GetToKnowNewton.com instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 371 Newton, IA 50208 ****************ECRWSS**** Local Postal Customer Volume 1, Issue 3 A guide to Newton’s hike and bike trails pg. 10 Grilling Safety 101 pG. 7 pg. 12 Get involved … The role you can play in planning Newton’s future The $10,000 Newton new Home incentive! Pg. 5 Table of Contents 3�����Get to know City Councilman Steve Mullan 4�����“What’s your Newton story?” 5�����Want $10,000 cash? Learn more about the new Newton housing program 7�����Hike and bike trail guide City of Newton 101 W 4th St. S. Newton, IA 50208 (641) 792-2787 NewtonGov.org [email protected] Our vision: Newton shines brightly: Newton is a progressive, family-friendly community, a shining star of central Iowa, and a place to call home. 9 ����Do you have what it takes? Join the Citizen’s Police Academy! 11����Planning Newton’s future 13����Common nuisance violations 14����Visit us online! A map to NewtonGov.org Our mission: The mission of the City of Newton is to be the best provider of excellent services through a professional, innovative team dedicated to high quality performance and fiscal responsibility. Our values: We provide leadership and support to create and maintain a thriving community through these values: • We act through honesty and integrity, • We are accountable and dependable, • We serve through collaboration and teamwork, and • We demonstrate compassion and empathy. We serve with pride and respect! This is our commitment to those we serve. GetToKnowNewton.com GetToKnowNewton.com instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton pg. 10 Photo credit: Thinkstock Grilling Safety 101 Brand Coordinator • Natalie Umsted, City of Newton Editorial • Stephanie Alexander, Skiff Medical Center • Natalie Umsted, City of Newton Design and Production • Chris Carter, Skiff Medical Center • Newton Daily News Cover Photo Photo courtesy of John Lee Photography Contributors • Craig Armstrong, City of Newton Finance & Development • Erin Chambers, City of Newton Planning & Zoning • Nathan Unsworth, City of Newton Parks & Grounds • Natalie Umsted, City of Newton Administration We all know the phrase, “There’s no place like home.” Yet sometimes we take home for granted. Get to know Newton this year by checking off everything on this list! Get to Know Newton checklist If you haven’t tried out everything on this list, then you don’t know Newton! Newton Arboretum & historic Maytag Park. The Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens features 150 species of trees, several flower beds & sculptures. Maytag Park features include a bandshell, bike trails, disc golf course, pool, tennis courts, playground equipment and more. Thunder Nites. Downtown Newton comes to life with bikes and bands the second Friday of each month, May-September. Iowa Sculpture Festival. View work from sculptors across the country. Held in June. July 4th parade and fireworks. Join us for a day of community celebration. Maytag Dairy Farms. Take a tour, and be sure to ask for a sample of worldfamous Maytag blue cheese! Bowlful of Blues. This festival, at historic Maytag Park, brings blues artists from across the country. Held in late summer. Iowa Speedway 8K – “Where the Rubber Meets the Road.” Run the Iowa Speedway track by foot. Held in April. Courthouse lighting and lighted Christmas parade. This holiday celebration features the lighting of the Jasper County Courthouse. Held on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Valle Drive-In movie theater. Get nostalgic watching a double feature. Open April-October. Iowa Speedway Race. Check out the fastest, most exciting NASCAR and IndyCar races in Iowa! Open May-August. GetToKnowNewton.com 2 instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton Get to know Steve Mullan Steve Mullan is the senior-most City Council member serving the City of Newton. He represents the 4th Ward, and has served on the City Council since January 2006. Steve has lived in Newton for 47 years. Find out what he thinks you should get to know about Newton! What do you think people should “get to know” about Newton? Everything begins with us. Seek opportunities to better know and appreciate and/or join the diverse organizations and hardworking individuals who collectively work unselfishly in moving Newton forward. This teamwork is making a huge difference in reinventing our community, encouraging others to move, play and work here. Armed with knowledge about our city, we need to be ambassadors of our job diversity, quality health care, solid school system, advanced educational opportunities, public art, park system, and a variety of recreational choices by spreading the good news. Our central location is a plus in drawing others to share our safe, wholesome community, which is poised for planned future growth. Why did you choose to raise your family in Newton? I love what a smaller community has to offer in shorter drives to most businesses, fewer traffic snarls, and personally knowing most business owners. Living in the center of the state is great for special events in Des Moines, Ames, Iowa City – all within an easy drive. Also, Newton provides a safe environment, educational excellence, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Why should business and industry consider Newton? Newton offers location, space, a railroad, access to I-80, an airport, a community college, a very good K-12 school system, a progressive government, quality work force, a smaller rural/city atmosphere and a safe place to live. How is Newton preparing for the future? With our housing initiative in place, our D&D program in progress, our continuing efforts to foster more job diversity, our Main Street designation, all based on the Buxton and Chat reports, we are a city on the move. What is Newton’s best-kept secret? Newton has a long history of private/public partnerships in meeting the needs in the community. Our city is a haven for public art now reaching close to a total of one hundred. Certainly, Maytag blue cheese is a big hit throughout the world. 3 Get to KNow What People Are Saying “What’s your Newton story?” Danielle Rogers Phil Peden Communications and Training Coordinator, The Vernon Company Business Relations Administrator at Newton Manufacturing and freelance designer at philbertart.com Newton resident since 2012 Newton resident since 1998 “I moved to Newton a year after taking a job with The Vernon Company after graduating from Drake with a four year degree and working and living in the Des Moines metro. In Newton, I was able to purchase my first home and have gotten involved with many organizations. It’s very easy to get involved, make a difference, and meet great people. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I love how Newton is becoming one of the best small communities in Central Iowa!” “I am a young(ish) professional who moved to Newton 10 years ago from Cedar Rapids. I have to say I am impressed with the amount of opportunities available for talented younger professionals to become decision makers in this community. There is a lot of momentum being built here, and I am proud to be a part of it.” Angie Mowbray Cooper Heath Newton resident since 2002 Newton resident since 2013 Customer Sales Consultant Newton Manufacturing 7th Grade Science Teacher Berg Middle School “I moved to Newton a little over 10 years ago and chose to stay here because I believe that Newton has a bright future. There are not many communities where you can be as active as Newton. Community events are popping up all the time. Young Professionals of Jasper County are very active in community events.” “After graduating from UNI and student teaching and subbing in the Des Moines Metro area, I came to Newton to be a 7th grade science teacher and coach. Since moving here I have been impressed with how Newton has a small town feel while still offering so many options of things to do.” 4 Now is the time to build! By Craig Armstrong, City of Newton Development Specialist The City of Newton is offering significant incent objective of jump-starting new home construct The City is offering $10,000 in cash to anyone purchasing a new home built inside the city limits in 2014, with no-fee building permits and a guarantee to builders should their new homes not sell within 12 months. “We are offering some amazing incentives to build new homes in our city,” said Newton Mayor Michael Hansen. “With support from our City Council and a great development staff to implement the plan, we expect to see a tremendous increase in new home starts.” The criteria for the city’s buyer incentive program is simple and straightforward. The home must be built on a subdivision or “infill” lot inside the city limits of Newton, and the improvements must meet or exceed $160,000 in value. The builder is required to install a radon detection system at the time of construction, and the buyer’s cash incenGetToKnowNewton.com instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton 5 Photo credit: City of Newton Dozens of lots are available in all areas of town! tives to both homebuyers and builders, with the tion during the summer months. tive will be available at when the loan is closed and a Certificate of Occupancy is filed. There are no other restrictions or conditions for the homebuyers’ cash incentive, and the money may be used for down payment or closing costs, or may simply be received as a cash bonus. Builders may use the buyer cash incentive as a marketing tool for new homes constructed on a speculative basis, with the guarantee of interest and utility costs absorbed by the city if their homes don’t sell within 12 months of completion. The new home construction incentive programs are an important component in the city’s branding campaign “Get to Know Newton,” which was inaugurated in February of this year. For more info on the Newton Housing Initiative, visit online at www.GetToKnowNewton.com. GetToKnowNewton.com 6 instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton How do you use the Hike and Bike trai Share your photos on wit 7 il? th … #KnowNewton Photo c redit: Jo hn Lee P hotogrp ahy Photo c redit: Jo hn Lee P hotogrp ahy 8 join the newton citizen’s police academy The Police Department is seeking citizens interested in attending the upcoming Citizen Police Academy, which will be held on Tuesday evenings Sept. 16-Dec. 9. If you would be interested in attending, please contact the Police Department at (641) 791-0850 for an application. The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 12-week program covering many different areas. A unique portion of the program is hands-on training, in which citizens take an active role in working through different simulations regarding officer contact. The 12-week program includes evening meals and is concluded with a graduation celebration event. To date, there have been 16 academies and 245 graduates. Return applications to the Newton Police Department by Aug. 25. Applications can be obtained in person at the Newton Police Department or by contacting Janet Cox at (641) 791-0853 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Photo credit: City of Newton GetToKnowNewton.com instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton 9 be safe and enjoy the season Grilling safety 101 There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Grills can also get very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling. For more tips, visit online at nfpa.org/education. General safety tips • • • • • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and tree branches. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended. For charcoal grills • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources. • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container. For propane grills • Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting. • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. To do this, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move grill. • If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting it. Photo credit: Thinkstock GetToKnowNewton.com 10 instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton Get to know Newton’s Future By Erin Chambers, Director of Planning and Zoning and Natalie Umsted, Management Analyst Developing Newton’s Future: Groundwork laid in 2012 There are a lot of things that make Newton great: the people, location, small-town feel, a creative spirit, and the ability to dig in and accomplish great things. Having weathered the exit of its largest industry (Maytag) and managing the impacts of the recent economic recession, Newton continues to work toward resurgence. Beginning 2012, momentum was growing and it became clear that the Newton community was ready to set the course for a bright future. The Newton’s Future plan is the articulation of resident desires and ideas, a strategic approach to The Get to Know Newton campaign launched improving and leveraging Newin February, igniting new conversations ton’s strengths, and a vision for the about Newton future. Newton’s Future is not only the City of Newton’s official policy and strategic approach for future development and growth, but it has also been designed to be the plan for the community of Newton. It offers a very clear checklist of “things to do” to make Newton a great place to call home. Many of Newton’s citizens took time out of their busy schedules to be involved in the planning process. Their involvement through participation in public meetings and survey responses has been critical in forming the nuts and bolts of the plan. Four key themes, which have been formed into Strategic Objectives, surfaced throughout the many citizen input opportunities. The Strategic Objectives articulated in the plan include: (1) Grow Newton’s Population, (2) Increase Employment Opportunities, (3) Improve Curb Appeal, and (4) Fill empty buildings and increase local shopping options. Implementing Newton’s Future Newton’s Future has been embraced by the whole community, and many of the “things to do” called for by the plan are in implementation stage (see list). Newton is working towards marking things off of the checklists found throughout the plan. For the FY2013-2014 Budget, the Newton City Council dedicated $250,000 toward the implementation of the comprehensive plan. This allocation of funding shows the commitment that Newton citizens and their representa- 11 tives have for the plan. The Steering Committee, which oversaw the development of Newton’s Future, transformed into “Implementing Newton’s Future,” the citizen advisory group which helped identify initial projects from the comprehensive plan to tackle. It is exciting to see the degree to which Newton’s Future has been supported by the community. The implementation of the comprehensive plan has been a collaborative effort between the City of Newton, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers. To read the full comprehensive plan, visit NewtonGov.org. Get involved in Newton’s future! Help us update the plan To maintain the relevancy of Newton’s Future, the plan will be updated once every two years to ensure that the plan is still addressing the goals and concerns of residents. This spring, Newton participated in the National Citizen Survey, a scientific study which is used to measure resident opinion across eight indicators of community livability: safety, mobility, natural environment, built environment, economy, recreation and wellness, education and enrichment, and community engagement. The results of this survey will be used to update the Comprehensive Plan. If you did not receive a community survey, but still would like your input to be heard, there will be opportunities throughout July and August for public input. Follow the City of Newton on Facebook at facebook.com/NewtonCity or check the City’s website at NewtonGov.org for public input opportunities. Citizens work with Main Street to create a vision for the future of downtown Newton Comprehensive plan projects underway: • D & D Program: For buildings that are beyond repair, the city has bonded to address demolition costs. • Downtown Historic District: It is anticipated that in September of 2014, the National Park Service will notify Newton of the placement of the downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. • Financial and Payroll software: The city has updated its financial software. This will greatly improve efficiency and provide valuable tools to better track, analyze and manage the city’s financial resources. • First Avenue of Sculpture and Art Program: Beginning this past spring (2014), the program provides artists a stipend for the display of their pieces in the community from May-November. • First Avenue West Aesthetics: Newton staff has been exploring how to improve the aesthetic appeal of an older railroad bridge located on First Avenue West. • Focus on hazardous intersections: The City of Newton has begun to address uncontrolled intersections, making our roads safer and easier to navigate. • Get to Know Newton: The “Get to Know Newton” marketing effort has been working to initiate a dialogue about the amenities Newton has to offer. • Housing Initiative: The initiative will provide incentives to home owners, builders and developers for new residential housing in Newton. • Keep Iowa Beautiful: Newton is working together with other communities across Jasper County to join the Keep Iowa Beautiful Community Coach program. • Main Street Iowa: In February 2014, Newton was selected as one of three new Main Street Communities. • Nuisance Enforcement: The city has updated the nuisance code, and increased nuisance enforcement, ensuring we have a beautiful community. • Park and Ride Study: Newton was approved by CIRTPA (Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Association) for the funding of a Park and Ride Study. • Playground Equipment: New playground equipment is being installed at Maytag Park to better serve the children and families in our community. • Rental Code: The city is exploring updating the rental properties code to ensure the safety of our residents. • Retail Recruitment: The city completed a study which provided detailed information about retailers whose marketplace criteria closely matches Newton, and is using this data for recruitment. • Sidewalk Infill and Hike/Bike Trail Expansion: The city is working on systematically addressing gaps in the sidewalk infrastructure around town, and is continuing to expand the hike and bike trail. • Social Media Workshops; Social Media Lunch and Learns have been hosted to make sure local organizations and businesses have the technical skills they need to communicate with their customers. • Volunteer Connection: The United Way of Jasper County has implemented Get Connected, an online tool for connecting volunteers and volunteer opportunities. • Way-finding Signage: Installation of new way-finding signs is anticipated to happen by October 2014. 12 COmmon nuisance violations One of the objectives of Newton’s Future: A Comprehensive Plan is to improve curb appeal throughout the community. Did you know the city’s Nuisance Codes regulate the following? • Tall grass and weeds: Un-mowed lawns with a height of eight inches or more is a code violation. • Grass clippings in the street: Blowing grass clippings into the street is a code violation. • Junk, trash, garbage, inoperable vehicles: It is a code violation to deposit or store junk, trash, garbage, or inoperable vehicles outside in yards. • Excessive number of garage sales: Garage sales are great, but an excessive number can negatively impact a neighborhood. Garage sales occurring for more than five days (consecutively or individually) in a calendar month or on more than two consecutive weekends are not allowed. • Parking on the grass: Vehicles parked or stored outside must be on an all-weather surface. • Boats and trailers: Boats and trailers don’t need to be on a hard surface, but cannot be located any closer to the street than the front of the home. GetToKnowNewton.com instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton 13 Get to KNow Newtongov.org Do you know how to find the information you need? Here is a quick guide to NewtonGov.org to help you find useful information about our City. 1 2 3 4 1. Start at the photo menu bar – On the website’s home page, the main menu is a bar consisting of photos and categories. Move your cursor over “Our Community,” “Departments,” “Government,” or any other subject listed. Click on “Government,” for instance, and a box will descend to offer topics such as “City Council.” Click the links to learn more about your desired topics. 2. Explore & Learn – Wherever you click, you’ll find useful information about the City of Newton. Click “Newton News” to read the most recent City happenings or click “Comprehensive Plan” to read the City’s plans for the future. 3. Use search tools – If you know what you’re looking for, type your area of interest into the search box, which is indicated by the magnifying glass. 4. Report Concerns – Through the “Request Tracker” tool you can report concerns quickly, easily, and anonymously online. Click the “Report a Concern” button, and you will be taken to a page with options where you can report everything from pot holes, to weeds and growths that need to be cut, to rental property concerns. When submitting your concern, you will be asked to create an account. Request Tracker accounts are free, and your information will not be shared. GetToKnowNewton.com 14 instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton Utilities serving Newton All Things Satellite (satellite TV and Internet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-0819 Alliant Energy (electric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 255-4268 Black Hills Energy (gas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 303-0752 Direct TV (satellite TV & Internet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 783-1376 Dish Network (satellite TV & Internet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888) 656-2461 Dodd’s Trash and Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 791-9195 Mediacom (cable, Internet, telephone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 550-8636 Newton Waterworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-2003 Windstream (Internet & telephone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 347-1991 Other services Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-5545 Jasper County Courthouse (driver’s licenses and license plates) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(641) 792-3815 Newton City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-2787 Newton Community Schools (district office) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-5809 Newton Convention and Visitor’s Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-0299 Newton Development Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 787-8210 Newton Fire Department (non-emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-3347 Newton Housing Development Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-6432 Newton Police Department (non-emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 791-0850 Newton Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-4108 Newton Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-6622 Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-4730 Skiff Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 787-5433 Newton Mayor and City Council Mayor Mike Hansen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-2787 Council-At-Large Noreen Otto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 791-0919 Council-At-Large Lin Chapé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 792-1158 Council-First Ward Jeff Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 831-9252 Council-Second Ward Evelyn George . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 521-0329 Council-Third Ward Craig Trotter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 521-7552 Council-Fourth Ward Steve Mullan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (641) 831-9097 City of Newton 101 W 4th St. S. • Newton, IA 50208 • (641) 792-2787 NewtonGov.org [email protected] facebook.com/GetToKnowNewton GetToKnowNewton.com twitter.com/GetToKnowNewton instagram.com/GetToKnowNewton
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