APPEARANCE COMMISSION 
The Newton Appearance Commission a eight member volunteer commission, appointed by the Major and City Council. Members are appointed for a three year term by the City Council. All members must reside in the City of Newton. The commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Zander's Coffee House.
POWERS & DUTIES:
The Appearance Commission shall make careful study of the visual problems and needs of the City and the area comprising the extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of the City, and shall make any plans and carry out any programs that will enhance and improve the visual quality and aesthetic characteristic of the City and surrounding area.
The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding:
1. Park, roadside, greenways, cemeteries, median and island and entrance way
beautification.
2. Street trees, ancestral trees and public area, landscaping standards.
3. Street decorations, including banners.
4. Arbor Day/Earth Day Celebration
5. Downtown Beautification Master Plan.
6. Cemetery Landscaping.
7. Christmas Decorations.
8. Luminary Displays.
9. Yard of the Month.
10. Downtown Planter Boxes.
11. Special Events related to beautification.
FESTIVAL AND EVENTS COMMITTEE
The Festival and Events Committee's a nine member volunteer committee, a
pponted by the Major and City Council. Members are appointed for a three year term. All members of the committee shall be residents of the City of Newton. The Committee meets the second Monday of each month at Zander's Coffee House at 7:00 p.m. The Festival and Events Committee is dedicated to promoting citizen involvement and interaction in developing, coordinating and implementing a variety of activities and events for the entire community.
Some activities established by this committee:
1. Citywide Yard Sale
2. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
3. Movies in the Park
4. Children's Art Activities Tent at ArtFest
5. Assist with Mayfest and Unity Day
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
on appointed by the Mayor & City Council. Members are appointed for a three year term, all members of the Commission shall be residents of Newton. The Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. The Recreation Commission is only an advisory Commission to the governing body, manager and administrator. Through the Commission has no legal authority, it may serve important functions in the interpretation of the program, facilities, services, and in making studies which help advance Parks & Recreation services. It is an important liaison for improving the Leisure opportunities of a community.TREE CITY BOARD
A seven member commission appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Members are appointed for a three year term. All members shall be residents of the City of Newton. Meets 6 times a year on the 2nd Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Newton City Hall.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It shall be the responsibility of the commission to study, investigate, council and develop written plans for the care, preservation, trimming, planting, replanting, removal, or
disposition of trees and shrubs in public area. Such a plan will be presented to the City Council and upons its acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive
tree plan for the City of Newton, North Carolina. The commission shall review annually
and recommend changes if needed to the City Council.
The Tree Commission shall furthermore serve as an advisory board to the City Council with the following duties and responsibilities.
1. To facilitate and govern the planting, growth and protection of trees within the City.
2. To foster the communication among the citizens of Newton that would provide the needed
protection of trees and to coordinate active measures to support their health and growth
within the City.
3. To conduct a tree survey of existing trees along streets and on public property within the
City.
4. To investigate available grants, loans, or contributions from other governmental agencies,
public or private corporations, or individuals; and to recommend the expenditure of any
proceeds toward the accomplishment of the board's purpose.
5. To conduct continuing research, planning, and feasibility studies required to support the
purpose stated herein.
6. To enhance the aesthetic appearance of Newton as a means of improving quality of life and
attracting new businesses and residents.
The Tree Commission shall also be responsible for developing an official Street Tree species list comprised of three groups of trees - Small trees, Medium trees, and Large Trees.
The Tree Commission will be responsible for establishing guidelines for the spacing of City trees in accordance with the three species size classes in the Official Street Tree species list. These guidelines will cover spacing between Street Trees, the distance Street Trees may be planted from curbs and sidewalks, the distance Street Trees may be planted from any street corner, the location of Street Trees relative to overhead and underground water line, sewer lines, transmission line, or other utility, and any other areas involving the spacing of Street Trees, Park trees, or City owned trees.
The Tree Commission shall submit an annual report of its activities and recommendations to the City Council and shall submit copies of its minutes and proceedings of its regular and special meetings.
If you would like to serve on one of these committees, or commissions, please fill out the form below. KNOW YOUR CITY, BE INVOLVED!!