The Newton Mayor and Board of Aldermen met Tuesday, April 17, 2025, to cover a wide array of topics ranging from upcoming community events to infrastructure concerns and public safety issues. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the March 18 meeting, followed by updates on financial reports and a presentation about the city's Independence Day fireworks show scheduled for July 3. The same vendor from previous years will provide the display, and organizers are seeking additional sponsorship to enhance the festivities.
The Director of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, Ashley Massey, appeared to express appreciation for the city's support of the Loose Caboose Festival, highlighting the cooperation of various departments including public works, law enforcement, and fire services in ensuring the event’s success. There was also a brief reflection on how the festival benefited from ideal weather and a strong turnout.
The board then reviewed several financial transactions. Payments were approved for services related to the city’s infrastructure, including invoices for water system maintenance, electrical work, and sewer project support. An adjustment was made to a previously approved amount for meter supplies due to a minor calculation error.
Discussion turned to the deteriorating fountain in front of City Hall. After determining that the structure could not be repaired, the board agreed to solicit bids to have it rebuilt. One member suggested switching from brick to solid concrete to avoid recurring issues, a recommendation supported by others with construction experience.
A major focus of the meeting was the West Church Street Sewer Project. Additional repairs were identified, with the board approving up to $24,000 to address clay pipe separations and potential asphalt needs. The board scheduled a public hearing for May 20 to meet state requirements for ongoing funding through the Mississippi Development Authority.
Several nuisance and property maintenance issues were addressed. These included overgrown lots, contractor debris left in the streets, and multiple properties with unsafe or dilapidated structures. The board discussed potential ordinance revisions and fee structures for excess waste pickup, particularly when contractors fail to clear worksite debris. It was also suggested that residents performing routine yard maintenance on their own should be treated differently than those hiring contractors.
Public hearings were conducted on properties at 100 Alta Vista Boulevard and 309 West Church Street. For the Alta Vista property, the family had already begun the process of demolition and cleanup, and the board granted a 30-day extension. For the Church Street property, the board voted to secure the premises and clean the grounds immediately, while giving the owner 30 days to begin repairs before further action would be taken, including possible demolition.
More properties were added to the agenda due to complaints of unsafe conditions and neglected maintenance. The board voted to schedule hearings for 317 East Taylor Street, 304 Decatur Street, and 310 Third Avenue, all of which had various issues ranging from collapsed structures to junk vehicles and overgrown lots.
Traffic and safety concerns were also discussed. Speeding on Martin Luther King Drive prompted calls for speed bumps. While the installation of stop signs had been considered previously, residents noted they were ineffective. The board will require a petition before proceeding with any speed bump installations. On Fifth Avenue, the board approved installing “Children at Play” signage and asked the police chief to assess an appropriate speed limit before posting signs.
Lastly, the board addressed administrative items including reissuing a lost check, setting upcoming city holidays, and exploring options for digital payments at concession stands. A suggestion was made to set up a cash app or QR code system to accommodate patrons who do not carry cash.
The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn after covering all scheduled and amended agenda items.
