Council to discuss phase one construction of Barton trust land

Phase one construction development for the Barton trust land will be discussed during Monday night’s Newton City Council meeting at city hall.

The Barton trust land, now known as Arbor Estates, is a 70.7-acre parcel of land in northeast Newton and located north of Fairmeadows North Plat 8. The Newton Daily News previously reported the land could hold approximately 155 residential lots.

The Newton Housing Development Corporation has requested a loan from the City of Newton to fund the phase one construction of the residential development. The money to pay for the construction would derive from the 2019 bond funds.

Staff estimate the cost of work to be $1.6 million, which would include “site grading, the completion of the regional stormwater detention pond, installation of sanitary or storm sewer lines and engineering services,” according to the Newton City Council agenda.

Clubhouse plans for Westwood

Council will also decide whether to approve a professional services agreement with Ethos Design Group for updates to the planning documents for the Westwood Golf Course Clubhouse Replacement Project.

A plan for a redesigned, downsized clubhouse was listed in the 2018-2020 city council goals list established late last year. Ethos Design Group, a Polk City-based architect, will likely to be tasked to prepare a new, scaled-back plan for the existing clubhouse.

The proposal for the professional services agreement is estimated to cost $15,350 for Ethos Design Group to create its “revised site plan, floor plan, building elevations and estimate of costs,” according to the council agenda.

Ethos Design Group submitted designs in 2016, and staff believe they can be easily modified “in a more cost-effective manner.”

Fireworks continued

The second consideration of an amended ordinance to limit fireworks usage for three hours on July 4 will be read by council members Monday night. The change to city code would also prohibit fireworks from being discharged on New Year’s Eve.

The proposed ordinance allows fireworks use between 8 and 11 p.m. July 4, coinciding with the city’s fireworks display. If the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display is rescheduled, the ordinance will instead allow fireworks use “during the same hours for that specified date only,” according to the Newton City Council agenda.

Staff have also suggested to prohibit aerial fireworks larger than 1-inch in diameter and multiple tube device fireworks equipped with 250 grams or more of powder.

Discharging fireworks would not be allowed if the state fire marshal issues a burn ban.

Changes to parking

The third consideration of an ordinance affecting street parking along the 600 block of East Seven-and-a-half Street North, which would become restricted if city council members approve the motion.

The Traffic Safety Committee received safety concerns along the aforementioned street on the east side from North Sixth Avenue East, north about 260 feet.

Out of the 11 surveys sent to nearby property owners describing the recommended changes, four were returned. Three people agreed with the changes. One person opposed.

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