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Newton council deals with a potpourri of issues By
Marie Griffin NEWTON -- Town council members collaborated Thursday to address residents' complaints and requests. From security to skateboarding, signs to scouting -- the council covered issues pertinent to Newton life during its monthly meeting. First on the agenda was the proposal for an Eagle Scout project by resident Seth Saterfield. The Scout plans to create a rack that will hold folding chairs in the town church. He asked the council for paint to mark the chairs as property of Newton. The council granted Saterfield's wish, giving him access to old paint being stored in the town shed. Members showed support for the service idea. "Looks like a nice project," said Councilman David Cooley. The council also discussed what some residents would call a not-so-nice project. The proposal is to place 28 yield signs and 11 stop signs along Newton roads, bringing the total number of traffic signs to 59. The council members, along with three residents in the audience, expressed differing opinons regarding the proposal. Resident Terry Goodsell said he is concerned with the inefficiency that will come with a requirement to stop often, while Councilwoman Helen Rigby said she is concerned with pedestrian safety. The council suggested downsizing the project and adding only a few signs. Members resolved to table the issue until next month's meeting so it can be further researched. Another hot topic at the meeting was the new landfill siting, a matter of county-wide deliberation. The proposed sites are located on the west side of the valley -- all near Newton. Each council member expressed opposition to the sites. The council decided to include information on the issue in the next town newsletter, so residents can be involved in the decision-making process. "Whether we have that site or not may depend on your opinions," Rigby said. An issue of increasing concern for Newton Town Council members is security. Mayor Floyd Salisbury described trespassing incidents, property damage and curfew as items in need of attention. The council discussed its lenience in handing out keys to the city offices and the possibility of acquiring security cameras. Newton Park has become a hot spot for skateboarding and late-night activity. "They've been out there jumping up onto the picnic tables," the mayor said, referring to youth on skateboards. "They're taking paint off all the railings -- mark their territory like a dog." Cooley said the Newton Youth Council suggested implementing a curfew. Town Council members jumped on the idea. Salisbury said 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends may be appropriate. The council decided to invest in a sign that can be posted at the park, warning residents of the no-skateboarding rule and to observe curfew. Members are now in the process of adopting an ordinance to back the sign.
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