Sep 8, 2026

City Council Meeting · 14 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 Sep 8, 2026 meeting (saved copy)

• Vote 1Item title not in the recordPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes
• Vote 2Public Hearing on a Resolution Approving the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement for 827 East 8th Street South, Newton, Jasper County, Iowa Mayor Ervin stated that this is the…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 3Resolution Approving the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement for 827 East 8th Street South, Newton, Jasper County, IowaPassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Development agreement. A contract between the city and a developer that spells out what each side will do. It may include required building value, deadlines, public improvements or incentives.

• Vote 4First consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Newton, Iowa, 2025, Title VI I, 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 5Item title not in the recordPassed 5–1 · No: Holschuh · Minutes, p. 2 · Full page →
• Vote 6Adopt the OrdinancePassed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 2

  What this means: Ordinance. A local law. Ordinances change the city code, and in Iowa they usually take three votes at separate meetings.

• Vote 7Resolution calling a special election, setting March 2, 2027, as the Special Election Date and adopting ballot language on the proposition of a new electric utility franchise…Passed 4–2 · No: Hallam, Mills · 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 calling a special election, setting March 2, 2027, as the special election date and adopting ballot language on the proposition of a franchise fee on energy providers…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 9Resolution Approving Amendments to the Rental Inspection Program PolicyPassed 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 10Resolution approving Utilities Department Compensation AdjustmentsPassed 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 11Resolution approving a Newton Hotel- Motel Tourism Grant Program Application for 2,472.11 for the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Fall FestivalPassed 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 12Resolution approving a Newton Hotel- Motel Tourism Grant Program Application for 2,300 for the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Scary on the PrairiePassed 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 13Evaluate The Professional Competency Of Individuals Whose Appointment, Hiring, Performance Or Discharge Is Being Considered When Necessary To Prevent Needless And Irreparable…Passed 6–0 · Count only · Minutes, p. 3
• Vote 14Adjourn the meeting at 11:36 P. MCarried on a voice vote · Minutes

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