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At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission granted a request from the owners of a small hobby farm on North Meridian to de-annex the property.
When Craig and Maggie Smet purchased the property in 2019, they were under the impression that the four acres of undeveloped land was outside the city limits. They created a hobby farm with animals such as llamas, goats, and other livestock that are not permitted within the city. After receiving a violation notice in May from Newton Animal Control, they requested the land be de-annexed.
The Smets said they believe their farm enhances the neighborhood and they offer a service to the community by taking in small livestock animals from the Humane Society and helping local 4-H students with their projects.
The Commission received no other comments during a public hearing on the de-annexation, although Commissioners noted they had received dozens of emails in support of the farm. They will consider an ordinance granting the change at the next Commission meeting.
The adjacent property that includes the Smets’ residence will remain in the city limits.
The Commission also approved a resolution in opposition to Evergy’s proposed rate increases. In April, Evergy filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to raise its electric utility rates by 9.77%, or approximately $14 per month per residential customer. The estimated net increase to the City of Newton for energy for lighting and public utilities would be about 8.3%.
An analysis from staff at the KCC, which is responsible for reviewing proposed rate increases from private utility companies, said last week that such a large increase isn’t justified. A detailed audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66% in the central Kansas region would be more appropriate.
The City’s resolution of protest will be sent to the KCC ahead of evidentiary hearings planned for October.
- Approved an agreement with the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office to resurvey the existing downtown historic districts and adjacent areas in the Central Business District.
- Approved plans and specifications for rehabilitation of the SW 24th Street bridge over Sand Creek and set a bid date of Oct. 24.
- Approved a Request for Qualifications for Realtor services to assist with marketing and sales of City-owned property, specifically industrial land on the west side of the Newton City/County Airport.
- Approved a time extension to a 2017 real estate sales agreement with Standridge Color Corp. Because of a slow recovery following the pandemic and the unsettled market, the company has been slower than anticipated in beginning its planned expansion.
- Approved the City holiday schedule for 2024 and beyond.
- Appointed Stan Scott to the Warkentin House Board.
- Proclaimed September as National Recovery Month.
- Proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.
- Approved a request to close West First Street on Sept. 22 for the Newton High School Homecoming Parade.
- Approved a request to close Main Street on Oct. 12 for the Taste of Newton.
For more information, please contact Communications Director Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.
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