New stop signs planned south of square

Two ordinances passed their first consideration and a third was adopted for new stop signs at uncontrolled intersections during the Newton City Council meeting Monday.

After approval of the second consideration to put stop signs for northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection of East Second Street South and South Third Avenue East, the council waved the third consideration and adopted the ordinance.

New stop signs at South 15th Avenue West and West 16th Street South for eastbound and westbound traffic as well as South Seventh Avenue West and West Seventh Street South at the end of the T intersection also were approved. The City Traffic Safety committee recommended these stop signs in areas where there is a school and parks as well as several multi-unit apartment complexes.

Council also discussed a Transportation Enhancement grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, which will allow the city to plan for the North Newton Hike and Bike Trail Project. The new trail would extend the current rail at North 11th Avenue East and East 12th Street North to Woodland Park. The bidding process is planned to begin in February 2015 with construction in the summer of 2015. The city will also have an out-of-pocket cost of $8,468.

In other business, Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik helped explain the changes to the rates charged for rental permits. An additional $5 will be charged as a reinspection fee or a reinstatement fee. To be charged for reinspection, the department will have to go and inspect for a third time, if recommendations are not completed on the second follow-up visit. The reinstatement fee is for those who had their license suspended and wish to get it back.

At the conclusion of the meeting, council member Steve Mullan asked how long political signs are allowed to be up as well as how early. Council member Noreen Otto said there is no state law on how early the signs can go up, only where they can be placed for safety reasons. There is also no size limits on how large the signs can be. There is, however, a time limit on how long they can stay up after the election before they become nuisances. Council member Otto also said that the signs cannot be removed by anyone but the owner, even if they are placed incorrectly.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.