Development, Planning and Project Updates:
Infrastructure:
- K-15: Cornejo/Pearson is finishing ADA ramps and crack sealing today (Friday) and Monday. The remaining overlay is expected to begin on the outside lanes toward the end of next week. The contractor is now being charged liquidated damages due to slow performance on the project.
- U.S. 50 South Ramp & S. Kansas Intersection Signal Warrant Analysis: Quality Counts LLC will be on-site for data collection next week prior to analysis through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Engineering Assistance Program.
Residential Development:
- Autumn Glen 3rd Addition: Street paving is scheduled to begin Nov. 14.
- Sand Creek Station 4th Addition: Water and sewer construction is complete, and the dirt work for the paving project is underway.
- Harvest Pointe Housing Addition: Public infrastructure water and sewer utilities are complete; paving is 85% complete.
Commercial Development:
- Starbucks: Water line construction is complete and will now move on to final testing.
Fire/EMS
 On Friday evening, members of our Fire/EMS families gathered at Station 3 for pumpkin carving fun and activities! Everyone had a great time and enjoyed being together to celebrate the fall season.
Police
 On Oct. 21, we were pleased to celebrate the graduation of Newton Police Officer Wyatt Blasi from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). He will now begin field training. Welcome back to Newton, Officer Blasi!
Building Maintenance
This week our building maintenance team:
- Placed exterior signage on the Law Enforcement Center for Newton Police Department, Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, and 911/Emergency Management.
- Performed work on the fans in the bay at Fire/EMS Station 2 and completed plumbing repairs at Station 3.
- Performed repairs on lighting at Airport Hangars M, T, and insolation work at Hangar AA.
- Fixed seating in the courtroom at City Hall and repaired the elevator.
- Repaired the Service Center shop heater.
Parks and Cemeteries
This week our team watered areas where we have new grass and trees; winterized the fountain at Depot Park; prepared the sprayers so we can start spraying broadleaf weeds; assisted the WATCO contractor with cleaning out debris from Sand Creek at the railroad trestle; and mowed the waterway route.
Street Maintenance
This week staff attended training for the latest updates on new testing requirements from EPA and KDOT regarding our fuel system; cleaned priority drainage intakes and graded gravel roads after some rain; began replacement work on two ADA ramps at Third and Main; started replacing truncated domes on ADA sidewalk ramps at Sand Creek Station Addition; repaired concrete for two utility pavement cuts; performed street sweeping in Area 3.
Water and Wastewater
Last week crews:
- Handled nine after-hours call-outs.
- Mission Water Treatment Plant staff worked on removing volunteer cedar trees in the well field and are working closely with City of Sedgwick staff, who drained their east tower for painting, which effects Public Wholesale Water Supply District #17 water.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant staff and IT staff are working with R.E. Pedrotti Co. regarding software system issues at the plant and coordinating with the State.
- Pulled one of the influent pumps at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for maintenance and worked on the expansion joint in the bottom of bio-basin 2.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant staff gave a tour of the facility to a Bethel College class.
- Replaced several feet of 2-inch water line at Centennial Park because of several leaks (this repair was all east of Klein Scott Field) and repaired leaks at four other locations in town.
- Completed a sewer tap in the 400 block of E. Eighth St., a sewer point repair in the 400 block of N Pine, and televising sewer basin 1 lines.
- Completed the water line infrastructure ahead of the concrete work at First Street roundabout.
- We remain two positions down.
Upcoming Meetings & Reminders
Newton Lions Club Halloween Walk: The 28th annual Newton Lions Club Halloween Walk is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 on Main Street. The event hosts Newton’s children to trick-or-treat in a safe and trusted environment. The event typically draws more than 1,000 children and families. Looking forward to this fun event on Monday evening!
Public Wholesale Water Supply District #17 Joint Meeting: This meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Fire/EMS Station #3. It is a joint meeting of the governing bodies of Newton, North Newton, Halstead, and Sedgwick, as well as the PWWSD #17 Board. The meeting is to approve a post-perfection agreement regarding water rights and usage for the District.
Veterans Day Holiday: City facilities will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
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7:30 am Nov. 3–City Commission agenda review
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7 pm Nov. 3 – City Commission meeting with Public Wholesale Water Supply District
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5 pm Nov. 8 – City Commission work session on utility rates
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7 pm Nov. 8 – City Commission meeting
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Nov. 11 – City facilities closed for Veterans Day
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7:30 am Nov. 17 – City Commission agenda review
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Noon Nov. 22 – City Commission meeting
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