March 19, 2024

Changes proposed to city employee residency requirements

A first consideration for a change is the current residency requirements for city employees will be heard at the Newton City Council meeting Monday.

The Employee Relations Committee met and approved eliminating the residency requirements for all city employees, with the exception of the city administrator and department directors. It also recommends requiring that employees not in compliance with the proposed ordinance would be able to maintain their exemption as long as they remain full-time employees of the city.

A proposed relocation of the community garden from 114 N. Second Ave. E. to 518 W. Third St. N. and 206 N. Fifth Ave. W. will also go before the council for approval. The approval of a contract with Jasper County Conservation for the 2015-2017 growing seasons is in the resolution.

With the planned redevelopment of Maytag Hotel, Jasper County Conservation is seeking a new location for its raised beds. With the move, the organization hopes to continue highlighting the need for encouraging sustainable and healthy approaches to food production and the need for a community garden within the city.

The council will also consider accepting the title to the property located at 1113 First St. N. The property is a fire-damaged home owned by Bayview Financial/Leon Reeves and has met the criteria as an abandoned building. On April 7, the court awarded the title of the property through a default judgment to the City of Newton.

If accepted and at the end of a 30 day appeal period, the outstanding property taxes will be the responsibility of the city at the cost $596. There will also be an additional $2,400 in legal fees, abstract work and recording costs.

City Administrator Bob Knabel will also be discussing the Bond Issue during the meeting.

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