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1. Do I need a license to operate a business?

The city clerk issues licenses for the following:

• Auctioneering
• Billiard or pool hall
• Bowling alley
• Carnival
• Cigarette
• Circus
• Clairvoyant
• Fortune telling
• House moving
• Massage parlor
• Menagerie
• Motion picture show or exhibition
• Palm reading
• Pawn shop
• Pawnbroker
• Public exhibition of any kind
• Second Metals Dealer
• Secondhand Jewelry Dealer
• Sexually Oriented Business
• Show
• Skating rink
• Tattoo parlor

In addition, to serve or sell alcohol, a liquor license will be required. More information regarding liquor licensing is available at the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.

Persons planning to open a business should also check with the Planning and Zoning Department to ensure the location is properly zoned.

Some businesses require a fire permit or place of assembly permit. Please check with the fire chief to determine if your business would require one.

2. I want to talk about something at a City Council meeting. How do I do that?

Citizens are always welcome to attend and speak at City Council meetings. If the item they wish to speak about is on the agenda, the mayor can ask for public comment at the time that item is discussed by the City Council. If the item is not on the agenda, there is a time during the meeting (usually at the beginning of the meeting), when persons are invited to speak regarding non-agenda items. All persons who speak at City Council meetings are requested to state their name and address prior to speaking.

3. When and where does the City Council meet?

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm. Special sessions may be scheduled at different dates and/or times. The majority of the meetings are held at the City Council Chambers at City Hall at 811 Avenue E in Fort Madison. Some meetings may be held at different locations.

4. How do I find out who owns a property?

Information regarding property owners is available at the Lee County Treasurer’s office at 933 Avenue H. The telephone number is (319) 372-3405.

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1. What are the library hours?

• Monday from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Tuesday from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Wednesday from 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Thursday from 9:30 am - 7:00 pm
• Friday from 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Saturday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

2. Who can get a library card?

Residents of Fort Madison and rural Lee County, or patrons of a library that participates in Iowa's Open Access program, can obtain a library card free of charge. Anyone else may purchase a nonresident library card for an annual fee of $35. Cards can be given to anyone over 4 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian register for a card for them.

3. How do I get a library card?

You need to bring an unexpired photo ID with your current address on it or any photo ID in combination with one of the following:

• Valid hunting / fishing license
• Printed checks showing patron's name and address
• Bill sent to the applicant within the last 30 days with their name and address on it
• Rental lease form or house deed
• Unexpired vehicle registration
• Current insurance card

4. Where is the library located?

The library is located at 1920 Avenue E. View Map

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1. What is the phone number to the city landfill?

The phone number for the landfill is (319) 372-6140. The Great River Regional Waste Authority is located at 2092 303rd Avenue (across the highway from Tri-State Rodeo Arena in Rodeo Park).

2. What is the phone number to the Fort Madison Post Office?

The phone number for the Post Office is (319) 372-2032. They are located at 1019 Avenue H.

3. What is the phone number to the Lee County Office Building?

• Driver's License: (319) 372-3405
• Treasurer: (319) 372-3405
• Recorder: (319) 372-4662
• Assessor: (319) 372-6302
• Auditor: (319) 372-3705

They are located at 933 Avenue H.

4. What is the phone number to the Lee County Court House / Clerk of Court?

For information regarding court, traffic tickets, child support, public defender, county attorney, etc., please call (319) 372-3523. It is located at 701 Avenue F.

5. What is the phone number to the Department of Human Services?

The phone number for the Department of Human Services is (319) 372-3651. They are located at 933 Avenue H.

6. Where do I vote or register to vote?

To register to vote, check with the Lee County Auditor at (319) 372-3705.

7. Where do I go to get a passport?

Post Office 1019 Avenue H (319) 372-2032. Call first as there are limited hours the passport clerk is available and to ensure you have all proper documents and payment information.

8. When are they going to plow my street?

When more that 3 inches of snow has fallen, the City tries to have all streets plowed within 36 hours after it stops snowing.

9. Who do I call for utilities?

Electric - Alliant Energy 800-255-4268
Natural Gas - MidAmerican Energy 888-427-5632
Water - Fort Madison Water Department 319-372-7700 ext. 210

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1. Who funds Old Fort Madison?

Old Fort Madison is funded by a hotel / motel tax, admissions and gift shop revenue, donations, and grants.

2. Who owns Old Fort Madison?

Old Fort Madison is a nonprofit site owned and operated by the City of Fort Madison.

3. Is Old Fort Madison on the original site?

No, the Old Fort was reproduced in Riverview Park (which was created from land fill) to place it the approximate distance the original site was from the river, and because the original site is covered by parking lots. Today the remains of Old Fort Madison are under the parking lot west of the Sheaffer Pen building and east of Fourth Street.

A marker in the shape of a chimney is situated in the approximate location of Blockhouse Number One, south of Avenue H. The parking lots to the west of Fourth Street cover the area where the contracting settlement was built and where the ravine ran that was used by attacking Winnebago, Menominee, and Sac warriors.

4. Who was the fort named for?

Fort Madison was named for the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.

5. Why was the fort built?

The fort was constructed as a trading post, or factory, under article nine of the 1804 Treaty of St. Louis and was part of the federal government’s system of trading posts. Originally the trading post was located near St. Louis, but was moved north in 1808 to a more convenient location for the Sac and Fox who traded there.

6. How long did Fort Madison exist?

Fort Madison itself existed between April 1809 and November 1813, at which time it was abandoned and burned by the garrison due primarily to a lack of supplies. An earlier temporary post was used by the garrison between September 1808 and April 1809 as winter quarters while they constructed Fort Madison. This first fort was named Fort Belle Vue.

7. Who built Fort Madison?

Fort Madison was a United States factory post and was constructed by members of the Department of Indian Trade, as well as, soldiers from Captain Ninian Pinkney’s Company, 1st United States Infantry Regiment. The men that oversaw the actual construction were First Lieutenant Alpha Kingsley and United States Factor John Johnson.

8. How many soldiers served at Fort Madison?

It depends upon what period is being looked at. Between 1808 and 1811 there were generally about 60 or 70 officers and enlisted men stationed here. In 1812 the number of soldiers hovered around 50 and at times was even less. In 1813 the fort was re-enforced and by the time of its abandonment in November a little over 100 men garrisoned the post.

9. What time period does the fort represent?

Fort Madison is an example of an Early Republic Era (1789-1828) government factory post. The exact dates of the fort’s existence fall between 1808 and 1813. The fighting that engulfed the fort in its later years was part of the War of 1812.

10. Was there fighting at Fort Madison?

Fort Madison was attacked numerous times during the War of 1812. The fighting around the fort began with Winnebago harassment in March and April 1812, which killed two soldiers. In September 1812 Fort Madison was targeted as part of Tecumseh’s Offensive and sustained a four-day siege in which one soldier was killed. Again in April and May 1813 the post was harassed by hostile warriors allied to the British. In July 1813 six soldiers were killed in two separate skirmishes outside the fort. Periodic harassment continued until the fort was finally abandoned in November 1813 due to the failure of the contractor to supply the fort with usable rations.

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1. What is the phone number to the city swimming pool?

The phone number for the city swimming pool is (319) 372-3473. It is located at 302 20th Street.

2. Where do I register my dog and or cat for a pet license?

Pet licenses can be purchased between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the Fort Madison Municipal Building:
811 Avenue E
Fort Madison, IA 52627

For more information call (319) 372-7700 x 201

3. I have a boat, how do I sign up for a boat slip at the Fort Madison Marina?

For information on the Fort Madison Marina, please call (319) 372-7700 x 201

4. How do I reserve a shelter house in one of Fort Madison’s parks?

For information on Fort Madison's parks, please call (319) 372-7700 x 201

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1. Is the city's zoning code available online?

Yes, view the City Code online: Fort Madison City Code

2. Is the city zoning map available online?

No, currently the zoning map is not available online. The city does plan to make this available. In the meantime you may contact Planning and Zoning Director Doug Krogmeier at (319) 372-7700 ext. 212 to inquire about the zoning classification of a specific property.

3. Do I need a permit to build a shed on my property?

Maybe; sheds under 120 square feet do not need a permit but do still need to meet all other bulk regulations of the zoning code. Contact Planning and Zoning Director Doug Krogmeier at (319) 372-7700 ext. 212 to discuss each potential accessory structure to be built.

4. Do I need a permit to build a fence and are there any restrictions for fences?

Fences do not need permits; however there are regulations for size and location. Visit the City Code to review the code section 10-4-5B for fence regulations: City Code

5. Can I install a mobile home (or double-wide) on a vacant lot in city limits?

No, mobile homes must be installed in an approved trailer courts.

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1. How do I obtain visiting hour information at the jail site in Lee County or find out if someone is a prisoner there?

Contact the Lee County Correctional Center at (319) 372-1152 ext. 1, or at the toll-free number: (800) 382-8900 ext. 1.

2. Where do I send a check for a traffic ticket issued by the Fort Madison Police Department?

Send payment made payable to the North Lee County Courthouse, along with copy of the traffic ticket to:
North Lee County Courthouse
7th St. and Ave. F
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627

3. How do I hire an off-duty officer for security?

Contact the Police Department’s chief clerk at (319) 372-2525,ext. 279. The current hourly rate for off-duty security is $30 per hour.

4. How do I obtain a copy of an investigation report or a traffic accident report from the Police Department?

Contact the clerk’s office (319) 372-2525, ext. 278 or 279, to make a request. Requests can also be made in person at the Police Department, 811 Avenue E, during normal hours, Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.

5. How do I find out what the road conditions are for Iowa and surrounding states?

For the State of Iowa road conditions, call (800) 288-1047. For the State of Illinois road conditions, call (800) 452-4368 and for the State of Missouri road conditions, call (800) 222-6400.

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1. How do I report a street light outage?

To report a street light outage, call Alliant Energy at (800) 255-4268. You will need to provide them with the number attached to the pole or an approximate address of the pole.

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1. Why is a deposit of $100 required?

A security deposit is required for all rental customers.

2. What is the one-time $15 miscellaneous charge for?

The miscellaneous charge is to take care of all the additional setup that takes place for new customers.

3. What is an average water bill?

A family of four uses approximately 5,000 gallons of water per month.

4. What are the SU (Stormwater Utility Fee) and the IW (Integrated Waste Service Fee)?

The Stormwater Utility Fee is a fee collected by the city for the routine maintenance and repair of storm sewers, in addition, it also covers the expense of sewer replacement in the event of an emergency (i.e. sewer collapse, etc.).

The Integrated Waste Service Fee is a fee paid to the Great River Regional Waste Authority for having the landfill in Lee County.

All communities in the county are assessed this fee. For further information call the GRRWA at (319) 372-6140.

5. Why do I have to pay $15 a month for garbage when I only have one bag of trash per week?

The $15 fee is a landfill usage fee. Each household is allowed a total of four trash bags (40 gallons or less with a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds) or two 40 gallon containers.

6. Why do I have to pay for sewer charges if I have a septic tank?

It is required by City Code for a resident who lives within 200 feet of a city sewer line to hook up to the city sewer line.

7. Where else can I pay my monthly water bill instead of City Hall?

Customers may pay their bills by using direct deposit, online bill pay, or by phone at (319) 372-1602. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

8. How often is my meter read?

Water meters are read monthly. If for some reason the technician reading the meter cannot get to your meter (i.e. snow storm) bills are then averaged based on the previous two months.