City of Newton City Council met Nov. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mark Bolander, Mayor
Mayor Mark Bolander called the meeting to order.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman David Brown.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman David Brown.
3. ROLL CALL: Rosetta York, City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, David Brown, Larry Brooks, Robert Riesner, Eric Blake and Marlene Harris
Absent: None
Also present: Attorney Max Tedford, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Clerk Rosetta York
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Harris, to adopt the proposed agenda. Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of October 15, 2019:
Motion was made by Reisner, seconded by Glumac, to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2019 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac
Nays: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: Brett Lessley
Brett Lessley spoke:
Thank you so much for your past and ongoing support of our local Jasper CEO program! Below are some of the highlights of the Jasper CEO program over the past few years:
• Over the last three years, 52 students have gone through the CEO program in Jasper County. For the current school year 2019-2020, we have another 15 students.
• Each year they visit 50+ area businesses.
• Each year they have 30+ guest speakers.
• Each year students are paired with mentors that help them in their CEO experience.
• Each year students start and operate their own individual business and class business.
The facilitator salary and other program expenses are solely funded by private businesses, local municipalities, and individuals in our area. Investors are an essential component of CEO's ongoing success. Thank you!
7. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on renewal of CEO class pledge of $1,000/year for 3 years..
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Brooks, to authorize the renewal of CEO class pledge of $1,000/year for 3 years.
Ayes: Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on a new MedTrak service agreement for pass-through/transparent drug pricing.
Motion was made by Reisner, seconded by Harris, to approve and to authorize a new MedTrak service agreement for pass-through/transparent drug pricing.
Ayes: Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on quote for computers and software upgrade for Collector and Billing office from Kemper Technology for $4,158.36.
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Brown, to authorize quote for computers and software upgrade for Collector and Billing office from Kemper Technology for $4,158.36. Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Reisner
Nays: None
D. Consider and act on the City of Newton’s share of the Motorola Solutions quote for the Starcom radios of $50,856.60,
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Brooks, to authorize the City of Newton’s share of the Motorola Solutions quote for the Starcom radios of $50,856.60.
Ayes: Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake
Nays: None
E. Consider and act on hiring Kurt Long as a part time Newton Police Officer..
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Reisner, to approve and to authorize hiring Kurt Long as a part time Newton Police Officer.
Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris
Nays: None
8. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on approving Christmas bonuses for all present full-time and part-time employees.
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Reisner, to authorize a Christmas bonus of an extra day’s pay or a day off with pay (to be taken by the last pay period in April 2020) be given to full-time employees and to part-time employees who have worked at least 3 months and are currently working.
Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac
Nays: None
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Police 10-22-19, EMA 10-22-19, Electric Committee 10-29-19, Insurance Committee 11-4-19, Finance Committee 11-4-19 and JEDI 11-5-19
Brown--- Police:
Discussed the Following:
• Chief Swick discussed new painting on curbs in the south part of town. He appreciates the Street Department getting the work done.
• Swick will be ordering new safety holsters for the officers at $100.00 per holsters.
• Sheriff Francis discussed radio communications. Quality of service has been poor for some time.
Francis stated that County/City has had more than one company for service over the years but no one can pinpoint and fix the problem. Starcom is the system that they are going to switch to. On top of unreliable service, parts are hard to find due to outdated system. $113,593 is the quote received from Motorola. Price also includes chargers, 2 consoles and 3 portables. 911 Board has agreed to buy 2 consoles and 3 portables. These will be used by dispatch. Multi band portables will be purchased to be able to communicate. Service fees will be $39 per month per unit. Price from Motorola Solutions is good until Nov. 25, 2019. Chief Swick is applying for grants to assist with the cost. Finance option can be stretched out over 3 years.
• Mayor Bolander commented that the next feral cat trapping will commence shortly. If anyone is having cat issues in their neighborhood, they can contact City Hall or Dispatch. There is a process that has to be followed in order to qualify for the city to pay.
• Mike discussed part-time employment for PD. Mike stated a County Deputy is interested in helping out. Will need additional new part-time help.
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM
Brown--- EMA:
Chad Miller, Jasper County States Attorney and Mayor Mark Bolander started the meeting with their opening comments. Miller spoke regarding the new state laws, city zoning, etc. He also mentioned work place/employer regulations as well as the changes in the medical marijuana laws. All counties, not just Cook, will be able to tax medicinal marijuana. Local governments can opt out of allowing the sale of marijuana in their areas. The possession or use of cannabis cannot be regulated beyond what the state has provided for. An additional 3% tax can be implemented by local governments on the sale of marijuana. The law has provided for social-use areas to exist for the use of marijuana, but the sale of marijuana in those facilities would be prohibited.
Mayor Bolander spoke and encouraged the attendees to speak so that the city and county could get a feel for the public’s opinion on the matter.
Public comments included:
• T axation
• Medical cards and inability to purchase firearms
• Other communities actions regarding opting out
• Economic benefits of allowing the sale of marijuana
• Health care professionals spoke concerning their thoughts on allowing the sale
• Potential lure of unsavory individuals
• Statistics show increase in crime
• Underage consumption
• Moral ramifications
• Incorporated towns/villages could allow sale if the County opts out
• Amount individuals can/cannot grow
• Currently no geographic limitations are set by the State, with exception that 1,500 feet separate sale locations
Another meeting will be set up by the County with the City in November. Chad Miller mentioned that the County will be making a decision in December.
The public hearing adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Glumac--- Electric:
• Verbal Blakley, from BHMG, discussed updates needed to the City’s 2009 Net Metering Policy for residential and commercial electric customers. The City Attorney was requested to write a Newton specific updated policy to be reviewed by the departments. She also spoke on the terms of the power purchasing agreement the City has with Vistra (formally Dynegy, Ameren and CIPS) for wholesale electric.
• Raymond Reynolds discuss the City owned street light practice and policy since 1984 being 500 feet apart. But if someone wanted a light in their area they can install one at their expense. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Harris--- Insurance:
Jason Boothe from Snedeker Risk Management discussed:
• The 2 year Medtrak Agreement with the City to be the drug plan manager for the City’s health insurance. Medtrak has been the manager of the drug plan for several years. They are changing the process to collect their fees and passing saving on to the city.
• The Stop/Loss amount on the insurance plans will need to be increased.
• There will be an increase in the insurance rates that the employee pays and the City pays.
• Symetra will be sending their proposal this month for next year’s health insurance policy with the City.
At that time, the city will have the rate increase possibilities. Melissa reported that the vision rates not increasing. Meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM.
Harris--- Finance:
Melissa Brooks stated: “The treasurer’s office has determined that the City would need to levy $662,000 for the tax year 2019. The amount to be levied will not exceed the 2018 tax year levy extended by more than 5%.”
Brenda presented the Kemper quote to upgrade the billing and collecting clerks 3 computers and software for $4,158.36. This is because Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 operating system after January 1, 2020. Adjourned 7:00 pm
Harris--- JEDI
I. Meeting was called to order by Amber Volk
II. Motion was approved on previous meeting minutes by Mark Bolander and 2nd by Andy Johnson.
III. Forrest Langenfeld was a guest speaker, and spoke about the Opportunity Zones and what it means for Newton.
IV. Brett Lessley talked on the Jasper County CEO, and asked for a contribution of $1000, which was the same as last year. Motion was moved by Louie Ochs and 2nd by Mark Bolander. Vote was approved by all.
V. Monthly updates.
a. Amber Volk stated she was going to a convention in Kansas, Missouri.
b. Mark Bolander passed out info on Data for Decision makers from Lake Land College region. He spoke on how well Jasper County was doing compared to other districts in the area.
c. Jason Warfel spoke for the County. He stated a public hearing would be held on Tuesday the 12th at 6:30 the High School, to hear comments on whether to accept or reject the Marijuana proposal.
d. Andy Johnson said the building committee had met to discuss specifics on building improvements. It was mentioned that the special education students would be losing their place to attend school in possibly 2 years. We will be needing to think of where we are going to place these students.
e. Sarah Kinkade stated Holly Jolly is going to be held on Dec 6, 13, and 20. On the 14th of December, there will be an all-day event uptown with a light parade at 6:00.
VI. There were no comments from attendees.
VII. Motion to close was proposed by Jack Thompson and 2nd by Jason Warfel.
VIII. Adorned at 2:35. 10. STATEMENTS:
Council Members:
Glumac: The Jasper County Chamber of Commerce is interested in recruiting new board members.
Brown: The Park Department is checking prices for new roof on Ives Mausoleum and the Restrooms building.
Brooks: No comment
Reisner: The Street Department annual Fall Leaf vacuuming is going very well. They are doing a great job.
Blake: Discussed new Cannabis laws.
Harris: She had the Street Department vacuum her leaves. The improvements made to the leaf vacuum are really good.
City Attorney: No comment
City Treasurer:
Treasurer Statement: “The treasurer’s office has determined that the City would need to levy $662,000 for the tax year 2019. The amount to be levied will not exceed the 2018 tax year levy extended by more than 5%.”
City Clerk: No comment
Mayor:
• Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act Public Act 101-0027: Jasper County Officials will sponsor the next Public Hearing on Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act Public Act 101- 0027, November 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM in Newton High School Auditorium. If the local governments do nothing the state law allows dispensaries and growers in their jurisdiction. Not that the city is pro or con, but January 1, 2020 is the deadline for local governments to pass their laws. The City may not allow dispensaries and growers to allow more time to investigate their options and the public’s opinion.
• Webinar dealing with communities that have lost a coal fired power plant and how they have managed their issues titled “Lessons Learned from Coal Communities Across the Country” from Noon-1:00 PM, Thursday, November 21, 2019. There is no cost to attend; contact Lisa Merrifield at lmorrisn@illinois.edu for information.
• Feral Cats
How Newton City Council and Mayor Bolander Envision the Feral Cat Situation will be handled (Revised 10-24-19)
How Newton City Council and Mayor Bolander Envision the Feral Cat Situation will be handled (Revised 10-24-19)
*City officials are in discussion with local stakeholders. The City of Newton wants to work with and deal with people in our community.
** The protocol below is subject to change as discussions with interested parties continue and evolve.
When a person has a problem, emergency:
1. The resident will call the Newton Police Department to voice their complaint.
2. The PD will call Hostettler Nuisance Control. PD will let the resident know that Hostettler will collect payment from the resident at time of service.
3. Hostettler will assess the situation and trap the feral cat(s), if necessary.
When a person has a problem, non-emergency:
1. The resident should contact the City Clerk at City Hall, Angie Martin, or Michelle Farley.
2. Angie/Michelle will assess the situation.
3. If truly a problem area and education will not solve the problem, a planned trapping of that neighborhood will be scheduled.
4. The feral cat(s) will be taken to the PD garage area.
5. Theron Hostettler will contact local stakeholders to come rescue the cat(s).
6. Hostettler will transfer the feral cat(s) from his cage to their pet carrier. A Chain-of-Custody form will be signed transferring ownership and responsibility from the City of Newton to the person responding to the rescue call.
7. If no one arrives at the PD in the allotted time to rescue the feral cat(s),
Hostettler Nuisance Control will follow his protocol which is governed by
IDNR.
8. Hostettler will bill the city.
• INRR Santa Train will be in Newton on December 8, 2019 between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM at High School/W. Decatur St.
11. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: None
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Litigation, potential litigation, personnel and sale of real estate,
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Glumac, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss litigation, potential litigation, personnel and sale of real estate pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.
Ayes: Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown
Nays: None
Open session suspended at 7:05 PM
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Harris, to go out of closed session and back into open session.
Ayes: Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 7:23 PM.
Mayor Bolander announced that during closed session the council discussed litigation, potential litigation, personnel and sale of real estate.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Reisner, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Reisner
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.
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