The Newton City Commission Tuesday approved an agreement for Ballard Aviation to lease 17 acres of agricultural land just south and west of its facility at Newton City/County Airport.
Ballard has operated at the airport since 2008, offering aircraft sales, maintenance and modifications. The adjacent agricultural land has been cultivated with wheat, and during harvest time, the debris in the air is a nuisance for Ballard’s operations and has even damaged some aircraft.
Ballard will pay the City $150 per acre for the ground lease. The City previously had received $95 per acre for the farming lease.
Commissioners received a request from Safehope, which is seeking $12,000 from the city to support their support services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. The Commission also approved a revision to their policy manual to include a live-streaming policy along with an agreement to provide building inspection services for the city of Peabody
The Commission approved a pair of temporary alcohol permits, requests to close Athletic Park June 20th for the Cookie Daze 5K June 20th, and adopted proclamations for National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day, and National Public Works Week.
