City moves forward with tree removal program
The Kansan
Without knowing the full cost, the Newton City Commission approved moving forward with the next step of the City Beautification Strategic Plan In December of 2020 a tree trimming program first discussed in January of 2019. Of all of our environmental calls to our environmental control officer, the greatest number of calls and complaints we receive are based on the tree trimming violation notices, said Suzanne Loomis, director of public works.
The program splits the city into four areas for tree trimming in city rights of way raising the crown to the required 15 feet above the street.
City takes over Meridian Center operations During this pandemic, we are endeavoring to take care of our community. If you have the means to back us through a subscription or a gift subscription for someone else, we appreciate your support.
By Adam Strunk
The city will now manage the Meridian Center.
The city commission signed off on a termination agreement with long-time management company, Kemper Sports Management, which has overseen the city-owned event center.
“With the additional negative financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city had to find ways to reduce the costs of operating the center and cancellation of the management agreement became a necessity,” the staff memo presented to the Newton City Commission at its Dec. 22 meeting stated.
The Kansan
The city of Newton will decide Tuesday on the future of operations of the Meridian Center, a conference and event center constructed on E. Broadway by the city in July 2011.
Since the center opened, it has been operated by Kemper Sports under an agreement with the city. Kemper sports also operates Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
The move was brought on by COVID-19 and increased competition in the event center industry.
“The situation has changed,” said city manager Kelly McElroy during an October meeting in which the issue was discussed with the commission. “COVID has changed, our market has changed. The center’s mission needs to grow and change over time to meet the need of the community.”