Muscatine City Administrator

Text you Blue Zones Support!

2011-12-21T11:05:00.001-06:00

TextYour Pledge and Help MakeMuscatine a Blue Zone Community!

Muscatine'sfull application to become a Blue Zone Community will be submitted on January 4th. In thenext few weeks we'll find out if Muscatine is one of the finalists which willhave a site visit. It's not too late to pledge for Muscatine!

Thepath to becoming a Blue Zone Community is a journey that will reap rewards ofhealthier and more vibrant families, closely connected communities, and aneffective and productive workforce. Muscatine is ready.

Topledge via text follow these simple instructions:

1.Text"BZP" to 772937.

2.Youwill receive a message asking for your email address. Respond and hitsend.

3.Youwill receive a second message asking for your first and last name. Respond and hit send.

4.Youwill receive a third message asking for your zip code. Respond and hitsend.

5.Youwill receive a final message confirming your response.

More information is available at bluezonesproject.com!

Thank you! We are now one step closer tobecoming a Blue Zone Community.

Blue Zones: Support Muscatine!

2011-12-05T10:25:00.001-06:00

We are asking for your support to pledge for Muscatine to become a Blue Zones Community, a place where people live longer and happier lives!

Pledges can be completed by signing up at http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup or by texting "BZP" to 772937.

After kicking off the Healthiest State Initiative on October 7th with the Start Somewhere Walk and submitting a Blue Zones Statement of Interest, the Muscatine community was selected to complete the full application to become a Blue Zones Community.

Blue Zones Communities will be selected based, in part, on the number of people that sign up on the website. If you are a Muscatine area resident and/or wish to help the Muscatine area qualify as a Blue Zones Community, please visit the above website and make your voluntary pledge for our community.

Pledge today to endorse Muscatine as a Blue Zones Community!

Council Adopts Goals for 2012

2011-11-03T15:22:00.000-05:00

The City Council adopted annual goals for 2012 at its October 20th, 2011, City Council meeting.
The following link will take you to a copy of the goals as adopted:

http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/index.aspx?NID=595

These goals will be used in the development of the budget for next fiscal year. I hope you have the opportunity to review this years goals and as always, your feedback is appreciated!

Gregg Mandsager,

City Administrator

Weed Park to Wild Cat Den Trail Ribbon Cutting!

2011-10-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

A photo from today's ribbon cutting for the Weed Park to Wild Cat Den Trail! What a great addition to the Muscatine trail system. Thanks to all those that contributed to the success of this project!

2011-10-27T13:03:00.003-05:00

Mississippi Drive Corridor Project

Please check out the project fly through for the Mississippi Drive Corridor Project:

http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/index.aspx?NID=589

Additional resources will be available soon under the Community Development webpage.

Question: City Administrator Coffee Hour?

2011-08-31T11:28:00.000-05:00

Please let me know what you think of having the City Administrator host a quarterly coffee hour at City Hall or around town. This would be an opportunity for folks to learn more about the City - what is it that the City does, how does the budget process work, etc. There would be opportunities for short presentations on specific topics, opportunities to ask questions about the City or to get into serious discussions about the levels of service the City provides. I see the opportunity for this to take a number of different tracks. So if you would, please let me know if you think this is a good idea and if so, what topics you would be interested in learning more about.

Employee of the Week...We'd like to introduce you to Fran!

2011-08-31T11:01:00.000-05:00

Fran started work with the City of Muscatine in 1984 as the Finance Secretary/City Clerk Aid. In 1986 Fran left to return to school, but returned to the same position in 1989.

Fran has been in her current position of Administrative Secretary since April 1996. In her position, Fran assists in the day-to-day operations of the City Administrator’s office and also serves as the Mayor’s secretary. Fran is responsible for preparing and distributing the City Council agenda as well as attending the City Council meetings and transcribing the minutes. Fran maintains the public documents stemming from the City Council meetings and other City business. Fran also maintains the displays at City Hall containing the gifts the city has received from its various Sister Cities.

Another key duty for Fran is assisting in the maintenance or upkeep of the city’s website which includes posting the City Council agenda and all necessary documents. Fran has recently been contributing to the City's Facebook page as well. The web site and its many features have been a great success and in large part that is due to Fran's efforts!

Fran has been a pleasure to work with this past (nearly) 2 years! She is a great asset to the City (and me) and responsible for keeping things running so smoothly!

Stop by and say hello to Fran when you are at City Hall or say hello online and check out our Facebook page!

City Goals

2011-08-05T09:11:00.000-05:00

As we enter September and October, City Staff and the City Council will begin to discuss goals for the next fiscal year. It is always important to hear from our residents and business community.

I would encourage you to post to the blog or email me (cityadministrator@muscatineiowa.gov) with your thoughts and priorities for the City of Muscatine. What should we as an organization and community be focusing on this next fiscal year. Please submit your comments!

Other opportunities with be forth coming to participate and make a difference in your community...comprehensive planning, the budget process, zoning update, etc. Please check back for more information, dates and opportunities to participate!

As always, feel free to stop by City Hall, call or email anytime with your comments and suggestions!

Pool Passes

2011-08-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

We still have pool passes...not all of our winners from our previous contest have picked up their pool passes!!!

Please stop by City Hall and catch Fran or Gregg to receive your ticket. You may also email the City Administrator at city administrator@muscatineiowa.gov with your contact info to have your pool pass mailed.

Thanks for participating!!!

Employee of the Week...We'd like to introduce you to Stephanie!

2011-08-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

Stephanie Oien started with the City of Muscatine on May 14, 2007. Stephanie's duties include developing and scheduling various building, health, rental, and nuisance inspection activities as well as managing the revenues from various permits, rental inspections, and nuisance bills. Stephanie also serves as the Community Development Office secretary and greets the public, takes telephone calls, and distributes correspondences. Another important part of Stephanie's work includes coordinating the filing, storage, retrieval of all permits, inspections, and inspection schedules. In addition to these duties, Stephanie is responsible for taking and preparing minutes for boards associated with the Community Development Office, including the Planning and Zoning Commission.

We certainly appreciate all of Stephanie's hard work and dedication to the City!

Please say hello to Stephanie next time you are in City Hall!

Annexation

2011-07-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

Coming soon...City staff will be creating a webpage for information sharing regarding annexation.
We intend to place all data that we create/distribute on the site as well as post answers to annexation questions that we receive in writing or via email. Please check out the site and feel free to submit your questions and comments.

When submitting questions, please include your name, address, and either an email or phone number. Contact information will not be posted on the web.

Thanks!
Gregg Mandsager, City Adminsitrator
cityadministrator@muscatineiowa.gov

Employee of the Week...We'd like to introduce you to Lorrie!

2011-07-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

Lorrie Fry is our Finance Secretary/Parking Coordinator. Lorrie has been with the City of Muscatine for 15 years as of July 1st! (Congratulations, Lorrie!!!) You will often times find Lorrie at the counter in the Finance Office. In her position, Lorrie is responsible for such things as parking, pet licensing, bus passes/tickets, and health licensing! Next time you are in the Finance Office, please say hello to Lorrie!

CONTEST! Follow the City Administrator's Blog to Win!

2011-07-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

First ten (10) individuals to sign up to "follow" the City Administrator's Blog online will win a pool pass good for entrance to the Aquatic Center through the end of the season! You can find the blog at www.muscatineiowa.gov under the City Administrator's page or you may use the following link: http://muscatinecityadministrator.blogspot.com/.

Contest begins immediately and will end Tuesday, July 5th at 8am!

Join up and learn more about the City of Muscatine!

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

Employee of the Week...We'd like to introduce you to Stephanie!

2011-06-30T14:22:00.002-05:00

This week we'd like to introduce you to Stephanie Romagnoli, HR Manager for the City of Muscatine. As of August 2011, Stephanie will have been with the City of Muscatine for 15 years. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the human resource and risk management functions for the City of Muscatine. This department is responsible for maintaining uniform policies regarding: hiring, labor contracts, risk management, training, other personnel guidelines and implementing of the civil service process.

The Human Resources Department's website can be found at www.muscatineiowa.gov under "departments" or you may go directly to the site using the following link: http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/index.aspx?nid=18.

Say hi to Stephanie next time you visit City Hall!

FY 2011-12 Budget Available Online

2011-06-29T17:02:00.000-05:00

The City's FY 2011-12 Budget can now be found online at www.muscatineiowa.gov under the "government" section or at the following address: http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/index.aspx?NID=123. The budget can be reviewed section by section or you may download a copy of the entire budget.

The budget message contains a good summary of the budget and those items affecting city finances. The budget message can be found using the above link or directly with the following link: http://www.muscatineiowa.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1306.

Please feel free to contact the City Administrator or Finance Office with questions or comments.

Thanks,
Gregg Mandsager, City Administrator

You Tube!

2011-06-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

Check out the City's You Tube Channel at the following address:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CityofMuscatine

All departments will have access to You Tube for informational videos and more. At present, we will have City Council meetings available for viewing. We are still ironing out at few issues, but are anxious to make use of this great tool.

Enjoy and as always, your feedback is appreciated!

Blog...is up and running

2011-06-24T10:13:00.000-05:00

The City Administrator's Blog is up and running. We will be utilizing blogger as the official blog tool. The address is http://muscatinecityadministrator.blogspot.com/, but links our available on the City's website at www.muscatineiowa.gov as well.

I would also like to encourage everyone to check out the City's new website and Facebook page. The website has tons of new information and great new notification tools (email and text/sms)! Please take the time to "like" our Facebook page. Keep an eye out for upcoming contests!

Again, the City's website address is www.muscatineiowa.gov and the link to the Facebook page can be on the website or you may use the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Muscatine-Iowa/128660153862305

Thanks and as always, we welcome your feedback and constructive criticism. Please let us know what information you would like to see both here and on our Facebook page!

Thanks,
Gregg

2010 Budget

2010-02-22T13:52:00.002-06:00

Just a reminder that the City Council will be holding a public hearing at 7:00 PM on March 11th, 2010, to set the City's budget for FY 2010/11. This is the public's opportunity to comment on all or a portion of the City's budget. The budget is the City's major policy document as it outlines activites for next fiscal year.

Final discussions will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 5:30 PM in the Lower Level of City Hall.

Please feel free to submit questions or comments via this site or to cityadministrator@ci.muscatine.ia.us.

City Council Goals for 2010: DRAFT

2010-02-22T13:38:00.000-06:00

The City Council will be adopting goals for 2010 at their next regular meeting - March 4th. Below is a list of the DRAFT goals for 2010. Please feel free to submit comments or to attend the City Council meeting in March.

2010 CITY COUNCIL GOALS

• Economic Development: Continue to support and participate in community and economic development efforts in cooperation with the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Develop effective strategies to encourage local investment and partnership

• Regionalism/Partnering: Explore and support regional partnership opportunities, including joint planning and zoning.

• Annexation: Provide general review of annexation - voluntary and involuntary (6 Months). Review and summarize potential annexation areas - cost/benefit (6 Months). Hold City Council work session. Take Advantage of voluntary annexation opportunities.

• In-Fill: Focus development efforts within city limits – undeveloped areas and reuse. Review ordinances and economic development tools related to in-fill.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Review and update polices and agreements. Monitor present agreements for compliance.

• Capital Improvements Program (CIP): Review and prioritize CIP (Including funding commitment).

• Code Enforcement: Review staffing needs related to nuisance abatement (45 Days). Evaluate whether revenue from nuisance abatement covers current and potential staffing needs (45 Days).

• Review City Organizational Structure: Evaluate city staffing needs and funding mechanisms (Including, Nuisance, City Planner and Community & Economic Development, etc.).

• Succession: Review information to date and bring forward a comprehensive recommendation to City Council.

• Pay Plan: Review information to date and bring forward a comprehensive recommendation to City Council

2010/2011 Budget Schedule

2010-01-14T15:50:00.003-06:00

2010/2011 CITY COUNCIL BUDGET SCHEDULE

CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM

Thursday, January 28, 2010, 5:15 p.m.
General Fund Overview to City Council

Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
City Council Budget Review: Legal Services, City Administrator, Human Resources, Risk Management, Finance, Computer Hardware, Police Operations, Animal Control, Fire Operations, Civil Defense, Library Operations/Cablevision, Art Center, Pay Plan Review

Monday, February 1, 2010, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Planning, Zoning & Building Safety, Parks and Recreation, Park Maintenance, Swimming Pools, Recreation, Soccer, Kent Stein, Wellness, Cemetery

Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Public Works Administration, Engineering, Roadway Maintenance, Traffic Control, Snow and Ice, Street Cleaning, Building & Grounds, Collection & Drainage, Storm Water, Equipment Services, Equipment Replacement

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Humane Society, Economic Development, Transit/Transit Subsidy, Economic Well-Being, Parking, Airport/Airport Subsidy, CVB, Trails Review

Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Refuse Collection, Landfill, Transfer Station, Golf Course, Marina/Boat Harbor, Ambulance, WPCP, Housing

Review & Discussions: General Fund

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 or (Tuesday, February 16, 2010 – possible alternate)
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Review & Discussions: Capital/Debt/TIF/RUT/Local Option Review

Thursday, February 11, 2010 or (Wednesday, February 17, 2010 – possible alternate)
5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Final Decisions
Tuesday, February 24, 2010, 5:00 p.m.

Set Public Hearing
Thursday, February 24, 2010

Public Hearing & Adoption
Monday, March 11, 2010

Approved budget filed with County Auditor for certification

Welcome!

2010-01-13T16:39:00.001-06:00

Hello and welcome to our new blog. I am City Administrator Gregg Mandsager here in Muscatine, Iowa. Communicating with residents is a vital part of any city administrator's job. Informed residents who understand the different functions of a city are an important part of a well functioning municipaility. It is to this aim that I have decided to start a blog for the City of Muscatine. I plan to communicate with you, on a less formal but hopefully educational level, about various activities, accomplishments, and happenings within the City.

Please check back in periodically to see updates on what's going on here in Muscatine! Please feel free to leave comments on individual postings--the comments will not be displayed here, but they will be emailed to me so that I can collect your thoughts and make adjustments based on the feedback and suggestions. Moderated comments are an option as we progress. Thanks for reading and I hope you find this to be an effective tool!