The new clubhouse at Newton’s city-owned golf course can open next week without a sprinkler system in place according to a memorandum of understanding signed by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors. The memorandum of understanding permits Kevin Luetters, the Community Development Director for Jasper government, to grant a Certificate of Occupancy and releases the government from responsibility for the absence of a functional sprinkler system.
Newton is asking for permission to open the clubhouse without the sprinkler system in place. They are requesting temporary occupancy from my department at this time, followed by final occupancy after the sprinkler system is up and running.
The municipal of Newton must construct a new $1.2 million water main close to Westwood Golf Course, which is just outside the municipal borders, in order to have sufficient water pressure for the sprinkler system to function. Later this year, the new water supply will be put in place. In order for the new clubhouse to open, the City of Newton was also given a variance by the Iowa Department of Inspection, Appeals, and Licensing. The city is subject to certain safety standards as a result of that deviation. According to Newton Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik, the city must employ a certified fire watch officer to keep an eye on the amount of people using the clubhouse and spot any fire hazards if an event is anticipated to attract 100 people or more.
This Monday at noon, the new Westwood Golf Course clubhouse will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce.
