Votes at a glance: Muscatine council approves housing plan, contracts, budget hearing and other items

The Muscatine City Council used its May 5 meeting to clear multiple resolutions, contracts and procedural items. Key outcomes:

- Housing plan: The council adopted the Muscatine Municipal Housing Agency FY2026 annual plan and capital fund program (resolution adopted on motion by Osborne, second Lewis; recorded as all ayes).

- Weed/vegetation enforcement: The council completed a public hearing and approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow the first calendar-year violation to be enforced as a municipal infraction (mover Lewis, second Osborne).

- Refuse fees: Council approved the first reading of a refuse collection fee ordinance that raises residential fees by $1 (from $23 to $24) and adjusts the senior discount from $18 to $19; staff clarified the increase and council approved the first reading (mover Gordon, second Lewis).

- Contracts and awards: The council awarded a $91,595.30 contract for Parking Lot No. 7 to Higher Construction Inc.; awarded $13,980 to Solisco LLC to demolish 700 Juniper Street; and approved a contract with North Construction not to exceed $24,999 for improvements at 716 Mulberry as part of the Ignite Vitality Mulberry project. All motions passed with recorded ayes.

- Audit: The council approved a letter of understanding with Bonesock & Fraumelt LLP for the FY25–26 city audit (mover Lewis, second Brockert).

Each item listed above was presented with the mover/second recorded in the meeting and adopted or advanced as described.