MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will be closing public access to all city owned buildings, including City Hall, starting Monday, March 22, 2020. The City will, however, continue to provide all services to the citizens of Muscatine.
The City of Muscatine has instituted a series of policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and In accordance with the State Public Health Emergency Declaration signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
“The City has taken the necessary steps to ensure that City business continues with adherence to state and federal guidelines,” Greg Jenkins, interim city administrator, said. “The health and wellness of all our citizens is a priority for the City. Social distancing and personal hygiene are keys to reducing the community spread of COVID-19, and the steps we are taking will help in that effort.”
Jenkins encourages everyone to follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread of the illness including washing hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds), covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when feeling sick, and contacting your doctor by phone before going to the hospital. Social distancing (staying 3-6 feet apart) and avoiding groups of 10 or more are also simple steps to the prevention of spreading the COVID-19.
ADMINISTRATION
- Muscatine City Hall will be closed to public access starting on Monday, March 22, 2020, and continuing through Thursday, April 16, 2020. All City staff will be available to answer questions by phone or by email during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Please call 563-264-1550 to make a delivery or to speak with a staff member at City Hall. Contact information and information on the City’s COVID-19 response can be found on the city website.
- Applications are available online for Building permits, public housing applications, and voucher/section 8 applications. Housing and Community Development can be reached at 563-262-4141.
- Meetings of the Muscatine City Council at City Hall have been suspended for the present time. The meetings will be held via a conference call with a phone number and access code made available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting for the public to listen in. Audio only versions will be available on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel and on Cable Channel 2.
- Meetings of the various boards and commissions have been postponed unless needed. Some meetings will take place via conference calls.
PUBLIC SAFETY
- Public access to the Public Safety building has been restricted with safety precautions put in place for staff and the public.
- The Muscatine Fire Department continually train for and are prepared for public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 outbreak. The MFD has suspended nonessential outreach programs. The MFD will continue to respond to emergencies 24/7 and are following recommended protocols.
- The Muscatine Police Department has also suspended nonessential outreach programs. The MPD will continue to respond to emergencies 24/7 but are asking the public to call the non-emergency number (563-263-9922) to report incidents when possible.
PUBLIC WORKS
- No interruption of services for refuse or recycling collection.
- The Department of Public Works building on Washington Street, the Muscatine Transfer Station on South Houser Street, and the Water and Resource Recovery Facility on Musser Street have been closed to the public. Staff is on hand at each facility to answer questions by phone or email.
- WRRF is accepting water for testing with a deposit area located just outside the lab door.
- MuscaBus schedules are changing. Please call 563-263-8152 for more information.
PARKS AND RECREATION
- The Parks and Recreation office located on the lower level of Muscatine City Hall has been closed to the public through April 16, 2020.
- The Muscatine Municipal Golf Course remains open for play. However, food and drink service from the Clubhouse is available only for take out.
- Kent Stein Park and the Soccer Complex will remain closed through April 16, 2020.
- Reservations for city facilities have been cancelled through April 16, 2020.
- Staff developing programs to be offered through Parks and Recreation social media outlets.
- Seasonal job applications are available online along with instructions for completing and returning the applications.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-0241) or email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
ART CENTER
- The Muscatine Art Center is closed to the public through April 16, 2020. Services and programs are available online at www.muscatineartcenter.org or on their Facebook page.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-8282) or by email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).
MUSSER PUBLIC LIBRARY
- The Musser Public Library is closed to the public through April 16, 2020. Services and programs are available online at www.musserlibrary.org or on their Facebook page.
- Staff is available to answer questions by phone (563-263-3065) or by email (see contact list on the City of Muscatine website).