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    CITY COUNCIL
      
     
    Osama Shihadeh
    At Large
     
    Dick O'Brien
    Mayor
     
    Robert Howard
    At Large
     
    Robert Bynum
    4
    th
    Ward
     
     
     
    Phil Fitzgerald
    1
    st
    Ward
     
    Bill Trent
    5th Ward
     
     
    2006 MEETING SCHEDULE
     
     
    Marie Press
    2
    nd
    Ward
     
    Scott Day
    3
    rd
    Ward
     
     
    (All meetings start at 7:00 PM
    unless voted upon by Council.)
     
     
    Fran Donelson
    Administrative Secretary
     
    Harvey Allbee, Jr.
    City Attorney
     
     
     
    Regular Meetings In­depth Meetings
     
     
    A.J. Johnson
    City Administrator
    January 5 & 19 July 6 & 20 January 12 July 13
    February 2 & 16 August 3 & 17
    February 9 (None in August)
    March 2 & 16 September 7 & 21 March 9 September 14
    April 6 & 20 October 5 & 19 April 13 October 12
    May 4 & 18 November 2 & 16 May 11 November 9
    June 1 & 15 December 7 & 21 June 8 December 14
      
     
     
     
    AGENDA
     
    THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2006
    COUNCIL CHAMBERS ­ CITY HALL
     
     
     
    1.
     
    CALL TO ORDER
     
    2. ROLL CALL
     
     
    3. OPENING PRAYER
     
     
    4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
     
     
    5. COMMUNICATIONS – CITIZENS
     
     
    A. Swearing in of Police Officer Jody Christopher Andronaco
     
    At this time Police Officer Jody Christopher Andronaco will be sworn in.
     
    6. MINUTES ­ APPROVAL
     
     
    A.
     
    Regular City Council Meeting – May 18, 2006
     

     
     
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    7. CONSENT AGENDA
     
    The following items are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one
    motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or citizen
    so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in
    its normal sequence from the Agenda.
     
    * 9 – A­E
    * 13 – A­G
    * Bills*
     
    * Approval of attached Bills for Approval totaling $760,148.03, as well as receipt summaries for
    April 2006, is subject to the approval of any related agenda item(s).
     
    8.
     
    PUBLIC HEARING
     
     
    A.
     
    Proposed Muscatine PCC Bonded Inlay and Patching Project for 2006
     
    Previously a public hearing was scheduled to receive public comment on the proposed
    Muscatine PCC Bonded Inlay and Patching Project for 2006. In conjunction with the E. 5
    th
     
    Street Bridge Project, it is proposed that the city proceed with a bonded inlay and patching
    project from the bridge up E. 5
    th
    Street to Park Avenue. This project involves the removal of
    the center portion of the roadway and replacing it concrete. There was $100,000 budgeted for
    this project. Prior to any formal action being taken by Council, a public hearing is required.
     
    Now is the time for the public to comment on the proposed Muscatine PCC Bonded Inlay
    and Patching Project for E. 5
    th
    Street.
     
    9.
    PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
     
     
    A.
     
    Request on second reading for a new Class BW Beer/Wine Permit with Outdoor Services for
    Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant, 3901 North Highway 38 – Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant LLC
     
    B.
     
    Request for renewal of a Class LA Liquor License for Veterans of Foreign Wars Club Inc.,
    421 Mulberry Avenue
     
    C.
     
    Request for renewal of a Class LC Liquor License for Jody’s, 226 Walnut Street – Jody’s
    Corner Tap Inc.
     
    D.
     
    Request for renewal of a Class LE Liquor License for Wal­Mart Supercenter #559, 3003
    North Highway 61 – Wal­Mart Store’s Inc.
     

     
     
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    E.
     
    Request for renewal of a Class BC Beer and Sunday Sales Permit for Scott’s Outdoors, 1907
    Stewart Road – General Outdoors Inc.
     
    F.
     
    Request to Close 400 Block of E. 3
    rd
    Street
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a request to close the 400 block of E. 3
    rd
    Street.
    The city has received a request from Gary Boche of Boche Plumbing and Heating to close
    the 400 block of E. 3
    rd
    Street from June 19­23, 2006. The request is in conjunction with the
    installation of a water main from the north side of the street too the south side of the street
    and into the building located at 414 E. 3
    rd
    Street.
     
    At this time City Council could consider the request from Boche Plumbing and Heating for
    the closure of the 400 block of E. 3
    rd
    Street from June 19­23, 2006.
     
    10.
    FROM THE MAYOR
     
    11. FROM THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
     
     
    12. FROM THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR
     
     
    A.
     
    Final Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Sign Regulations in the City of Muscatine
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is the final reading of an ordinance amending the
    sign regulations in the City of Muscatine. The proposed changes pertain to electronic
    message centers (EMC’s) and would include a definition of these signs and the appropriate
    placement of those signs in the various zoning districts within the City of Muscatine. Finally,
    the terms and conditions for the use of these signs within the districts would also be outlined
    in the proposed changes.
     
    At this time City Council could take action on the third and final reading of an ordinance to
    amend the sign regulations in the City of Muscatine and direct for its publication.
     
    B.
     
    Second Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the Code of Ordinances and Supplement of the
    City of Muscatine
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is the second reading of an ordinance adopting the
    Code of Ordinances and Supplement of the City of Muscatine. Recently the update of the
    city ordinances and appropriate supplement was completed. Pursuant to Iowa Code Section
    380.8, the city does need to adopt the City Code of Muscatine and Supplement #6 to include
    ordinances and amendments adopted by City Council on or prior to December 31, 2005.
     
    At this time City Council could take action on the second reading of an ordinance adopting
    the Code of Ordinances and Supplement #6 of the City of Muscatine.
     
    C.
     
    Resolution Approving Specifications, Form of Contract, Cost Estimate and Setting Date for

     
     
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    Receipt of Bids for the Muscatine P.C.C. Bonded Inlay and Patching Project 2006
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution approving the specifications, form
    of contract, cost estimate and setting the date for the receipt of bids for the Muscatine PCC
    Bonded Inlay and Patching Project for 2006. Previously a public hearing was held to receive
    public comment on the proposed project that involves the removal of the center portion of the
    road on E. 5
    th
    Street from the E. 5
    th
    Street Bridge to Park Avenue and replacing it with
    concrete. The project is estimated at $100,000.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution approving the specifications, form
    of contract, cost estimate and setting the date for the receipt of bids for the Muscatine PCC
    Bonded Inlay and Patching Project for 2006.
     
    D.
     
    Resolution Approving Contract and Bond for the Municipal Airport Project Known as
    Rehabilitation of Runway 6/24
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution approving the contract and bond
    for the Municipal Airport Project known as Rehabilitation of Runway 6/24. Previously City
    Council had taken action to accept the bid from Illowa Investment Inc. in the amount of
    $33,920 for this project. The appropriate contract and bond have been submitted for city
    staff’s review and have been forwarded on for Council’s action at this time.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution approving the contract and bond
    from Illowa Investment Inc. in the amount of $33,920 for the Municipal Airport Project
    known as Rehabilitation of Runway 6/24.
     
    E.
     
    Resolution Approving Assessment of Unpaid Nuisance Abatement Costs
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution approving the assessment of unpaid
    nuisance abatement costs. Periodically city staff forwards on for Council consideration
    assessment requests for unpaid abatement costs to private property owners. At this time there
    are five properties totaling $1,494.67 that are being forwarded for Council’s consideration
    and formal action.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution approving the assessment of unpaid
    abatement costs to private properties.
     
    F.
     
    Resolution Authorizing the Building Official to Proceed with Specified Work on Premises
    Located at 1111 Nebraska Street
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution authorizing the building official to
    proceed with specified work on premises located at 1111 Nebraska Street. City staff began
    working to address problems at this property beginning June 9, 2005 and ending May 15,
    2006. A variety of postings and cleanup orders had been issued on this property. Unpaid
    statements totaling $964.95 have been assessed to the property taxes for 2005 as well. The
    last posting on the property dated May 15, 2006 pertains to the request for City Council to

     
     
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    take action to demolish the property. The current property owner of record has failed to make
    significant improvements that were required and/or to make any recent contact with the city
    in regard to these matters.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution authorizing the building official to
    proceed with specified work on the premises located at 1111 Nebraska Street.
     
    G.
     
    Resolution Authorizing Building Official to Proceed with Specified Work on Premises
    Located at 2203 Lucas Street
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution authorizing the building official to
    proceed with specified work on the premises located at 2203 Lucas Street. City staff has been
    working on this property since March 2005 through May 23, 2006. At this time staff’s
    recommendation is to proceed with activities that will lead to the demolition of this property.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution authorizing the building official to
    proceed with specified work on the premises located at 2203 Lucas Street.
     
    H.
     
    Resolution Adopting VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Program
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution adopting the VantageCare
    Retirement Health Savings Program. Approximately six years ago, the city implemented a
    program called the Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP). This program included a
    contribution by the city each year and upon retirement a payment of accrued six leave (40%)
    into an account set up for each employee. Employees may access this money, tax free, in
    order to pay for medical expenses upon retirement or termination. This program was offered
    to us through Nationwide Retirement Services. Recently city staff investigated an alternative
    program offered by the ICMA Retirement Corporation that offers a very similar plan. There
    are enhancements that attracted us to this program. After a thorough review of the program
    offered by the ICMA Retirement Corporation, city staff is requesting that City Council
    authorize the change of program providers. There will be no additional impact financially by
    the City of Muscatine.
     
    At this time City Council could take action by resolution for the adoption of the VantageCare
    Retirement Health Savings Program.
     
    I.
     
    Resolution Approving Write Off of Debts of Certain Former Public Housing Tenants
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a resolution requesting the write off of debts of
    former housing tenants. Annually the city takes action to write off the debt of former tenants
    of the Muscatine public housing operation. Up until this time, every attempt has been made
    to collect outstanding debt from these individuals. This action covers both Sunset Park and
    the Clark House. There are 11 individuals at both locations involved for a total of $7,674.30.
    In accordance with guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban
    Development, it is necessary for the Housing Agency to take action to write off this debt as
    uncollectible once every reasonable attempt has been made to collect the outstanding debt.

     
     
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    At this time City Council could take action by resolution to write off debts of certain former
    public housing tenants.
     
    J.
     
    Request Approval to Write Off Uncollected Parking Tickets for 2003 and 2004
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a request to approve the write off of uncollected
    parking tickets for 2003 for and 2004. Periodically the city reviews its uncollectible fines in
    the parking department to make recommendations for writing off of those uncollectible
    debts. Overall, the city has over an 80% collection rate for outstanding parking violations.
    However, there are individuals who choose not to pay their tickets and the normal means of
    collection are unsuccessful in securing these outstanding debts. Many of the unpaid tickets
    are for vehicles with only one $3 or $5 ticket outstanding. For 2003, uncollectible tickets
    were $3,517 totaling $19,935.56. For 2004, uncollectible tickets were 2,525 totaling
    $14,367.70.
     
    At this time City Council could take action to approve the writing off of parking tickets for
    2003 and 2004.
     
    K.
     
    Request Approval of Low Bid for Purchase of Dump Body
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a request to approve the low bid for the
    purchase of a dump body. The City of Muscatine received two bids for a dump body for a
    tandem axle truck with the lowest responsible bid being submitted by Henderson Truck
    Equipment of Manchester, Iowa, in the amount of $18,648. This was over the budgeted
    amount of $15,000 by $3,648. The increase in the bid price is due to the price of steel and
    transportation costs.
     
    At this time City Council could take action to approve the request for the purchase of a dump
    body for a tandem axle truck from Henderson Truck Equipment of Manchester, Iowa, in the
    amount of $18,648.
     
    L.
     
    Request Approval of Amendment to the Greenwood Cemetery Business Office Operations
    Agreement
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a request to approve the amendment to the
    Greenwood Cemetery Business Office Operations Agreement. The city has received a
    request from the Peter Troost Monument Company to extend the current agreement for the
    Greenwood Cemetery business operations for an additional two years. There will be no other
    changes in the agreement’s terms and conditions. The current service provider is paid $600
    per month. City staff recommends the extension of this agreement.

     
     
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    At this time City Council could take action to approve the amendment to the Greenwood
    Cemetery business office operations agreement.
     
    M.
     
    Request Approval of Amendment to the Retail Sales and Service Agreement and Lease for
    Greenwood Cemetery
     
    Presented for City Council’s consideration is a request to approve the amendment to the
    retail sales and service agreement and lease for Greenwood Cemetery. Previously the City
    Council took action to approve an extension of the Greenwood Cemetery business operations
    agreement. This companion agreement would pertain to the retail sales and service
    agreement and lease for the Greenwood Cemetery operation. The requested change is to
    extend the current agreement by two years. The City of Muscatine receives a commission of
    approximately $1,200 from services and goods provided through this contract agreement.
     
    At this time City Council could take action to approve the amendment to the retail sales and
    service agreement and lease for Greenwood Cemetery.
     
    13.
     
    COMMUNICATIONS ­ RECEIVE AND FILE
     
     
    A.
     
    Muscatine County Board of Supervisors – May 8 & 15, 2006
    B.
     
    Senior Resources – April 25, 2006
    C.
     
    Airport Advisory Commission – February 27, 2006
    D.
     
    Library Board of Trustees – April 19, 2006
    E.
     
    Police Department Monthly Report – April 2006
    F.
     
    NFPA Fire Survey – April 2006
    G.
     
    City of Muscatine Financial Reports – April 2006
     
    14. APPROVAL OF BILLS
     
     
    It is recommended bills totaling $760,148.03, as well as receipt summaries for April 2006, be
    approved and that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to issue warrants for the
    same. It should be noted that this listing is subject to the approval of any related agenda item(s).
     
    15. COMMUNICATIONS ­ COUNCIL MEMBERS
     
     
    16.
    OTHER BUSINESS
     
    17. ADJOURNMENT
     

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