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Newton commission approves routine measures, greenlights rec center remodel and two ordinances
Summary
The Newton City Commission on Nov. 12 approved minutes, a Recreation Commission-funded remodel of racquetball courts at the NRC, adopted two local ordinances (5183-25 and 5184-25) and approved a Main Street closure for the Parade of Lights. The commission recessed into an executive session on an industrial prospect and returned with no action.
Newton City Commission approved a series of routine items during its noon meeting Nov. 12, including a request from the Newton Recreation Commission to remodel racquetball courts at the Newton Recreation Center, two ordinance actions, and a temporary street closure for the annual Parade of Lights.
The commission approved the Oct. 28 minutes by voice vote after a motion by a commissioner and a second. The Recreation Commission-funded remodel at the NRC was described to commissioners as a conversion of existing racquetball courts into multipurpose space that could be used for classrooms or tumbling. "Per the agreement, we own all of that," said Ed (city staff), explaining why the commission must approve improvements to the city-owned building. A motion to approve the NRC request carried by voice vote.
The commission also adopted an amendment to Chapter 18 of the city code governing solid waste (ordinance referenced in the meeting as 5183-25). The ordinance had been presented at a previous meeting as a first reading; staff returned it for final action and commissioners approved it by voice vote.
Separately, commissioners approved an ordinance repealing section 20-4-10 of the city code to resolve a conflict with the adopted fire code that requires exterior doors to swing outward when occupant loads exceed 50. Chris (city staff) said the repeal aligns local code with the fire code and clarified that the requirement would apply when a permit is pulled; existing doors would not be retrofitted unless a permit triggers the change. The commission recorded the ordinance number as 5184-25 and approved it by voice vote.
The commission also approved closing Main Street on Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. for the Lions Club Parade of Lights; staff said KDOT has already approved the closure. Finally, the commission recessed into an executive session to discuss an industrial prospect and returned without taking action.
All formal votes recorded in the meeting were taken by voice and were announced as "aye" with no members recorded as opposed in the minutes of the session.
