City of Newton City Council met Feb. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman RJ Lindemann
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman RJ Lindemann
3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake and Mike Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald
Absent: Alderman Larry Brooks
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: (AMEND: Add Amy Tarr and Jared Wagner to Public Comments.)
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adopt the amended agenda, adding Amy Tarr and Jared Wagner to Public Comments.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of February 3, 2026.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2026 meeting of the Newton City Council. Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $265,182.68 and the bills and accounts payable earlier today and makes a motion to approve the pre-paids and authorize payment of the bills and accounts payable in the amount of $152,258.18. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion. Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Amy Tarr: City Utility Billing Clerk Amy Tarr extended her appreciation to City Collector Brenda Phillips and City Clerk Maggie McDonald for their professionalism and assistance during the recent utility billing delivery delay.
Jared Wagner: Mr. Wagner provided an extensive, chronological review of the City’s demolition reimbursement program, starting from first inception in 2022. He emphasized how the program was created. How Lindemann drafted the application. How the application was amended, and eventually approved unanimously by the Council through Ordinance 23-07, and how the program’s intent was to incentivize demolition of dangerous and dilapidated properties. Mr. Wagner has submitted multiple applications in full compliance. Providing all written requirements, including proof of ownership, estimates, inspections, and receipts. He noted that similar applications from other individuals, including those who paid themselves or used their own companies for labor and equipment, did not get the same “special treatment” he received. They have never had their name drug through the mud and slandered on social media. Lindemann’s actions and behavior have been childish and malicious, and this council has fostered this environment.
Wagner stated how his application for 801 W. Jourdan Street was denied despite meeting all the criteria. He was trying to bring a day care into the community. Yet, one council member consistently voted against his application and treated him differently than other applicants. Jared stated he was very grateful for the up to $2,500 dumpster reimbursement he was awarded for the property.
Mr. Wagner strongly disputed the written and verbal statements made by Alderman Lindemann during and after the February 3, 2026 council meeting, calling him factually incorrect. Wagner specifically denied the following claims made by Lindemann: Claims that reimbursements were “explicitly forbidden” for multiple properties. That his estimates were excessive or changed “on the spot”. The approvals were illegal or improperly influenced by the mayor. That he paid himself improperly or failed to provide verifiable costs. That there was political corruption or a conflict of interest involving the mayor’s association with his business.
Wagner stated all expenses were documented, recordable, and verifiable, and that he paid his employees, not himself, for the work. He had objected to requests for disclosure of hourly labor rates, due to competitive harm and the inconsistency of enforcement required from other applicants.
Wagner concluded, he is not out seeking the “special treatment” he himself, his family and his businesses have been subject to. Only equal treatment of the program rules. He urged the council to improve their professionalism, accuracy and fairness in their public statements and their future administration of the demolition reimbursement program.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:
• Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM. (Minutes can be found at jaspercountyillinois.gov.)
• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/260217-UN-CC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf
