Newton, KS

Planning Commission

The Newton Area Planning Commission meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers. The main item is a public hearing on adopting the Newton Next Comprehensive Plan, a long-range planning document. The Commission will also consider a variance for 900 Old Main, a zoning amendment for 430 E Broadway, right-of-way vacations and dedications in Hauck Addition, rules for intermodal shipping containers in residential zones, and a second reading of a zoning text amendment. It will also review the Choose Newton Development Survey results and approve the September 14, 2026 minutes.

• Public hearing on adoption of the Newton Next Comprehensive Plan
• Variance request for 900 Old Main
• Zoning amendment for 430 E Broadway
• Dedication and vacations of right-of-way and easements in Hauck Addition
• Second reading of a zoning text amendment covering stream corridor management, Board of Zoning Appeals procedures, the Table of Uses, and zoning ordinances since August 1, 2022

Newton Housing Authority

The Newton Housing Authority Commission met to discuss scheduling and legal procedures for a Board hearing regarding an employee termination. The meeting included an introduction of legal counsel and an executive session.

• Discussion of a date and time for an employee termination hearing
• Discussion of hearing procedures with Legal Counsel Brad Jantz
• Executive Session

Newton Housing Authority

The Newton Housing Authority will review maintenance updates for Midtown Towers, including unit rehabilitation and roof repairs. The commission will also receive 2026 Fiscal Year financial reports and a report regarding a response to a request for corrective items.

• Status of Midtown 1st floor and family units rehab
• Status of Midtown roof replacement
• Status of rooftop HVAC repair
• 2026 Fiscal Year financial reports
• Report on Cole Cochran's response to NHA's Board Policy

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will consider a franchise agreement with Kansas Gas Service, a reversionary interest on property sold to Standridge Color Corporation, and a land transfer to the Newton Land Bank. They will also discuss an amendment to the animal trapping ordinance and consider several consent agenda items, including a utility assistance program resolution and street closures for community events.

• Franchise agreement with Kansas Gas Service
• Reversionary interest on property in Newton Area Industrial Park Second Addition sold to Standridge Color Corporation
• Transfer of 3.84 acres on north side of SW 14th Street west of S. Plum Street to Newton Land Bank
• Resolution establishing guidelines for Utility Assistance Program
• Street closures for Taste of Newton (Oct 15) and Halloween Walk (Oct 31) on Main Street

Choose Newton

The Community Development Commission will receive updates on housing recruitment, business retention site visits, and the Depot District/320 N Main redevelopment. The RFP for a master developer has closed and is now in evaluation. The commission will also consider approving the June 18, 2026 meeting minutes.

• RFP for Newton Depot District and 320 N Main master developer closed August 26, 2026; evaluation underway
• Housing update: Harvest Point II (28 senior units, $5.5M), Fox Ridge Phase I (160 doors, $20.255M), Artistic Builders (71 lots)
• Business retention visits completed with 8 local businesses including Chisholm Trail Outlet Mall and Moxy Community Pub
• Consideration of June 18, 2026 meeting minutes

Main Street

The Newton Main Street board will consider approving the July 23, 2026 meeting minutes, discuss a proposed mission statement, review facade improvement grant applications for four downtown properties, and hear reports on promotions and project updates. The agenda includes routine items such as minutes approval and reports, but also includes a decision on grant applications.

• Facade Improvement Grant applications: 122 E 6th Street (Newton Senior Center), 505 N Main Street (Rohr Jewelry), 601 N Main Street (Prairy), 118 N Main Street (McDonald Law)
• Proposed mission statement: 'To create a thriving & vibrant destination where history, commerce, and community connect.'
• Consideration of July 23, 2026 meeting minutes
• Promotions report listing upcoming events (e.g., Fall Into Downtown, Third Thursday, Merry Little Main Street)
• Project updates on Downtown Sound System, Common Consumption, and KMS & MSA Expectations

Planning Commission

The Newton Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to rezone 1709 North Poplar from R-1 single-family to R-2 multi-family, with a recommendation to the City Commission. They will also consider a text amendment to zoning regulations covering stream corridors, Board of Zoning Appeals procedures, and the Table of Uses, plus discuss allowing permanent storage containers in residential districts. The agenda includes approval of July minutes and reconsideration of a final plat for Newton Prestress 2nd Addition.

• Rezone 1709 N Poplar from R-1 to R-2 (multi-family) with public hearing
• Text amendment to Zoning Regulation on stream corridors, BZA procedures, Table of Uses
• Discussion on permanent use of storage containers in residential districts
• Reconsider final plat for Newton Prestress 2nd Addition
• Approve July 6, 2026 meeting minutes

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project bids and updated guidelines for the Utility Assistance Program. The meeting also includes discussions on public safety studies and various municipal proclamations.

• Receive bids and award contract for the 2026 Roadway Rehabilitation Project
• Consider updated guidelines for the Utility Assistance Program
• Consider an agreement for a public safety study with Matrix Consulting
• Review plans and specifications for Hauck Addition improvements
• Consider city assistance for Blues, Brews and Barbecue on September 26, 2026

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank is conducting a required public hearing regarding its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The board will receive public comment on projected revenues and expenditures before moving toward formal budget adoption.

• Public hearing for the FY 2027 Land Bank budget
• Approval of the August 12, 2026, meeting minutes

Newton Housing Authority

The Newton Housing Authority will vote on four operational policies covering vacancies, unit turnarounds, maintenance response, and offline procedures. The board will also review the Executive Director's report on financials, HUD correspondence, and 2025 audit corrective actions. Additionally, the body will consider engaging an attorney for general counsel and employment issues.

• Approval of Policy of Vacancies
• Approval of Policy of Unit Turnarounds
• Approval of Policy of Maintenance Response
• Approval of Policy of Offline Procedures
• Consideration of engaging an attorney for general counsel and employment issues

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will receive the 2025 financial audit, hold public hearings on the 2027 budget and Revenue Neutral Rate, and consider adopting the budget. They will also receive an annual housing update, consider an ordinance updating sanitation fees, and discuss reacquiring 10 acres from 21 Albermarle, LLC. The agenda includes several routine items such as minutes approval and asset disposal guidelines.

• Public hearing and resolution on 2027 Revenue Neutral Rate
• Public hearing and adoption of 2027 budget
• Ordinance updating sanitation collection fees
• Reacquiring 10 acres from 21 Albermarle, LLC at NW Corner of Oliver and 1st Street
• Receive 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Public Wholesale Water Supply District #17

The Wholesale Water Supply District No. 17 board will meet to review the minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting, receive the July financial report, hear an audit report and presentation, and get an update on well levels. The agenda also includes old business and adjournment. The meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at City Hall in Newton, Kansas.

• Review minutes of April 15, 2026 meeting
• Receive July PWWSD financial report
• Audit report & presentation
• Update on well levels
• Next meeting set for April 21, 2027

Work Session

The Newton City Commission is holding a work session to review a study and options for the Safe Routes For All (SS4A) program. No formal decisions are scheduled; the item is for discussion only.

• Review of Safe Routes For All (SS4A) study and options

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will consider the 2027 budget recommendation, set a publication amount and hearing date, review the fireworks ordinance, and decide on a wetlands birdwatching platform agreement. They will also vote on consent items including minutes, an appointment, and a street closing for the homecoming parade.

• 2027 Budget: receive City Manager's recommendation, approve not-to-exceed amount for publication, set hearing date
• Fireworks ordinance review
• Memorandum of Agreement for RMR Wetlands birdwatching platform, with PEC contract of $14,050
• Mayor's appointment of Rich Stinnett to Harvey County Economic Development, term ending 4-30-2028
• Close Main Street on September 23 at 5:30 p.m. for High School Homecoming Parade

Newton Housing Authority

The Newton Housing Authority is holding a special meeting to consider accepting a Letter of Engagement from attorney Michelle Witte of Martin Pringle for employment-related legal services. The agenda contains only this one substantive item along with procedural actions.

• Consider acceptance of Letter of Engagement for employment matters from Michelle Witte of Martin Pringle

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank Board will consider approving the proposed FY 2026–2027 budget and setting a public hearing for August 27, 2026. The board will also review minutes from the June 18, 2026 meeting and receive a manager update.

• Approve proposed FY 2026–2027 Land Bank budget (projected revenue $5,595, expenses $5,350)
• Set budget public hearing for Thursday, August 27, 2026
• Review and approve June 18, 2026 meeting minutes
• Land Bank manager update on operations

Work Session

The Newton City Commission will hold a work session to continue discussing the 2027 budget. No votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Continue discussion of 2027 budget

Planning Commission

Work Session

The Newton City Commission will hold a work session to hear a presentation on the 2027 Library budget and discuss the overall 2027 city budget. No votes or decisions are expected at this meeting; it is for information and discussion only.

• 2027 Library budget presentation
• 2027 city budget discussion

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will vote on a consent agenda including updated traffic and public offense codes and a financial report, then take up several regular agenda items: a grant request for Themian Park improvements, adoption of the Airport Capital Improvement Plan, authorization of road improvements with a bid opening date, awarding a water tower painting contract, a one-day alcohol permit expansion for Moxie's, and a key construction and lease agreement with Shield AI for a new hangar at the city-county airport. A public forum will also be held.

• Consider Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for Themian Park Phase 2 & 3
• Consider 2026–2030 Airport Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Authorize road improvements with bid opening August 25, 2026
• Review bids and award contract for water tower painting project
• Consider agreement with Shield AI for construction and lease of new hangar at Newton City-County Airport

Newton Housing Authority

The Newton Housing Authority will vote on Resolution 2026-12, which amends the time of regular meetings in the bylaws. The board will also hear reports on the status of a HUD Substandard Designation corrective item, the FY2025 audit finding 2025-001, and discuss communication with the City Commission regarding the Authority's reporting relationship. Other items include updates on public posting of agendas and board email addresses.

• Action on Resolution 2026-12 amending Article III, Section 1 of the Bylaws (time of regular meetings)
• Status report on remaining corrective item for HUD Substandard Designation and expected resolution date
• Discussion of FY2025 audit finding 2025-001 and status of correction actions
• Documents provided to board: Partridge Roofing contract, bids, invoices; Laura Donnelly invoice; salary change minutes; VISA statement; HUD counsel communication; HUD interest-bearing account guidance
• Discussion on July 28 City Commission meeting: attendance and board's communication regarding NHA's reporting relationship

Aviation Commission

The board will meet to elect a new member and review financial reports from June 30, 2026. Members will also continue discussions regarding the Joint Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

• Election of a new board member
• Discussion of Joint CIP
• Review of June 30, 2026 financials

Regular Commission

Main Street

The Choose Newton Main Street Board will discuss a mission‑statement update, recap a Main Street America visit, and review promotion activities. It will consider a request for $36,000 to fund 12 façade improvement grants at the upcoming City Commission meeting. Project updates include a downtown sound system awaiting installation and a common‑consumption proposal to be presented to the city commission on June 9.

• Request $36,000 for 12 façade improvement grants
• Downtown sound system equipment is on site; $40K private donations sought
• Common Consumption proposal to be presented to city commission on June 9
• Main Street America visit scheduled for June 15
• Mission‑statement discussion and promotion report review

Planning Commission

The Newton Planning Commission is considering approval of a preliminary plat for Brigham Industrial Addition, a new industrial subdivision submitted by Newton Industrial LLC. The commission will also review and potentially approve meeting minutes from June 1, 2026, and discuss updates to mural code language.

• Consider preliminary plat for Brigham Industrial Addition (Newton Industrial LLC)
• Approval of June 1, 2026 meeting minutes
• Old business: update on mural code language

City Commission Special Meeting

This special meeting consists solely of an executive session under attorney-client privilege, with no public action or discussion items. It is procedural boilerplate.

• Executive session to discuss matters under attorney-client privilege

Public Building Commission

The Newton Public Building Commission will consider approving the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, which funds Fischer Field turf replacement and pool improvements. They will vote on a $64,882 contract for locker room flooring and a study for the press box at Fischer Field. An interlocal agreement to update maintenance funding for Fischer Field will also be reviewed.

• Approve 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) including $600,000 for Fischer Field turf replacement (2030) and pool upgrades
• Consider $64,882.10 contract for Fischer Field locker room flooring (negotiated from $84,000+ bids)
• Consider $26,500 proposal for Fischer Field press box study
• Sign interlocal agreement to update Fischer Field maintenance funding contributions
• Approve minutes from December 2, 2025 meeting

Regular Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider removing two Newton Housing Authority commissioners due to a HUD substandard management designation. They will also vote on three Reinvestment Housing Improvement Districts to spur housing development at specific locations. Other items include discussing Depot District next steps and a presentation on a biking to school survey.

• Public hearing on removal of Newton Housing Authority commissioners
• Establish RHID at SW 24th Street and west of Anderson Road
• Establish RHID east of S. Blaine Street and northwest of SE 14th Connector
• Establish RHID east of Kansas Avenue and northwest of SE 14th Connector
• Street closure for Harvey County Free Fair Parade on August 8th and city assistance

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton committee will review updates on local business retention efforts and the redevelopment of the historic depot and 320 N Main St. The city intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this summer to find a master developer for these combined sites.

• Planned RFP for a master developer for the Depot and 320 N Main St redevelopment
• Review of PEC Engineering's structural assessment of the depot
• Update on Business Retention and Expansion site visits with local businesses
• Approval of March 19, 2026 meeting minutes

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank will discuss selling 324 E 11th St to a buyer interested in building a tiny home rental, and request the City Commission donate 3.84 acres at 444 SW 14th St for future housing development.

• Sale of 324 E 11th St for 75% of assessed value
• Request to donate 3.84 acres at 444 SW 14th St
• Review and approve minutes from December 18, 2025
• Tiny home rental project at 324 E 11th St
• Housing development plans for 444 SW 14th St

Work Session

The City Commission holds a work session to discuss the 2027 budget, including requests for additional staffing and department priority items. They will also review the Economic Development/Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund, bond obligations, and preliminary mill levy rates. The session aims to connect the budget to strategic priorities and outline next steps.

• Requests for additional staffing across departments
• Key priority items from all departments
• Economic Development/Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund review
• Bond and interest fund review with debt capacity analysis
• Preliminary mill levy/rate implications