Newton public meetings in 2023

Regular Commission

The City Commission will continue discussions regarding a request for partial forgiveness of a 2002 loan for the development of Lincoln Park Apartments. The agenda also includes reviewing sewer extension plans and awarding contracts for water and sewer projects.

• Discussion on partial forgiveness of a 2002 loan for Lincoln Park Apartments
• Review of Cow Palace sewer extension plans and setting a bid date
• Bids and contract award for Washington Road water and sewer project
• Bids and contract award for Fox Ridge Phase 1 water, streets, drainage, and intersection improvements
• Zoning amendment for property at 1010 East 12th Street from P-O to C-2

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton meeting will consider the minutes from the July 20, 2023, meeting and conduct a review of the 2024 Strategic Plan. The agenda also includes discussions regarding membership and meetings.

• Review of 2024 Strategic Plan
• Consideration of July 20, 2023, meeting minutes

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank will review applications for the property at 118 S. Kansas Ave. and discuss land bank funding. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from the August 17, 2023, meeting.

• Application review for 118 S. Kansas Ave.
• Discussion regarding Land Bank funding
• Approval of August 17, 2023, meeting minutes

Regular Commission

The meeting marks a transition as the retiring commission concludes business and a new commission convenes. The agenda includes selecting city leadership, reviewing 2024 liquor licenses, and discussing industrial bond issuances.

• Administering the Oath of Office for City Commissioners
• Selection of the Mayor and Vice Mayor for the ensuing year
• Public hearing on Industrial Revenue Bonds for Flint Hills Industries Inc.
• Special Use Permit for a digital sign at 1515 N Anderson Ave (Immanuel Baptist Church)
• Request for partial loan forgiveness for Lincoln Park apartments development

Historic Preservation Commission

The Newton Historic Preservation Commission will review a proposal to conduct a comprehensive resurvey of downtown Newton using a $30,000 grant. The commission may recommend the proposal to the City Commission for approval.

• $30,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant for downtown survey
• Review proposals submitted for Downtown Historic Survey

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a special use permit for a digital sign at Immanuel Baptist Church. The meeting also includes a review of zoning regulations for Articles 1-13 and a proposed zoning amendment for the Park department.

• Special Use Permit for a digital sign at 1515 N Anderson Ave
• Zoning Amendment regarding the Park department
• Review and approval of Zoning Regulations in Articles 1-13
• Approval of November 6, 2023 meeting minutes

Regular Commission

The City Commission will hold public hearings regarding a 2023 budget amendment and the Holiday Inn Community Improvement District. The agenda also includes reviewing a development agreement with Hillsboro Industries Inc. and discussing property acquisitions.

• Public hearing on 2023 budget amendment
• Public hearing on Sand Creek Station Golf Course budget amendment
• Public hearing on Holiday Inn Community Improvement District (CID) amendment
• Development Agreement with Flint Hills Industries Inc. (DBA Hillsboro Industries)
• Ordinance for utility easement acquisition near Cow Palace Road

Regular Commission

The City Commission is reviewing several ordinances regarding food truck licensing and establishing operating hours for City parks. The agenda also includes discussions on street maintenance changes, a 2024 budget amendment, and potential tobacco prohibitions in parks.

• Draft ordinance for food truck requirements and licensing
• Resolution to prohibit tobacco products in City parks
• Ordinance establishing hours for City parks
• Resolution for property tax abatement extension for Full Vision Inc.
• Authorization of land condemnation for sewer easements on Cow Palace Road

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider a request for new garage construction within the McKinley Historic District. The meeting also includes a review of previous meeting minutes and updates on commission training.

• New construction review: Garage at 207-209 E 1st
• Approval of August 7, 2023, meeting minutes
• $30,000 grant received for Historic Preservation Fund downtown survey

Planning Commission

The Commission is reviewing a final plat for the Newton Parks and Public Works Addition located on the north side of E 12th Street. The meeting also includes a zoning district amendment for Fox Ridge Addition and a variance request for 1608 E 1st St.

• Review of Final Plat for Newton Parks and Public Works Addition
• Zoning District Amendment for Fox Ridge Addition (Lots 17-24, Block 1; Lots 1-32, Block 2; and Lots 3-14, Block 3)
• Variance application for a pole sign and additional square footage at 1608 E 1st St
• Review of Zoning Regulations Articles 1-13

City Commission Special Meeting

The Newton City Commission has called a special meeting to conduct an executive session. The purpose of this session is to discuss matters regarding non-elected personnel.

• Executive Session regarding non-elected personnel matters

Convention & Visitors Bureau Board

The board will review the CVB's grant program updates and discuss new projects like the Trail Map, Historic Walking Tour App, and Choose-Newton Website. The meeting also includes budget planning for 2024.

• CVB awarded grants to local events totaling $3,350
• Grant application pending for Mexican American Fastpitch Softball Tournament
• Calendar contest entries due by October 23

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission will hold a special meeting to conduct an executive session. The session is for discussing personnel matters regarding non-elected staff and interviewing City Manager candidates.

• Executive Session to discuss qualifications of certain City Manager candidates

Main Street

The Choose Newton Main Street Board is meeting to consider the approval of new organization bylaws. The agenda also includes updates on capital campaigns, Chamber activities, and a review of the 2024 work plan and façade grant program.

• Approval of Choose Newton Main Street Bylaws draft
• Review of 2023 Main Street Workplan and 2024 projects
• Update on Capital Campaign progress
• Discussion of Façade grant program
• Report on Third Quarter Public Works Improvements

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission will hold a special meeting to conduct an executive session. The purpose of this session is to discuss personnel matters and interview candidates for the City Manager position.

• Executive Session regarding non-elected personnel matters
• Interview and discussion of City Manager candidates

Regular Commission

The City Commission will review a resolution for Industrial Revenue Bonds regarding the Holiday Inn Express and support applications for moderate income housing. The meeting also includes discussions on park access hours and a proposal from the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball.

• Resolution of Intent for Holiday Inn Express Industrial Revenue Bonds
• Support for Moderate Income Housing (MIH) application for Fox Ridge Addition
• Special Use Permit consideration for 2302 Paddington Avenue
• QuikTrip Corporation public right-of-way dedication
• Review of 3rd quarter financial report

Regular Commission

The City Commission is reviewing a resolution for the rehabilitation of the SW 24th Street bridge over Sand Creek at an estimated cost of $610,000. The agenda also includes discussions on a contract with Health Ministries Clinic and a petition to vacate an alley near North Plum.

• Resolution for SW 24th Street bridge improvements estimated at $610,000
• Contract consideration with Health Ministries Clinic
• Petition for the vacation of an alley north of the 500 block of North Plum
• Final plat approval for the Vansickle Addition
• Special Use Permit for a Bed & Breakfast at 2302 Paddington Avenue

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will attend a Certified Local Government training session led by Katrina Ringler from the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office.

• Certified Local Government Training from Katrina Ringler, Deputy Director of the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office

Planning Commission

The Commission will consider a preliminary plat for the Newton Parks and Public Works Addition located on the north side of E 12th Street. The meeting also includes reviews of zoning amendments, setback variances, and updates to zoning regulations.

• Review Preliminary Plat for Newton Parks and Public Works Addition
• Fox Ridge Addition setback variance for Lots 1-11, Block 6
• Fox Ridge Addition zoning district amendment for multiple lots in Blocks 1, 2, and 3
• Approval of Vansickle Addition Final Plat
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 12

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider an ordinance to de-annex 4 acres on North Meridian and an amendment to the City Code regarding alcoholic beverages. The agenda also includes reviewing a KDOT agreement for the I-135 and 36th Street interchange and receiving an update on the City Manager search.

• Ordinance for de-annexation of ~4 acres at 900 block of North Meridian
• Amendment to Chapter IV of the City Code regarding alcoholic beverages
• Agreement with KDOT for I-135 and 36th Street interchange
• Agreement with Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, L.L.C. to extend land purchase option
• Street closures on Main Street for Halloween Walk (Oct 31) and Parade of Lights (Dec 7)

Planning Commission

The Newton Area Planning Commission will consider a special use permit to convert a single-family home at 2302 Paddington Ave into an Airbnb host home. The commission will also review updates to Zoning Regulation Article 11.

• Special Use Permit: 2302 Paddington Ave (convert single-family home to Airbnb)
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 11
• Discussion of updates to Article 10

Regular Commission

The City Commission will hold public hearings regarding a property deannexation in the 900 block of North Meridian and the establishment of an RHID for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition. The agenda also includes requests for street closures for the NHS Homecoming parade and the Taste of Newton event.

• Public hearing for deannexation of ~4 acres in the 900 block of North Meridian
• Public hearing for establishing an RHID for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition
• Street closure request: 1st Street from Meridian to Grandview (Sept 22)
• Street closure request: Main Street from 5th to 7th Street (Oct 12)
• Resolution of protest against Evergy’s proposed rate increase

Regular Commission

The City Commission will conduct public hearings regarding the 2024 budget and the Revenue Neutral Rate. The meeting also includes discussions on city code updates, event permits, and library furniture contracts.

• Public hearing on the 2024 Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR)
• Public hearing on the adoption of the 2024 budget
• Request to close 6th Street from Poplar to Main for United Way Chili Cook-Off
• Ordinance to adopt 2023 Edition of Standard Traffic Ordinances
• Contract award for Newton Public Library furniture and shelving bids

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank will consider the minutes from the July 20, 2023 meeting. The agenda includes a review of land bank procedures and an item regarding the property at 118 S. Kansas Ave.

• Review of land bank procedures
• Discussion regarding 118 S. Kansas Ave.

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will review a School Resource Officer agreement with USD 373 and consider bids for SE 4th Street improvements. The agenda also includes reviewing cereal malt beverage licenses for Back Alley Pizza LLC and The Cajun Crab.

• School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement with Newton Unified School District No. 373
• Contract award for SE 4th Street box culvert & street improvements
• Cereal malt beverage license for Back Alley Pizza LLC
• Cereal malt beverage license for The Cajun Crab
• 2023 CCLIP (K-15 mill and overlay) plans and specification

Work Session

The City Commission will review a presentation regarding city beautification and clean-up efforts. Following the presentation, the commission will provide staff with direction for next steps.

• City beautification and clean-up presentation

Historic Preservation Commission

The Newton Historic Preservation Commission will review an application for an in-ground outdoor pool at 115 Harrison, located in the McKinley Historic District. Staff noted the project is cleared by the engineering office and does not involve a historic resource that would be damaged or destroyed.

• Review of pool installation at 115 Harrison
• Approval of May 1, 2023, meeting minutes
• Announcement regarding 2024 KS SHPO Preservation Conference in Newton

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a preliminary plat application for the Vansickle Addition on Cottonwood Hills Dr. The meeting also includes information-only reviews of a Rural Housing Incentive District and Zoning Regulation Article 10.

• Preliminary Plat - Vansickle Addition (Cottonwood Hills Dr between Lazy Creek Dr and Cory Rd)
• Review of Rural Housing Incentive District for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 10 design standards
• Approval of July 10, 2023 meeting minutes

Convention & Visitors Bureau Board

The Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau Board is reviewing upcoming 2024 events, including the U.S. Adaptive Open at Sand Creek Station Golf Course. The board is also evaluating costs for printed materials such as the Best of Newton photo calendar and a revised Visitors Guide. Additionally, staff provided updates on grant awards and digital marketing engagement.

• 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open scheduled for July 8-10 at Sand Creek Station Golf Course
• Review of printing bids for 1,500 copies of the 2024 Best of Newton Photo Calendar
• Discussion of resizing the Visitors Guide to a 4x9 brochure to reach Wichita markets
• Update on $5,000 National Trust for Historic Preservation grant for a downtown walking tour app
• Report on recent grant awards including $2,000 for Sand Creek Summer Daze and $250 for Newton Car Show

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider a resolution for the Sand Creek Station 5th Addition housing district and award a contract for K-15 mill and overlay work. The meeting also includes discussions on airport engineering RFQs and water utility billing.

• Resolution for Reinvestment Housing Incentive District at Sand Creek Station 5th Addition
• Contract award for 2023 CCLIP project (K-15 mill and overlay)
• RFQ consideration for Airport Engineer process
• Special Use Permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit at 908 Trinity Drive
• Temporary alcohol permit for the Saddle Club Rodeo on August 4th and 5th

Work Session

The Newton City Council will hold a work session to discuss community growth and safety. The meeting is intended to provide staff with direction for next steps regarding these topics.

Land Bank

The meeting includes a review of land bank procedures and an update on the property at 118 S. Kansas Ave. The board will also discuss findings from a site visit to the Pittsburg, Kansas Land Bank.

• Review of land bank procedures
• Update on 118 S. Kansas Ave. applications
• Discussion regarding Pittsburg Land Bank discovery

Main Street

The meeting will cover updates on various Main Street projects, including banners and capital campaigns. Training sessions and workplan next steps will also be discussed.

• Banner update
• Capital Campaign discussion
• 3rd Thursdays update

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton committee will receive an update on the Newton Showcase and discuss economic development policy. The group also addressed a proposed development survey requested by the Planning Commission.

• Newton Showcase update
• Economic development policy update
• Discussion of a development survey to gauge experiences with city development

Regular Commission

The City Commission is reviewing a proposal to purchase real property at 214 East 6th Street and considering a resolution for SE 4th Street street improvements. The agenda also includes discussions on library equipment bids, sewer contracts, and the city's intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2024 budget.

• Purchase of real property at 214 East 6th Street via agreement with Wild Prairie Properties, LLC
• Funding resolution for SE 4th Street reinforced concrete box and street improvements
• Library Furniture Fixture & Equipment bid package consideration
• Agreement with KDOT for railroad improvements in Kansas Logistics Park (KDT Eco Devo Rail Grant)
• Bids and contract award for Fox Ridge Sewer, Phase 1

Planning Commission

The commission reviewed a preliminary plat for Claassen 2nd Addition and a special use permit to convert a shed into an accessory dwelling unit at 908 Trinity Dr. The meeting also included the approval of previous minutes and discussions regarding zoning regulation reviews.

• Preliminary Plat: Claassen 2nd Addition
• Special Use Permit: Accessory dwelling unit conversion at 908 Trinity Dr.
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 9 (Information only)
• Updates to Article 8 (Old Business)

Work Session

The City Commission is reviewing 2024 budget options, including a proposal for a 1.5 mill increase and a transfer of 1 mill from Bond & Interest to the General Fund. The session includes discussions on revenue preservation strategies and intentions regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate.

• Proposed 1.5 mill levy increase and 1 mill transfer from B&I to General Fund
• Review of 2024 budget options to address a loss of $789,198 in revenue neutral rate mills
• Discussion on 15% increase in building permit fees
• Review of estimated assessed valuation of $152,885,525

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider several items including the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023-A, and an ordinance to amend building and construction permit fees. The agenda also includes requests for street closures at Athletic Park Circle and the 6th Street parking lot.

• Awarding of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023-A
• Ordinance amending Chapter VI regarding building and construction permit fees
• Street closure request for Athletic Park Circle on August 12, 2023
• Street closure request for 6th Street parking lot on August 23, 2023
• Final plat review for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition

Work Session

The City of Newton will hold a work session to review the 2024 valuation. The discussion includes the 2024 General Fund, as well as Bond, Interest, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) items.

• Review of 2024 valuation
• Discussion of 2024 General Fund
• Discussion of Bond, Interest, and CIP

Regular Commission

The City Commission will review a request to close West 1st Street for the Harvey County Parade and consider an ordinance amending commercial sanitation services. The meeting also includes a petition for deannexation of property in the 900 Block of west Meridian.

• Petition for deannexation of property at 901 N Meridian
• Street closure request for West 1st Street on August 4 from 6:30-7:45 p.m.
• Ordinance amending Chapter VXIII for Type II commercial sanitation services
• Resolution for alcoholic beverage service at the 'Art' Together Now event on July 29, 202 3
• Review of May 31, 2023 financial report

Planning Commission

The Newton Area Planning Commission will review a final plat application for the Sand Creek Station 5th Addition submitted by SkyView and Block 49, LLC. The meeting also includes discussions on a preliminary plat for Claassen 2nd Addition and a special use permit for 908 Trinity Dr.

• Final Plat for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition
• Preliminary Plat for Claassen 2nd Addition
• Special Use Permit for 908 Trinity Dr.
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 8 (information only)
• Updates to Article 7

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider resolutions supporting multiple Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit applications for Fox Ridge Addition Development. The meeting also includes a resolution for the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023-A, and a memorandum regarding the sale of city land to K&O Railroad/WATCO.

• KHITC application support for Fox Ridge Addition with Hampton Property Management LLC
• KHITC application support for Fox Ridge Addition with TOB LLC
• KHITC application support for Fox Ridge Addition with Bryan Lagaly Homes, LLC
• Resolution authorizing the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023-A
• Memorandum of Agreement to authorize the sale of City-owned land to K&O Railroad/WATCO

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton group will meet to conduct an election of officers and review previous meeting minutes. The agenda also includes updates on the Newton Showcase and a developer survey.

• Election of Officers
• Newton Showcase Update
• Newton Development Survey

Main Street

The Main Street group is reviewing ongoing projects including a capital campaign. Discussions include insurance solutions for historic properties and information regarding the Historic Tax Credit Growth & Opportunity Act and Kansas State Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

• Capital Campaign project update
• National Trust Insurance Services coverage options for historic properties
• Historic Tax Credit Growth & Opportunity Act legislative provisions
• Kansas State Rehabilitation Tax Credit transfer procedures

Regular Commission

The City Commission will review plans for the K-15 reconstruction project and consider an amendment to a low-interest state loan for the water tower project. The meeting also includes discussions on the IdeaTek fiber project and potential changes to city rules regarding roosters and potbelly pigs.

• Amendment to low interest loan with the State for the water tower project
• Resolution for K-15 reconstruction project improvements and bidding schedule
• Information regarding the IdeaTek fiber project
• Discussion on allowing roosters and potbelly pigs within City limits
• Request to close 6th Street parking lot for Backyard Pop-Up Church on May 28, 2023

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a request from Mennonite Housing to waive the requirement for sidewalks on both sides of 1st Street in the Interurban 2nd Addition. The commission will also review Article VII of the Zoning Regulations.

• Sidewalk waiver request: Mennonite Housing, 1st Street (Interurban 2nd Addition)
• Zoning Regulation Review: Article VII

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will review and consider the approval of minutes from the July 21, 2022, meeting. The agenda also includes the election of officers.

• Approval of July 21, 2022, meeting minutes
• Election of officers

Convention & Visitors Bureau Board

The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board reviewed staff reports regarding social media growth, billboard campaigns, and upcoming local events. The meeting included updates on the development of a new trail map and various grant applications for city improvements.

• $75 Facebook boosts planned for several events including Newton Car Show and Sand Creek Summer Daze
• $2,000 grant awarded to Sand Creek Summer Daze
• $250 grant awarded to Newton Car Show
• $5,000 National Trust for Historic Preservation grant for a new smartphone walking tour app
• Agreement with Outdoor Vision for digital billboards along Interstate 135

Regular Commission

The Commission is reviewing several items including a real estate option contract with WATCO for land in the Kansas Logistics Park and a property sale to Mackey & Sons. The agenda also includes budget presentations for various city departments and requests regarding park usage for upcoming events.

• Real Estate Option Contract with WATCO for 23 acres in Kansas Logistics Park
• Property sale agreement with Mackey & Sons for Lot 10, Block 1, Interurban Addition
• Request for snow fencing and park equipment for the Mexican American Fast Pitch Tournament
• Request for use of Athletic Park and Okerberg Park for Sand Creek Summer Daze
• 2024 budget presentations for Administration, Airport, Community Development, CVB, Fire/EMS, and Police

Land Bank

The Land Bank will review the minutes from the March 16, 2023 meeting. The body will also receive applications regarding the property at 118 S Kansas.

• Receive applications for 118 S Kansas

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton group will meet to consider the minutes from the February 16, 2023, meeting. The agenda also includes discussions regarding goals, objectives, the 2023 Strategic Plan, and the Newton Showcase.

• Review of February 16, 2023, meeting minutes
• Discussion of 2023 Strategic Plan goals and objectives
• Newton Showcase presentation

Regular Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing on special assessments for completed improvement projects. The meeting also includes discussions on amending water and sewer utility rates, restructuring the Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions, and reviewing a $20,000 permit fee waiver request.

• Public hearing on special assessments for Summer Crossing and Sand Creek Station 4th Addition
• Ordinance to amend water utility rates and charges
• Ordinance to amend public sewer service charges
• $20,000 permit fee waiver request for Mennonite Housing's Harvest Pointe, Phase 2
• Ordinance to repeal and restructure the Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions

Planning Commission

The Newton-North Newton Area Planning Commission will consider a preliminary plat application for the Sand Creek Station 5th Addition development. The meeting also includes a review of February 6, 2023, meeting minutes and an information-only review of Zoning Regulations Article 6.

• Preliminary Plat application for Sand Creek Station 5th Addition by SkyView and Block 49, LLC
• Approval of February 6, 2023, meeting minutes
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 6 (information only)

Hospital Board - City Commission Work Session

The work session includes presentations by hospital executives regarding trends affecting rural health and communities. The agenda also includes a question and answer period and potential tours of facility areas.

• Presentations on health care megatrends affecting rural communities
• Potential tour of police office, facilities support areas, and laboratory automated lines

Main Street

The Choose Newton Main Street organization is reviewing its mission statement, board structure, and bylaws. The staff report includes updates on a fundraising campaign with CKCF, downtown banners, and placemaking.

• Review of 2023 Mission Statement
• Review of 2023 Board Structure
• Review of 2023 Main Street Bylaws
• Staff report on fundraising campaign with CKCF
• Staff report on downtown banners and placemaking

Land Bank

The Newton Land Bank is reviewing several projects in progress. These include the potential transfer of real estate at 118 S Kansas Avenue and 324 E 11th Street, as well as a case study regarding title defects for 611 E 8th St.

• Resolution G-1302: Transfer of property at 118 S Kansas Avenue to the Newton Land Bank
• Resolution G-1303: Transfer of property at 324 E 11th Street to the Newton Land Bank
• Case Study: Title defects for 611 E 8th St involving a mechanic lien and judgments totaling over $32,000

Work Session

The City Commission will discuss how a reduction in utility transfers would affect the General Fund. This is a work session discussion.

• Impact on General Fund of reducing utility transfers

Regular Commission

The City Commission is reviewing various requests for park and property use, including a Touch-a-Truck event at Centennial Park. The agenda also includes discussions on changing the structures of the Planning and Historic Preservation Commissions and updating development policies.

• Request from New Jerusalem Missions to use picnic tables and trash containers at 209 East Broadway on May 6, 2023
• Request from Harvey County Parents as Teachers for Centennial Park parking lot use for Touch-a-Truck on May 19, 2023
• Request from Health Ministries Clinic for Athletic Park use on October 14, 2023
• Review of Newton Land Bank by-laws
• Discussion regarding the structure of the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will consider several items including property transfers to the Land Bank, a zoning amendment for a property at 1204 E. 12th Street, and a zoning change at S. Anderson and SW 24th Street. They will also discuss broadening the Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP) and receive the 2022 year-end financial report. A request to close Athletic Park Circle for a fun run on April 29, 2023, is also on the agenda.

• Consider resolution and deed to transfer 118 South Kansas Avenue to Newton Land Bank
• Consider resolution and deed to transfer 324 East 11th to Newton Land Bank
• Consider ordinance to broaden scope of Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LEAP)
• Consider annexation and zoning amendment for 1204 E. 12th Street from County Ag to City C-2 (General Business District)
• Consider zoning amendment for S. Anderson and SW 24th Street from C-1 to R-3 (Multi-family Dwelling District)

Choose Newton

The Choose Newton Community Development Commission will hear a yearly progress report on its 2021-2022 strategic plan goals and objectives. The commission will also discuss new home build incentives and sign up for the WABA Home Show.

• Yearly Progress Report on 2021-2022 Strategic Plan goals and objectives
• Discussion of New Home Build Incentives
• WABA Home Show sign-up
• Consideration of minutes from the December 15, 2022 meeting

Main Street

The Newton Main Street board will review its 2022 end-of-year reinvestment report showing $88,538 in public improvements and $237,225 in property improvements, along with 8 new businesses. They will also discuss the 2023 workplan, a fundraising MOU with the Community Foundation, and promotional banners for the Thresher Initiative.

• 2022 reinvestment: $88,538 public improvements, $237,225 property improvements, 8 new businesses
• Discussion of 2023 Main Street workplan
• MOU with Central Kansas Community Foundation for fundraising
• Promotion of Thresher Initiative banners
• Review of Newton Snapshot 2022 market profile

Work session 2-14-2023

The Newton City Commission will hold a work session to discuss changes to water and sewer utility rate options, including the impact of a decrease to the base sewer rate on revenues. Commissioners will also discuss continuing general fund transfers and give staff direction on utility transfers, extra principal payments toward a wastewater treatment plant loan, and a credit card fee for online or phone transactions.

• Receive and discuss changes to water and sewer utility rate options as requested by the Commission - Net Zero
• Receive information about how a decrease to the base sewer rate would impact revenues
• Commission discussion and staff direction on water and sewer utility transfers to the general fund
• Extra principal payment towards the wastewater treatment plant loan
• Credit card fee for online or phone transactions

Regular Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing and consider multiple actions related to GAF Materials, LLC locating on the Tindall property, including issuing taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, approving a development agreement, and rezoning the property from I-2 (General Industrial) to I-3 (Heavy Industrial). The Commission will also consider closing Athletic Park Circle for the Cookie Daze 5K, amending parking restrictions on Pine Street, and approving minutes from prior meetings.

• Public hearing and resolution on taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for GAF Materials, LLC
• Zoning amendment for Tindall property from I-2 to I-3 (Heavy Industrial District)
• Amendments extending the City's and GAF's rights to purchase the Tindall property to May 1, 2023
• Closing Athletic Park Circle on June 17, 2023 from 6:30-10:30 a.m. for the Cookie Daze 5K
• Ordinance amending parking on Pine Street from the south right-of-way line on East 7th to 140' south

City Commission Special Meeting

The City Commission is meeting in a special session solely to hold an executive session under attorney/client privilege. No other business is scheduled for discussion or decision.

• Executive session to discuss matters under attorney/client privilege

Planning Commission

The Newton-North Newton Area Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on an annexation and zoning amendment for 1204 E. 12th Street, changing it from county agricultural to city general business. They will also consider a zoning amendment for property at S. Anderson and SW 24th Street from neighborhood business to multi-family dwelling, and two variance requests for a sign and a fence. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and a review of zoning regulations.

• Annexation and rezoning of 1204 E. 12th Street from Harvey County A-1 to Newton C-2 (General Business District)
• Zoning amendment for S. Anderson and SW 24th Street from C-1 (Neighborhood Business) to R-3 (Multi-family Dwelling)
• Variance request for a sign at Kidron Bethel
• Variance request for a fence for Snider-Sorenson
• Review of Zoning Regulations Article 5 (information only)

Convention & Visitors Bureau Board

The Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau Board will discuss and potentially act on a new event sponsorship scoring matrix, review the Car Show & Summer Daze event, and consider listings in the Kansas Travel Guide. The board will also receive quarterly and annual staff reports.

• Review of Event Sponsorship Scoring Matrix (CVB Grant Application Matrix)
• Discussion of Car Show & Summer Daze event
• Action on Kansas Travel Guide listings
• Quarterly and annual CVB coordinator reports

Regular Commission

The City Commission will consider a rezoning application for the Tindall property west of Hillside and south of SE 12th Street after the Planning Commission failed to make a recommendation (2-3-1 vote). A 2/3 majority vote is required if the Commission chooses to approve the change. The Commission will also consider multiple development agreements for the Fox Ridge Addition and Rolling Hills 7th Addition, including sewer, water, and street improvements, as well as a Rural Housing Incentive District west of Anderson and north of SW 24th Street.

• Tindall tract rezoning application (west of Hillside, south of SE 12th St) — Planning Commission failed to recommend; Commission may approve with 2/3 vote
• Fox Ridge Addition Phase 1 improvements — resolutions and ordinances for sewer, water, street, and intersection improvements, plus engineering agreement with Garver Engineering
• Rolling Hills 7th Addition — final plat approval, intersection signal petition, special assessment respread, and engineering services agreement with MKEC
• Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) designation west of Anderson and north of SW 24th St adjacent to Sand Creek Station Golf Course
• Assignment Agreement between City, Cottonwood Crossing, L.L.C., and WTEN Cottonwood Crossing LLC

Work Session

The City Commission will receive and discuss results from a recent community survey conducted via FlashVote with 263 participants. The survey covered perceptions of city commissioners, election priorities, meeting procedures, and the mayor selection system. No decisions are being made at this work session.

• Survey results show 46.7% of respondents rate city commissioners as 'OK' and 22.7% as 'Good'
• 94.8% of respondents say it's more important that whoever wins does a good job than that their preferred candidate wins
• 39% favor elected officials reciting an Oath of Public Service before meetings
• 46.5% support directly electing the mayor for a 2-year term rather than rotating annually
• Open-ended comments include concerns about taxes, utility rates, and communication

Regular Commission

The Newton City Commission will consider several items including a request to close Main Street for the Newton Car Show, a fee waiver for a Habitat for Humanity home, setting 2023 fireworks sale dates, and the sale of real estate to Air Capitol Industrial Park L.L.C. They will also consider approving final plats for the Fox Ridge and Full Vision additions.

• Consider sale of real estate to Air Capitol Industrial Park L.L.C., including termination of prior agreement with Murdock Properties
• Consider approval of final plat for Fox Ridge Addition
• Consider approval of final plat for Full Vision Addition
• Consider request to close Main Street from 5th to 8th Street on May 6, 2023 for Newton Car Show
• Consider waiving fees for Habitat for Humanity home at 502 N. Columbus

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a final plat for the Full Vision Addition located on the south side of Hwy 50 on Cow Palace Rd. The meeting also includes an information-only review of Zoning Regulation Article 4 and discussion regarding Article 3.

• Final plat for Full Vision Addition on Cow Palace Rd
• Review of Zoning Regulations, Article 4 (information only)
• Discussion of comments/concerns with Zoning Regulations Article 3