March 19, 2024

Budget talks continue for city council

Budget discussions are set to continue and three ordinances will be up for final consideration at the Newton City Council meeting Monday.

A third consideration to amend city code to restrict the conversion of first floor storefronts into residential use will be before the council. The proposed ordinance change has passed the first two readings after the suggestion by Main Street Iowa officials in order to “prevent the erosion of commercial/business vibrancy in the downtown.” Potential aesthetic concerns with the conversions were also noted by Main Street.

A Downtown Square Area would be created as a smaller geographic area than the Central Business Commercial District to help preserve the historic storefronts without being overly restrictive across the whole business district.

The council will also move for final approval on adding stop signs at the intersection of South Fifth Avenue East and First Street South. The city determined that the retaining walls in the southeast and northeast corners of the intersection impose the sight needed for safe movement across the intersection. A four-way stop was recommended for the intersection.

Finally, the council will consider allowing parking on the east side of West Fifth Street South in the 200 block. That section of the street is the same width as the 300 and 400 blocks, where parking is allowed.

An upgrade to the audio broadcasting system in city hall will be considered by the council. In 2011, it was determined that the current audio/video broadcast system was old, unreliable and not working correctly. A proposed quote from Iowa Audio Video would include the replacement of microphones, speakers and amplifier equipment, as well as provide the Assisted Listening Device. The total cost is $23,713.

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