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City Commission meeting - 6-23-26
Published: Jun 23, 2026
Two New Commissioners Appointed to Newton Housing Authority Board
The Commission accepted the resignations of two Newton Housing Authority (NHA) Commissioners, Amanda Buffalo and Deborah Kingsley, rendering a previously scheduled hearing for their removal moot. The Commission then moved to appoint Peter Miller and Amber Kane to fill the two vacancies on the NHA board. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
Street Closure Approved for County Fair Parade; Constitution Contest Seeks Judges; Utility Assistance Budget Questioned
The Commission approved a request from the Harvey County Free Fair to close West 1st Street from Meridian to Grandview, and Grandview to the Athletic Park entrance, on August 8th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for a parade. Staff has reviewed the plans and recommended approval. The Commission also received information about the Harvey County Constitution Contest, which is in its fourth year and involves all five high schools. The contest details, including timelines for essay submissions, judging, and awards, were provided. The organizers are seeking volunteer judges from the community, including city commissioners. Additionally, a resident raised concerns about the budgeting and awarding of funds for the community assistance program for senior citizens' utilities, questioning where the allocated $15,000 per year goes when only a small amount is awarded. The city clarified that unspent funds remain in the budget fund and roll over, with the hope of increased utilization with program changes.
Depot District Building Assessment Complete; RFP for Redevelopment Forthcoming
The Commission received a presentation from Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) and Gravity Works Architecture regarding an assessment of the depot district building. The assessment indicated that while interior finishes and mechanical systems are dated, the building structure is in remarkably good condition for its age. Recommendations included an elevator inspection and addressing potential asbestos concerns. The report also highlighted that the historical details, such as windows and doors, have survived, which could be beneficial for historic tax credits. Staff is also working on a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek qualified developers for the depot district and 320 North Main property, with a proposed RFP to be presented to the Commission in the coming weeks or months.
Survey Reveals Barriers to Walking, Biking to School; Crosswalk Concerns Raised
A presentation was given on a survey conducted by Walk and Roll, the health department, and Newton schools regarding biking and walking to school. Key challenges identified by respondents included weather (70% unwilling to walk/bike), missing or inadequate sidewalks and crosswalks, and concerns about bullying, crime, or dangerous driving near schools. Parents indicated a willingness to let children walk or bike by fifth or sixth grade. Specific areas of concern for safety include Old 81 and 24th Street, 12th and Boyd, and Boyd Avenue from 12th to Broadway. A walk audit is planned for July 9th at Northridge to identify improvements. Additionally, staff acknowledged a long-standing request from North Newton residents for a crosswalk at 24th and Old 81, noting that 33% of residents in subsidized housing do not own cars and rely on walking for shopping, with 22nd or 23rd Street potentially being better locations than 24th Street.
Commission Approves RHID for New Housing Development and Two Apartment Projects
The Commission considered a resolution to establish a Reinvestment Housing Improvement District (RHID) for approximately 38 acres located southwest of 24th Street and west of Anderson Road. This RHID is intended to cover infrastructure costs for an estimated 60 new lots, with houses projected to range from $400,000 to $600,000, fitting the need for executive-level housing. Approving the resolution is the first step, after which it will be sent to the Department of Commerce for review, followed by county and school board approval. Additionally, two other RHIDs were approved for Mr. Legali's projects: one for phase two of the Fox Ridge apartment complex (G1383) and another for infrastructure only for Fox Ridge Phase 2 (G1384) on South Kansas Ave and Southeast 11th, both aiming to avoid special assessments on end-users.
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City Commission meeting - 6-23-26
Regular Commission - 23 Jun 2026
Regular Commission - 23 Jun 2026
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