Newton – Week of June 19
Newton hotel incentives; Newton Pride Month approval; Stop sign debate; Newton-Harvey paving partnership; Health Department move imminent;
Newton Explores Aggressive Incentives To Attract New Hotel Development
Newton Commission Approves Pride Month In Split Vote After Emotional Debate
Stop Sign Squabble: County And Township Officials Debate Liability And Communication
Newton And Harvey County To Partner On East 1st Street Paving Project
Harvey County Health Department’s Move To Pine Street Building Imminent
Newton Explores Aggressive Incentives To Attract New Hotel Development
NEWTON - The Newton City Commission directed staff to explore and develop a framework of financial incentives aimed at attracting a new hotel to the city. Community Development Director Zach McHatton highlighted that Newton has a “competitive disadvantage” and has missed out on hosting events, such as a state arson investigators conference with 200 attendees, due to a lack of lodging options. The proposed incentive tools, used by competing cities like McPherson and Andover, could include Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for tax abatement, and sharing a portion of the transient guest tax. The commission authorized staff to begin shaping the incentive package to make Newton more competitive for regional hospitality projects and to engage with qualified developers.
Newton Commission Approves Pride Month In Split Vote After Emotional Debate
NEWTON - The Newton City Commission officially declared June as Pride Month after a meeting marked by emotional public testimony and a divided vote from the dais. The proclamation was read in part by Mollie Mills-Weis, a fourth-generation Newtonian who shared her experience with hostility as a student when the first Gay-Straight Alliance was formed. During the vote, two council members abstained, declaring a conflict of interest as they felt it promoted one group over others, though they affirmed their love and support for every citizen. With one commissioner voting no, the measure passed 2-1-2. Public comments included residents speaking against the proclamation, citing religious beliefs, while supporters spoke of feeling unwelcome in their hometown for being gay and the importance of the city showing its support.
Stop Sign Squabble: County And Township Officials Debate Liability And Communication
HARVEY COUNTY - The approval of new stop signs at Southeast 48th and South Webb Road sparked a significant debate about procedure, liability, and communication between Harvey County and Richland Township. After the county installed three stop signs in response to resident complaints about limited visibility and close calls, a Richland Township Trustee appeared before the commission. He expressed concern that the township was not notified before the signs were installed and, more critically, sought clarification on who holds the liability if a sign is knocked down and an accident occurs, citing a past lawsuit in another county. County Road & Bridge Director Jim Meier assured the trustee that all regulatory signs are the county’s responsibility to install, maintain, and accept liability for. The discussion concluded with an agreement to improve communication with townships in the future.
Newton And Harvey County To Partner On East 1st Street Paving Project
NEWTON - The City of Newton formally approved an engineering agreement with Garver for the East 1st Street paving improvement project, with Harvey County set to be an equal partner in the design phase. The Harvey County Commission recently agreed to pay for half of the design costs, up to a maximum of $250,000. The partnership marks a significant step forward for the major infrastructure project, which has been an ongoing topic of discussion between the two government bodies. The Newton Commission unanimously approved the agreement and authorized the Director of Public Works to sign the necessary documents.
Harvey County Health Department’s Move To Pine Street Building Imminent
HARVEY COUNTY - The long-awaited relocation of the Harvey County Health Department to the newly remodeled Pine Street building is tentatively scheduled to begin this week. County Administrator Kevin Frymire reported that while not guaranteed, the plan is for the health department to start its move tomorrow. The move will be staggered, with a week-long separation between departmental shifts to ensure a smooth transition process. The project has been a significant undertaking for the county, with a recent warrant check including a progress payment for the remodel contract which incorporates the addition of a fire suppression system.
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Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPEhmV93upY .
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPEhmV93upY
- https://harveycounty.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPEhmV93upY
- https://harveycounty.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingTypeList.aspx
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