City of Newton City Council met Jan. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Gayle Glumac
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Gayle Glumac
3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann and Mike Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald
Absent: Alderman Eric Blake
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: AMEND: Add Personnel to Executive Session Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adopt the amended agenda (Add Personnel to Executive Session).
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of December 16, 2025.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council. Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:
• Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Water and Waste Water Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, January 5, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM Attendees: Mike Swick, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Melissa Brooks, Maggie McDonald, Shannon Woodard, Tyler Weber, Brent Benefiel, Amy Tarr, Scott Rubsam and Brock Kessler Meeting began at 6:00 PM.
• There have been reoccurring sewer issues on Reynolds St. and Walnut St. that were addressed. Mr. Woodard and the committee discussed ways to alleviate the problem. The best solution is for the city to install a new 8” sewer main, consisting of two manholes and roughly 250’ feet of pipe, which in return provides access for the homeowners to tie in to. It will then be the responsibility and expense of the homeowner to make the residential service line connection to the new main. Shannon Woodard left the meeting at 6:25 PM.
• Brent informed the committee of a part at the sewer plant, called the mother board, that has quit working. He has purchased the replacement and will have a purchase order on the next agenda for the new part. It will take roughly a month to receive.
• Mr. Benefiel also voiced concerns with the absence of man power in the water department. The water and sewer departments are the only departments working in the ground on said infrastructure. Missing another body puts a strain on not only the water department, but also him and Mr. Rubsam in the sewer department.
• Hoerr Construction is said to be here sometime in January to take video and begin to clean out the main. Hope to begin the sewer relining project in February.
• Tyler Weber and Amy Tarr presented the Badger Water Meter System to the committee. The city purchased 10 trial meters 3 months ago. Tyler and Amy have been able to review what this new system is all capable of and has to offer. Our current water meter system will reach its end of life support by 2028. The city needs to decide the next steps. Mrs. Tarr and Mr. Weber both reported positive feedback with the Badger Water System trial meters. The new system would be budgeted over two fiscal years and hopefully be fully implemented to our residents within 18 months after arrival.
• The water plant needs a new chlorine generator. The estimated cost is $29,000 and will be budgeted in the next fiscal year.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Submitted by: Mike Swick – Chairman
• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Minutes January 6, 2026 5:30 PM – 5:46 PM
Present: RJ Lindemann, Melissa Brooks, Larry Brooks, Kaleb Wright, Gayle Glumac, Mike Swick, Joshua Kuhl, Maggie McDonald and Tyler Weber
• TIF Application for Crawford Memorial Hospital was discussed. It was recommended to be approved for 15% of the total project cost.
• A revised TIF Application for Taylor Kerner was discussed. It was recommended to approve the changes.
Adjourned at 5:46 PM
Submitted by: RJ Lindemann – Chairman
8. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing the TIF Application submitted for Lot 7 in the Industrial Park by Belcher Self Storage, LLC.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize tabling the TIF Application submitted for Lot 7 in the Industrial Park by Belcher Self Storage, LLC to the February 17, 2026 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on authorizing 15% of the amended total project cost to the TIF Application and TIF Agreement submitted for 105 Marshall Dr. by Taylor Kerner.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize 15% of the amended total project cost to the TIF Application and TIF Agreement submitted for 105 Marshall Dr. by Taylor Kerner, up to the amount of $160,030.85, as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.
Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on authorizing the disbursement of funds to CCW Properties for Demolition Reimbursement Application submitted for 1007 & 1009 Fairground in the amount of $11,000.
Motion failed for lack of motion.
D. Consider and act on authorizing the disbursement of funds to CCW Properties for the Demolition Reimbursement Application submitted for 901 Menke, Unit 2, in the amount of $9,000.
Motion failed for lack of motion.
E. Consider and act on authorizing the disbursement of funds to CCW Properties for the Demolition Reimbursement Application submitted for 903 Menke in the amount of $9,000.
Motion failed for lack of motion.
F. Discuss fire alarm system for city hall.
Newton City Hall needs a fire alarm system. Mr. Bierman, with Barlow Lock and Security, discussed different system options for the city to consider.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing the TIF Application submitted for 804 W. Jourdan St. by Crawford Memorial Hospital.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the TIF Application submitted for 804 W. Jourdan St. by Crawford Memorial Hospital for up to 15% of the total project to be reimbursed yearly based on the incremental tax increase after completion of the project, as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
B. Discuss city participation in Upcoming Resurfacing Project for IL 33/130. The city has received correspondence from IDOT that the state will be resurfacing IL HWY 33/130 in year 2027 or 2028. They will be improving pedestrian crossings (curb ramps) along the route to meet ADA guidelines. The state is offering an opportunity for the city to include improvements at a lower rate. Mr. Stone and the city will be working closely with the state to find out what these improvements will cost the city exactly and which projects are most needed to be budgeted for.
C. Consider and act on authorizing the city to seek bids for mowing. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize tabling the city to seek bids for mowing to the January 20, 2026 meeting of the Newton City.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
10.STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: Thank you to all the city workers that helped take down the Lights in the Park. Especially the Electric Department, as their job did not end there, as they had to take down all the snowflakes on city utility poles. I would like to thank everyone who has donated this year to the Lights in the Park. Very gracious town and I am very proud of everyone. I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year.
Wright: Happy New Year to everyone and thank you to our utility departments for their work taking down the Lights in the Park.
Brooks: No comments.
Lindemann: Wish everyone a great start to the new year and hope all your endeavors are successful and fruitful. Would also like to abolish the Capital Development Fund. Swick: Hope everyone’s new year has started off great and continues throughout the year.
City Attorney: I echo Mike Sick.
City Treasurer: No comments.
City Clerk: No comments.
Mayor: Thank you to all our city employees for their efforts yesterday morning. We had all the lights down within 3 hours. Thank you to the group that takes care of the Old Mill Bridge. They have all their stuff taken down and stored away for the year. Unfortunately, the holidays are over and we will be looking forward to Spring as it quickly approaches.
I also want to thank our Department Heads for a great conversation this morning. We talked about city and personal goals they each have and I look forward to working towards these this year.
For some reason around the holidays, we lose a lot of great people. Our community, and surrounding communities, have taken another hard hit. To those of you who have lost a loved one or those spending the season without a loved one, I give my condolences.
I wish everyone a blessed 2026 and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish this year.
11.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: January 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
• Personnel Committee Meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
• Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM. (4 Zoning Permit Requests will be heard and discussed that evening)
12.EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss sale of real estate and personnel pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.
Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
Open session suspended at 6:51 PM.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of closed session and back into open session.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 7:18 PM.
Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed sale of real estate and personnel.
13.ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.
https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/260106-UN-CC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf
