Muscatine City Council Meeting Summary
June 23, 2026 — Regular City Council Meeting
Meeting Overview
The Muscatine City Council held its regular meeting on June 23, 2026. The meeting included recognitions, citizen communications, board and commission appointments, consent agenda actions, public hearings, resolutions, project and service agreements, council discussion, and a closed session regarding legal matters.
The meeting began with an invocation, roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. All seven council members were present.
Recognition of Cohen Chick and Gunner Skidmore
Mayor Bark recognized Cohen Chick and Gunner Skidmore for their actions in assisting an elderly woman who had fallen in a rural area between North Fort and Fruitland.
According to the recognition presented during the meeting:
- The two young men heard someone calling for help while riding bicycles on June 9, 2026.
- They investigated and found an elderly woman who had been outside for more than 16 hours after falling.
- The woman did not have a phone, water, or a way to request assistance.
- Cohen and Gunner stayed with her, provided water, helped ensure she received medication, and contacted their parents so emergency services could respond.
City officials recognized their actions as an example of neighbors helping neighbors and young people stepping forward to help others.
The mayor thanked the young men, their families, emergency personnel, and the community members involved.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council considered appointments recommended through the nominating committee.
Approved appointments included:
- Council member Don Lampy
- Council member Peggy Gordon
- Public Art — reappointment of Jesse Garcia
- Library Board of Trustees — appointment of Allison Fry
- Administrative Review for Parking Appeals — appointment of Chris Jasper
- Airport Advisory Commission — appointment of Stephen Bradford
The council approved the appointments unanimously.
A Historic Preservation appointment was discussed and later added to the consent agenda.
Agenda Approval
The council approved the meeting agenda as presented.
Communications With Citizens
East Second Street Building Concerns
A community member addressed the council regarding issues involving downtown properties on East Second Street.
Concerns raised included:
- Communication with property owners and tenants regarding building issues.
- The timing and method of notices provided.
- Concerns about contractor actions during building demolition activities.
- The need for improved communication and coordination during emergency situations involving properties and residents.
City representatives discussed continued communication efforts, including working with involved parties and improving public information processes.
Council members acknowledged the difficulty of balancing safety concerns, immediate community needs, and future planning.
Consent Agenda
The council approved the consent agenda, including items 10A, 11A–B, 12A–C, 13A–B, and 14A.
The consent agenda included bills totaling:
The council also added Kristen Baker for Historic Preservation to the consent agenda.
Council member Osborne recused himself from the vote involving Creations by Oz due to a conflict of interest.
The consent agenda was approved.
Public Hearing and Resolutions
Clark House Rooftop Lease Agreement
The council held a public hearing regarding a rooftop lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS LLC for communications equipment space on the Clark House.
Following the hearing, the council approved the related resolution.
Public Hearing for City Code Amendments
The council approved a resolution setting a public hearing regarding amendments to Title 13, Chapter 6 of the city code.
The amendments concern:
- Prohibited discharge standards
- Specific pollutant limitations
Approved Projects, Agreements, and Requests
Muscatine Municipal Airport Taxi Lane Construction
The council approved acceptance of completed work for the taxi lane construction project at the Muscatine Municipal Airport.
The resolution authorized final payments to H.R. Construction Inc. totaling:
West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6E
The council approved the purchase of easements related to West Hill Sewer Separation Phase 6E construction.
Amount approved:
Environmental Services Agreement
The council approved a three-year agreement with Stearns Conrad and Schmidt Consulting DBA SCS Engineers for annual environmental and on-call services at the Muscatine County Sanitary Landfill.
Police Field Training Services Agreement
The council approved an agreement between the City of West Liberty and the City of Muscatine for police field training services.
Grain Processing Corporation Property Lease
The council approved an agreement between Grain Processing Corporation and the City of Muscatine regarding lease of property for a training facility.
Landfill Airspace Analysis
The council approved a proposal from SCS Engineers for the 2026 airspace analysis service at the Muscatine County Sanitary Landfill.
Amount approved:
Iowa DOT Primary Road Maintenance Agreement
The council approved an agreement for maintenance and repair of primary roads within municipalities, including a supplemental agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation.
New Ambulance Purchase
The council approved issuing a purchase order to F & F Fire for the purchase of a new ambulance.
Amount approved:
During discussion, council members asked about:
- Expected delivery timing.
- The city’s ambulance replacement schedule.
- How often ambulance replacements occur.
Staff explained:
- The expected lead time was approximately 14 months.
- The city operates six ambulances.
- The department is transitioning from van-style ambulances to truck-style ambulances.
- The transition is intended to support longer vehicle lifespans.
- Future replacement timing will depend on mileage and vehicle condition.
The purchase was approved.
Council Discussion and Updates
Community Response and Recent Events
Council members discussed the recent East Second Street situation and acknowledged the challenges involving safety, communication, and community impacts.
Comments included:
- Appreciation for residents who attended and shared concerns.
- Recognition that council members must follow meeting protocols during public comment.
- Acknowledgment that no one was injured during the recent incident.
- Discussion of the need to determine next steps and improve future responses.
Fourth of July Event
Council members discussed the upcoming Fourth of July celebration.
Updates included:
- The event route has been moved from Second Street to Third Street.
- Council members expressed hope that the event would provide an opportunity for the community to come together.
Council members reminded residents to be cautious around motorcycles following recent serious motorcycle accidents in the region.
Closed Session
The council voted to enter closed session under Iowa Code provisions related to:
- Discussion of strategy regarding matters in litigation or where litigation may be imminent.
- Attorney-client privileged matters.
The council indicated possible action could follow the closed session in open meeting.
