Newton’s City Council will open discussion in the leasing of one of its properties for an art exhibit at Monday night’s council meeting.
The property, located at 518 W. Third St. N., was vacated five years ago by Jasper Winery. The building has since been vacant and the city staff believes the “overall project could be a strong asset for the Newton community and help bring more economic activity to the downtown area.”
Louis Curiel, who would be leasing the property from the city, plans to open an art studio and instructional facility. The proposal states that the lease will expire after 36 months at an annual fee of $4,500, or $375 due monthly. The city is leasing the 3,000 square foot property at $8 per square foot.
The agenda for Monday’s meeting states that Curiel may be interested in buying the property. If the city does wish to sell, Curiel would have the first right of refusal of the property.
The council plans to also discuss and vote on the following:
• Approval of a cigarette permit for Ryan’s Quick Shop.
• Approval a list of eligible candidates for an open firefighter position.
• Resolution adopting a March 2013 supplement code of ordinances and distributing that code.
• Resolution to reappoint Dianna Ambroson Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District Board.
• Resolution to appoint Gayle Kingery to the Park Board.
• Resolution to approve quotes for prohibited sanitary sewer discharge removal work.
• Resolution to authorize financial assistance payments for prohibited sanitary sewer discharge removal work.
• Resolution to approve the acceptance of certain undesignated funds into the general fund.
• Resolution to certify tax increment financing related costs as debt and reimbursing the general fund for expenses in fiscal year 2012-13.
• Resolution to certify north central tax increment financing transfers to general fund and trust and agency fund as debt for fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.
• Resolution to approve household hazardous waste service agreement with metro waste authority.
Staff writer Dave Hon may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at dhon@newtondailynews.com.