Mar 16, 2026

City Council Meeting · 11 recorded votes · Present at roll call: Mills, Roth, Dalton, Hallam, Simbro, Holschuh · Absent: none listed

All votes

Every vote in the official minutes, in agenda order. Full minutes for the whole Mar 16, 2026 meeting (saved copy)

• Vote 1Item title not in the recordPassed 6–0 · Count only · $50,000 · Minutes
• Vote 2Public Hearing on Proposed Adoption of an Ordinance Granting to Interstate Power and Light Company (Alliant Energy) a 25-Year Non-Exclusive Electric Franchise Mayor Ervin stated…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Public hearing. A set time at a meeting when anyone can speak to the council about a proposal before it decides. Hearings are required by law for some actions, such as budgets, rezoning and borrowing.

• Vote 3Public Hearing on Proposed Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing a Franchise Fee on Energy Providers Operating in the City of Newton, Iowa Mayor Ervin stated that this is the…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →

  What this means: Public hearing. A set time at a meeting when anyone can speak to the council about a proposal before it decides. Hearings are required by law for some actions, such as budgets, rezoning and borrowing.

• Vote 4Second consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Newton, Iowa, 2025, Title VII, Chapter 70, Section 70.15, "Traffic and Parking Schedules Adopted by…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Ordinance readings. An ordinance is a local law. In Iowa it is usually voted on at three separate meetings (first, second and third reading) before it passes. Each reading is one of those votes.

• Vote 5Second Consideration on an Ordinance amending City of Newton Code of Ordinances Title IX: General Regulations, Chapter 94: Public Nuisances and Title XV, Land Usage, Chapter 158:…Passed 5–1 · No: Simbro · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →

  What this means: Ordinance readings. An ordinance is a local law. In Iowa it is usually voted on at three separate meetings (first, second and third reading) before it passes. Each reading is one of those votes.

• Vote 6Resolution approving Eagle Scout Project at Maytag ParkPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Resolution. A formal council decision, usually made in one vote. It approves a specific action, such as a contract, plan or policy, without changing the city code.

• Vote 7Resolution updating the Cemetery Rules and Regulations for Union Cemetery and Memorial Park Cemetery and Fee SchedulePassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →

  What this means: Resolution. A formal council decision, usually made in one vote. It approves a specific action, such as a contract, plan or policy, without changing the city code.

• Vote 8Resolution approving the Newton Sanitary Landfill fee schedulePassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →

  What this means: Resolution. A formal council decision, usually made in one vote. It approves a specific action, such as a contract, plan or policy, without changing the city code.

• Vote 9Resolution awarding contract for the Aurora Park Parking Improvements ProjectPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 3

  What this means: Bids and contracts. For public construction, the city approves plans and a cost estimate, takes bids, then awards the contract, usually to the lowest responsible bidder.

• Vote 10Resolution Authorizing and Approving a Loan Agreement, Providing for the Issuance of $5,455,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026A and Providing for the…Passed 6–0 · Count only · $5,455,000 · Minutes, p. 3 · Full page →

  What this means: Bonds and notes. Borrowing. The city sells bonds or notes to raise money now for projects and repays it with interest over years. General obligation (GO) debt is repaid from property taxes.

• Vote 11Resolution Approving Pay Plan Adjustment for the Finance Officer position and Eliminating the Sr Financial Analyst Position in the Administration DepartmentPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 3

  What this means: Resolution. A formal council decision, usually made in one vote. It approves a specific action, such as a contract, plan or policy, without changing the city code.