Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newton commission approves housing bond intent, eminent domain steps, land-bank budget and other routine actions
Summary
Newton City Commissioners on May 13 approved a series of routine and project-specific actions, including a resolution of intent to issue housing revenue bonds for the Harvest phase 2 project, initiation of eminent domain proceedings for a Hillside right-of-way, adoption of the Newton Land Bank proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation Federal Fund Exchange Program and final approval of the Hope Estates final plat.
Newton City Commissioners on May 13 approved a series of routine and project-specific actions, including a resolution of intent to issue housing revenue bonds for the Harvest phase 2 project, initiation of eminent domain proceedings for a small right-of-way on Hillside, adoption of the Newton Land Bank proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Federal Fund Exchange Program and final approval of the Hope Estates final plat.
The commission voted by voice to approve the consent agenda and then moved through individual items. The commission approved resolution G1357, described by staff as a resolution of intent to issue housing revenue bonds to allow Harvest phase 2 to pursue low-income housing tax credit packaging and related tax-exempt bond treatment for building materials. The motion to approve G1357 was made on the floor and carried by voice vote.
The commission also approved a two-step action to acquire 0.13 acres of right-of-way on Hillside. Councilors approved resolution G1358 to authorize a property survey and then adopted an ordinance authorizing staff to file a district court petition to commence condemnation proceedings if a negotiated agreement is not reached. City staff said the ordinance keeps the option of condemnation open while they continue to negotiate with property owners.
The Newton Land Bank presented a proposed 2026 budget of $5,595 for the land-bank fund, reflecting marketing, title work and potential maintenance costs; commissioners approved the budget and the land bank will take its adoption to its board. The commission authorized participation in KDOTFederal Fund Exchange Program, accepting an exchange rate described by staff as 90 cents on the dollar to convert federal transportation funds for local mill-and-overlay or similar pavement projects; staff was authorized to sign related documents.
The planning commissionrecommendation for the Hope Estates final plat was accepted by the commission on a unanimous recommendation from the planning commission; the city attorney told commissioners staff had no objections. Several proclamations also were adopted by voice vote, including designation of the week as National Public Works Week and another as Emergency Medical Services Week.
The meeting included an approved recess into an executive session earlier in the evening to consult with legal counsel; commissioners returned to the regular agenda and completed the listed items by voice votes.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote). - Proclamation: National Public Works Week (approved, voice vote). - Proclamation: Emergency Medical Services Week (approved, voice vote). - Resolution G1357: resolution of intent to issue housing revenue bonds for Harvest phase 2 (moved and seconded on the record; approved, voice vote). - Executive session: motion to recess into executive session to consult with legal counsel (approved, voice vote). - Resolution G1358: initiate survey for right-of-way acquisition on Hillside (moved, seconded; approved, voice vote). - Ordinance 516625 (authorizing filing of petition for condemnation if necessary): motioned and approved by voice vote. - Newton Land Bank 2026 budget ($5,595): approved by voice vote; will be presented to the land bank board for final adoption. - KDOT Federal Fund Exchange Program participation (staff authorized to sign documents): approved by voice vote; staff estimated an exchange equivalent of $236,357.22 at 90 cents on the dollar for eligible projects. - Hope Estates final plat (planning commission recommendation, unanimous): accepted and approved by the commission.
The meeting record shows the majority of these items were routine and approved by voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the public transcript. If a petition, bond issuance, condemnation filing or bond closing proceeds, staff indicated additional public notices and separate formal actions will be required.
