The Newton City Council will take up a resolution to adopt “Get to Know Newton” as the official City of Newton brand during Monday night’s regular meeting.
Over the past several months, city staff and community leaders have been working on the development of a community brand and marketing strategy. “Get to Know Newton” was designed to promote community pride, strengthen community partnerships and promote community growth.
City staff has recommended the adoption of the “Get to Know Newton” brand as the official city logo and brand.
The council also will have a public hearing on a resolution to approve the voluntary annexation into the City of Newton property located by the Iowa Speedway, inlcuding Iowa Speedway Drive, Modlin Property, Raceway Acres LLC and the City of Newton. In addition to bringing privately held land into the corporate city limits, the city also is taking the opportunity to incorporate the full right-of-way for Iowa Speedway Drive and the sanitary sewer lift station. The total size of the annexation area is 65.78 acres. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. Following the hearing, the council will vote on a resolution to approve the voluntary annexation of the property.
The council also will have a public hearing on a resolution to institute proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of up to$630,000 in general obligation bonds.
During the Jan. 27 budget workshop, the council gave its consensus direction to move forward with the process of issuing bonds for several community projects. The bonds are able to be issued as tax-exempt because all of their elements are for public, not private, benefit. This means there will be a lower interest rate than a taxable bond.
Also on Monday, the council will have a public hearing on a resolution to institute proceedings to take additional action for the authorization and issuance of up to $125,000 in general obligation bonds. The bonds will pay for projects classified as “general corporate purposes” under Iowa Code. These items are subject to a potential petition for a referendum of the voters of Newton.
If no petition is received, the council can proceed with the public hearing and a decision on the issuance of the bond. Staff recommended approval of the resolution. The council will take further action on the bond after the public hearing.
The City of Newton has been working on several bond proceedings in recent months. Through these processes, the city council has authorized the issuance of $4,490,000 in bonds that will be supported by the city debt service property tax levy over the next 10 years. Councilors will consider authorizing the city to place $225,000 of bond costs on the 2014-2015 debt service levy, which amounts to about 41 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation.
The council will set a public hearing date to approve the 2014-2015 operating budget for the City of Newton. On Jan. 27, the council met and reviewed the proposed budget for the city. Staff recommended approving the resolution calling for the public hearing to be held at the council’s March 3 meeting. Adoption of the budget would also take place at that meeting, consistent with the state deadline of March 17.
The council will discuss a resolution in support of Skiff Medical Center. Over the past several months, Steve Long, CEO for Skiff Medical Center, has shared with the council and the community the many challenges facing health care providers and those specifically impacting the Skiff Medical Center.
With changing regulations transforming the health care industry, these changes are far reaching and could have serious implications for the community. It is recommended that the City support the Board of Trustees and the administration of the Skiff Medical Center in taking whatever action is necessary in order to maintain this vital community asset.
The council will discuss a resolution accepting a deed for property in Fountain Hills Estates in Newton. The City of Newton has acquired 19 lots in Fountain Hills Estates subdivision. Owning the final lot would give the city full control over modifications to the restrictive covenants of the subdivision, which require unanimous consent of the owners to modify, and would allow the city to have greater flexibility to rearrange property lines to accommodate different residential development styles.
Staff writer Zach Johnson may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at zjohnson@newtondailynews.com.