MUSCATINE, Iowa — For the second consecutive week, the Muscatine City Council will hold two meetings Tuesday, beginning with an in-depth session at 5:30 p.m., followed by a budget session at approximately 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall.

The budget session will include discussions on ongoing and future capital projects, the debt service fund, the road use tax fund, tax increment financing and related funds, and local option sales tax revenues.

During the in-depth session, the council will discuss potential updates to City Code regarding the use of electric bicycles and similar devices, consider the creation of a flat fee for roofing and siding permits, and receive an update on the Carver Corner project.

Assistant Community Development Director Andrew Fangman will lead the discussion on electric bicycles and scooters, which have grown in popularity in Muscatine. Current City Code prohibits these devices from being used on trails and sidewalks. City staff have reviewed state code and ordinances from other municipalities and determined that many low-powered electric devices have similar weights and operating speeds as traditional bicycles. 

As a result, staff recommends amending City Code to allow their use in the same locations where bicycles are currently permitted.

Fangman will also discuss the potential adoption of a flat fee for roofing and siding permits. Muscatine currently calculates permit and plan review fees using a construction project valuation process that includes labor, materials and equipment costs. City staff noted this approach creates an inequity for roofing and siding projects, which require minimal administrative oversight regardless of total project cost. 

Several peer communities have adopted flat fees to better align permit costs with staff workload.

City Engineer Kevin Coon will conclude the session with an update on Carver Corner, the final segment of the Mississippi Drive–Grandview Avenue Corridor Project, which began in 2017.

Public Participation Encouraged

All City Council meetings are open to the public, providing residents the opportunity to observe and participate in local government decision-making.

Residents may attend in person at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore St., or watch the meeting live on Civic-TV (MPW Channel 2) or the City of Muscatine YouTube channel.

Meeting agendas and supporting documents are posted at least 24 hours in advance on the city’s website under Agenda & Minutes.

Individuals requiring accommodations should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 563-264-1550 at least 24 hours before the meeting.

For more information or to view the full agenda, visit muscatineiowa.gov.