Newton public meetings in 2022
43 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will receive bids and award a contract for the Newton Public Library improvement project, and discuss quiet zones. They will also consider a proclamation for Envisioning Your Future Day and a memorandum of understanding with the Central Kansas Community Foundation.
- Receive bids and award contract for Newton Public Library improvement project
- Discussion of quiet zones
- Consider a proclamation declaring December 30, 2022 as Envisioning Your Future Day
- Consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Kansas Community Foundation
- Consider a Resolution authorizing transfer or withdrawal of funds in the Municipal Investment Pool
Main Street
The Newton Main Street committee will review year-end reports on 2022 business openings, occupancy rates, and events held, and discuss memoranda of understanding with the Central Kansas Community Foundation and Kansas Main Street. They will also prioritize work plans and receive a staff report on the 2023 Main Street Now Conference.
- MOU with CentralKansasCommunityFoundation
- MOU with Kansas Main Street
- 2022 Businesses Opened report: 8 new businesses including Cuts for Christ Barber Shop, The Sweet Shoppe, Good Times Barber Shop, Small Town Candies and Gifts, Paws Crossed Thrift Store Inc, Plum Street Cottage, Pivot Lending Group, Discount Depot
- 2022 Occupancy Rate Report: 77%
- 2022 Events Held: 12 events including Sesquicentennial Summer Bash, Car Show, Taste of Newton, Halloween Walk, Parade of Lights, Pop-up Fitness series, Sand Creek Walk
Choose Newton
The Choose Newton committee is reviewing a draft development incentive policy that would guide developers in Newton. The policy includes property tax abatements based on investment levels, a 'but for' test, and a requirement for a positive return on investment. The draft will need to go to the City Commission for review.
- Draft development incentive policy with property tax abatement tiers: 90% for 10 years for $25M+ investments, tiered for $10-25M and $5-10M, 25% for 5 years for $1-5M
- Application fee of $2,000 for incentives
- Neighborhood Revitalization Area (NRA) program with tax rebate for improvements increasing property value by $5,000 or 15%
- Sidewalk rebate of $3.50 per square foot and revitalization rebate of 50% of paint/gutter costs up to $1,000
- Zoning change checklist with $300 filing fee and 200- or 1,000-foot notification distances
Work Session
The Newton City Council is meeting for a work session that includes only a call to order and an executive session to discuss attorney-client privileged matters. No public decisions or votes are scheduled.
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will reorganize by selecting a Mayor and Vice Mayor for the coming year. They will hold a public hearing on 2022 budget amendments and consider a petition to de-annex property at SW 24th and Old Main. Other items include a zoning text amendment, a library naming policy, a fiber franchise agreement with Butler Rural Electric, and continued discussion on an independently elected mayor.
- Reorganization of Commission: selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2023
- Public hearing and approval of 2022 budget amendments
- Petition from Ron Harder requesting de-annexation of property at SW 24th and Old Main
- Consideration of a franchise agreement with Butler Rural Electric for fiber
- Consideration of Newton Public Library construction project naming policy
Planning Commission
The Newton-North Newton Area Planning Commission will consider approving a final plat for the Fox Ridge Addition, a residential subdivision on South Kansas Avenue. Commissioners will also take up a tabled zoning text amendment for Article 3 aimed at regulating noise, dust, and odor pollution, along with a zoning district amendment and preliminary plat for the Tindal and Full Vision additions. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and a review of zoning regulations.
- Final Plat for Fox Ridge Addition (South Kansas Avenue, south of Country Club Dr)
- Zoning Text Amendment for Article 3 (noise, dust, odor regulations — tabled from Nov. 7)
- Zoning District Amendment for Tindal Addition (tabled from Nov. 7)
- Text Amendment for Tindal Addition Plat (tabled from Nov. 7)
- Preliminary Plat for Full Vision Addition
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider a sewer extension petition, development agreement, and tax abatement for Full Vision, as well as plans and a resolution for the Newton Public Library project. They will also vote on zoning code amendments, a budget amendment hearing, and an extension of the GAF land purchase option. Discussion on water and sewer rate adjustments will continue.
- Consider sewer extension, development agreement, and tax abatement for Full Vision
- Receive plans and consider resolution for Newton Public Library project
- Consider ordinances amending Articles 6 and 7 of the Zoning Ordinances
- Consider 2022 budget amendment publications and set hearing date
- Consider amendment to extend GAF option to purchase real property
Choose Newton
The Choose Newton committee is considering a draft of updated Development Incentive Policies, which outline criteria for offering property tax abatements and other incentives to developers. The draft includes a tiered abatement structure based on investment levels, a 'but for' test requirement, and a positive ROI evaluation by a third party. The committee will also discuss a marketing update and approve minutes from a previous meeting.
- Draft incentive policy includes tiered property tax abatements from 25% to 90% for investments of $1M to $25M+
- Policy requires a 'but for' test to ensure projects would not occur without incentives
- Incentives require a positive return on investment confirmed by a third-party evaluator
- Neighborhood Revitalization Area program offers tax rebates for property improvements of $5,000 or 15% of appraised value
- Sidewalk repair rebate of $3.50 per square foot and revitalization rebate of 50% of paint/gutter costs up to $1,000
Work Session
The Newton City Commission will receive the results of a utility rate study from MBT Consulting and discuss possible options for 2023 rate adjustments. An executive session may follow if time permits.
- Receive utility rate study results from MBT Consulting
- Discuss 2023 rate adjustment options
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will vote on designating the 121 East 6th Street parking lot for all farmers markets from April through October, and consider a request to use the same lot for a winter market. They will also decide on extending an option to purchase land in the Tindall Addition, approving a sales agreement with Murdock Properties for four lots in the Newton Industrial Park, updating snow routes, and renaming CR-2 to Railer Field at Centennial Park. Other items include transferring city lots to the Newton Land Bank, amending school zone speed limits, and several zoning code amendments.
- Designate 121 East 6th Street parking lot for all farmers markets (April–October)
- Extension of option to purchase land in Tindall Addition
- Purchase sales agreement with Murdock Properties for four lots in Newton Industrial Park
- Update to snow and ice control routes
- Renaming CR-2 to Railer Field at Centennial Park
Planning Commission
The commission will vote on a final plat for Rolling Hills Seventh Addition, submitted by QuikTrip Corporation for property at 1515 E 1st Street. They will also consider a sign variance for the same addition, multiple zoning text amendments, and a zoning district amendment for Tindall Addition. Several items are contingent on staff conditions.
- Final plat for Rolling Hills Seventh Addition (QuikTrip) at 1515 E 1st St
- Variance for a sign at Rolling Hills Seventh Addition
- Zoning text amendments to Articles 3, 6, and 7 of zoning regulations
- Text amendment for recorded Tindall Addition plat
- Zoning district amendment for Tindall Addition
City Commission Special Meeting
The City Commission will hold a special meeting at Fire Station #3 to consider a post-perfection operating agreement for the Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 17. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 7:00 PM.
- Consider the post-perfection operating agreement for the Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 17
Main Street
The Newton Main Street meeting will review a baseline assessment report and a memorandum of understanding from the Central Kansas Community Foundation. The group will also prioritize work plans and hear a director's report on the PastForward Conference.
- Review MOU from Central Kansas Community Foundation
- Review Baseline Assessment Report from Kansas Main Street and Main Street America
- Prioritize work plans for organization, promotion, economic vitality, and design
- Director's report on PastForward Conference
Land Bank
The Newton Land Bank will meet to adopt its bylaws, review its acquisition and sale process, and consider purchasing three properties: 118 S Kansas, 324 E 11th, and 106 Brookside Dr. The board will also discuss next steps for these potential acquisitions.
- Adopt bylaws for the Newton Land Bank
- Review acquisition and sale process for land bank properties
- Consider purchasing 118 S Kansas
- Consider purchasing 324 E 11th
- Consider purchasing 106 Brookside Dr
Work Session
This is a work session to tour the Sand Creek Station Golf Course and discuss its needs and improvements. No formal decisions are expected; the meeting is for discussion only.
- Tour of Sand Creek Station Golf Course with staff
- Discussion of golf course needs and improvements
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider approving new employment contracts for the City Manager and City Attorney. The Commission will also vote on zoning changes for two properties, a street closure for the Parade of Lights, demolition of a fire-damaged property at 303 SE 4th Street, and an ordinance to dissolve the Accessibility Advisory Board.
- Consider approval of employment contracts for the City Manager and City Attorney
- Zoning amendment for 400 East 8th from R-S to C-2 (General Business District)
- Zoning amendment for 1010 South Kansas Avenue from R-1 to PUD (Planned Unit Development)
- Consider a request to close Main Street on December 1, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the Parade of Lights
- Consider approval to move forward with seeking bids for demolition of property at 303 SE 4th Street
Work Session
The City of Newton is holding a work session to hear a presentation on forms of government. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.
- Presentation by Kathy Sexton and John Nalbandian on forms of government
Regular Commission
The City Commission will consider several administrative items including appointments for the Newton Land Bank and Choose Newton. The agenda also includes a report on the Newton150 Golf Tournament and authority for staff to submit an offer regarding rail right-of-way interests near SE 12th.
- Newton Land Bank: Brian Donley appointment to fill unexpired term ending 4-30-2023
- Choose Newton & Newton Land Bank: Chip Westfall appointment to fill unexpired term ending 4-30-2025
- Rail Right-of-Way interests near SE 12th between Spencer and Hillside
- Newton150 Golf Tournament report
Work Session
The city is holding a work session to review the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and the 2019 Housing Strategic Plan. The session includes a review of Board of Education goals and a discussion on bond information and its impact on taxpayers and staff.
- Review of 2021-2025 Strategic Plan
- Review of 2019 Housing Strategic Plan
- Overview of three Board of Education goal areas
- Discussion of bond scope of work and taxpayer impact
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review a preliminary plat for the Fox Ridge Addition and address several zoning amendments. The meeting includes continued discussions on a variance and zoning changes from previous sessions.
- Preliminary Plat for the Fox Ridge Addition
- Variance for 420 Columbus Avenue
- Zoning District Amendment for 400 East 8th Street
- Zoning District Amendment for 1010 South Kansas Avenue
- Review of Zoning Regulations Article 1
Regular Commission
The City Commission will consider the annexation of Full Vision into city limits and a related zoning amendment for property on Full Vision Drive. Additional items include an updated Water Conservation Plan, sewer code updates, and paving contracts.
- Annexation of Full Vision into City limits
- Zoning amendment for 3014 & 3017 Full Vision Drive to I-2 (General Industrial District)
- Engineering agreement with PEC for Cow Palace sewer extension design
- Updated Water Conservation Plan and City Code amendments
- Paving contracts for Autumn Glen 3rd Addition and Sand Creek Station 4th Addition
Land Bank
The Newton Land Bank will discuss the process for acquiring and selling properties. The body is also scheduled to adopt its official bylaws.
- Adoption of NLB Bylaws
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board is reviewing a draft workplan for the fourth quarter of 2022-2023. The meeting includes reports on recent travel writer visits, website updates for Choose-Newton.com, and preparations for various local community events.
- Draft workplan for 4th Q 2022-2023
- Best of Newton Photography Contest (October 1-28)
- Kansas Travel Guide 2023 advertisement ($3,867)
- Harvey County Resource Guide advertisement ($375)
- Warkentin Events: Donna Becker program on October 14 ($10 per ticket)
City Commission Special Meeting
The City Commission is meeting for a single purpose. The body will enter an executive session to discuss matters under attorney/client privilege.
- Executive session regarding attorney/client privilege
Regular Commission
The City Commission is meeting to discuss several street closures for community events and various contract amendments. The body will consider a significant principal payment for wastewater infrastructure and a resolution regarding land condemnation for a rail spur.
- Extra annual principal payment of $1,200,000 for wastewater treatment plant upgrade loan
- Resolution authorizing survey and description of lands to be condemned for a rail spur in the Kansas Logistics Park (KLP)
- Street closures for Taste of Newton (Oct 6), High School Homecoming parade (Sept 30), and Chili Cook-Off (Sept 24)
- Contract amendment for lighting of the Icehouse Mural with Oak LLC
- Amendment to the closing for the sale of Building V
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will review zoning district amendments for three properties and a variance for an accessory structure. The body will also consider a preliminary plat for a new addition and receive staff information regarding public comments on zoning and subdivision regulations.
- Variance request for an accessory structure at 420 Columbus Avenue
- Zoning District Amendment for 400 East 8th
- Zoning District Amendment for 3014 & 3017 Full Vision Drive
- Preliminary Plat for Rolling Hills Seventh Addition
- Staff report on public comments regarding Zoning and Subdivision regulations
Regular Commission
The City Commission will conduct public hearings regarding the 2023 budget and the revenue neutral rate. The agenda also includes discussions on bond redemptions for the YMCA and Park Aerospace projects, as well as paving plans for Autumn Glen 3rd Addition.
- 2023 Revenue Neutral Rate public hearing
- 2023 Budget public hearing and approval
- Redemption of YMCA Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2015
- Redemption of Park Aerospace Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2022
- Autumn Glen 3rd Addition paving and drainage plans
Main Street
The body is reviewing projects in progress and prioritizing workplans for downtown Newton. Discussion items include the adoption of formal bylaws and a mission and vision statement.
- Review of Zoning Overlay and Incentive Policy
- Discussion of Downtown PA System and logo/website
- Proposed adoption of Bylaws and formal mission/vision
- Planning for Main Street Kansas/Main Street America Baseline Assessments on Sept 21/22
- Review of design items including 320 N Main and angled parking
Choose Newton
The Choose Newton body will meet to review minutes from June 16, 2022. The agenda includes a discussion on incentive policy and a staff report.
- Review of 06.16.22 meeting minutes
- Discussion of Incentive Policy
- Staff Report
Regular Commission
The City Commission will review recommendations for updated zoning and subdivision regulations. The body is also deciding on the final plat for Hope Home Addition and a lease extension for property at 225 S. Meridian.
- Approval of final plat for Hope Home Addition
- Ordinances to adopt updated subdivision and zoning regulations
- Authorization of a deed for the sale of Hangar S
- Temporary alcohol permit for Blues, Brews & Barbeque at Athletic Park on September 24, 2022
- Lease extension with RAW Group LLC for 225 S. Meridian
Regular Commission
The Commission will consider a public hearing and ordinance for the Enclave Addition Rural Housing Incentive District. Other items include requests regarding Park Aerospace, solid waste collection, and several property transactions at the City-County Airport.
- Public hearing for the Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) at SE 14th Street
- Request from Park Aerospace regarding fire pump reimbursement
- Sale and land lease of Building V at the City-County Airport
- Deed authorization for the sale of Hangar S
- Update on solid waste collection
Planning Commission
The commission will review a final plat for the New Hope Addition on South Meridian Road. Additionally, members will consider a zoning district amendment for 1010 South Kansas Avenue and updates to city subdivision and zoning regulations.
- Final Plat for New Hope Addition (South Meridian Rd)
- Zoning District Amendment for 1010 South Kansas Avenue
- Updates to City of Newton Subdivision Regulations
- Updates to City of Newton Zoning Regulations
Regular Commission
The Commission will review a temporary alcohol permit request for the Harvey County Fair Rodeo. Additionally, they will conduct a public hearing regarding the Rural Housing Incentive District for Enclave Addition at SE 14th Street.
- Temporary alcohol permit for the Harvey County Fair Rodeo
- Public hearing for the Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) at SE 14th Street
- Consideration of an ordinance to adopt the RHID Development Plan
- Request from Park Aerospace regarding fire pump reimbursement
- Update on solid waste collection
City Commission Special Meeting
The City Commission is reviewing budget options for 2023 to avoid a general fund deficit. The body will consider whether to notify the County Clerk of its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate of 58.488 mills.
- Proposed mill levy options ranging from 58.488 to increases of 5 or 12 mills above the current 62.506 rate
- Potential revenue increase of $1,250,902 for a 5-mill increase
- Potential revenue increase of $2,221,858 for a 12-mill increase
- Proposed expenditure cuts of $526,784 paired with an 8-mill levy increase
- Deadline of July 20, 2022, to notify the County Clerk of the intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate
Regular Commission
The City Commission will discuss zoning amendments for two properties on Sharps Drive and a telecom franchise ordinance with MCI Metro. The body will also review a USDA grant application for the Newton Public Library and award a contract for the 2022 sewer rehabilitation project.
- Zoning amendment for 901 Sharps Drive from C-2 (General Business) to I-2 (General Industrial)
- Zoning amendment for 1200 Sharps Drive from I-1 (Light Industrial) to I-2 (General Industrial)
- Contract award for the 2022 sewer rehabilitation project
- Telecom franchise ordinance with MCI Metro
- Annexation request and resolution for Full Vision, Inc.
Planning Commission
The commission will consider a variance for a fence at 506 Boyd Avenue and a preliminary plat for the New Hope Addition. The agenda also includes reviews of updated city subdivision and zoning regulations.
- Variance request for a fence at 506 Boyd Avenue
- Preliminary Plat for the New Hope Addition
- Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the Enclave
- Updates to City of Newton Subdivision Regulations
- Updates to City of Newton Zoning Regulations
Regular Commission
The City Commission will review several event-related requests for Sand Creek Summer Daze and Splash Sunday. The agenda also includes discussions on a hangar lease, an annexation request, and awarding various utility and road construction contracts.
- Sand Creek Summer Daze festival use of Athletic Park and Public Works services
- Temporary alcohol permit for Sands Creek Summer Daze
- Use of East 6th Street parking lot for Splash Sunday
- Lease agreement for Hangar AA with Forsythe Aviation
- Annexation request from Full Vision, Inc.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings for zoning district amendments at two Sharps Drive locations. The body will also consider a height variance for an accessory structure at 100 Mockingbird Lane.
- Zoning district amendment public hearing for 901 Sharps Drive
- Zoning district amendment public hearing for 1200 Sharps Drive
- Variance request for accessory structure sidewall height at 100 Mockingbird Lane
- Appointment of Justin Erickson as Assistant Secretary to the Planning Commission
Regular Commission
The City Commission will discuss establishing a Rural Housing Incentive District and redirecting funds from the build Newton program to weatherization and rehabilitation. The body is also reviewing sewer and waterline infrastructure projects and a request to close Main Street for the Harvey County Fair parade.
- Public hearing to establish a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) for Enclave Addition
- Repeal of build Newton program to redirect remaining funds to weatherization/rehabilitation
- Contract award for Boyd Street waterline improvements
- 2022 Sewer Rehabilitation Project on various collection lines
- Request to close Main Street on August 8, 2022, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for the Harvey County Fair parade
Work Session
The City Commission is reviewing budget presentations from various city departments. The session includes a preliminary 2023 budget and a five-year forecast for property tax funds.
- Engineering, IT, and Building Maintenance budget presentations
- Streets, Parks, and Cemetery budget presentations
- Wastewater, Water, and Sanitation budget presentations
- Sand Creek Station Golf Course presentation
- Preliminary 2023 Budget and Property Tax Funds Five Year Forecast
Work Session
The City of Newton will hold a work session to review a 2023 budget request from Grand Central. The meeting may also include an executive session for attorney/client privilege if time permits.
- 2023 budget request from Grand Central
Regular Commission
The City Commission will discuss zoning amendments, street and water improvements for new additions, and a real property sale. The body is also reviewing a cereal malt beverage license and updates to the stream buffer ordinance.
- Zoning amendment from R-1 and C-2 to R-3 for property at 800 S. Kansas Avenue
- Resolution authorizing the sale of real property to CD Customs
- Engineering contract with MKEC for Autumn Glen 3rd Addition street improvements
- Establishment of Water District 24-F and Sewer District 15-D for Sand Creek Station 4th Addition
- Cereal malt beverage license for 12 Strikes CM, Inc. (dba Eastgate Lanes)
Regular Commission
The Commission will consider a public hearing and ordinance for a Bunting Magnetics tax abatement. Other items include authorizing industrial revenue bonds for the Park Aerospace Project and discussing Boyd Street water line improvements.
- Public hearing and 10-year tax abatement for Bunting Magnetics
- Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2022 (Park Aerospace Project)
- Boyd Street water line improvements in Interurban 2nd Addition
- Recycling services contract with Nisly Brothers
- Summer Bash event permit and temporary alcohol permit