?

To reserve a ball field or a soccer field, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 563.263.0241.

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Police Department

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1. When should I dial 9-1-1 instead of the non-emergency number?

If you see activity that you feel is suspicious, please dial 9-1-1 as soon as possible, and explain the activity, the location, and the description of any persons or vehicles involved. You do not have to leave your name, however, it is helpful should the officer(s) have further questions.

If you have a law enforcement question or wish to report an incident that isn't happening at the time, we ask that you use the non-emergency number of (563) 263-9922.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?

To get a copy of a police or accident report. please contact the Records Division at 563.263.9922. General business hours for the Records Division are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

3. What are the juvenile curfew hours for Muscatine?

Curfew for juveniles 14 years of age and younger is at 9:30 pm. For juveniles ages 15 -17, curfew is at 11:00 pm. Curfew ends for all ages ends at 6:00 am.

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Public Housing - Clark House

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1. How long is the waiting list?

3 to 6 months

2. How old do you have to be to qualify for the Clark House?

50 years old or older

3. What is the maximum income limit for a family of 1?

$35,600 for a 1 bedroom unit.

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Public Housing - FSS

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1. What is the escrow account and how does it work?

• The escrow account is based on increases in your rent payment resulting from increases in your earned income during the terms of the contract. Basically, the difference between your old rent and the new rent is placed in an escrow account.
• Your escrow account will be placed in HUD approved investments.
• Once a year you will receive a statement indicating the value of your account.

2. What are a participant's responsibilities?

• Decide what you would like to accomplish during the next five years to reach economic independence and self-sufficiency. A good start is to identify what career goals you want to accomplish. The goals and the steps to you need to take to achieve those goals becomes a contract between you and the MMHA/HUD. Also consider it as a promise to yourself.
• Keep MMHA informed about the progress you are making with your contract. Examples of progress might be various training or classes you have taken, job interviews, counseling sessions, and attempts at new employment.
• Live in the MMHA jurisdiction in Section 8 housing at least 12 months from the start of your contract, unless you have been approved to move outside of the MMHA jurisdiction and your contract can be transferred to another housing authority.

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Public Housing - Hershey Manor

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1. How old do you have to be to qualify for Hershey Manor Senior Housing and how long is the waiting list?

a) 62 or older,
b) the waiting list on average takes anywhere from 30--90 days.

2. Are the utilities included in your rent?

Yes, you pay 30% of your adjusted income for rent with utilities included in that amount.

3. What are your income limits?

$22,250 for a 1 person household
$25,400 for a 2 person household

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Public Housing - Homeownership

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1. I’m not on Section 8, can I still qualify for the $2500 downpayment assistance?

Yes, if you are a first-time homebuyer, are buying a home in Muscatine County, complete the 8 hour class and your household’s annual income is below 80% or the area’s median income. (Contact Chad at 563-264-1554 to find out the current median income.)

2. I am on Section 8, how does the Homeownership Program help me?

If you complete the 8 hour class and meet other requirements instead of our voucher helping you with monthly rent, the voucher will help you pay your monthly mortgage on a house. (Contact Chad at 563-264-1554 to find out all requirements)

3. When are the classes and how do I sign up?

The classes are generally held on Saturday mornings from 8am to noon. We split the 8 hour course into 2 four hour classes. You must sign up before attending the class. To sign up, please call Chad at 563-264-1554.

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Public Housing - Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

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1. How do I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

Currently, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list is closed. No applications are being taken at this time.

2. When will the waiting list be opened again?

The waiting list will open approximately every 6 months. Opening Notices will be posted in the City Hall Public Housing Office, the Muscatine Journal and this website.

3. Where can I get more information?

Please call our office at 563-264-1554 and press 0 for the operator.

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Public Housing - Sunset Park

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1. How long is the waiting list?

Two bedroom waiting list is 24 months
Three bedroom waiting list is 18 months
Four bedroom waiting list is 12 months

2. How can I apply?

You can pick up an application from the Sunset Park Office or the Housing Dept. at City Hall.

3. What is the office address at Sunset Park?

2806 Bloomington Lane.

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Public Works - Building & Grounds

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1. What does the Public Works Buildings and Grounds Division do?

We provide maintenance for many City-owned buildings and grounds that include City Hall, the Public Safety Building, the South Fire Station, the library, the Art Center and Museum, the Public Works Building, and certain maintenance functions at the Municipal Airport.

2. How do I obtain a building permit?

The Community Development Department handles all building, electrical, plumbing, and other similar permits. For more details, please contact them at 563.262.4141.

3. How do I get on the Buildings and Grounds Division's bid list?

Currently we purchase the majority of supplies through the Bi-State Joint Purchasing Program.

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Public Works - Equipment Services

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1. What kinds of records are kept?

Equipment Services has maintains files for all City vehicles, including titles and records of repairs on all vehicles and equipment.

2. How are these records used?

Records on all vehicles and equipment are used to provide information to each department at budget time on replacement of vehicles and equipment.

3. How do you determine when to dispose of vehicles or equipment?

There is a formula we use to determine useful life of City equipment. This is also used and given to respective departments along with cost break-downs at budget time.

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Public Works - Roadway Maintenance - Snow & Ice Control

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1. Who do I contact with questions about snow removal?

Call the City Public Works Department at 563.263.8933 during normal business hours with questions or comments concerning snow removal.

2. When will the snow plows be in my area?

An orderly procedure has been established for snow removal. Plow operators follow the order. Rest assured they will be there as quickly as possible.

3. Can I park on posted snow emergency routes?

Yes, but only if parking is normally allowed on a snow route street. However, your vehicle must be removed when there is an emergency declared by the public works director or roadway maintenance supervisor. Snow emergency announcements will be on the local radio station and in the local newspaper.

4. When will my alley be plowed?

After the snow storm has stopped and all of the streets in Muscatine have been plowed back to the curb, the alleys will then be plowed.

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Public Works - Roadway Maintenance - Street Cleaning

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1. How often are the streets swept?

Streets with curb and gutter are swept twice per year.

2. Why is it that fall leaf pick-up starts so late?

It has been determined that by mid- to late-October, the majority of the leaves are falling. We like to take advantage of the frost, rain, and winds that we get during October. The frost will set the leaves, which in turn with rain and wind allows for the maximum amount of leaves to fall onto the ground.

3. Can I rake my leaves into the street?

The answer is no. Please do not rake your leaves out into the street. This will help prevent the leaves from washing into the catchbasins, which in turn could plug the sewers. Please rake them out before your scheduled day, and do not wait until you see us in the neighborhood. The leaf pick-up process moves very quickly and you won’t want to miss your pick-up days because you may end up with leaves in your yard all winter.

4. Is there leaf pickup in the spring?

There is a spring leaf pick-up scheduled each Friday in April. This is on an on-call basis only. Call Public Works at 563.263.8933 to schedule your spring leaf pick-up.

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Public Works - Roadway Maintenance - Traffic Control

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1. Who do I call to report a traffic problem?

If you are involved in an accident or it is an emergency situation, please dial 9-1-1. If this is not an emergency, please call the Police Department at 563.263.9922.

2. Why can’t we have a four-way stop installed to reduce accidents in my area?

Many people believe that installing stop signs on all approaches to an intersection will result in fewer accidents. This is not always the case. Although the accident severity may be lessened, such installations cause additional driver delay for those on the main street and higher vehicle operating costs caused by stopping additional vehicles. There is no real evidence to indicate that stop signs decrease the overall speed of traffic. Impatient drivers view the additional delay as caused by unwarranted stop signs, which breeds disrespect by motorists who tend to ignore them or slow down without stopping. This can sometimes lead to tragic consequences.

3. What is a speed hump and how do I get one installed on my street?

Speed humps are asphalt mounds placed on roadways for the purpose of slowing traffic. Speed humps are different than speed bumps, which are commonly seen in parking lots or on private streets.

To request a speed hump, please contact the Public Works Department at 563.263.8933.

4. Why are there no "Children at Play" signs located in Muscatine?

Installing these signs would set a precedent for placing signs where every child plays.

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Solid Waste Collection & Disposal

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1. What is the earliest or latest time that I can put out my trash for pick-up?

All waste must be placed out at the curb no earlier then 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled pick-up and no later then 5:00 am on the day of your scheduled pick-up.

2. What are the operating hours of the compost site?

The compost site is open from early spring until late fall, usually closing in mid-December (all depending on the weather). The site is open from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm, Sunday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays.

3. What are the hours of the Muscatine Recycling Center and Transfer Station?

The Muscatine Recycling Center and Transfer Station is open from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

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Water Pollution Control

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1. Can I dump my RV waste at the plant?

Yes. The City of Muscatine Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) allows recreational vehicles (camping trailers or motor homes) to dispose of all wastewater at the WPCP dump site. There is no fee associated with this privilege, but dumping of illegal substances, such as cooking oils, pesticides, herbicides, fluids from vehicles, or any other chemicals that could interfere with the plant operations or pass through the plant is prohibited.

To reach an operator from the dump site, use the phone located at the dump site to contact a plant operator. For more information call 563.263.2752.

2. Can I have my septic system discharge water tested at the plant?

The Muscatine Water Pollution Control Plant laboratory does provide certified IDNR required testing of septic discharges for home owners that have been issued a NPDES General Permit Number 4.

Testing parameters are for carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), total suspended solids (TSS) and E.Coli. All samples are required to be taken by a certified sampler. For information on certified samplers and testing requirements, contact the Muscatine County Environmental Health office at 563.263.0482.

For testing information contact Patti Fuller-Bloechl at 563.263.2752.

3. What are biosolids?

Biosolids are primarily organic materials produced during wastewater treatment that may be put to beneficial use because they contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are beneficial to crops. An example of such use is the addition of biosolids to soil to supply nutrients and replenish soil organic matter. This is known as land application.