Newton Independent

City to enforce code regulating memorial placements next to veteran's grave markers

Newton Independent

City of Newton officials said today that due to the proliferation of the placement of unallowed items at grave sites in the veteran's section of Newton Union Cemetery they will begin enforcing city code and removing unacceptable memorials.

Keith Laube, Newton's public works director, said in a press release that a city code enacted in 1995 only allows for small vases for temporary display of cut flowers to be placed next to a veteran's marker. Veteran graves are identified with a flat gray granite marker, both inside and outside the veteran's section. The flowers are to be removed once they wither.

During the past few years, Laube said, such things as benches, statues, shepherd hooks, wishing wells, solar lights, plaques, rocks, signs, beer cans and liquor bottles have been appearing next to veteran grave sites.

"While these items may have importance to loved ones and fellow combatants, the abundance of these items in the veteran's section has diminished the respectful image of those who have served our country," he said. "There is a strong desire among veterans in the Jasper County Veteran's Council to return the veteran's section of the cemetery to an appearance more in line with the way it was originally intended. The purpose of the veteran's section was to show respect to those who have served our country."

The end of March and the week after the Fourth of July are designated clean-up times at Union Cemetery. Laube said cemetery staff have recently completed cleaning the veteran's section and will be enforcing city code and removing items not allowed.

'Tea Room' language allowed in Newton zoning code

By PETER HUSSMANN

Without discussion, the Newton City Council agreed to insert language in the zoning code to allow for the operation of a tea room commercial enterprise as a conditional use within multi-family residentially zoned districts.

Nancy Egnozzi and Robert Sawyer, the California-owners of the Hunter Mansion at 223 W. 4th St. S., are proposing to turn the historic Newton residence into a commercial "tea room" operation. The pair dropped efforts to get the entire block rezoned commercial after it twice met with reluctance from the planning commission and instead worked with city staff to develop new language in the zoning code that would allow for such an operation in R-3 residential districts as a conditional use.

The Newton Zoning Board of Adjustment will be required to review the operation plans of the proposed tea room endeavor before issuing a conditional use permit.

Earlier this month, the planning commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the new code language. The Newton council waived second and third readings of the ordinance and adopted the measure.

Newton council rejects 'Buy Local' policy, then does just that

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council scrapped plans to implement a "Buy Local" policy and then did just that in approving the purchase of a higher cost pick-up truck from a local car dealership.

Two weeks ago, the council discussed implementing a "Buy Local" policy that would give preference to local vendors of goods and services if bids are within various percentage thresholds. However, several council members at the time questioned the need for such a policy since the council already attempted to give such consideration to local businesses.

The proposal rejected by the council on Monday would have allowed a 5 percent preference, up to a maximum of $5,000 per purchase, to a vendor whose business was located within the city limits. The policy would not pertain to purchases involving a formal bidding process or for purchases that includes funds from another government entity.

Council members rejected the proposal saying they already have latitude in buying local on a case-by-case basis.

"I believe in competitive bids and we always reserve the right to make a final decision," said council member Steve Mullan in opposing the policy. "I think we do a good job."

And two agenda items later, the council made good on that promise by approving the $21,613 purchase of a Ford pick-up truck for the parks department from Noble Ford in Newton even though its bid was about $1,300 (6.3 percent) higher than the low bid from Steve Link Ford in Grinnell.

Council member Jim Plumb was the only member to vote against the purchase saying the expenditure of an additional $1,300 "in this budget" was unacceptable.

City of Newton looks to develop action plan for Maytag Bowl improvements

By PETER HUSSMANN

The City of Newton will hire an engineering consultant to review the top priorities as defined by the Fred Maytag Bowl Project Committee and provide the Newton City Council with a potential plan of action, including estimated costs, at its first meeting in September.

Council members agreed to take the step after a lengthy and contentious discussion that reflected the continued divide among residents wanting to solely bring the bowl structure back to its historical condition and those wanting to keep that character but enhance the bowl's functionality for a variety of modern-day entertainment uses.

Two weeks ago, Evelyn George, the chair of the Fred Maytag Bowl Project Committee, provided council members with a ranked list of priorities deemed by committee members to be the most important. She said the committee had come to a point in its work where professional engineering services were needed to help identify a plan and associated costs to enable the group to meet its commission. She asked for council permission to fund such an effort.

On Monday, the council agreed to allow City Administer Tom Wardlow, under his spending authority and to speed the effort, to hire an engineering consultant to look at the top 15 priorities on the committee's list and devise a plan for council considertion for making improvements to the bowl structure and its surroundings.

Those 15 are:

• repair bowl exterior (roof, gutter)
• develop water drainage solutions around the bowl
• upgrade the bowl's electrical system
• repair the bowl's lighting system
• solve the bowl's interior moisture/ventilation issues
• increase lighting behind the bowl for safety and security
• repair bowl steps and walls
• utilize volunteer labor when appropriate
• provide handicap accessibility
• provide an area behind the bowl for delivery trucks to turnaround readily
• modify the road grade to accommodate straight trucks used by performers
• repair bowl stage
• remove trees touching bowl
• preserve healthy trees while meeting the needs for functionality
• leave the existing seating and repair

Council members were in agreement that a professional engineer first needed to review the committee's priorities and develop a plan for the council to consider moving forward. Funding for any project work would likely come from a portion of the $500,000 Whirlpool granted the city when it left town. In addition, more than $32,000 in previously collected private donations from the Restore the Pride's scrapped bowl project plan also remain.

"I'm reluctant to move forward until we have a professional look it over," council member Mike Hansen said, noting the "wonderful progress" made by the project committee in coming up with a list of priorities.

The issue of upgrading the Maytag Bowl has been simmering for more than a year. Last May, Newton Mayor Chaz Allen put a stop to the Restore the Pride group's private fund-raising effort to move forward with a multi-million dollar plan to overhaul the existing structure and surrounding grounds and turn it into a new entertainment venue. That effort was met with stiff resistance from the Save the Bowl group who wanted to keep the facility's historical character intact. In September, the Fred Maytag Bowl Project Committee was formed from representatives of both sides to hammer out a mutually agreeable project plan.

The distrust between the groups, which some committee members said marked the group's year-long deliberations, surfaced at Monday's meeting which lead Allen once again to put his foot down.

"There is no Restore the Pride or Save the Bowl," Allen said. "We need to move on. It's time to stop arguing and start acting. This conversation is over. This back and forth has got to stop. This is not a court. We have to have a plan to even move forward."

Westwood's back-nine hit by flash flood

Newton Independent

Heavy rains earlier this month caused an estimated $40,000 damage to the back-nine holes at Westwood Golf Course, Newton council members were recently told.

On July 7, Newton received approximately 5 inches of rain in a six-hour period that caused Cherry Creek to rise and produce a flash flood across the back-nine holes.

Damage included stream bank erosion, one large bridge abutment to become severely eroded, approximately 60-feet of chain link fence to be flattened and silt and sand to be deposited across fairways.

The back-nine was closed for five days to allow park department officials to clear the debris. The city may be able to seek federal assistance to help pay costs of cleanup.

Memorandum: Question Regarding Property Taxes

Newton Independent

MEMORANDUM

TO: The Honorable Mayor Allen and all members of the City Council
CC: Thomas R. Wardlow, City Administrator & Denny Slings, Parks Director
FROM: Darrin T. Hamilton, City Attorney
DATE: July 6, 2010
RE: Council member question on property taxes

QUESTION REGARDING PROPERTY TAXES

Council member Julius sent an e-mail this morning, which contained a number of matters. One was addressed to me regarding the following matter. Council member Julius is aware of an issue that Joyce Moen brought to the attention of the Maytag Bowl Committee regarding the caretaker's house at Maytag Park. Ms. Moen believes the house should be taxed as the city is renting out the house. Council member Julius is providing a heads-up on an issue and wanted to know whether there would be property taxes when the city is the owner and therefore exempt from property taxes.

PROPERTY TAXATION AND CITY OWNERSHIP

Generally, when a unit of government (city, school, county, state, federal) owns property, it is exempt from paying property taxes. However, if the city utilizes a property for profit, such as renting out property for which there is a marketable demand for, the property would be placed on the tax roll.

CARETAKER'S HOUSE AT MAYTAG PARK

I became aware of this issue approximately in late March or early April this year. I looked into the matter and talked with the County Assessor. It is my understanding the property (an older home, part of which the city uses for storage) is rented to a prior City of Newton Parks Department employee for a nominal amount and in exchange (since they live inside the park) they keep an eye out for activity after hours. The County Assessor will not place the property on the tax rolls. Should the situation change, it is possible the property would be placed on the tax rolls. This is something city staff is aware of and should monitor when the time comes to update the terms of the lease.

CLOSING

Should there be any questions or comments regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Newton council considers 'buy local' policy

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council will discuss the possibility of implementing a "buy local" policy for the purchase of goods and services at its next meeting, though some council members questioned the need due to an informal de facto policy already in place.

Earlier this year, Newton Mayor Chaz Allen brought up the issue after learning of a similar policy in place in Cedar Rapids.

Newton City Administrator Tom Wardlow has since researched the issue and found a number of communities have adopted formal policies that give preference to local vendors of goods and services if bids are within various percentage thresholds.

Some members questioned the need.

"We purchase as local as we can now," said council member Jim Plumb. "We're trying to save money and then we would be turning around and giving it away. I think we're making a problem we don't need."

Wardlow said such preferences in bidding is allowed by state law, which defines a local business as one paying property taxes (or rent to a property tax paying owner) within the city limits. Purchases made through the formal bid process (i.e. construction projects) and those purchased with the assistance of federal, state or county funds would be exempt because they are required to go to the low bidder.

Wardlow said if the council should decide to adopt such a policy, he would recommend a 5 percent preference on purchases up to a $5,000 maximum difference per purchase.

"My question is whether such a policy has any teeth?" asked councilman Dennis Julius. "Or is it just a warm-fuzzy?"

A draft proposal will be presented to the council for its consideration at its next meeting.

Maytag Bowl Project Committee lists priorities, seeks design services; one member gives an earful

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council will decide at its next meeting whether to allow the Fred Maytag Bowl Project Committee to hire a professional design and engineering firm to draft plans that address the priority issues identified by commitee members.

Evelyn George, chair of the Project Committee, gave council members an update on Monday of their efforts since last September in coming up with a plan for upgrading the bowl and surrounding environs.

Over the past nine months, the committee has studied the bowl's condition, met with groups that use the facility and researched band shell projects conducted in four other Iowa cities. The group met with representatives of the State Historical Society of Iowa in regard about placing the facility on the state and national historic registry, reviewed the work of the Transformation Council concerning its plan for a bowl upgrade and reviewed a proposal from committee member Joyce Moen on her proposal for renovation.

"With all the information and insights gained from this due diligence process, our committee prioritized the importance of the city to address specific issues of the Bowl," George told the council in presenting the top priorities.

The priorties, as presented to the council, include:

• the exterior structural elements of the bowl including electrical and lighting
• the need for a water drainage solution around the bowl.
• handicap accessibility
• the access/delivery road behind the bowl
• interior elements of the bowl

George asked council members for "permission and direction" in moving foward with the process by hiring a firm to conduct engineering and design plans that address the key issues identified by committee members.

"This work is needed for our committee to deliver a realistic recommendation for a plan (or plans or phased plan) that includes layout, budget, timeline, impact statement and long-term sustainability to the Parks Commission and ultimately to the City Council," she said.

The committee was developed after Newton Mayor Chaz Allen pulled the plug on a $2.5 million renovation project being pushed by Newton Transformation Council. The group had begun raising private funds to renovate the Maytag Bowl, terrace the amphitheater's grounds and construct an entrance plaza area, a proposal that was met with strong opposition from groups opposed to changing the historical flavor of the area. Members of both groups were placed on the Project Committee charged with coming up with a new plan.

Prior to the George's presentation, Project Committee member Bev Morris complained that she was unaware of what Monday's presentation would include because committee members were told not to talk to each other about the project by e-mail or phone due to the requirements of the open meetings laws, a sentiment echoed later by committee member Moen who noted the group's lack of use of Roberts Rules of Order.

"Sunday we celebrated Independence Day and as a citizen of the United States I feel that this committee had no legal right to deny us freedom of speech, so I am now going to speak out, as the Maytag Bowl is deteriorating further each day that goes by while someone tries to figure out what to do," Morris said. "Forget the splash pool. Forget resurfacing the park roads. Forget the playground equipment. Take some of the Whirlpool money or the CIP (capital improvement project) budget for the parks and hire a roofing contractor, tiler, an electrician, road grader and purchase some gravel and fix the bowl before it deteroriates even more and the cost of saving it is prohibitive."

Morris continued to chastize the city for its neglect of the bowl and suggested that it might be best for the park to be given back to the Maytag family "as Newton has not kept their part of the bargain."

"When you think that a man was kind enough to give the park to Newton, along with an endowment to help take care of the upkeep on the park, and all he wanted was for it to remain a 'free park for all to enjoy,' it is very sad," Morris said. "If I were the Maytag children, I would file suit and take the park back, as Newton has not kept their part of the bargain. If the City of Newton cannot bring the Maytag Bowl and park back up to code, then give it back to the Maytag family. Newton does not deserve it."

The council plans to discuss George's funding request at its next meeting.

Rezoning request for 'tea room' pulled from Newton City Council agenda

By PETER HUSSMANN

The California owners of a residential property a block south of City Hall they had hoped to turn into a "tea room" have now pulled their application for a rezoning request sought to allow the project to move forward.

Nancy Engozzi and Robert Sawyer, the two owners of the property at 223 W. 4th St. S., notified city officials earlier today of their intention of withdrawing the application for rezoning of the entire block residential to commercial in advance of tonight's meeting where the issue was set as a public hearing.

"I wanted to let you both know that we are withdrawing our application for rezoning our property," a copy of the e-mail sent to Newton City Planner Erin Chambers states. "As I told you last week, Erin, we would have been willing to take the conditional use option to stop all the fighting in the town, but you asked that I let it go on to the City Council."

Egnozzi said that both her business partners in the "tea room" business proposal have now withdrawn support "because they do not want to be in a battle nor do they want the criticism we have received."

"What we thought would be just a simple process has turned into much more than we had ever thought," the e-mail states. "I have spoken today with Dan Ingle and asked him to speak for us tonight at the meeting and to ask to have our application withdrawn. I so appreciate the town's support in rallying behind us in this effort."

Ingle, a local downtown business owner, read the e-mail withdrawing the application to city council members tonight.

Ingle, also made note that 31 Newton business owners signed a petition asking that the business proposal be allowed to move forward. He noted that the city has a high unemployment rate and a lack of overall retail business, especially in the downtown area. He said he is actively promoting the development of some sort of "school" with developers from Israel and Salt Lake City, Utah that he hoped council would support.

His suggestion that the Iowa Speedway was not the catch-all for the local business community was cut short by Newton Mayor Chaz Allen who said it was an important component of the Newton economy. In addition, the mayor said, a number of other business developments continue to be proposed and considered within the community.

The mayor said the Planning and Zoning Commission had always been ready to work with the "tea room" developers but that their request to rezone an entire block from residential to commercial may not have been in the best interest of all parties involved.

In April and June, the Newton Planning and Zoning Commission rejected the California business partners' application for a rezoning of the west side of the 200 block of West Fourth Street South. The P&Z Commission members felt that a better option would be for the owners to seek an amendment to current language in the R-3 residential district ordinance that would allow for expanded business options, including use of such properties for "tea rooms," under conditional use provisions allowable in city code. Commission members were also concerned about the impact on current and future property owners in the block should the area be rezoned commercial.

'Tea room' battle heads to Newton City Council

By PETER HUSSMANN

After twice striking out with the Newton Planning and Zoning Commission, the new owners of the Hunter Mansion a block south of city hall plan to take their case to open a "tea room" business on the property directly to the Newton City Council.

On Monday, the council will hold a public hearing on the request by Nancy Egnozzi and Robert Sawyer, owners of the property at 223 W. 4th St. S., to have the west side of the 200 block of West Fourth Street South rezoned from R-3, a one through 12 family dwelling district, to C-N, a neighborhood commercial district.

The issue has twice gone to the Planning and Zoning Commission where it failed on 3-2 votes. Commissioners voting against the zoning change voiced concerns due to the opposition by at least one of the three other affected property owners and the future land use map indicating the area's use as residential. Commission members suggested a compromise that would allow the owners to seek a change in the allowed uses in R-3 districts to include "tea rooms" as conditional uses, a proposal the owners were disinclined to follow.

At the second planning and zoning hearing on the matter on June 8 (it was first shot down in late April), the owners presented commission members with additional information on their business proposal and justification for their zoning change request. Sawyer and Egnozzi, who both live in California but have Newton ties, told the commission that rezoning the properties "would have no negative impact on the neighborhood, and that it would actually prove beneficial to the properties on the entire block and the City of Newton."

The property owners noted that once a business was located on the site, the property taxes paid would nearly double, providing increased income to the city. In addition, even with the reclassification, the other property owners would not be forced to pay taxes as commercial enterprises and would continue to keep the property tax advantages of residential classifications.

The two also noted the "tea room's" ability to draw visitors from other parts of the state, a move that would be beneficial to other business owners in the community. Improvements the pair plan to make to the property would also act to spur values in the area.

The owners also said that a number of the properties potentially impacted by the zoning change are already in close proximity to similarly-zoned properties. City Hall, one block north, is in a neighborhood commercial district.

The pair also noted that parking and traffic should not be a concern with the business, that similar "tea rooms" in Iowa are typically located in older homes in mainly residential areas, and that they have developed a viable business plan that would be beneficial to the community. Additionally, the home owners have plans to possibly allow the facility to be used for weddings, charity events and may include some sort of scrap-booking operation.

In its report to the city council on the matter, city staff is recommending that the council follow the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission and not approve the change. However, should the council decide to agree to the change, city staff recommends that "proper findings (reasons) should be made and expressed by the council that would support that action, given not all property owners included in the rezoning are in favor of the proposal."

Newton councilman says he's on cost saving mission

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton City Councilman Mike Hansen told other council members on Monday that he plans to take a department-by-department look on how to cut costs in anticipation of tougher budget years ahead.

Hansen said that he had asked for discussion to be held at Monday's meeting on "legal department alternatives" but said his effort would expand beyond that scope during the remaining three years he has on his term.

"We need to start looking department-by-department to face the fact that budgets are going to be tougher," he said. "My intent is to start reducing the amount of money needed to provide services. We need to make less demands on citizens and I intend to go on a mission."

Hansen said he was starting with the legal department "because it's an easy one."

With only City Attorney Darrin Hamilton in the department, any changes would likely mean his position's elimination and outsourcing of the city's legal work to a local law firm. The department's annual budget is approximately $100,000.

The council also approved a 1.5 percent pay increase for Hamilton at Monday's meeting.

Hansen asked for consent from the other council members to begin to look at how other cities the size of Newton handle their legal chores. He asked that a report be developed on whether other communities contract for legal services, and if so, what rates are charged. He said the information could then be shared with all council members.

"This is a start," he said. "I intend to ask the same of every department."

Garbage/recycling fees headed up

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton residents will soon see an increase on their water bills for garbage collection and recycling after the Newton City Council approved a one-year contract extension with Dodd's Trash Hauling and Recycling.

The new contract calls for Dodd's to be paid a 1 percent consumer price index adjustment, as well as a 2.7 percent increase to cover additional operational costs, largely fuel prices.

Those increases will cause the local recycling and garbage collection fees to increase 10 cents per household per month. In addition, residents will see increases on their bills due to the increase charge on tipping fees at the landfill. Garbage/recycling monthly costs are expected to go from $10.60 per month to $10.85, $3 per household per year.

The council agreed to a one-year contract extension in order to provide additional time for the city prepare for the receipt of new bids on the recycling/garbage contract. In years past, Dodd's negotiated three-year deals that tied increases to the yearly CPI.

The council is expected to take action on the fee increases at its next meeting in June. The current contract with Dodd's expires at the end of the month.

During discussions on the contract, city officials discussed several issues with Dodd's including the middle of the night recycling collection (though the contract states no start time prior to 6 a.m.), the collection of trash in downtown receptacles, the installation of flashing beacons on trucks and reflective clothing on employees and traffic pattern snarls caused during collection routes. Dodd's said it would address all the issues.

City agrees to be financial fail safe for fireworks display

By PETER HUSSMANN

The City of Newton will be the funder of last resort for this year's Fourth of July fireworks after the Newton City Council on Monday agreed to fund whatever amount the Park Commission is unable to raise privately for the $7,500 display.

Dennis Combs, president of the appointed park commission, told council members that a total of $5,500 has been raised to date and asked that the council agree to fund whatever amount the group is unable to raise. He said while that amount currently stands at $2,000, he was certain additional private fund-raising efforts would whittle that amount down significantly.

"I'm optimistic we'll scare up on the number," Combs said.

Two council members were not in agreement and did not lend their consent.

Marv Morris said that there are "way better ways" to spend $2,000 and that if all the park board could raise was $5,500 then that's how much of a display should be presented.

Steve Mullan agreed.

"There's a difference between want and need," he said. "I side with Marvin, if this is going to fly it's going to have to be private."

A year ago Newton residents became incensed when they realized that the city had not budgeted for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. The council caved at the resulting uproar and agreed to fund whatever wasn't raised privately, which last year amounted to about half of the $7,500 total.

At the same time, the council directed the park commission to lead the charge for this year's display saying financing for the fireworks had to come from private sources.

Others on the council, however, were more open to financing a portion of the display.

"We spend more than $2,000 frivolously all the time," said councilman Jim Plumb. "We need the fireworks.

Newton Mayor Chaz Allen, saying he would approach the new owner of Iowa Telecom, Windstream Corporation, about making a donation. He also said the traditional holiday event was important to the community.

"We have to remember were celebrating Independence Day," he said. "We need to do this as a city."

Councilman Mike Hansen agreed saying he felt the group would likely meet its fund-raising total.

"If there is one celebration I will back it's the celebration of our independence," he said. "I think they will be successful."

Change to zoning code could allow real estate firm's move

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council on Monday cleared the way for a local real estate firm to buy a residential property and open an office in the 700 block of North Third Avenue East.

The council approved first reading and then adopted a new ordinance that that allows a "professional office" as a conditional use in a light industrial zoning district. The Newton Planning and Zoning Commission had previously voted to recommend approval.

The Doyle and Devoe Realty firm's interest in purchasing a property from Gary Ryther at 736 N. 3rd Ave. E. and opening a real estate office at that location led to the zoning amendment. The city council's adoption of the ordinance change, however, would allow other "professional offices" to be located in all light industrial districts, following issuance of a conditional use permit by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and was not specific to that location.

Erin Chambers, the Newton zoning administrator, said the city had not contacted neighbors of the proposed real estate firm site concerning the development of an office at that location, though she noted that Ryther had informally posed the question to neighbors who said they saw no problem.

The ordinance also includes a maximum lot size for "professional office" development in light industrial districts of half an acre to reserve larger tracts for larger industrial uses.

Newton council to talk 'legal department alternatives'

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council will hold discussion on a number of items at its regular meeting on Monday, led by talk of what's being termed on the agenda as "legal department alternatives."

Currently, the city's "legal department" is comprised solely of City Attorney Darrin Hamilton. The department's annual budget, including his salary, is approximately $100,000.

Ironically, while the council plan's to discuss "alternatives" to the department, a separate agenda item involves a resolution approving a salary increase for the long-time city attorney.

No council packet information is included with either the salary increase proposal or "alternatives" discussion.

Other discussion items on Monday's 5:30 p.m. meeting agenda include talk about fireworks with the park board and discussion of capital improvement program priorities at the water pollution control plant.

Other items include setting a date to take bids on the reconstruction of West Ninth street South from South Eighth Avenue West to South 11th Avenue West, a resolution authorizing the estimated $100,000 repair on a bulldozer at the landfill and a resolution acknowledging Maytag Park as National Register eligible.

Newton sees year-to-date increase in new construction permit values

By PETER HUSSMANN

The City of Newton has seen significant increases in new construction permit values so far this year, but still lags last year's overall building performance through May by about a half million dollars.

Total permit values for new residential construction and new non-residential construction tops $1.4 million this year, more than a million dollar increase in totals reported for the same time last year, a recently released city report indicates.

However, including non-residential remodeling totals to the mix shows Newton with a total of approximately $2.5 million in building permit values through May 2010, compared to more than $3 million last year.

Last year's results, however, were driven by the remodeling project at the former Maytag building for the Career Academy on the DMACC campus. Last year's project was valued at more than $2 million.

Construction permits for two residential properties valued at a total of $310,000 have been issued this year, compared to zero at this point in 2009.

Permits for new non-residential structures total $1.13 million so far this year compared to $300,000 in 2009. This year's total is led by the construction of Dr. Rabedeaux's new dental office with a permit value of $882,200.

Non-residential remodeling to date in 2010 totals $1.12 million compared to $2.77 million last year, led again by the career academy. This year's total is led by the $607,000 value of the remodeling at the former Iowa Telecom building.

May's total building permit levels were the second highest of the year at $681,000. The city recorded one new residential construction permit, no new non-residential construction and one non-residential remodeling project valued at $470,000 for the aeration project at the waste water treatment plant.

Including residential garages and residential remodeling, the city's year-to-date total building permit value stands at $2.7 million.

Council agrees to sell final 1st St. S. D&D lot

By PETER HUSSMANN

If things fall in place, the City of Newton could see its housing stock augmented by the construction of an additional duplex near the intersection of First Street South and South Eighth Avenue, the current site of the most residential construction the community has seen in years.

On Monday, the Newton City Council gave conditional approval to sell the last remaining parcel of the tract of properties in the area the city acquired in 2007 under its Dangerous and Dilapidated Buildings Program to Rick and Mary Kading, the Des Moines-area couple currently constructing $1 million worth of duplexes on the seven parcels it previously purchased.

The Kadings, who also own a number of duplexes on South 17th Avenue West as well as other sites around the community, have offered to buy the 50-foot wide lot at 611 1st St. S. from the city for $2,400.

However, the Kading's purchase of the city lot is contingent on whether it is successful at buying an adjacent property at 625 1st St. S. from a private owner.

Newton Community Development Director Bryan Friedman told the council the Kadings are in negotiations with the property owners and expects a successful outcome. He said if successful, the Kadings plan to build an additional duplex on the site with a value of approximately $120,000.

The council agreed to the plan, but stipulated its approval of the sale would expire within 60 days.

Council member Marv Morris abstained from the vote due to his ownership of land adjacent to the city lot proposed for sale to the Kadings.

Mayor chagrined by DOT's findings on condition of First Avenue

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton Mayor Chaz Allen, as were the rest of the Newton City Council, was a little chagrined by the Iowa Department of Transportation's assessment of the condition of First Avenue as "average."

The mayor, saying he thought First Avenue was a "little worse" than that, took note at the beginning of Monday's meeting of the DOT's findings presented to the council in note from the city administrator earlier this month.

DOT officials inspected First Avenue, a state-owned road, and concluded it was in "average condition" compared to other routes in the district.

The state officials said they will "try to begin the development of a project concept for First Avenue from W. 4th St. to E. 25th St. next year." They did, however, find that two intersections, E. 2nd St. and W. 3rd St., were "worthy" of an overlay now and would fund the projects.

"It's scary to think what the others are if we're average," said Allen.

The mayor also thanked those involved in bringing the Siemens Sustainable Community Award to Newton, an honor presented last week in Houston at a gathering of members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"It's a good honor for the community," he said. "This was an effort among many to make this happen."

Iowa DOT deems First Avenue to be in 'average condition'

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton residents' and city officials' complaints about the condition of state-owned First Avenue brought the Department of Transportation out for a look-see recently though the pot-hole-pocked roadway didn't rise to the level of the need for immediate attention as viewed through the eyes of the state officials.

In a note to Newton City Council members, City Administrator Tom Wardlow noted that representatives of the DOT visited Newton and examined the roadway. They recently contacted Public Works Director Keith Laube about their findings.

"They have advised us that they find First Avenue (from West Fourth Street eastward), compared to other routes in their District One, in average condition," Wardlow told council members. "The DOT has stated that they will 'try to begin the development of a project concept for First Avenue from W. 4th St. to E. 25th St. next year.'"

However, Wardlow told council members, the DOT did determine that two intersections, E. 2nd St. and W. 3rd St., are "worthy of an overlay now."

The state has agreed to pay for those overlay projects. The city public works department is working on the projects now.

Last summer, the DOT put an overlay on a portion of First Avenue West, from city hall to Highway 14. That roadway improvement has already begun to shown signs of stress.

Will Newton win the 'Sustainable Community' award?

Newton Independent

The City of Newton will find out this evening whether it will be the 2010 winner of the Siemans Sustainable Community Award for Small Community during a presentation at the Business Civic Leadership Center's National Conference on Corporate Community Investment in Houston.

Newton is one of three finalists in the small community category for the national award that recognizes public-private partnerships in creating sustainable development.

Newton partnered with Trinity Industries in bringing a wind tower production facility to a portion of the former flagship Maytag plant and TPI Composites and others in building a wind blade manufacturing site in the community.

Newton Mayor Chaz Allen and Community Development Director Bryan Friedman are attending the conference.

Other small community finalists are Casselberry, Fla., and Manhattan Beach, Calif.

You can read Newton's entry here and the other two entries here and here.