March 28, 2024

Council considers cemetery expansion plans

Electric franchise third reading, shop building project also on docket

City staff are requesting the Newton City Council during its Monday meeting to approve master planning services in order to expand Newton Union Cemetery, which is anticipated to fill up in the next few years

According to city council agenda documents, the last time new lots were platted at Newton Union Cemetery was in 1988. The veterans area of Newton Union Cemetery is estimated to be full in two to four years and the regular lot sales will be sold out in six to eight years.

The City of Newton will seek input from veterans’ groups, funeral homes and other relevant parties during the expansion planning services. Staff recommended Bolton & Menk, of Des Moines, take charge of the planning services for $12,700.

Shop building project

Newton Public Works wants to demolish the “old, dilapidated sand storage building” that no longer sees any use, replacing the structure with a new addition to serve as the new shop for maintenance equipment storage.

After the demo, public works operations staff will complete the site preparations and utility connections before placing the concrete inside the newly constructed addition. Staff estimate the new addition will measure 45-feet-by-60-feet and will be built on the existing “west building” at the Public Works shop.

Staff recommend the Newton City Council approve the project and award the contract to “the lowest responsive, responsible bidder” Bruce Dunsbergen Builders, of Sully.

Electric franchise
contract

Council members will read the third consideration of an ordinance renewing the city’s 25-year electric franchise contract with Interstate Power and Light Company, which operates as Alliant Energy in Newton.

If the ordinance is adopted, Alliant Energy is expected to “acquire, construct, erect, maintain and operate an electric system” and “to furnish and sell electric energy to the city and its inhabitants.”

The Newton Daily News previously reported the city council approved a project in which Alliant Energy will replace the old, overhead electrical structures and wires located in alleyways throughout downtown Newton with new facilities within the next five years.

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