East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met June 4.

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 Larry Brooks.

Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Larry Brooks.

3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk

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

Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald

Absent: Alderman RJ Lindemann

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 May 21, 2024.

Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the May 21, 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:

• Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

Water and Waste Water Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM

Attendees: Mike Swick, Tyler Weber, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Amy Tarr, Matt Tarr, Gayle Glumac, Maggie McDonald, Matt Carl and Mike Bell

Meeting began at 11:00 AM

• Our current water meter reading system is starting to experience several problems. We are experiencing trouble gathering readings, we have no software support and they are currently unable to deliver product. Matt Carl and Mike Bell, with Midwest Badger Manufacturing, spoke to the committee on a new meter reading system. They work with Orion Meters and Beacon Software. These new systems run off a cellular network to import readings and the software is cloud based. The system also includes several different types of testing over an extended period of time.

• The city has asked for an estimate on what the cellular system would cost to upgrade.

• Pairing up with the Electric Meter System vendor was also discussed. Looking into what all the features are included for water.

Meeting adjourned at 12:34 PM

• Building and Grounds Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Building and Grounds Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 29, 2024 6:00 PM – 6:52 PM Present: Mike Swick, Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann and Maggie McDonald

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.

• There will be a survey conducted on the strip of land West End Reception and Events is wanting to erect a sign for their establishment. We are currently in the process of conducting a lease agreement. Several stipulations for the agreement were discussed.

• Bids for demolition at 200 N. Goble St. are currently at a halt for the moment. An asbestos inspection, and removal if needed, will be done before we begin the demo process. Looking for the demolition bid opening to begin within a few weeks.

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

8. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on Ordinance 23-XX approving the 2022 Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan and Project for Redevelopment Project Area No. 1.

Motion dies for lack of motion.

B. 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 Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize tabling 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. to the July 2, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing a 7-year lease agreement with Coe Equipment for a 2100i Vactor truck in the amount of $85,757.29 per year after a trade in value of $27,500 on the current Vac truck. This payment is to be split between Water and Sewer, with Water payment of $50,000 per year and Sewer payment of $35,757.29 per year.

Motion dies for lack of motion.

D. Consider and act on authorizing a 7-year lease agreement with Coe Equipment for a 2100i Vactor truck in the amount of $90,403.45 per year, to be split between Water and Sewer Departments. This amount includes no trade in value, as the current truck will be sold outright.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize a 7- year lease agreement with Coe Equipment for a 2100i Vactor truck in the amount of $90,403.45 per year, to be split between Water and Sewer Departments. This amount includes no trade in value, as the current truck will be sold outright.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: Blake

E. Consider and act on authorizing the TIF Application for Expert Collision Center, LLC in the amount of $5,000.00, as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the TIF Application for Expert Collision Center, LLC in the amount of $5,000.00, as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing an asbestos inspection for 200 N. Goble St. Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize an asbestos inspection for 200 N. Goble St.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

G. Consider and act on authorizing the purchase of a Drake Scruggs Equipment 2025 Freightliner Bucket Truck with a VST 6000 aerial unit in the amount of $298,930.00. Delivery date for the truck is Fall of 2025, with no payment due until delivered. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the purchase of a Drake Scruggs Equipment 2025 Freightliner Bucket Truck with a VST 6000 aerial unit in the amount of $298,930.00. Delivery date for the truck is Fall of 2025, with no payment due until delivered.

Ayes: Brooks, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: Blake

9. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing a Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for a Grid Resilience Grant.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize a Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for a Grid Resilience Grant. Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

10. STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: I have been going to the pool and doing water aerobics morning and evening. It is awesome and so are the teachers. Just an FYI, lap swim is still open while the water aerobics are in session. I don’t believe there has been one time this year the pool has not been utilized, we’re off to a great start.

Wright: Friendly reminder there is a Meet and Greet Meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 PM at the KC Hall hosted by JEDI. Hope to see everyone there.

Brooks: The sidewalks heading West down Jourdan St. look really nice. Blake: Quick math, line item D plus line item G will equal $931,754.15 and we will still not own a Vac Truck.

Swick: Extremely disappointed we did not receive the Safe Routes to School Grant. Thought we had a great shot. I guess in a few years we will try again.

City Attorney: No comments.

City Treasurer: No comments.

City Clerk: (2 PO’s)

1. Wastewater Department PO #13 to Hoerr Construction for 830’ ft of 8” sewer main relining at $70.00 per linear foot and 6 lateral reinstatements for $750.00 for a combined total of $58,850.00.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Larry Brooks, to authorize Wastewater Department PO #13 to Hoerr Construction for 830’ ft of 8” sewer main relining at $70.00 per linear foot and 6 lateral reinstatements for $750.00 for a combined total of $58,850.00.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

2. Street Department PO# 1003-22 to Hoerr Construction for 602’ ft of 15’’ piping and 35’ ft of 24’’ piping for storm sewer relining in the amount of $66,164.00.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Street Department PO# 1003-22 to Hoerr Construction for 602’ ft of 15’’ piping and 35’ft of 24’’ piping for storm sewer lining in the amount of $66,164.00.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

Like Mike mentioned, it is very upsetting we were not awarded the construction portion of the Safe Routes to School Grant. Want to thank everyone in our community that came together in their efforts to help. The support was phenomenal. Please know we are continuing to work towards other funding opportunities and we may need everyone to pull together again for support when needed. We will be able to apply for this particular grant again in two years. Mayor: There were 143 applicants for the Safe Routes to School Grant. The total requested was $28.9 million. After review and consideration, the State awarded 47 projects totaling $9.8 million. Unfortunately, the City of Newton was not one of them. We were still blessed to be awarded $25,000 for the school to utilize for a safe city day and new crossing guard equipment.

I am grateful for the relationships that continue to grow within our departments and the advanced effort throughout our crews working together to get things done. We are all on the same team, working together for the betterment of this community. I hope you all sitting at this table can also go away proud with who we’ve chosen for department heads to lead our city, because they are all doing a wonderful job. Our summer help employees started last week and I have heard nothing but good reviews. Thank you for allowing them aboard, as we have several projects to get done these next few months with the nicer weather. 11. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: June 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

• Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 immediately following the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting.

• Lights in the Park Committee Meeting on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

12. EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss potential litigation and purchase of real estate pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 6:52 PM.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to go out of closed session and back into open session.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 7:26 PM.

Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed potential litigation and purchase of real estate.

13. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by Eric Blake, seconded by Mike Swick, to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM.

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