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Council approves lease assignment for downtown brewery in 4–2 vote

Newton City Council · March 1, 2026

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Summary

After discussion, Newton City Council approved the assignment of the lease for the former fire station (116 West A Street) from District 9 Brewing Company, LLC to new owners; the motion passed 4–2 with Council Members Ed Sain and Roy Johnson voting against.

The Newton City Council approved an assignment of the lease for the former fire department building at 116 West A Street that currently houses District 9 Brewing Company, LLC.

City Attorney John Cilley explained the original lease (executed July 7, 2020) prohibits assignment without the lessor’s written consent and that District 9 Brewing Company requested council approval so a new business entity could assume the existing lease under the same terms. Cilley recommended the assignment be approved with the condition that the new lessee observe all terms of the original lease.

Potential new lessees Greg Hemsley and Mike Hollar spoke briefly about their reasons for relocating their business to Newton. After discussion, council approved the lease assignment with four votes in favor (Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver, Council Members Jerry Hodge, Jody Dixon and Beverly Danner) and two votes against (Council Members Ed Sain and Roy Johnson). Mayor Eddie Haupt’s vote is not recorded in the minutes. The approved assignment includes authorization for the city manager to execute necessary documents. Documents are on file with the City Clerk.