Newton council approves $77,500 amendment to complete downtown streetscape engineering

Newton City Council voted 4–2 on Nov. 24 to adopt a $77,500 budget amendment to complete engineering for the final two phases of the Downtown Revitalization Streetscape Project.

City Manager Todd Clark told the council that an initial January 2020 quote from McGill & Associates for final engineering plans was $48,000 but that additional work and expired proposals raised the cost. Staff said stormwater engineering for East A Street between College Avenue and Brady Avenue added $12,500 and that electrical engineering costs from Southeastern Consulting Engineers increased, bringing the revised combined engineering total to $125,550.

Clark provided a fund-by-fund breakdown: a $42,500 charge to the General Fund (including $12,500 for stormwater), $18,000 to the Water & Sewer Fund, and $65,000 to the Electric Fund. He said staff had been working with the firms and intended to complete all plans during the fiscal year.

Council Member Ed Sain said he could not support the request at this time, citing concern about the city’s finances. Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver said it was important to have the project “shelf ready” when applying for grants. Council Member Jody Dixon moved to adopt the amendment; Jerry Hodge seconded the motion. The ordinance amendment passed with Stiver, Dixon, Hodge and Anne Wepner voting in favor and Sain and Beverly Danner voting against.

The budget amendment authorizes staff to cover the additional engineering costs so the city can complete construction-ready plans for Phases 3 and 4 of the downtown streetscape effort. Council did not direct additional changes to scope at the meeting.

Council recorded the final vote and adopted the ordinance, which is on file in the office of the city clerk.