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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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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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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. Permits are required for most electrical and plumbing work.

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

A building permit is required. 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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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

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

Visit the City of Muscatine CAREER CENTER to find:

• A list of current open positions
• How to complete the online application process
• How to sign up for email notification of employment opportunities.

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

4. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) FAQ

There is an expanding global outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease the virus causes has been named COVID-19. While most COVID-19 cases are associated with travel to or from China, person-to-person spread is now being reported in other places, including Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. For the general public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low.

Q: What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

A: 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The virus has now been detected in multiple locations internationally, including in the United States.

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: Many of the initial patients in the outbreak had a link to a large seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, China, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, the virus is now being spread person-to-person. Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet), mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Q: Is COVID-19 the same as other coronaviruses?

A: It is important to understand that there are seven different coronaviruses known to infect humans. Four of the seven coronaviruses are very common, cause milder symptoms (similar to the common cold), and most people will be infected with at least one of these in their lifetime. The other three of the seven coronaviruses are rare and can cause more severe illness; these include the COVID-19.

Q: What is the risk of the COVID-19 to Iowans? Are certain groups of people more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than others?

A: Currently, the risk for COVID-19 is associated with recent travel to China or Iran, not race or country of origin. Overall, the COVID-19 risk to Iowans remains low at this time.

Q: What can employers do to reduce the risk of spread of respiratory illness within the workplace?

A: CDC recommends the following as best practices for reducing the spread of illness in the workplace:

• ● Actively encourage sick employees to stay home:
• Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).
• Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and consistent with public health guidance, and that employees are aware of these policies.
• Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive leave policies.
• Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work.
• Employers should maintain flexible policies that permit employees to stay home to care for a sick family member.
• Separate sick employees;
• CDC recommends that employees who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e., cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival to work or become sick during the day should be separated from other employees and be sent home immediately. Sick employees should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).

● Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees:

• Place posters that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your workplace and in other workplace areas where they are likely to be seen.
• Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
• Instruct employees to clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol, or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Provide soap and water and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace. Ensure that adequate supplies are maintained. Place hand rubs in multiple locations or in conference rooms to encourage hand hygiene.
• Perform routine environmental cleaning:
• Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, counter tops and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label.
• Provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.

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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 408 East 2nd Street, 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 at 408 East 2nd Street 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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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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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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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 17 years of age and younger is at 12:00 a.m. Curfew ends for ends at 5:00 a.m.

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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?

$36,600 for a 1 bedroom unit.

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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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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?

$22,200 for a 1 person household
$25,350 for a 2 person household

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

To apply for Housing assistance, click here https://www.waitlistcheck.com/IA995 and complete an online application.

2. When will the waiting list be opened again?

The waiting list is currently open and is anticipated to remain open.

3. Where can I get more information?

If you require additional information, please call our office at 563-264-1554.

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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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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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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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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?

Please contact the Public Works Department at 263-8933 in March to find out if there will be a Spring Leaf Pickup and if there is a pickup, what days it will be.

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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. 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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1. What is Muscatine Connect by SeeClickFix?

It is a tool for letting the City know what you think should be fixed. You can take and upload pictures of the problem you see. Requests are located using a point on a map. The City can respond to you or ask additional questions.

2. What can I expect from using this system?

Muscatine Connect, powered by SeeClickFix, is an easy way for residents to report concerns directly to the City and have department staff follow up to resolve the issues. Please use a detailed address, description, and photo (if possible) to give as much information to City staff so they can investigate and determine the best way to address your concerns. You are encouraged to enter your email address on reports in order to get automated updates on the status of your issue as City staff work to resolve it. This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, etc. that can be assigned to staff and addressed in a timely manner. Issues requiring immediate attention or those dealing with public safety should be reported directly to the police at 563-2639-9922 as this system is not monitored 24/7.

3. What problems or issues does Muscatine Connect solve and how does it benefit Citizens?

Muscatine Connect by SeeClickFix is an additional resource for community members to report infrastructure issues. Using the app is an efficient way to raise awareness within the City without having to make a phone call. The app streamlines the process of submitting a photo, description of the issue and location; also, Muscatine Connect allows you to track the status of reported issues.

4. How does Muscatine Connect differ from other options available to report issues?

• Requests are placed on a map
• Public requests will remain on the map for anyone to review and share
• There is a mobile app
• Photos can be taken directly from mobile devices and uploaded

5. What should I NOT use this system for?

Issues threatening public safety or things needing immediate attention (like downed wires, tree limbs, or needles), should be reported directly to the Muscatine Police Non-Emergency Line at 563-263-9922. Things that require long-term planning, a larger discussion, a community process, or involve multiple departments or non-City entities should be directed to the appropriate department by phone call or email as these issues are not easily "fixable" in the same way a pothole, streetlight, etc. are.

6. What types of things should I report using this system?

This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, etc. that can be assigned to staff and addressed in a timely manner. Start a report with the address of the issue and you will then see a drop-down menu with all of the possible categories of issues you can report using this system.  Issues threatening public safety or requiring immediate attention should always be reported directly to the Muscatine Police Non-Emergency Line at 563-263-9922.

7. Will I receive updates on my request?

You will automatically receive updates on your request if you create a free Muscatine Connect by SeeClickFix account.

8. What if I submitted a request but have not received a response?

The City receives many requests per day, and departments do their best to respond in a timely manner.  If you submitted a request and it hasn't been resolved , please be patient as staff is processing requests in the order that they come in.

9. Is there a cost to users?

There is no cost to the user to use Muscatine Connect by SeeClickFix. The app is free for download and the browser version is also free.

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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 8:00 am to Noon on Saturdays.

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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.