City Council makes no move on the Bergman House

The August Bergman House was heavily discussed at the Newton City Council meeting Monday. Both positives and negatives of the city stepping in and purchasing the house on an interim basis were brought before the council by members of the city as well as outside parties that are interested in the historical value of the property.

“Our request is the city step in, purchase the Bergman and hold it on a temporary basis while the Newton Historical Society has the opportunity to gather the funds and purchase it back,” said John Shaw, an architect from Iowa City.

Shaw said the Bergman House is an iconic building that is associated with Newton. He gave several reasons why it has an economic benefit to the city, including an opportunity to gain jobs and the increase of property values in the surrounding area.

Although Shaw said he has heard from multiple people who are looking forward to the revitalization of the Bergman House, several council members voiced concern about getting into a long-term investment with no clear end date.

“My concern is, what I keep coming back to is this house went up for auction and it didn’t even meet it’s reserve. That is great that people love it, I have been in it multiple times ... but there is no private investor that has stepped up to buy the home,” council member Noreen Otto said. “If there is a developer out of Des Moines who is interested, I think it is important we answer the question, why wouldn’t they just buy it directly, why does this city need to bear the economic risk?”

The council was hoping to get a time table for when funds would be raised to buy back the house from those behind Save the Bergman. Although they did not get a firm amount of time, a range of 18 months to two years was given to start. Council members also wanted to know how the group would be raising funds, but did not receive a clear, definite answer — only that the group would use its resources, including private donors.

“I don’t know that there is that much interest in this house. I think that, while there are people in this room that may be interested in this house, I think there’s probably as many or more that don’t find this house that significant,” council member Craig Trotter said.

Additional data and information about the investment and the house was requested by the council before it makes a final decision.

In other business:

• The council approved the first consideration of a change in the language of the zoning code for Newton’s Light Industrial District to include an indoor family entertainment center. The ordinance will have two additional readings before final approval. I Believe, Inc., represented by President Dana Simbro, made the request in order to move forward with plans to bring Boomerangs, a family entertainment center, to Newton.

• Matthew Koon was released from his bill to the city for a nuisance expense. He came to the council’s previous meeting explaining he never received the initial complaint that his weeds were overgrown. Upon discussion, the council will look to make sure notification is received in a similar manner as the bill is received, which is currently by certified mail.

• On behalf of Weekend PitStop, Bob O’Brien gave a donation of $500 to St. Nick’s charity along with an additional $500 in his son’s name, Brenden O’Brien.

• 2013-2014 Ending Fund Balance non-budgeted items were approved by the council.

• Property at 1008 E. Eighth St. N. was purchased for the D&D Program for $20,500.

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