Newton public meetings in 2024
29 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will review minutes from the Dec. 10 meeting and discuss several infrastructure projects, including paving plans for Hillside and Quail Creek Avenue. Commissioners will consider a new Community Risk Reduction Specialist role for the Fire/EMS Department. The body will also receive a recommendation to rezone 704 E. 12th from R‑3 to P‑O and discuss future roadway improvements on East 1st.
- Consider a new Community Risk Reduction Specialist position for the Fire/EMS Department
- Consider plans, specifications, and bid date for Hillside paving from East 1st to SE 12th
- Review bids and award contract for Quail Creek Avenue paving improvements
- Receive Planning Commission recommendation to rezone 704 E. 12th from R‑3 to P‑O and consider an ordinance to amend the zoning
- Discuss future roadway improvements on East 1st between Spencer and Hillside
Choose Newton
The Community Development Commission will consider the August 15 minutes, discuss the Love, Kansas $5,000 grant and related event funding, review the draft City of Newton Retail Recruitment Plan, and examine the 2025 CDC Strategic Plan. No formal actions are indicated for the retail plan; staff seeks comments before a final version is presented for approval.
- Review and comment on draft City of Newton Retail Recruitment Plan
- Discuss Love, Kansas $5,000 grant, $500 event contribution, $200 printing cost, and $4,310.50 remaining balance
- Review the 2025 Community Development Commission Strategic Plan
- Consider the minutes from the August 15, 2024 CDC meeting
Work Session
The City Commission is holding a work session to discuss a draft economic development policy. The proposed guidelines outline criteria for granting incentives to diversify the tax base and create jobs.
- Draft economic development policy including Industrial Revenue Bonds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
- Proposed property tax abatement scales based on new FTE job creation (30% for 5-25 jobs, 40% for 26-50 jobs, 50% for over 50 jobs)
- Proposed minimum private to public capital investment ratio of 2 to 1
- Review of Resolution No. G-922 regarding financial guaranties for public improvements (20% cash or 35% letter of credit/payment bond)
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider a budget appropriation ordinance for 2025 and ratify 2024 claims, and will vote on the issuance of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for CD Customs Enterprises. Additional agenda items include a resolution allowing the Carriage Factory Gallery to serve alcoholic and cereal malt beverages at arts events, a water and sewer master plan agreement, and an amendment to the city code governing the sale of alcoholic beverages and cereal malt beverages. The meeting also covers updates on the Heartland Flyer extension, the Main Street survey, and contracts for the City Manager and City Attorney.
- Ordinance appropriating funds for 2025 and ratifying 2024 claims
- Ordinance for issuance of Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2024 for CD Customs Enterprises
- Resolution permitting Carriage Factory Gallery to serve alcoholic and cereal malt beverages at events
- Consideration of the water and sewer master plan agreement
- Ordinance amending the city code on sale of alcoholic beverages and cereal malt beverages
Planning Commission
The Newton Planning Commission will first consider approval of the September 9, 2024 meeting minutes. It will then hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment request to change 704 E 12th St. from an R‑3 (Multi‑Family Dwelling) district to a P‑O (Professional Office) district. After the hearing, the commission will forward a recommendation to the Newton City Commission for a decision at its December 20, 2024 meeting.
- Approve September 9, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes
- Consider zoning amendment for 704 E 12th St. to change from R‑3 to P‑O
- Public hearing on the zoning amendment request
- Commission to recommend approval or denial to Newton City Commission
- Adjourn the meeting
Historic Preservation Commission
The Newton Historic Preservation Commission will consider approval of the October 7, 2024 meeting minutes and will review the application for 419 N Main. The application seeks replacement of front and rear historic windows with vinyl units that match the original design, as well as storefront and ramp modifications. The commission will make a determination on whether the project will damage or destroy historic resources and may approve the project under Ordinance 5120-23.
- Approve the October 7, 2024 Historic Preservation Commission meeting minutes
- Review and decide on the 419 N Main historic preservation project (window replacement and storefront changes)
- Discuss any old business items listed on the agenda
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider the minutes from recent meetings and applications for 2025 cereal malt beverage licenses. It will decide on a resolution to grant a tax abatement to Avcon Industries, Inc., and review an interlocal agreement for Harvey County Economic Development funding. Additional items include a resolution on the nuisance and dilapidated condition at 225 Boyd Avenue, a road maintenance agreement with Harvey County, and a request to waive the special use permit process for rock crushing in an I‑2 zone. The agenda also provides for a citizen's forum, executive sessions, and adjournment.
- Resolution of intent to grant a tax abatement for Avcon Industries, Inc.
- Interlocal agreement for Harvey County Economic Development funding
- Resolution memorializing the final decision on the nuisance and dilapidated structure at 225 Boyd Avenue
- Road maintenance agreement with Harvey County
- Waiver request for the special use permit process for rock crushing in an I‑2 zone
Main Street
The Choose Newton Main Street Board will first approve the minutes from its September 5, 2024 meeting. It will then hear an overview of the Main Street America visit and a presentation of the community survey results, which included 893 responses. The board will review and approve the 2025 Transformational Strategies and establish sub‑committee goals. Additional items include discussion of the Main Street Annual Report and a Small Business Support Guide.
- Approve minutes of the September 5, 2024 meeting
- Main Street America visit overview presentation
- Survey results overview (893 responses)
- Review and approve 2025 Transformational Strategies and set sub‑committee goals
- Discuss Main Street Annual Report and Small Business Support Guide
Land Bank
The Land Bank Board is meeting to discuss a Real Estate Acquisition Policy for managing vacant, abandoned, and tax-foreclosed properties. The board will also hold a discussion regarding the property at 611 E 8th St.
- Review of Real Estate Acquisition Policy
- Discussion regarding 611 E 8th St
- Approval of August 15, 2024 meeting minutes
City Commission Special Meeting
The Newton City Commission will continue a hearing by the Board of Structure Appeals to review the Environmental Hearing Officer's decision regarding 225 Boyd Ave. The hearing addresses complaints of structural hazards, blight, trash, and abandoned vehicles at the site. The officer’s findings recommend razing the unsafe structure and the city may levy costs against the property. The meeting will conclude with an adjournment.
- Continue hearing on 225 Boyd Ave property
- Board of Structure Appeals to review Environmental Hearing Officer decision
- Discussion of structural hazards, blight, trash, and abandoned vehicles
- Officer’s finding that the structure cannot be repaired and should be razed
- Adjournment
Regular Commission
The City Commission will review plans and a resolution to authorize paving on Quail Creek Avenue from Kansas Avenue to the western end of Lot 1, Block A. The body will also discuss economic development funding and storm water management updates.
- Paving of Quail Creek Avenue from Kansas Avenue to Lot 1, Block A
- Interlocal agreement for Harvey County Economic Development funding
- Updating the Storm Water Management Plan and NPDES permit
- Lead service line inventory update
- Adding SE 14th Connector to the snow and ice route
City Commission Special Meeting
The Newton City Commission will hold a hearing before the Board of Structure Appeals to review the Environmental Hearing Officer’s decision concerning the property at 225 Boyd Ave. The hearing will address whether the structure and surrounding land should be razed and how the associated costs may be placed against the property. The agenda lists only this hearing and an adjournment.
- Board of Structure Appeals hearing to review Environmental Hearing Officer’s decision for 225 Boyd Ave.
- Consideration of razing the structure and land at 225 Boyd Ave.
- Discussion of city costs potentially placed as lien or special assessment on the property
- Adjournment
Regular Commission
The City Commission will review bids for the NDV waterline extension and a request to transfer funds from the Economic Development Fund to the General Fund for an NDV property fee waiver. The body will also consider street closures for the December 5 Parade of Lights and receive a 3rd quarter financial report.
- Bids for the NDV waterline extension
- Fund transfer from Economic Development Fund to General Fund for NDV property fee waiver
- Street closure request for Parade of Lights (Main St from 5th to 8th; W 7th St from Main to Poplar)
- 3rd quarter financial report showing property tax revenues over budget by $152,921
- Presentation from STAND
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board is meeting to discuss a draft work plan for 2025. The board will also receive a staff report regarding recent marketing grants and current activities.
- Draft 2025 Work Plan including downtown wayfinding signage and website overhaul
- Marketing grant for Newton Fiesta: $600
- Marketing grant for Day of the Dead: $600
- Marketing grant for Blues, Brews, & BBQ: $500
- Marketing grant for Chili Cook Off: $250
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider a resolution adopting the Urban Area Boundary and the functional classification of streets within that boundary. The meeting also includes awarding the wage‑study RFP, adopting the 2025‑2026 strategic goals, and reviewing bids for the Spencer Road paving contract. Additional items are updates on historic preservation, environmental control, and a temporary drainage easement.
- Resolution adopting the Urban Area Boundary and Functional Classification
- Award the RFP for the wage study
- Adopt the City's strategic goals for 2025/2026
- Review bids and award contract for the Spencer Road paving project
- Accept NDV temporary drainage easement
Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission will consider a request to combine two contributing structures at 115 and 123 Muse for ADA accessibility. The body will also review a re-survey of the C3 Downtown District.
- Adaptive reuse application for 115 and 123 Muse in the McKinley Residential Historic District
- C3 Downtown District Re-survey
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will vote on using $100,000 of debt service funds for capital improvements at the Meridian Center. It will also review several street‑closure requests for community events, a parking ordinance change on Pine and East 7th Streets, a zoning amendment for Murdock Properties on SE 9th Street, and proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Fire Prevention Week.
- Utilize $100,000 of debt service funds for needed capital improvements at the Meridian Center
- Approve street closures for Taste of Newton (Oct 3), Newton High School Homecoming Parade (Oct 11), and Halloween Walk (Oct 31)
- Amend parking regulations on Pine Street and East 7th Street
- Recommend zoning amendment from I‑2 (General Industrial) to I‑3 (Heavy Industrial) on SE 9th Street for Murdock Properties
- Consider proclamations declaring National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) and Fire Prevention Week (Oct 6–12)
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider the minutes from the August 27 meeting and adopt a proclamation for Constitution Week. The agenda’s primary action is to award the General Obligation Bonds Series 2024‑A to the best bidder, adopt an ordinance authorizing the bonds, and adopt a resolution directing their sale. Additional items include a notice to proceed with track improvements for GAF, a review of the Urban Area Boundary and functional classification, and approvals for temporary alcohol permits for two community events.
- Award General Obligation Bonds Series 2024‑A to the best bidder
- Adopt ordinance authorizing issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2024‑A
- Adopt resolution prescribing form and sale of General Obligation Bonds Series 2024‑A
- Receive notice to proceed with track improvements for GAF
- Consider temporary alcohol permits for Blues, Brews & Barbecue and United Way Chili Cook‑Off
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a request to rezone a property on Southeast 9th Street from General Industrial (I-2) to Heavy Industrial (I-3). The applicant intends to use the site for a cross-docking warehouse and potential shingle and asphalt production manufacturing. The commission will provide a recommendation to the Newton City Commission.
- Zoning amendment request for Lot 1, Block 2, Replat of KLP Addition (Southeast 9th St) from I-2 to I-3
- Approval of August 5, 2024 meeting minutes
Historic Preservation Commission
The Newton Historic Preservation Commission will first approve the July 1, 2024 meeting minutes. It will then review applications to replace four windows on the west façade of the historic Masonic Temple at 106 E Broadway. The commission will also consider an application to remove an awning and replace front‑store windows at 423 N Main, and a proposal for repairs to the Warkentin House. The meeting will conclude with old business, new business, and adjournment.
- Approve July 1, 2024 meeting minutes
- Review 106 E Broadway – replacement of four west‑façade windows with white fixed units
- Review 423 N Main – removal of deteriorated awning and replacement of front‑store windows
- Review repairs on the Warkentin House
- Old Business, New Business, and Adjournment
Main Street
The Newton Main Street Board approved the minutes from the June 20 meeting and voted to fund six facade improvement applications, granting full funding to four projects and partial funding to two. The board also discussed sub‑committee structure changes required for upcoming accreditation and presented the 2024 workplan covering economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization initiatives.
- Approved minutes from the June 20, 2024 meeting (6‑0 vote)
- Approved full funding for four facade improvement applications and partial funding for two
- Facade projects approved: Miller Insurance (616 N Main), Mennonite Church USA (718 N Main), Baier Family Optometry (515 N Main), G5 Main Street Investments (601 N Main), Crownstables Investments LLC (117 & 119 E 3rd – partial)
- Discussed restructuring sub‑committees to meet accreditation requirements
- Presented 2024 workplan with focus areas: economic vitality, design, promotion, organization
Regular Commission
The City Commission will conduct public hearings regarding the 2025 budget and the Revenue Neutral Rate for property taxes. The body will also consider the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024-B.
- Public hearing and adoption of the 2025 budget
- Public hearing on Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and resolution to levy a rate of 71.361 mills
- Issuance and award of Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024-B
- Zoning amendment for Murdock Properties on SE 12th St. from I-2 to I-3
- Paving improvements resolution for Spencer Road
Choose Newton
The Community Development Commission is discussing the Love, Kansas campaign to encourage former residents to return to Newton. The body will also review 2024 goals and begin planning for 2025 strategic goals.
- Grant of $5,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce for talent recruitment
- Requirement to organize quarterly letter-writing events for former residents
- Requirement to host at least one grassroots local event within 60 days
- Review of 2024 goals and planning for 2025 CDC goals
Land Bank
The Newton Land Bank Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget and associated ad valorem tax levy. The hearing will be at Newton City Hall, 201 E. 6th, Newton, KS, and will allow taxpayers to voice objections. The commission will also review the June 20, 2024 meeting minutes and receive an update from the Land Bank manager, including the Real Estate Acquisition Policy.
- Public hearing on the proposed 2025 Land Bank budget and tax levy
- Review of June 20, 2024 meeting minutes
- Land Bank Manager update covering the Real Estate Acquisition Policy
- Discussion of property acquisition, donation, and sale procedures
- Opportunity for public comment on tax levy objections
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission will consider a request to close 6th Street for the Chili Cook‑Off on September 28. It will adopt ordinances updating the Uniform Public Offense Code and the Standard Traffic Ordinance for 2024. The body will also review improvements to the chimneys and portico of the Warkentin House and plans for pavement reconstruction on Spencer Road from E. 1st to SE 12th/14th.
- Street closure request for 6th Street (Poplar to Main) for Chili Cook‑Off, Sep 28, 8:00 am‑1:30 pm
- Ordinance adopting the 2024 Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC)
- Ordinance adopting the 2024 Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO)
- Improvements to chimneys and portico at the Warkentin House
- Pavement reconstruction plan for Spencer Road (E. 1st to SE 12th/14th) and bid date setting
Planning Commission
The Newton Planning Commission will first consider approval of the June 3, 2024 meeting minutes. The main agenda item is a zoning district amendment for Lot 1, Block 1 of the KLP Addition at 5841 N Prospect Rd, requesting a change from I‑2 (General Industrial) to I‑3 (Heavy Industrial) for Murdock Properties LLC. The commission will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation to the Newton City Commission, which will act on the request at its August 27, 2024 meeting. An amendment for the adjacent lot will be deferred to the September Planning Commission meeting.
- Consider approval of the June 3, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes
- Zoning amendment request for Lot 1, Block 1 (5841 N Prospect Rd) to change from I‑2 to I‑3
- Public hearing on the proposed zoning change for Murdock Properties LLC
- Commission to recommend approval or denial to the Newton City Commission for its August 27, 2024 meeting
- Adjacent lot zoning amendment to be considered at the September Planning Commission meeting
Convention & Visitors Bureau Board
The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board is meeting to review updates on event grants, board member terms, and current tourism activities. The board will also discuss the implementation of QR code postcards for local dining, shopping, and recreation.
- Events grants: Sand Creek Summer Daze ($2,000), Cookie Daze ($1,000), Newton Fiesta ($600), Day of the Dead ($600), Kansas Day ($530), and Chili Cook-Off ($250)
- Expiring board terms for Shirley Dietzel, Ozell Lincoln, Michael Lunsford, and Pam Stevens
- Review of QR code postcards for restaurants, shopping, culture, and recreation
- Report on 'People of Newton' photo contest and 5 Places of Christmas event
- Update on Travel Kansas 2025 and Pocket Sights tours
Regular Commission
The Newton City Commission meeting will decide on the 2025 municipal budget and authorize the sale of General Obligation Bonds Series 2024-A and 2024-B. It will also review a task order for design and bidding services for the reconstruction of Runway 8-26 at the airport, award a contract for the police training facility at 214 E. 6th, and adopt the Kansas Homeland Security Region G Hazard Mitigation Plan. A temporary alcohol permit for the Bulls & Barrels Bash on August 10 is also on the agenda.
- Consider the 2025 Budget
- Resolution authorizing sale of General Obligation Bonds Series 2024-A and 2024-B
- Task Order for design & bidding services for Runway 8-26 reconstruction at the airport
- Award contract for Police training facility, 214 E. 6th
- Resolution to adopt Kansas Homeland Security Region "G" Hazard Mitigation Plan
Work Session
The meeting includes discussions regarding options for valuation increases and a review of the 2025 budget. An executive session regarding attorney/client privilege is also scheduled if time permits.
- Discussion of valuation increase options
- Review of 2025 Budget
- Potential executive session for attorney/client privilege