City council to consider zoning change

The Newton City Council on Monday will consider a recommendation from the planning and zoning commission to allow an indoor family fun center to open in a light industrial district in Newton.

I Believe, Inc. is working to establish a family fun center in Newton, however, zoning regulations require the city to approve the business as a permitted use within the industrial district.

The family fun center could include batting cages, bouncing houses and party areas. Currently, I Believe, Inc. is looking at property located at 1503 N. 13th Ave. E., formerly the Marsh building. If the language is changed, it will apply to all properties in the light industrial district, not just the property I Believe is interested in.

In other business, several members of the community are up for appointment to various boards and commissions at the meeting. Jack Topp will be appointed to the Building Trades Board, Beverly L. Rossow to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Jeremy Berndt and Joshua Cantu to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Each of these appointments would end Dec. 31, 2017.

A new property is up for purchase for the D&D Program; 1008 E. Eighth St. N. is in the light industrial district and near previous properties that the program has purchased earlier this year. The purchase price for the property is $20,500.

In other business:

• John Shaw will give a presentation for the Bergman House and efforts to save it.

• City Administrator Bob Knabel will present information on the Strategic Action Plan.

• Knabel along with Public Works Director Keith Laube, will discuss the community investment plan.

• Bryan Friedman, Director of Finance and Development will give a economic development update.

• The nuisance code will be discussed by Erin Chamber, Director of Planning and Zoning.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com