City of Newton City Council met Aug. 1.
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 6:00 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: Amy J. Tarr, Deputy City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake and Michael Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks, and Deputy Clerk Amy Tarr
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: #6 - Add John Stone and George Hesser; strike wording from #8C.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adopt the amended agenda.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of July 18, 2023.
Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2023 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS:
John Stone, Connor & Connor: The W Jourdan sidewalk project is at the state. Plans are being reviewed for completeness. This project could tie in with the sidewalk project on E Washington. The next step will be to advertise for bids.
The S Van Buren sidewalk project has been surveyed. These plans will need sent to the state for a permit. The target bid date is late September.
The permit for the Lafayette Street water main project is still in the process of being reviewed. We have not heard back on the grant for the Morgan and Washington water main projects. Zoning is working with Frank Heiligenstein on revising the Zoning Code regarding off-premise signs. We are also trying to get a better grasp on mini storage sheds.
Finally, Connor & Connor is working with Josh Ochs on custom signs for the blind curve on S Van Buren.
George Hesser: Expressed concerns about trash and tall weeds/grass in his neighborhood.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Personnel Committee Meeting Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
Attendees: Kaleb Wright, Lary Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Josh Kuhl, Gayle Glumac, RJ Lindemann, Amy Tarr, Brent Benefiel, Tyler Weber, Josh Ochs, Matt Tarr, Brad Benefiel.
Meeting Start: 11:01 AM
1. Discuss Personnel related matters.
a. Motion was made to go into executive session by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac. Ye: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick. Nay: None
b. Motion was made to come out of executive session by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac. Ye: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac. Nay: None.
Meeting was adjourned for lunch at 12:11pm.
Submitted by Kaleb Wright, Personnel Committee Chairman
Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
Attendees: Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Josh Kuhl, Matt Tarr, Maggie McDonald, Melissa Brooks, Mark Hartrich, Tyler Weber, Brent Benefiel.
Meeting began at 1:02pm
Water
1. Saint Thomas Lease agreement negotiation
a. Saint Thomas was looking to raise our annual well fee from $750 to $1000 as well as raise their allotted water to 500,000gal. The Committee found the annual well fee reasonable and moved to send it to council. Saint Thomas had not reached their previously agreed upon 350,000gal so an agreement was made to allow Saint Thomas to come back to the committee and re-negotiate their allotted water any time during this 5 year period.
2. South Van Buren Upgrade using TIF Discussion.
a. The upgrade would be from the south railroad tracks to Pennington Ford, this would move the water main from under Van Buren/IL 130 to under the western side walk. The committee asked that Tyler get a complete quote on then entire project start to finish and present it to the committee at a later date.
Waste Water
1. Brent gave an update on the 2009 Ram Jetter Truck that the council had approved the rental of. He said it did everything the city needs and is much more convenient and reliable than our older model.
2. Brent gave an update on the project to repair the airline under the sewer plant parking, he informed us of a possible grant he and Shannon will be going after to help with the cost of this project. Meeting was adjourned at 1:56pm.
Submitted by Kaleb Wright, Water & Wastewater Committee Chairman
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 5:45 PM.
Meeting was called to order at 5:45 pm,
Those in attendance were: RJ Lindemann, Amy Tarr, Melissa Brooks, Larry Brooks, Mike Swick, Gayle Glumac, Caleb Wright, Bill Heap, Tyler Weber, John Stone
• TIF application for Tim Jones was discussed. It was recommended to award him $5,000.
• TIF application for Jared Wagner was discussed. It was recommended to award him $2,810.
• Due to Rosie's retirement, it was recommended that Maggie McDonald should be added as an additional signer on the city's bank accounts, with all other signers remaining the same Meeting adjourned at 5:47 pm
Submitted by RJ Lindemann, Finance/Audit Committee Chairman
8. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission (SCRIPDC) and The City of Newton to proceed with the Safe Route to Schools Grant Application.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission (SCRIPDC) and The City of Newton to proceed with Safe Route to Schools Grant Application.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on passing Ordinance No. 23-13 to modify Ordinance No. 23-10 in part regarding legal expenses of lot transfer in Five April Crossings Subdivision.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass
Ordinance No. 23-13 to modify Ordinance No. 23-10 in part regarding expenses of Lot 10 in Five April Crossings Subdivision.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on authorizing the City Attorney to amend the Lease Agreement Between Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church and the City of Newton. Amending the annual sum for each well from $750.00 to $1,000.00. and make a provision to the maximum number of gallons used by the Lessor per year.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the City Attorney to amend the Lease Agreement Between Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church and the City of Newton. Amending the annual sum for each well from $750.00 to $1,000.00. This encompasses four water wells.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
D. Consider and act on authorizing TIF Application submitted by Tim Jones Plumbing.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize TIF Application submitted by Tim Jones Plumbing at 1007 S Van Buren St.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on passing Ordinance No. 23-14 to Amend the Zoning Map of the Zoning Code to the City of Newton, changing the zone classification of the property at 204 West End Ave., Newton, Illinois from SR-2 (Single Family Residence-Small) to B-1 (Neighborhood Business). Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass Ordinance No. 23-14 to Amend the Zoning Map of the Zoning Code to the City of Newton, changing the zone classification of the property at 204 West End Ave., Newton, Illinois from SR-2 (Single Family Residence-Small) to B-1 (Neighborhood Business).
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on authorizing City Clerk Rosetta M. York's letter of resignation.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize City Clerk Rosetta M. York's letter of resignation effective August 1, 2023.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on sending one employee from the Electric Department to AIEC Line School for Climbing School held at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois from September 5, 2023 - September 15, 2023. The cost will be $800.00 per week, total of $1,600.00, plus allowable expenses.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize sending one employee from the Electric Department to AIEC Line School for Climbing School held at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois from September 5, 2023 September 15, 2023. The cost will be $800.00 per week, total of $1,600.00, plus allowable expenses.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None.
D. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by Peoples State Bank for their Customer Appreciation Ice Cream Social held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM 3:00 PM at the main bank location.
Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Special Event Application submitted by Peoples State Bank for their Customer Appreciation Ice Cream Social held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the main bank location.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
E. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce for their Cruise Night Event held on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM around the town square.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Special Event Application submitted by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce for their Cruise Night Event held on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM around the town square.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
F. Consider and act on authorizing Emily Leighty to paint and patch the Newton Eagle statues at the Welcome to Newton Signs in the amount of $200.00.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize Emily Leighty to paint and patch the Newton Eagle statues at the Welcome to Newton Signs in the amount of $200.00.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
10. STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: No comment. Wright: No comment.
Brooks: No comment.
Lindemann: Allocations and Billing Adjustments were presented.
"The Community Development Fund should be abolished."
Blake: Josh Ochs (Street Department Head) and I want to thank the Newton Police Department, Wade Township personnel, Jasper County Highway Department employees, and all the City Utility
Departments for their help with the Street Department tar and chip program.
Swick: The Newton PD is down one officer again. We will be starting the hiring process soon.
City Attorney: No comment.
City Treasurer: No comment.
Deputy City Clerk: "I wish Rosie a long, happy retirement. She has been a mentor and friend, and I'm going to miss her vast knowledge base and seasoned assessment of situations. She had a keen ability to create a paradigm shift with folks who came to City Hall feeling like they'd been cheated. She'd listen to their complaint and then present the other side. It was impressive to watch people as they assessed their circumstances from a different angle.
"Rosie worked for the businesses and citizens with a servant's heart and based decisions on what was best for the community. Newton is going to miss her generosity and her practical approach to conducting City business.
"One thing is certain, Rosie always made it clear where she stood on a topic. I never left a conversation guessing what she was thinking.
"Thank you for your service, Rosie. We have big shoes to fill, and we're trying our best to make you proud. Enjoy your extra free time."
Mayor Kuhl: Thanked department heads, council members and employees for attending Tuesday's Personnel Committee meeting focused on improving communication on all levels. We must strive to communicate better and show common curtesy to one another as we serve the City. Lunch was provided after the meeting. Several employees were able to stay and eat.
Rosie York is a one of a kind. She is extremely intelligent and has a vast amount of knowledge of municipal laws and regulations. I appreciate her and thank her for her years of service.
School is starting soon. Everyone needs to watch for kids and school busses.
11. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: August 15, 2023 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Electric Committee Meeting Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None.
13. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None.
Meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM.
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