Newton Independent

Larry Johnson submits letter of interest for Newton council appointment

Newton Independent

"I hereby apply and offer the following personal information to be used by city officials in their consideration of appointment to the upcoming vacancy in the Second Ward Newton council seat.

"Resident of Iowa since 1983 living now in Newton, Iowa since 2007. In January of 2009 after 36 years of loyal service I retired from positions with the USDA. In those years I established professional trusted relationships with industry leaders so as to collect private market information from them. I established national market reports daily on the prices of millions of dollars of their purchases and production transactions. Each report disseminated included comments on industries transportation problems, prices paid or sold, supplies being offered, and the demand for their offerings and purchases of meat and livestock internationally and nationwide. I was in the business of making unbiased decisions on collected information and compiling reports, something I'm sure I would find useful as city council member.

"Served four years in the United State Air Force (1963-1967); Honorable discharge in 1967. After returning to Seattle, I worked in the aircraft industry at Boeings as an aircraft and engine mechanic for four years.

"Graduated from Washington State University with a degree in animal science and minor in agricultural mechanization in 1973. Hired after graduation by the USDA-AMS. Worked for them until retirement.

"Served elected voluntary positions on the Board of Directors of USDA Federal Credit Union for nine years (1992-2001) making decisions and voting on interest and loan rates for issued credit cards, auto loans and other money instruments use by the Credit Union to serve members.

"Served two years as President of Warren Co. Corvette Club; members since 2005. Presently serving as club's web site manager since 2007.

"Member of the National Harley Davidson Owners group.

"Member of Newton, First Baptist Church.

"Knowledgeable of computers, Windows operating system software and local and wide area internet connections and systems.

"Since Newton will be our retirement home for many years, my wife and I are very concerned in the directions and logic being used to solve infrastructure and city issues and obligations. I'm very interested in where federal, state, county and city responsibilities and jurisdiction begin and end. We would like to see all Newton residence (sic) concerns heard and questions answered in handling the city's future directions, financial obligations, and funding."

Larry L. Johnson, Sr.

 

Evelyn George submits letter of interest for Newton council appointment

Newton Independent

"Newton City Council Members:

"I am writing to express my interest in representing Ward 2 on the Newton City Council to fulfill the remaindeer of Mike Hansen's term not that he has assumed responsibilities as mayor.

"My husband and I moved to Newton in 1983 and raised our son and daughter here with both graduating from Newton High School. In 2004 we moved to eastern Iowa for about three years but found our hearts were still in Newton. We've been back nearly six years for a total of 27 years of calling Newton 'home.'

"Since returning I've served as chair of the Maytag Bowl Project Committee commissioned by the Parks Board, participated in 'Newton's Future' Comprehensive Plan meetings, and taught the Jasper County Leadership Development class. Through these experiences one point has been clear: it is through the work of its citizens that a community is successful. It takes people willing to accept responsibility and work collaboratively to improve the local quality of life.

"I am willing to serve the citizens of Ward 2 and to work with the Newton City Council and city staff to confirm and accomplish the goals set in the new 'Newton's Future' Comprehensive Plan."

Evelyn George

Newton Mayor Allen to serve to end of month, urges support of councilman Hansen as his replacement

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton Mayor Chaz Allen announced at the conclusion of tonight's city council meeting that his last day as the city's top elected official will be the end of the month and urged council members to support Second Ward councilman Mike Hansen as the next mayor.

In early June, the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation announced Allen as its new executive director to replace long-time director Craig Hamilton, who had told its board of directors he was stepping down after nine years at the helm of the county development organization due to his recent marriage and move to eastern Iowa.

Allen, who said he would speak more about his nine years at the helm of Newton city government at his final meeting later this month, said he appreciated local residents' support of his tenure in office.

"As I've said before, the position of Mayor has been the hardest, lowest paying and greatest job I have ever held," he said.

Allen, as one of the longest tenured mayors in Newton's history, urged his fellow council members to support Hansen as his replacement for the approximate one year remaining on the term.

"Mike has been a true champion for our community," the mayor said of his support for the council's appointment of the mayor pro tem. "I would like to see the council support him."

Following Mayor Allen's acceptance of his new position and his announcement of his pending resignation from the post, third-term councilman Hanson announced that he would actively seek the seat, either by council appointment or through special election.

At that time, he said he would recuse himself from council discussion and action on the option it plans to take in order to fill the soon-to-be vacant mayoral position.

"It's been a privelege, a great experience and I would challenge everyone to step up," Allen said of his time on the Newton council during some of the community's most trying times.

 

 

Van Zee's resignation letter released by City of Newton

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel today released the resignation letter of Candi Van Zee following a determination by Newton City Attorney Darrin Hamilton that the document was a public record.

In her resignation letter dated Monday, Van Zee said her decision to immediately resign had to do with pending personal changes within city government, including her position as Director of Administration Services.

The letter to the mayor, city council and administrator reads as follows:

"It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to inform you that I am resigning my employment from the City of Newton effective at 4:30 p.m. today, Aug. 6, 2012. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to serve you and the citizens of Newton since Aug. 28, 2000.

"It is evident changes are going to be made, it is my understanding there is the possibility I would be given the opportunity to apply for the position of Executive Assistant/City Clerk. There is no way that I can be Executive Assistant to the City Administrator. Therefore, it is in my best interest to resign now, as I cannot and will not be a part of what is trying to be implemented by the City Administrator.

"I am asking for full compensation through the Sept. 15, 2012 payroll and my vacation payout on the Sept. 15, 2012 payroll period.

"It has been an honor to serve the citizen (sic) of Newton for the last 12 years."

Van Zee said today that she did not receive her request for one month severance pay and will only be paid through her final work day, though she will be paid for her unused vacation time.

Last week, a subcommittee of the Newton City Council approved Knabel's recommendation that Van Zee's $93,500 director position be eliminated within city government and be replaced with a non-director city comptroller at a lower salary. The council committee also approved that an executive assistant/city clerk position be created at a salary of $59,800. In making the recommendation, Knabel said Van Zee could be considered for the position.

The full Newton City Council has yet to act on the Employee Relations Committee's recommendations, which if approved, would be put in place in November.

Van Zee resigns from her Newton administrative post

Newton Independent

The city's Director of Administration Services tendered her immediate resignation from her long-time city employment on Monday just days after a city council committee voted to recommend that her position be eliminated.

Candi Van Zee resigned from her position following the Newton Employee Relations Committee's approval of City Administrator Bob Knabel's recommendation that her $93,500 position be eliminated at replaced with a non-director city comptroller position at a lower salary range.

The council committee also approved a recommendation that would create an executive assistant/city clerk position at a salary of $59,800. In making the recommendation, Knabel said Van Zee could be considered for that position.

Newton City Attorney Darrin Hamilton said today that new provisions in Iowa's Open Records law put into effect by state lawmakers this year "may preclude" the release of Van Zee's letter of resignation. He said news organizations' request for the letter are "under review."

The full city council has yet to adopt the recommendations of the Employee Relations Committee. If adopted, the new positions are scheduled to be put in place in November.

Newton council rejects suggestion to lower its unassigned fund balance targets

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council was not too comfortable with the city administrator's suggestion that a policy be instituted that calls for the unassigned fund balances to be lowered from 25 to 20 percent of estimated annual revenues.

Council members Monday rejected Bob Knabel's policy suggestion that would change the city's current practice of keeping three to four months' worth of operating expenditures on hand down to two months and instead put in place a policy using the 25 percent figure, a practice the council has long held.

While noting that he is pleased the city administrator is looking at financial policy issues for the city, council member Mike Hansen said that as long as he has been on the council he has always been told that bonding companies look at the 25 percent threshold in rating a city's finances.

"I would have to see the information being offered before I'd be willing to regress to 20 percent," he said. "I am somewhat reluctant to make that change. We have a comfort level at where we are at now."

Council member Noreen Otto also voiced some hesitancy, especially with state lawmakers looking at making changes to commercial property taxes that could put a pinch on city finances.

"I'd like to have the additional cushion," she said.

Council member Dennis Julius questioned why a written policy was even needed.

"I have no disrespect to the administration, but we have functioned well for the last 10 years at 25 percent," he said. "I'm concerned why we are reinventing the wheel with a policy. Why go through all the red tape when we all know what we need to do? Why put in writing what we are going to do anyway?"

Knabel said the implementation of a policy gives direction to not only city staff and the council, but also the community. He said that where the council wanted to place the unassigned reserve level was not as important as implementing a policy, rather than just a practice as was done in the past.

"Twenty percent is pretty close, but it reflects the conservative values you have," he said of council's reluctance to switch to the lower reserve level.

In addition to instituting the 25 percent unassigned fund balance policy, the council also amended the policy proposals in regard to reserves falling below that level. Should the unassigned fund balance fall below 20 percent (rather than the 10 percent suggestion) at the end of the fiscal year, a plan for revenue reduction and/or revenue increases would need to be submitted to the council as part of the annual budgeting process. Should it fall below 10 percent (rather than the suggested 5 percent), immediate measures to rebuild the balance within two fiscal years would need to be undertaken.

Mayor Allen gets Maytag Bowl repairs off his 'bucket list'

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton Mayor Chaz Allen will soon relinquish the reins of city government after 10 years in office but on Monday he was able to scratch one item off his bucket list of things to get accomplished - improvements to the Maytag Bowl.

The Newton City Council on Monday agreed to put out for bids an estimated $200,000 in repair work on the iconic Newton structure.

"I'm very glad it's moving forward," the mayor said. "It's off my bucket list."

The project, which has a scheduled completion date of May 23, 2012, includes a wide array of work, including:

• improving drainage on the flat portions of the roof by placing rigid insualtion and a new membrane on the roof, as well as new gutters and downspouts;
• removing the concrete masonry units that were used to fill in the basement door on the southeast side of the bowl and installing a metal door with the existing basement door on th north side filled in with concrete masonry that will allow fill dirt and gravel to be placed along the north exterior wall to enable drainage away from the Bowl;
• ventilating the basement by installing exhaust fans controlled by temperature and humidity sensors and programmable thermostats. The concrete masonry units that were used to fill in the doors at the bottom of the stairs on each side of the stage will be replaced with metal doors and louvers. The restroom doors at the rear of the bowl will be filled in with concrete masonry and louvers;
• installing a temporary grate over the steps at the back of the stage to prevent a performer from falling down the stairs and to keep vandals from damaging the doors at the bottom of the steps;
• providing electrical upgrades with the existing electrical panel at the bottom of the north stage stairs being moved inside the basement room and new electric outlets installed around the stage and in the basement;
• installing new white stage lights, floodlights and wall pack lights on the back side of the Bowl for security, as well as new basement lights;
• repairing deteriorated concrete surfaces with mortar and/or sealant and installing slip resistant surfacing on the stage and steps, as well as the use of anti-graffiti treatments.

After the work is completed, city crews will construct a new concrete sidewalk along the southeast side of the Bowl  and at the base of the north stage steps. Crews will also tie downspouts to existing drain tile.

Council member Dennis Julius said that he was "glad we're making headway," but said he thought some discussion on the installation of motion detectors to help decrease instances of vandalism had been talked about during discussions on the repairs.

The plans being put out for bid have been approved the State Historical Preservation Office as required by the $25,000 Historical Resource Development Program grant the city received to help cover costs.

In addition, the city council on Monday approved the establishment of the City of Newton Historical Building Preservation Society, a non-profit corporation that will act as the pass-through agency for the purposes of receiving state tax credits for Bowl repair work, as well as other past and future repair work at Maytag Park.

The seven-member commission, modeled after a similar organization Jasper County established to receive tax credits for its work at the Jasper County Courthouse, will be comprised of two members from the parks/public works/community development department, one from the council/mayor, one park commissioner and one historic preservation commisssioner and two community representatives. MariJo Nisken and Maxine Udelhoven were appointed.

Tax credits of up to 25 percent of the cost of the repairs ($43,750) can be received which would bring the city's cost for the project, including the $25,000 grant, to approximately $131,000. City officials said they have applied for a $10,000 grant from the Jasper Community Foundation. In addition, the council has considered using Whirlpool funds for the Bowl project.

The public hearing to award the bid is set for the Sept. 4 council meeting.

Newton council signs off on SSMID

By PETER HUSSMANN

Downtown Newton commercial property owners will see an additional $1 per $1,000 taxable value on their tax bills beginning a year from now after the Newton City Council on Monday voted to re-establish a downtown improvement district to assist with curb appeal for the area.

The council voted 5-1 in favor of third consideration of the ordinance that re-establishes the Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) that imposes the additional tax that will raise approximately $13,000 a year and be used for such things as lighting, banners, benches and other efforts to improve the look of the downtown area.

Such a district had been in existence for the eight-block area surrounding the square for 20 years before it was allowed to expire in 2006. The new planned area encompasses that same area and expands it to include commercial properties north and south of First Avenue between West Fourth Street and East Fourth Street, a total of 121 properties. The plan calls for the district to sunset in five years.

Newton council member Dennis Julius was the sole hold-out on the council saying he did not believe that raising taxes on those businesses would benefit the area.

"You don't attract business to the downtown by saying you pay more property taxes," he said, noting such improvement efforts should be voluntarily done by the property owner. "Forcing people to pay taxes is not the way to go."

Downtown business owner and attorney Ken Smith agreed with Julius saying the past track record of the SSMID showed it was not so successful.

"We have not done well with this type of administration of taxes," he said. "We should not have to stand arguing against this tax. This tax is a bad tax for downtown. We can't afford the taxes."

Other council members agreed that they did not want to see higher property taxes for commercial property owners but said efforts to address that issue lies with the statehouse in Des Moines while the council was responsible for the betterment of the local community.

Joe Urias, one of the organizers of the effort to re-establish the district, agreed that taxes are a problem but said the effort was being undertaken as a way to bring the community together to improve the area.

"Newton needs to move forward," he said, noting the establishment of the district might be able to pave the way for the area to seek grant funding for additional projects. "We need to find a way to beautify the city," he said. "This is not the answer, but the beginning."

Council member Noreen Otto, who owns a small portion of an interest in the former bank building on the northwest corner of the square, noted the recent citizen survey that found a majority of the respondents indicated that improving the downtown business area is "very important" to growth issues facing the community.

Bruce Showalter, another of the organizers, said that just over 50 percent of the property owners in the district representing more than 50 percent of the overall value have signed on in support of the re-establishment of the district.

 

Newton council approves first reading of tighter open burning regulations

By PETER HUSSMANN

With little discussion, the Newton City Council on Monday approved first reading of an ordinance that would tighten the city's open burning regulations.

Under the new ordinance, only recreational fires that use naturally-sourced wood products would be allowed in the city. Residential waste and the burning of vegetation, such as hedge trimmings and garden debris, would no longer be allowed to be burned. Building materials, such as 2X4s and pallets, would not be allowed to be burned.

"The change to the ordinance is to provide that the only burned materials will be naturally grown wood in lengths of less than four feet," the council report stated. "The intent is to eliminate the burning of vegetable and plant wastes, leaves, stumps, brush, weeds, grass, shrubbery and yard trimmings that typically produce large amounts of smoke."

However, fallen branches would be allowed to be burned as long as they were used in compliance with the recreational fire component of the ordinance, as would the branches of hedges that might be removed.

Newton council member Noreen Otto, in voting in favor of the proposed changes, said the ordinance presented to the council represented a "good balance."

Three readings of an ordinance are required to be approved by the council before it becomes effective.

Council committee puts off most personnel changes recommendations

By PETER HUSSMANN

A subcommittee of the Newton City Council on Wednesday agreed to bring to the full council a proposal to create new financial specialist and executive assistant/city clerk positions and eliminate the existing Director of Administrative Services post, but put on hold the rest of the recommended personnel changes for city operations.

During a meeting of the three-member Employee Relations Committee in late July, Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel made recommendations that address his findings of city operations following his 90-day review. His findings indicated several areas of city operations that he felt needed to be improved, including finance, administrative services, economic development, information technology and nuisance ordinance compliance.

Committee members at that time were hesitant about some of the suggestions, including methods he proposed to finance the $232,000 price tag for the proposals, and directed that further information be provided in advance of Wednesday night's meeting.

Knabel, in a report to the committee, recommended that several of the proposals be tabled until the council has an opportunity to receive the final report on the Comprehensive Plan, the city's guide to future development and direction, and hold its goal setting session, both scheduled for September.

He suggested that his plan to promote Community Development Director Bryan Friedman to a new Assistant City Administrator position and that current City Planner Erin Chambers take Friedman's job with her position remaining vacant be postponed until after the Comprehensive Plan report and council planning suggestion are held.

In addition, he suggested that his plan to hire a nuisance enforcement officer be tabled until after the previous meetings are held and staff has an opportunity to fully outline changes to procedures on code enforcement.

In regard to the Knabel's recommendation for the creation of a new Director of Finance position, committee members agreed there was a need for an individual to focus solely on city finances, but balked at the position's placement as a department director and the $84,500 recommended salary.

"I have difficulty hiring a finance director," said committee member Mike Hansen, noting that Knabel is required by code to provide a budget to the council. "I'd like to look at someone not charged as a director. I suggest we offer them a good salary without calling them a director."

After mulling "city treasurer" and other potential titles, committee members agreed to term the position "comptroller."

"I'm not going to get hung up on a name as long as they are proficient in financials and setting us up for greater success," said committee member Noreen Otto.

Knabel, as asked at the previous meeting, provided a survey of salary ranges for similar positions in other cities in the central-Iowa area.

Committee member Jeff Price suggested the position carry a salary of approximately $72,000, the same amount paid for the position in Indianola, to which the other committee members agreed.

At the meeting in July, Knabel also proposed the creation of an executive assistant/city clerk position that would serve as city clerk and be the keeper of all city records. The person in the position would also assist the city administrator. He also recommended that the current Director of Administrative Services position, currently held by Candi Van Zee at a salary of $93,500, be eliminated. She could be considered for the new executive assistant/city clerk post, which carries a recommended salary of $59,800.

Both recommendations were approved by the committee and forwarded for full council consideration.

However, Knabels suggestion that the current part-time administrative assistant position held by Cheryl Salyers be moved to full-time was put on hold by the committee until such time as the "comptroller" and executive assistant/city clerk positions have been put in place and a review of operations can be conducted.

The council committee also balked at the recommendation to hire an Information Technology systems administrator.

Committee members had suggested at the last meeting that IT responsibilities might be contracted but on Wednesday said additional information and action on the city's technology shortcomings need to be identified before bringing an additional staff person on board.

"We don't need to bring on additional staff when current staff can identify our needs," Hansen said in suggesting postponement of the position until after the September meetings. "My focus would be to see what we need in terms of hardware and use the money for software and hardware to bring us up to date. We need to give the opportunity to hear and speak with directors on what they need."

Otto, too, said she had trouble bringing the recommendation to the full council.

"While I appreciate the benefits of having an IT person, some of these things are aspirational and dealing with economic reality we need to deal with needs rather than wants," she said.

Knabel suggested a consultant could be used to make recommendations on the city's information technology needs.

The committee directed that an inventory of the current technology systems be conducted to determine deficiencies, identify possible funding streams to cover costs and a methodology be developed on how to proceed.

The city administrator also backed off from the use of the funding streams he previously suggested to finance the personnel changes, including the $63,000 in ambulance revenues over budget projections. He suggested that consideration could be given to indreasing transfers from the Enterprise Funds to the General Fund and increasing transfers from TIF to pay for economic development costs.

The recommendations are expected to be brought to the full council for consideration when it meets on Monday.

Newton council approves expedited tax rebate for Iowa Speedway

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council lent unanimous support to a plan to expedite the payment of the property tax rebate due to the Iowa Speedway to assist the track operators in freeing up funds for some immediate obligations related to upcoming Speedway events.

The Speedway owners, the Clement family, had proposed to pay their first half property taxes now even though they are not due until September. In doing so, the track operators asked that the city expedite the rebate payment that is due as part of the redevelopment agreement so they can access the cash for the expenditures.

Their taxes are kept in a special escrow account which is required to be used only for property taxes and is not accessible for track operation use.

Under the plan, the Speedway will make its full first half property tax payment of $894,591 to the county now. In return, the city will provide a loan of $760,402 to the Iowa Speedway as the portion of the overall tax bill that is subject to rebate per the terms of the redevelopment agreement. The difference is because taxes paid for debt service and the school district's Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund do not flow to the TIF district, about $2 of the overall tax levy.

Once the county verifies that the taxes have been paid, the city will provide the rebate money to the Speedway. The county will release the funds to the city when certified allocations are sent by the state this fall.

The agreement also calls for the Iowa Speedway to cover all costs to the city, including lost interest on the $760,402 payment, attorney fees and any other out-of-pocket expenses. The city will calculate those costs and deduct them from the payment amount.

The Iowa Speedway's current valuation of approximately $45 million creates a yearly tax bill of $1.78 million. Under the terms of the redevelopment agreement, the tax abatement period for the Speedway were fiscal years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. The rebate period is for fiscal years 2011-12 and 2012-13. The full, unrebated tax obligation begins for the Speedway in fiscal year 2013-14.

Newton council committee to look at city staffing changes

Newton Independent

A subcommittee of the Newton City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, following the special meeting of the council to discuss a loan agreement with the Iowa Speedway, to discuss staffing changes.

The Employee Relations Committee will discuss staffing changes in the administration and community development departments and then vote to make a recommendation for full council consideration.

No report was released about the proposed changes.

Newton council to discuss loan agreement with Iowa Speedway at special meeting Monday

Newton Independent

The Newton City Council will discuss the the execution of a $760,000 loan agreement between the city and the owners of the Iowa Speedway at a special meeting set for 6:30 p.m. Monday at city hall.

The City has been requested to assist the Speedway in freeing up their funds for some immediate obligations and significant investments related to upcoming Speedway events, like the motorcycle rally set for next week.

Under the current agreement, the Speedway would typically pay their taxes in September and receive an immediate rebate from the city once the County releases the funds to the City and council gives approval.

Speedway officials have proposed paying their taxes early and expedite the rebate payment from the city so that they can have access to their cash for their expenditures. Their taxes are kept in a special escrow account which is required to be used only for their tax purposes. As such, the Speedway does not have access to these funds which restricts their cash flow. By rebating the taxes early, the Speedway can access their money.

Because this is out of the normal process and schedule for tax payments, the Speedway can pay their taxes early, but the County cannot release the funds until certified allocations are sent by the state.

An agreement is being prepared, council members were told in a report on the matter released today, that will allow the city to cover the rebate costs once the taxes have been paid. A check for $706,402, equal to the amount of the rebate, will be sent to the Speedway upon approval of the agreement and verification that the taxes have been received by the County.

The Speedway is agreeing to cover all costs of the City, including lost interest on the payment, attorney fees and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the city.

Two Newton police officers lauded for their assistance to NFD

Newton Independent

Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel today released his city report on happenings within the city, including an "atta boy" memorandum on the efforts of two Newton police officers in assisting Newton Fire Department paramedics in a health emergency situation and the appointment of Jeff Panknen to the Newton City Service Commission.

You can read it by downloading it below.

Download 07-20-12

Residential, landscape waste would be barred under proposed changes to Newton's open burning regulations

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton residents would no longer be allowed to burn their residential or landscape waste under an ordinance coming to the Newton City Council for first consideration on Monday.

The proposals are being made in response to recent citizen complaints about the City's burning policies. Following discussion last month, the council directed the Newton Fire Department to look into the burning regulations and recommend possible changes.

In researching what other cities in the Des Moines metro area allow regarding open burning, staff found that most do not allow any type of open burning except for cooking purposes, such as charcoal and gas grills. None of the cities allowed open-flame cooking devices for multiple-family dwelings.

Looking outside the metro area, staff found that 80 percent of the cities have banned open burning, but allow recreational fires.

Staff also found information pertaining to the burning of household waste that showed an EPA emission test determined that one burn barrel emits 80 times more pollution and up to 11 times the dioxin per pound of garbage than a municipal waste incinerator that serves thousands of homes. The EPA now considers that the burning of household waste is the largest source of dioxin emissions, the release of which may cause immediate asthmatic attack.

In addition, staff found that state rules prohibit burning of items that can be locally recycled. If curbside pick-up or a redemption center for plastics, glass, metal cans and paper is nearby, even if it charges a fee, those items are not allowed to be burned.

"Since the City of Newton has recycling in place, those items cannot be burned," City Administrator Bob Knabel states in his report to the council.

In addition to proposing a complete ban on the burning of household waste items, the council is also being asked to consider the elimination of the allowance of burning landscape waste in most instances. The burning of landscape waste, excluding leaves, would only be allowed in areas located one-fourth of a mile from any inhabited building and would require a permit from the fire department.

While the ordinance continues to allow for recreational fires, several new regulations are being proposed.

First, no recreational fires shall be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure would be required to be eliminated.

In addition, recreational fires would not be allowed to be more than four feet in diameter with flames no greater than two feet. A portable fire extinguisher or other extinguising equipment, such as a garden hose, must be readily available. Fires must be constantly attended until extinguished and would not be allowed if wind speeds are in excess of 15 mph. Only natural grown forms of wood in lengths no greater than four feet would be allowed to be burned. No processed wood such as 2X4s, plywood, pallets or other building materials would be allowed to be burned. No recreational fires would be allowed between midnight and 7 a.m.

Three readings of an ordinance must be approved by the Council in order for the recommendations to take effect.

Re-establishing Spring Clean-up to be discussed by Newton council

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council on Monday will discuss the possibility of re-establishing its Spring Clean-up program in some fashion as part of the goal of reducing instances excessive junk properties and having a clean-looking city.

For 15 years, ending in 2007, the city held annual clean-up weeks where residents were able to place certain unwanted items at their curbs for pick-up by city crews. While the program was successful in eliminating junk, clutter and fire hazards from local properties, the effort was also caused some problems. For the two week period the junk was being collected, the city looked in disarray, people rummaged through the piles, residents from outside the community brought their junk into town and costs kept escalating until a service fee was imposed on all residents, including those not participating in the program. In the final year of the program, the cost was more than $82,000.

Now, with a renewed effort going forward at enforcing nuisance ordinances pertaining to junk, the council will look at re-establishing the program as part of the effort.

In a memorandum to council members on the matter, Public Works/Parks Director Keith Laube outlined several options the council might consider in meeting the goals of having a clean city, preventing property values from declining due to junk in yards and reducing the health and fire risks associated with accumulated junk.

First, Laube suggested that while city crews might still collect the trash, the city might be divided into several more areas so the junk does not remain curbside for more than a few days. To cover costs, a $1 to $2 monthly fee might be placed on the garbage collection bill.

Another option might be to hire a contractor to collect and haul the unwanted items to the landfill. Contractor bids would be based on tons of materials taken to the landfill. After the clean-up operations are complete and costs known, a 12-month, pro-rated surcharge fee could be placed on the garbage collection bill to pay for the service.

Laube also suggested the City might either negotiate with its current garbage collection service provider, Dodd's, to provide the service or include the service when the next refuse collection contract is up for bid in June 2014.

Finally, Laube suggested the City could continue to do what is presently doing, requiring homeowners to be responsible for disposing of their own unwanted items and enforcing the nuisance ordinances on properties with excessive junk.

City administrator points out devil in the details on tax credits for Maytag Bowl

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council on Monday will be given one last chance to decide whether it wants to move forward with a plan to seek state tax credits to help cover the costs of repairs to the Maytag Bowl, a move that will result in the council relinquishing its ultimate authority over Bowl operations.

Earlier this year, the council hired a Cedar Rapids consultant to look into the possibility of the city participating in the State Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program where tax credits amounting to 25 percent of the project costs could be received to offset the cost of rehabilitation of the Bowl. It was determined that the structure was eligible for participation and that approximately $40,000 of the total cost could be received through the state tax credit program.

But as part of participation, the city would be required - as Jasper County has done in its participation with the program for improvements to the Jasper County Courthouse - to establish a non-profit corporation to receive the tax credits. That entity, now and into perpetuity, would then control operations of the Maytag Bowl, not the City of Newton nor the Newton City Council.

The organization would be comprised of seven board members; two representing city parks/public works/community development departments; one from the city council, one park commissioner and one from the Historic Preservation Commission. Two other at-large committee members would be selected for the three year terms.

In taking one last look, Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel outlined several questions for the City Council to consider before establishing the non-profit organization:

• While the property will not be deeded to them, the board will have ultimate authority over Maytag Bowl operations. Should there ever be a dispute between the council and the board, the board will have the final decision.
• Insurance and bonding would be required for the board, though the annual cost of that funding has not been sourced.
• While the intent of the board is understood at the current time, that intention might change over time.

Finally, Knabel asked the council to consider whether the "possible gain of the $40,000 in tax credits (is) worth the long-term costs and risks associated with the board?"

Newton council balks at 'buy local' policy

By PETER HUSSMANN

Don't go there was the consensus of the Newton City Council on Monday when it discussed the possibility of instituting a "buy local" policy or ordinance in regard to city purchases.

The issue surfaced for the second time in two years after the council recently decided to not to accept the low bid on purchases and agreed to pay just slightly more in order to make the purchase locally. Two years ago, the council rejected adoption of such an ordinance.

In the most recent cases, the council rejected the recommendation of the city administrator in agreeing to the higher purchase price. That led to city staff to seek direction from the council on how it wanted to handle purchasing decisions.

While council members supported efforts to "buy local" when they could, they realized that allowing local bidders an advantage could have detrimental effects by limiting the bids received, raising costs to the city and facing charges of favoritism from the vendor community.

In his report to the council on the issue, City Administrator Bob Knabel warned that adopting an ordinance or policy was fraught with potential pitfalls. The council members, during the brief discussion, seemed to concur.

"I don't like the idea of painting ourselves into a corner," said council member Noreen Otto.

Other council members took their cues from their experiences in their own businesses, stating that accepting the low bid was the traditional best business practice.

While council members said that they still could use their discretion when approving bids - as they did in the case in deciding to buy from a local car dealer whose bid on a vehicle was just $24 over the low bid - they were warned of the potential ramifications.

"I caution you that deciding on a case-by-case basis leaves you open to charges of favoritism," Knabel said.

No further action on a "buy local" policy or ordinance is expected.

 

Council asks for details on spending plans in downtown improvement district

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council approved second consideration of an ordinance that would re-establish the downtown improvement district, but told supporters that it wanted more specific answers on what the extra tax collections on commercial property owners would be used for before it would give final approval.

A group of downtown property owners has petitioned the council to allow for the re-creation of a Newton Downtown Self Supported Municipal Improvement District. Under the proposal, commercial property owners would pay an additional $1 per $1,000 taxable value on their property tax bills that would go into a special fund that would be overseen by a board of property owners in the district. The approximate $13,900 in yearly revenue generated by the district would be used improve the curb appeal of the area.

A similar self-supporting improvement district had been in existence in the eight-block area surrounding the courthouse from 1985 to 2006. The new proposed district includes that same area but expands it to include commercial properties north and south of First Avenue between East Fourth Street and West Fourth Street. A total of 121 properties would be included in the district.

Newton City Planner Erin Chambers updated the council on the number of property owners in the proposed district who have lent support to the effort. She said that 53 property owners have signed a letter of support. The signers to date represent 44 percent of the property owners and account for 46 percent of the property valuation of the area, which is approximately $13.9 million.

Council member Dennis Julius said he was concerned that the group has yet to reach 50 percent support from property owners in the proposed area. He also wondered if commercial property owners would support the additional tax when there has been so much discussion in the state legislature on the need to reform the commercial property tax system.

His biggest concern, however, was what the committee that oversees the fund planned to do with the money it collected.

"It better be better than watering a few plants," he said.

Bruce Showalter, one of the organizers of the effort, said that in the past the money helped fund efforts to keep the area clean, provide banners to hang in the district and maintain flower garden areas. He said he would provide details of the plans for the fund before the Newton council takes its final vote on the ordinance at its Aug. 2 meeting.

Should the city council approve third consideration and adopt the ordinance, a vote in support by three-fourths of the property owners in the district would need to be secured for its implementation.

Newton council hires firm to help the city set action plans, goals

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council on Monday agreed pay an Illinois management services firm up to $16,900 to assist the city in developing a mission statement, set of goals and action plans to drive the community's efforts over the course of the next two years.

Sikich, LLP, of Naperville will work with the city to prepare a set of goals and work with department directors in preparing action plans to implement those goals, including measures that will be used to track performance.

"A strategic plan as outlined is a valuable tool in the constrained economic environment," City Administrator Bob Knabel told the council in his report on the matter. "It provides direction and a course of action that the City Council can use and the public can trust to guide the overall affairs of the City. Rather than reacting to the environment, in as much as possible an organization can use a plan of this sort to chart its own journey. It allows the City to maintain a disciplined approach to addressing the issues while at the same time being flexible enough to adjust as needed."

Council were initially hesitant to the idea of spending that amount on what some thought was duplicative of the Comprehensive Plan currently under development.

Knabel, however, said the work Sikich will perform will drive down further into the details the the broader scope of the Comprehensive Plan.

"It will tell us what we need to do to meet that vision," he said. "It will give us a set of goals and steps."

Councilman Mike Hansen, who was acting as mayor pro tem at the meeting, said he was initially reluctant to the plan, but upon further investigation changed his mind.

"The price of it was my first concern, but after looking into it I think it's money well spent," he said. "This will give us a charge to carry out. I think we are going to get a huge bang for the dollar we're going to spend."

Councilman Dennis Julius, however, opposed the plan citing its cost and the ability of department directors to undertake such a process in-house, much like an effort undertaken by former City Administrator Tom Wardlow two years ago.

"I don't see why we can't do it in-house," he said. "When I look at the cost, it bothers me. There are people here who have the knowledge to do it."

Julius' dissent was not enough to sway the other council members.

"We hired Bob to bring about change," councilman Steve Mullan said of the new city administrator. "If he sees the value in it then I support it."

The services will cover pre-meetings with the mayor, council members, all department directors and the city administrator in one-on-one sessions. Those will be followed by a full-day sesson on Saturday, Sept. 22, with the mayor, council and all department directors. Two post-session meetings will be held with department directors in October to develop action plans, priorities and measures. A report will be produced spelling out the outcome of the process.