Two properties sold from D&D program

Two lots that were a part of the D&D program were sold at the Monday City Council meeting. One offer was submitted for the lot at 315 E. 15th St. N.; it was purchased for $1,015. The lot at 608 S. Second Ave. W. had two offers for purchase and the council approved a $5,000 bid.

“I think this is the hope for how the program works. We got rid of a blighted eyesore property and now someone who’s interested in taking care of and maintaining the property who has made a purchase offer and I think this is exactly how we want the program to work,” Council Member Noreen Otto said.

After being approved on its third consideration, two ordinances were adopted to add stop signs at two intersections that are currently uncontrolled. The intersection of South 15th Avenue West and West 16th Street South will have new stops signs for the eastbound and westbound traffic. The T-intersection at South Seventh Avenue West and West Seventh Street South will also have a stop sign for eastbound traffic at the end of the T-intersection.

The council also gave its support to apply for the Alliant Energy Hometown Rewards Program. The program is designed to partner with citizens in the selected community to identify and promote grass roots initiatives aimed at saving energy and lowering costs.

“It’s a great partnership with Alliant and we always encourage city staff to look for opportunities to find grants and funding and opportunities to find matching funds,” Otto said.

Natalie Umstead, management analyst in Newton, gave an update in the Newton vs. Newton competition with Newton, Kansas.

“We’ve seen some good turn out from citizens. I got some early numbers from Newton, Kansas and I can say that right now we are in the lead in a few categories and we still have a few challenges upcoming,” Umstead said. “As of this about 9 a.m. this morning, we have 550 new likes on Facebook. We had 224 pet photos submitted. If you’ve been on our Facebook page at all, you’ve seen adorable photos of all sorts of pets from birds, to fish, to pigs.”

Umstead said there still many ways to participate. The community walk is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday starting at the YMCA. Also, community members can donate items to the local food pantry to go toward “The most giving Newton” competition. Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, the library, Hy-Vee, Fareway or directly to the Salvation Army.

In other business:

• The council approved the “bump-out drive” at Newton Village.

• Erin Chambers, Director of Planning and Zoning and Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik gave presentations on performance measurements in their respective departments.

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