Newton City Boards

It is our pleasure to introduce you to the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees, which consist of volunteers from the community who give of their time and ideas to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Newton. There are 10 boards, commissions, or committees, with most members appointed by the City Council. The terms of office of all members of any board, commission, or committee end on the 31st day of March in any given calendar year and the new term shall begin on April 1 in any given calendar year. No member or alternate of any board, commission, or committee shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms, plus any unexpired term to which any such member or alternate might be appointed to complete. The Planning Commission is an exception, whose members may serve four consecutive terms plus any unexpired term to which they are appointed, unless otherwise specifically provided for in the City Code or other authority creating such board, commission or committee. The boards, committee, and commissions are as follows:

APPEARANCE COMMISSION

The Newton Appearance Commission makes a careful study of the visual problems and needs of the city and the area comprising the extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction of the City. The commission makes plans and carries out any programs that will enhance and improve the visual quality and aesthetic characteristics of the city and surrounding area. Members are appointed by the City Council. The commission meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Newton Train Depot.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board (court-like in nature) which hears appeals and reviews any decision, order, or requirement made which involves administration of the city's zoning ordinance. Members are appointed by the City Council. Members representing the extraterritorial planning area are appointed by the Catawba County Commissioners. The board has no regular meeting schedule.

DOWNTOWN NEWTON DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The Downtown Newton Development Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate and promote economic development in the City's Central Business District. Although not a City appointed board, the City is represented by the presence of a member of the City Council and the Planning Director/Assistant City Manager who serve as ex-officio members and in a support role. The DNDA meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the second floor conference room at City Hall.

Click Here to View the DNDA Meeting Schedule

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS COMMITTEE

The Festival and Events Committee's focus is on planning and implementing events and activities for the citizens of Newton. This committee assists other city commissions and boards in planning and developing other activities throughout the year. Members are appointed by the City Council. The committee meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

HUMAN RELATIONS COUNCIL

The Human Relations Council strives to promote racial, ethnic, and social unity through a variety of culturally-diverse activities. The council meets as needed at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Workroom at City Hall.

OFF-STREET PARKING COMMITTEE

The Off-Street Parking Committee advises the City with respect to lot fees, revitalization, parking control and similar matters affecting the downtown off-street parking lots. Members are appointed by the City Council.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The Parks & Recreation Commission's task is to plan and recommend by regular and special reports, to the City Council, such actions as may be necessary to create and develop an adequate and complete system of parks, playgrounds, swimming facilities, and recreation centers. Its task also includes advising with the city manager concerning the supervision, organization, management of parks & playgrounds (and activities thereon), recreation centers, and to recommend such clean and wholesome recreation and amusement for the citizens of Newton. The Parks & Recreation Department maintains five parks, two recreation centers and one swimming complex. Members are appointed by the City Council. The commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Newton Recreation Center.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission is an advisory board appointed by the City Council. Members representing the extraterritorial planning area are appointed by the Catawba County Commissioners. The Planning Commission reviews and advises the City Council on rezoning applications text amendments and other issues which arise that need study concerning development and land use. The commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

SUBDIVISION REVIEW BOARD

The Subdivision Review Board is established by the Subdivision Regulations as adopted by the Newton City Council and consists of the City Manager, Planning Director, Director of Parks and Recreation, Director of Public Works, Fire Chief, and Police Chief. The SRB reviews and approves all subdivision plats. The board meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

YOUTH COUNCIL

The Newton Youth Council strives to get local youth involved in city activities, as well as to keep the City Council informed of the wants/needs of area teenagers.

If you would like to serve on one of these boards, committees, or commissions, please fill out the form below. KNOW YOUR CITY, BE INVOLVED!!
 

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