Council reviews pool pass price reduction

Swimming season at Maytag Pool may be a little cheaper this year.

City staff have requested the Newton City Council approve a 10-percent-off sale on all 2020 season pool passes, effective immediately until April 30.

This temporary fee reduction would not affect any daily fees, rental fees or swim lessons. Staff said the reduced pricing is to help increase the number of season pool passes sold. Pre-season sales may help in that regard.

Landfill fee changes

At a Feb. 4 Newton Sanitary Landfill 28-E budget workshop, it was proposed the tipping fee be increased by $1 “to help offset the increased $1.10 per ton fee paid to the IDNR.” A special waste fee of $250 per ton for decommissioned wind blades was also proposed.

The landfill operates as an enterprise fund and the only source of revenue is through the tipping fee, city council agenda documents state. A tipping fee is subsidizing functions “such as recycling, concrete rubble, yard waste, the household hazardous waste, education programs and the Customer Convenience Center.”

If approved by council, the fee schedule changes would go into effect July 1.

Demolition contract

The city acquired properties at 309 S. Eighth Ave. W. and 416 N. Seventh Ave. E. in hopes of demolishing the structures through the D&D Program. City of Newton’s community services division prepared abatement and demolition plans and specifications for the project.

Staff recommend a demolition contract be awarded to Howe Excavating of Newton, based on the low responsive, responsible bid received for $24,950.

Nuisance amendment

Council members will read the third consideration of an amended ordinance for public nuisance chapter in the city code.

Based on staff and public input, revisions and additions are proposed for the sections related to: roll-off dumpsters, outdoor furniture, shipping and storage containers, trailer and commercial vehicle parking, serving of nuisance violations, emergency abatements, and installment payment amounts.

If the third reading passes, the council may then adopt the ordinance.

CIP public hearing

Newton City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2021-2025 capital improvement plan.

Using the council’s approved goals as a guideline, as well as the city’s recent revision to the comprehensive plan and department director input on project and equipment needs, the city’s CIP plan has been properly prepared and is ready for approval.

The proposed project and equipment purchases included infiscal year 2021 of the CIP align with its respective budget.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com