East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met May 7.

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: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk

Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Eric Blake and Mike Swick

Also present: Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald Absent: Alderman RJ Lindemann and Attorney William Heap

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to adopt the proposed agenda.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of April 16, 2024.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2024 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

6. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

7. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: • Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 5:30 PM. (Waiting on minutes).

• Electric Committee Meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Electric Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, April 29, 2024 6:10 PM – 8:16 PM Present: Gayle Glumac, Joshua Kuhl, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Brenda Phillips, Matt Tarr, Amy Tarr and Maggie McDonald

Meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM.

• The Committee discussed the start of submitting new Request for Proposals for the next Electrical Contract within the next few weeks. The Committee, along with Matt, Amy and Brenda, are putting together a timeline and itinerary to accompany the new RFP’s.

• Solar projects were discussed. Megawatt needs, size, location and storage were all took into consideration. Along with incentive options for residents, commercial and residential. Options for a solar project will continue to be explored.

• Matt has received some of the new real time data meters. These will be up and running by the end of May.

• The change in electric rates was heavily considered. What is the best rate structure change for our residents during the upcoming rate increase is the main concern.

Meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM.

• Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM. (Waiting on minutes).

8. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing an Agreement with IDOT and the Indiana Rail Road for Railway-Highway Grade Crossing Improvements on S. 1st Ave., Sycamore St. and West End Ave.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize tabling the Agreement with IDOT and the Indiana Rail Road for Railway Highway Grade Crossing Improvements on S. 1st Ave., Sycamore St. and West End Ave to the June 4, 2024 Newton City Council Meeting.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on seeking bids for demolition and cleanup at 200 N. Goble St. (Bids will be accepted May 21, 2024 through June 4, 2024, where bids will then be opened at the June 4, 2024 City Council Meeting.)

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize seeking bids for demolition and cleanup at 200 N. Goble St.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-06 Revising Four Separates to Chapter 25 Notices, Deleting the word “President” and adding “Mayor”.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass Ordinance 24-06 Revising Four Separates to Chapter 25 Notices, Deleting the word “President” and adding “Mayor”.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-07 An Ordinance to Add Territory, Delete Territory, and to Expand and Add Incentives to the Olney/Richland/Newton/Jasper Enterprise Zone.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass Ordinance 24-07, An Ordinance to Add Territory, Delete Territory, and to Expand and Add Incentives to the Olney/Richland/Newton/Jasper Enterprise Zone.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing the Amendment to the

Olney/Richland/Newton/Jasper Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement. Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the Amendment to the Olney/Richland/Newton/Jasper Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing city employees to receive a cell phone stipend for work use. (This will be a per month stipend of $50.00 for Department Heads and $30.00 for all other city employees.)

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize city employees to receive a monthly cell phone stipend for work use of $50.00 for Department Heads and $30.00 for all other city employees.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

G. Consider and act on authorizing the two part time General Maintenance Positions to be paid $15.00/hr.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the two part time General Maintenance Positions to be paid $15.00/hr.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

H. Consider and act on hiring Carson Brown for one of the part time General Maintenance Positions.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize hiring Carson Brown for one of the part time General Maintenace Positions.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

I. Consider and act on authorizing the invoice to Smithenry Trenching for sidewalk replacement on the West side of S. Van Buren St. in the amount of $1,310.00. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the invoice to Smithenry Trenching for sidewalk replacement on the West side of S. Van Buren St. in the amount of $1,310.00.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

J. Consider and act on authorizing the invoice to Jayne Excavating & Welding for work done at the Newton Boys and Girls Park in the amount of $70,980.00. This is reimbursed through the Energy Transition Grant.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the invoice to Jayne Excavating and Welding for work done at the Newton Boys and Girls Park in the amount of $70,980.00. This is reimbursed through the Energy Transition Grant.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

K. Consider and act on authorizing a power cost increase.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize a power cost increase of Electric rates by 5% for Residential, Commercial and Graduated Industrial Accounts and increase the minimum charge that will be calculated as 45 kwh (kilowatt hours) at the first tier for Residential accounts and calculated as 115 kwh at the first tier for Commercial and Graduated accounts. The Industrial rate shall be a rate equal to the City rate. This will take effect June 1, 2024.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Electricity Used For Residential Purposes. (Available to single-family dwelling units for all domestic use.)

For the first 45 KWH used per month at $0.238166 per KWH

For the next 80 KWH used per month at $0.176014 per KWH

For all over 120 KWH used per month at $0.137823 per KWH

The minimum charge for electric service used for residential purposes shall be Ten Dollars Seventy-Two Cents ($10.72) per month for the first forty-five (45) KWH.

Electricity Used For Commercial Purposes. (Available to commercial and non-residential customers for lighting and all power purposes.)

For the first 115 KWH used per month at $0.280071 per KWH

For the next 135 KWH used per month at $0.215316 per KWH

For the next 250 KWH used per month at $0.184050 per KWH

For the next 500 KWH used per month at $0.166181 per KWH

For all over 1,000 KWH used per month at $0.131350 per KWH

The minimum charge for electricity used for commercial purposes shall be Thirty-Two Dollars Twenty-One Cents ($32.21) per month for the first one hundred fifteen (115) KWH. Year 6 – Graduated Industrial Rate as defined in the following billing rate table:

For the first 115 KWH used per month at $0.192064

For the next 135 KWH used per month at $0.159684

For the next 250 KWH used per month at $0.144052

For the next 500 KWH used per month at $0.135118

For all over 1000 KWH used per month at $0.117700

The minimum charge for electricity used for commercial purposes shall be Twenty-Two Dollars and Nine Cents ($22.09) per month for the first one hundred fifteen (115) KWH.

Rates and Charges for Electric System, Utility Taxes and Power Cost

Adjustment Charges apply as defined in the Newton City Code.

9. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the Maintenance Engineering Agreement for the MFT Street Maintenance Program.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Maintenance Engineering Agreement for the MFT Street Maintenance Program.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the Estimate for Maintenance Costs for the MFT Street Maintenance Program (annual general maintenance supplies). Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Estimate for Maintenance Costs for the MFT Street Maintenance Program (annual general maintenance supplies).

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Resolution 24-04 Resolution for MFT Street Maintenance Program.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass Resolution 24-04 Resolution for MFT Street Maintenance Program.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing a time extension request to start new construction, from Mr. Diaz, owner of Lot 18 in Five Aprils Crossing.

Motion was made by Eric Blake, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize a time extension request to start new construction, from Mr. Diaz, owner of Lot 18 in Five Aprils Crossing.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing a $10.00 increase to the 2024 Family Pool Pass of two or more persons.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize a $10.00 increase to the 2024 Family Pool Pass of two or more persons.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on the appointment of Committee Chairman and Committee Members.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the appointment of Committee Chairman and Committee Members.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

G. Consider and act on the appointment of Department Heads.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the appointment of Department Heads.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

The following Department Head Appointments have been made by Joshua J. Kuhl, effective May 1, 2024.

DEPARTMENT HEAD

WATER TREATMENT PLANT & WATER TYLER WEBER WASTE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY BRENT BENEFIEL ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT MATT TARR

STREETS & ALLEYS JOSH OCHS

PARKS & CEMETERY MIKE SCHACKMANN POLICE DEPARTMENT RILEY BRITTON UTILITY COLLECTIONS AMY J. TARR

E.M.A DOUG LONG

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR JOHN STONE

CITY TREASURER MELISSA BROOKS

H. Consider and act on authorizing Department Head hourly wage increase. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize $1.25 hourly wage increase for Department Heads effective May 1, 2024.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

I. Consider and act on authorizing one employee from the City Clerk’s office to attend the Illinois Rural Water Association Administrative Conference in Effingham, Illinois, on July 11-12, 2024. Total seminar fee is $165.00 plus allowable expenses. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize one employee from the City Clerk’s office to attend the Illinois Rural Water Association Administrative Conference in Effingham, Illinois, on July 11-12, 2024. Total seminar fee is $165.00 plus allowable expenses.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

J. Consider and act on authorizing two Newton City Police Officers to attend the Illinois Juvenile Officers Association Annual State Conference and Training in Peoria, Illinois on June 12-14, 2024 for a total cost of $500.00 plus hotel and allowable expenses. Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize two Newton City Police Officers to attend the Illinois Juvenile Officers Association Annual State Conference and Training in Peoria, Illinois on June 12-14, 2024 for a total cost of $500.00 plus hotel and allowable expenses.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

10. STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: Big thank you to Mr. Klier’s 6th grade group for all their hard work staining the Old Mill Bridge and for putting slats up in the fence. Thank you to Mayor Kuhl for buying this great group pizza. This is an incredible group of kids who help many organizations with projects in our community. Reminder that the Strong Boys and Strong Girls will be running next Friday, May 17. If you have time, get out and cheer on these Strong Boys and Strong Girls!

Wright: No comments

Brooks: No comments

Blake: No comments

Swick: Reminder there are grants and money to be applied for. All the new sidewalks in town are looking great. I’ve received many nice comments on the new sidewalks. City Treasurer: No comments

City Clerk: (5 PO’s)

1. Wastewater Department PO #11 to Vandevanter for D.O. Probes and Programming in the amount of $35,797.00.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize Wastewater PO #11 to Vandevanter for D.O. Probes and Programming in the amount of $35,797.00.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

2. Water Department PO #6537 to R.E. Pedrotti for PLC upgrades at the water wells in the amount of $28,091.00.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize PO #6537 to R.E. Pedrotti for PLC upgrades at the water wells in the amount of $28,091.00.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

3. Water Department PO #6538 to R. E. Pedrotti for an ABB Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for the water wells in the amount of $45,257.00.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize PO# 6538 to R.E. Pedrotti for an ABB Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for the water wells in the amount of $45,257.00.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

4. Water Department PO#6539 to Hacker Well & Pump for the cleaning of wells 5 and 7 with Air Scrub in the amount of $29,400.00

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize Water PO#6539 to Hacker Well & Pump for the cleaning of wells 5 and 7 with Air Scrub in the amount of $29,400.00

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

5. Water Department PO#6540 to R.E Pedrotti for SCADA PC and software upgrade with startup and training for a total amount of $16,850.00.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Water Dept. PO#6540 to R.E Pedrotti for SCADA PC and software upgrade with startup and training for a total amount of $16,850.00.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

Notified the council of an upcoming Special Event that will be taking place out at the Fairgrounds in June. This will be on the next agenda for approval. Reminder that City Wide Cleanup is Friday May 17th and Saturday May 18th.

Mayor: Thank you, Gayle and Mr. Klier’s 6th grade group, for all their work at the Old Mill Bridge. Please take advantage of the City Wide Cleanup on May 17th and 18th. If anyone needs help getting items to the cleanup, please reach out to City Hall. Again, the new sidewalks and flowers on the square are all looking wonderful. Lastly, another big thank you to Amy Tarr and Brenda Phillips for all their hard work and time, crunching numbers and building charts for the Electric, and getting everything ready for the rate study.

11. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: May 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

12. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.

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