East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Nov. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor

Mayor Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

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 M. York, City Clerk

Physically present: Gayle Glumac, David Brown, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake and Marlene Harris

Also present: Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Clerk Rosetta M. York

Absent: William Heap, City Attorney

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:

5. Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Lindemann, to adopt the proposed agenda.

Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris

Nays: None

6. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of November 1, 2022.

Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Glumac, to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2022 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac

Nays: None

7. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Alterman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $195,846.33 and the bills and accounts payable earlier today and made a motion to approve the pre paids and authorize payment of the bills and accounts payable in the amount of $58,358.25. Brown seconded the motion.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown

Nays: None

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: None

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Brooks, Water/Wastewater Committee Meeting Monday, November 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM:

November 7, 2022

Attendees: Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Joshua Kuhl, Marlene Harris, Tyler Weber, and Brent Benefiel

Called to order at 6:00 pm

Water

The Committee discussed 207 Stanley water meter relocation. The water meter for the trailer at 207 Stanley is located on a property not owned by the trailer. There appears to be a water leak at the trailer. If so, the meter would need to be moved to the property of the trailer. Tyler is going to get more information on how to proceed.

The S. Lafayette St. water main was also discussed. There is a possibility this could be done in house at a reduced cost. Tyler is getting costs and more information together for a later date.

Wastewater

Wastewater reported the old generator is being repaired to be used at the lift station. Brent said things are going well at the plant. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.

Harris, Street Committee Meeting Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:00 PM: Attendees: Marlene Harris, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindeman, John Stone, Josh Ochs, Tyler Weber, Melissa Brooks.

Called to order at 6:00.

We received an estimate on the Pizza Man project.

The bid was $115,564. This is for 340 feet of sidewalk from the corner of the square to St Thomas School.

This will not be done by City workers, as it is on the highway, and prevailing wage will have to be paid. MFT funds may be able to be used.

First St. Bridge Project

This needs to be put in the budget to be replaced in 3 to 5 years

Photos and estimate were given for $207,662.40.

This bridge will need an annual inspection.

Ochs Street project was discussed.

MFT funds may be used, quote for project is $151,861.65. Project will start next year. We will go out for bids in January or mid-February.

Project needs to be put on the December 3 agenda for consideration so it can be submitted to the state.

Adjourned at 6:30.

Harris, Insurance Committee Meeting Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:30 (or after the Street Committee):

Attendees: Marlene Harris, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindeman, John Stone, Josh Ochs, Tyler Weber, Melissa Brooks, Amy J Tarr, Brenda Phillips, Matt and Amy Tarr

Called to order at 6:31.

• The IML Risk Management, WC, Auto liability, Inland marine, auto physical damage, and property coverage took a 5% increase. This is a premium of $ 88,223.99 if paid in full by 11/18/22. It was a conscience to pay in full, to get the 1% discount.

• Trustmark (our Claims payer) is requesting a 4.5% increase in medical administrative fees, for a one-year agreement.

• If we agree to a 2-year renewal, it will increase 3%.

• This was a conscience to do the 2-year agreement. Melissa will put on the next agenda in December to get council approval.

• We reviewed the Reserve balance and it looks good.

• It was suggested to leave the health insurance rates alone.

• Vision rates did not increase.

Adjourned at 6:46 PM.

10. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Consider and act on approving Option #1 IMLRMA invoice for 2023 Property, Liability and Work Comp coverages in the amount of $ 88,223.39.

Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Brooks, to authorize approving Option #1 IMLRMA invoice for 2023 Property, Liability and Work Comp coverages in the amount of $ 88,223.39.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks

Nays: None

b. Consider and act on authorizing Trustmark Health Benefits for a 1-year or 2-year agreement to administer the Medical and Dental benefit plans for the City of Newton. Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Brooks, to authorize authorizing Trustmark Health Benefits for a 2-year agreement to administer the Medical and Dental benefit plans for the City of Newton.

Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

10. NEW BUSINESS:

a. Consider and act on 2023 Newton City Council Meeting Schedule.

Motion was made by Blake, seconded by Lindemann, to authorize 2023 Newton City Council Meeting Schedule.

Ayes: Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

11. STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: No comment

Brown: “I would encourage the so-called powers that be, whether it's government or not, to be more welcoming to business, whether it be new, expanding or relocating. The idea of local entities thinking it's them and us and not we or even “What can they do for me?” is a toxic and unproductive mindset. That type of mindset has gotten us nowhere over the years.”

Brooks: Raymond Kocher presented a quote to fix the backdoor, the siding around the backdoor and the leak damaged ceiling tiles in the handicapped bath for $625. Lindemann: Presented Billing Adjustments and Payment Adjustments reports. Blake: No comment

Harris: No comment

City Treasurer: No comment

City Clerk: Please review the revised codebook. The council will vote on it in January or February.

Mayor:

Happy belated birthday to our very own RJ.

The decoration of the Old Mill Bridge work day is this Saturday, starting at 9:00 AM. The Park Christmas decorating should be getting close. I know they've been working really hard on getting the light displays set up.

A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here and our citizens of Newton. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is in a week.

12. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Annexation Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 5:45 PM

13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None

14. ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Blake, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:39 PM.

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