Jul 20, 2026

City Council Meeting · 19 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. Routine items on this meeting (1): adjournment. Full minutes for the whole Jul 20, 2026 meeting (saved copy)

• Vote 1Item title not in the recordPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes
• Vote 2Public Hearing on the Proposed 2026 Amendment to the North Central Urban Renewal Area Mayor Ervin stated that this is the time and place for a Public Hearing on the above…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 1

  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 3Resolution to Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the North Central Urban Renewal AreaPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 1

  What this means: Tax increment financing (TIF). Within an urban renewal area, the extra property tax from rising values can be set aside for a period of years to pay for projects or incentives in that area, instead of going to the usual taxing bodies.

• Vote 4Public Hearing on the Proposed 2026 Amendment to the Fairmeadows North Housing Urban Renewal Area Mayor Ervin stated that this is the time and place for a Public Hearing on the…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 1

  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 5Resolution to Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Fairmeadows North Housing Urban Renewal AreaPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Tax increment financing (TIF). Within an urban renewal area, the extra property tax from rising values can be set aside for a period of years to pay for projects or incentives in that area, instead of going to the usual taxing bodies.

• Vote 6Public Hearing on the Proposed 2026 Amendment to the 1st Avenue East Urban Renewal Area Mayor Ervin stated that this is the time and place for a Public Hearing on the above…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 7Resolution to Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for 1st Avenue East Urban Renewal AreaPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Tax increment financing (TIF). Within an urban renewal area, the extra property tax from rising values can be set aside for a period of years to pay for projects or incentives in that area, instead of going to the usual taxing bodies.

• Vote 8Public Hearing on a Resolution approving the purchase agreement for real property at 510 West 3rd Street North Newton, Jasper County, Iowa Mayor Ervin stated that this is the…Passed 6–0 · Count only · $300 · 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 9Resolution approving the purchase agreement for real property at 510 West 3rd Street North Newton, Jasper County, IowaPassed 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 10Public Hearing on a resolution approving the purchase agreements for real property at 115 East 4th Street North, 124 East 4th Street North, and 411 North 2nd Avenue East, Newton,…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 11Resolution approving the purchase agreement for real property at 115 East 4th Street North, 124 East 4th Street North, and 411 North 2nd Avenue East, Newton, Jasper County, IowaPassed 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 12Second Consideration of an Ordinance Granting to Interstate Power and Light Company Alliant Energy) a 25- Year Non- Exclusive Electric FranchisePassed 5–1 · No: Hallam · 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 13Second Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Franchise Fee on Energy Providers Operating in the City of Newton, IowaPassed 5–1 · No: Hallam · 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 14Second Consideration of an Ordinance amending the code of ordinances, City of Newton, Iowa, 2025, Title III, Chapter 30, Section 30. 036, " Powers & Duties"; Title III, Chapter…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 15Resolution expressing the City Council’s intent to review the necessity of electric and natural gas franchise fees three years following the initial receipt of franchise fee…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →

  What this means: Franchise fee. A fee a utility pays for using city streets and land for its lines. It is usually charged to customers as a percentage of their bills.

• Vote 16Resolution to approve contract with Indian Hills Community College for the 2026-2027 Newton Paramedic Training ProgramPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 3 · 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 17Resolution accepting Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant Awards and approving the grant agreementsPassed 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.

• Vote 18Resolution awarding a Contract For Application and Administration of Community Development Block Grant Upper Story Rehabilitation Program for 104 1st Avenue EastPassed 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.

• Vote 19Adjourn the meeting at 9:32 P. MCarried on a voice vote · Minutes

  What this means: Adjourning. The routine vote that ends the meeting.