Recap from the Feb. 12, 2024 Meeting.
Meeting run by: President- Megan Francis
Thought of the day: Bobby Fiedler
Welcome Guests: Jen Craft- UnityPoint Trinity Public Health Director, Councilwoman Peggy Gordon
Online Participation: We continue to offer a hybrid meeting each week. Members are invited to attend via Zoom or watch the recorded presentation anytime.
Joining us online are Melanie Alexander, Jim Stein, Naomi DeWinter, and Erika Cox.
New Member Introduction: Meet Emily Shore
Emily was born and raised in Muscatine. Emily, a former cosmetologist, left the community for a short time to work with the University of Iowa. Emily jumped at the opportunity to join the Geneva team and reconnect with the community she grew up in. Emily started Riding for Success with her Aunt over six years ago and continues to serve as one of the primary instructors for the program. Emily is also the President of her Tri-T chapter. Emily is married to Ryan Shore, and they have a 2-year-old named Judd. Emily joined Rotary to be more engaged in service and make more connections.
Happy News/Announcements: All Happy News funds go towards our scholarship awards.
Kim Warren: Kim's son was one of four boys from the MHS swim team to compete at State. They had a lot of fun and did well. Dakota Dahlke made it to finals on Saturday. Judd Anderson was recognized for his 60th year of coaching, in which time he never missed a meet! Karen Cooney: Sports are a great thing! Barth Donald: Barth’s company won the bid for the City project enhancing community security. Barth was also the most recent guest with Jordan Lloyd for the chamber and recommended other small businesses participate in the campaign. Mike Ruby: Shout out to Lisa Heckman, a newer Rotarian. She is moving around to different tables to make more contacts. Mike also learned that her purse is about the size of a suitcase.
Club News:
- Follow the Rotary Club of Muscatine’s Facebook page, @MuscatineRotaryClub.
- ACH forms are available for easy dues payment.
- Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Opportunity: Thank you, Bobby and Clint, for representing Rotary at the February Food Pantry. Use the link below to sign up for the next Mobile Food Pantry on March 5th. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rmtNfi25shfn2S1LYG0e56iVwcMj2VA9X6FB5WU_vS4/edit
- April 13th: Trivia Night for Sleep In Heavenly Peace. We are collecting silent auction items. April 20th, 9-12 pm Bed Build event.
- Hancher Ticket Raffle raised $320. Steve Snider won the four tickets. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket.
- Mark your calendars for Frank Iliff’s Retirement Party Open House on March 22nd from 5-8 pm at the Riverview Center
Presentation-
2024 Goals for the City of Muscatine
Carol Webb, City Administrator
Jodi Royal-Goodwin, Community Development Director
Brian Stineman, Public Works Director
Beginning in October, the council gathers to set goals for the following year. The City budget runs on a fiscal year (July-June). Departments submit budgets in December. Goal-setting sessions include incoming and outgoing council members in election years. Council focuses on three tiers: Comprehensive/long-term goal setting (20-year plan), strategic plan (2-5 years), and annual goal session.
Three areas of focus:
Economic Initiatives: new businesses, including retail.
Housing Program and Initiatives: On February 21st, 6:00 pm at the Merrill, there is a public meeting to review findings from the recent housing study. This area of focus includes several subcategories.
City Staffing and Retention: Support employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
Economic Initiatives: new businesses, including retail.
Housing Program and Initiatives: On February 21st, 6:00 pm at the Merrill, there is a public meeting to review findings from the recent housing study. This area of focus includes several subcategories.
City Staffing and Retention: Support employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
Highlights for the coming year-
- Indoor sportsplex bids are open, and we hope to be ready in the fall.
- Law enforcement training facility still moving forward. We have new locations to pursue.
- The West Hill project is in phases 6 a and b. This separates our water and sewage systems. Currently, the project is on Sycamore St. This is a 2-year project.
- Working on Fulliam resurfacing and mini roundabout. That portion will be in 2025/2026.
- New Bridge on Park Avenue West. Funding has been received, and design will start. The design process for a bridge takes about a year.
- Resurfacing the bridge on Lake Park Blvd.
- Sidewalk on Grandview will be used to complete the Grandview Ave. project.
- Carver Corner: Design right now for a roundabout there. Hoping to have secured funding and get started in the next year or two.
- Wayfinding project: We will start ordering and installing signage.
- A vehicle wash bay was installed for city vehicles to prolong the life of all equipment. We also need to update our fuel stations.
- Pocket Park: We are getting the RFP out for a pocket park to this group, granted $5000 to assist in an accessible feature.
NO MEETING: Monday, February 19th, in observance of President’s Day
OFF-SITE: Monday, February 26th meeting will be a 4-Way Test Speech Contest held in the Black Box Theater at Muscatine Community College