City Council Goals

City Council goals are an important part of guiding the direction and decisions made by the local government. These goals help set priorities and focus on what the community needs and wants. By establishing clear goals, the City Council can work towards improving various aspects of the city, such as public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and community services. By working towards these goals, the City Council aims to make positive changes and improvements that benefit everyone who lives in the city. Having well-defined goals also helps hold the City Council accountable and allows residents to see the progress being made towards achieving those goals.

2023 – 2025 CITY COUNCIL GOALS

• Westwood Clubhouse Phase 2 Improvements - $500,000
• Airport Apron Expansion (NW or SE) - $80,000 plus matching grant funds
• Portland Concrete Patching of Various Streets - $1,000,000*
• FY25 Downtown Street Improvements - $955,000 TIF Funding*
• Aurora Park Tennis Court Construction and Resurfacing - $430,000 plus matching funds of $150,000 from the Newton Community School District
• Aurora Park LED Court Lighting - $180,000

*Bonds for these projects to be issued in  Spring 2025 and constructed in Summer 2025.

Additional Goals & projects (approved by consent)

• Park Shelter & Restroom Upgrades ($10,000 annually)
• Zero-Turn Mower – Cemetery ($11,200)
• Large Format Scanner ($12,000)
• 6’ Zero-Turn Mower – Parks ($18,000)
• Tree & Stump Removal in Parks ($25,000)
• City Hall 2nd Phase Microzone Replacement ($25,000)
• Library Heater Replacement ($29,000)
• ADA Improvements in Parks ($30,000 annually)
• Community Services Vehicle ($35,000)
• Knox Box System Upgrades ($50,000)
• Police Computers & Technology ($56,500)
• Police Equipment – Miscellaneous ($58,000)
• Parks Mechanic Truck ($66,000)
• Airport Joint and Crack Sealing Project ($745,000)
• Police Department Vehicles ($120,000)
• Outdoor Warning Sirens and Activation Equipment ($140,000)
• W 8th St Traffic Signal Improvements ($160,000)
• W.8th St N Bridge Approach Replacement ($165,000)
• D&D Funding ($175,000)
• Union Cemetery Street Repair Project ($180,000)
• Landfill HMA Overlay Project ($200,000)
• Plow Truck Replacement ($225,000)
• S. 8th Ave. Hot Mix Asphalt Mill and Overlay ($225,000)
• Water Main – S. 5th Ave. W. (400-700 blocks) – Phase 1 ($260,000)
• Purchase of Smart Meters ($300,000)
• Medic 2 Ambulance Replacement ($330,000)
• WPC Northeast Pump Station Improvements ($575,000)