East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met June 18.

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 RJ Lindemann. Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman RJ Lindemann.

3. ROLL CALL: Amy Tarr, Deputy Clerk

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

Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Deputy Clerk Amy Tarr

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:

Add Water Department PO# 6541 to Clerk’s comments, add Personnel and Energy Transition Community Grant to executive session.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adopt the amended agenda.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of June 4, 2024.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2024 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Abstain: Lindemann

6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $212,781.21 and the bills and accounts payable earlier today and makes a motion to approve the pre paids and authorize payment of the bills and accounts payable in the amount of $125,353.07. Gayle Glumac seconded the motion.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:

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

Finance/Audit Committee Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

6:01 PM – 6:21 PM

Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM.

• A letter from the IDC was presented regarding details for the upcoming Energy Transition Community Grant Program. The council should be looking into potential projects.

• The proposed appropriations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year were presented and discussed.

Meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.

Those in attendance:

RJ Lindemann – Chairman

Larry Brooks

Melissa Brooks

Kaleb Wright

Maggie McDonald

Gayle Glumac

Mike Swick

Eric Blake

John Stone

Tyler Weber

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

Water and Waste Water Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 immediately following the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting.

Attendees: Mike Swick, Tyler Weber, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Gayle Glumac, Maggie McDonald and John Stone

Meeting began at 6:21 PM.

• The South Van Buren watermain replacement project is to start within the next two weeks. John Stone informed the council that the State will be repaving a section of Illinois State Highway 130. Sidewalks and approaches were discussed.

John Stone left at 6:25 PM.

• RJ Lindemann made a motion to move into Executive Session. Gayle Glumac second the motion.

• The committee went into Executive Session to discuss personnel.

• Mike Swick made a motion to go out of Executive Session. Gayle Glumac second the motion.

• There will be 4 candidates interviewed for the Water Department.

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Submitted by:

Mike Swick - Chairman

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

Lights in the Park Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

5:30 PM – 5:45 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Michael Schackmann, Mindy Hartke, Matt Tarr, Amy Tarr, Melissa Brooks and Larry Brooks

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.

• The committee reviewed the display donation application. Changes will be made and application will be ready for people to submit.

• Plan to have the Lights in the Park available to drive through every day of the week, with volunteers working the donation shed on the weekends. Hope to have a free will donation box set up through the week when no volunteers are present.

• Discussed the need for a few more cameras to cover the area.

Meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM.

Submitted by:

Gayle Glumac – Chairman

9. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing a Dumpster Reimbursement Application for 604 Wilson St. in the amount of $480.00 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize a Dumpster Reimbursement Application for 604 Wilson St. in the amount of $480.00 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Ayes: Lindemanm, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the City Engineer to survey the strip of land between Kennedy Dr. and Illinois State Highway Route 33.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the City Engineer to survey the strip of land between Kennedy Dr. and Illinois State Highway Route 33 with all applicable fees to be paid by West End Reception and Events.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-09, An Amendment to Chapter 11: Electric System. The change to the first tier of the Residential rate of 45 kwh, will generate the third tier to change to 125 kwh, not 120 kwh. 45 + 80 = 125. The intention was obviously 125 kWh, but was missed when sending the final draft for codification.

ERROR CORRECTION

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass Ordinance 24-09, An Amendment to Chapter 11: Electric System. The change to the first tier of the Residential rate of 45 kwh, will generate the third tier to change to 125 kwh, not 120 kwh.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing the Engineer Pay Estimate #1, Final Estimate, in the amount of $105,589.58 to McCarthy Improvement Company for the South Van Buren St. sidewalk project.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Engineer Pay Estimate #1, Final Estimate, in the amount of $105,589.58 to McCarthy Improvement Company for the South Van Buren St. sidewalk project.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: Lindemann

E. Consider and act on authorizing the Engineer Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $116,904.95 to McCarthy Improvement Company for the West Jourdan St. sidewalk project.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the Engineer Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $116,904.95 to McCarthy Improvement Company for the West Jourdan St. sidewalk project.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing Invoice to Stone and Waggoner in the amount of $6,943.20 for final inspection on the South Van Buren St. sidewalk project.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Invoice to Stone and Waggoner in the amount of $6,943.20 for final inspection on the South Van Buren St. sidewalk project.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: Lindemann

G. Consider and act on authorizing Invoice to Stone and Waggoner in the amount of $9,674.81 for final inspection on the West Jourdan St. sidewalk project.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Invoice to Stone and Waggoner in the amount of $9,674.81 for final inspection on the West Jourdan St. sidewalk project.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

H. Consider and act on authorizing MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for BIT Material AC-5 in the amount of $106,645.50 to Lee Kintner and Sons. (Bid letting was June 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.) Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for BIT Material AC-5 in the amount of $106,645.50 to Lee Kintner and Sons. (Bid letting was June 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

I. Consider and act on authorizing MFT Street Maintenance Program bid for Seal Coat AGG CA-16 CR Stone in the amount of $23,128.00 to 3 Sisters Logistics. (Bid letting was June 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.) Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the MFT Street Maintenance Program bid for Seal Coat AGG CA-16 CR Stone in the amount of $23,128.00 to 3 Sisters Logistics. (Bid letting was June 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

10.NEW BUSINESS:

A. Discuss adding accessible pedestrian signals at the intersections of Illinois State Highway 33 and Jackson St. and Illinois State Highway 130 and Van Buren St.

B. Consider and act on authorizing an Agreement with IDOT to add accessible pedestrian signals at the intersections of Illinois State Highway 33 and Jackson St. and Illinois State Highway 130 and Van Buren St. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize an Agreement with IDOT to add accessible pedestrian signals at the intersections of Illinois State Highway 33 and Jackson St. and Illinois State Highway 130 and Van Buren St.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Resolution 24-05, A Funding Resolution to appropriate sufficient funds for the City’s share of the cost for pedestrian signal improvements in the amount of $2,700.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to pass Resolution 24-05, A Funding Resolution to appropriate sufficient funds for the City’s share of the cost for pedestrian signal improvements in the amount of $2,700 that will be paid from the Capital Development Fund.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act authorizing the City Attorney to proceed with vacating the alley running East and West between lots 2 and 3 in Block 17 of the Original Town Subdivision.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with vacating the alley running East and West between lots 2 and 3 in Block 17 of the Original Town Subdivision and vacating all City utility right-of-way pending Sewer Department approval.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing one Alderman and one city employee to attend the IML Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois on September 19-21, 2024 in the amount of $325.00 plus hotel and milage expense. Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize one Alderman and one city employee to attend the IML Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois on September 19-21, 2024 in the amount of $325.00 plus hotel and milage expense.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

11.STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: We’ve been working out at the putt-putt golf area in Peterson Park the last couple of weeks. Cleanup should be complete by Friday, June 21. I invite you to come out, see the improvements we’ve made and play the course. Every utility department helped with cleanup. I appreciate everyone. Also, I want to send out a big thank you to Kathy Collins, Deb Hart and Carolyn Ridgeway for their plant donations for the putt putt golf area.

Our utility departments have been working hard this summer. Thank you for all the projects you’re helping complete.

Wright: I’d like to thank some local businesses: Cobblestone Inn & Suite, Irene’s Vinyard, Joe’s Italian Food, Parklanes, Rolling Smoke. We hosted my dad’s Marine Corps reunion last weekend. Everything flowed smoothly. Hats off to all these businesses for being able to handle 40 Marines.

Brooks: No comment.

Lindemann: Presented Billing and Payment Adjustments to the Council. It is very warm outside. Take advantage of our facilities at the park and utilize the pool.

It is my opinion we should abolish the Capital Development Fund. Finally, I would like to apologize to my voters for my absence from the last meeting. I was out of town on business.

Blake: No comment.

Swick: The City Crews have been out hitting it hard. It’s a little tough going right now with this heat, but their doing a nice job. You can see what’s being done and I’m very appreciative of that. Thank you.

City Attorney: No comment.

City Treasurer: Our auditors were here last week Monday – Thursday. They are finished here at our office, but will be working on our audit back in their own office. They had a lot of questions for us, but we were able to work through them all. Anne Marie hopes to have the audit finalized earlier this year. Everything went really well.

City Clerk: (Read in Clerk Maggie McDonald’s absence) Maggie has received several comments from residents saying how nice the new sidewalks look and they like the edging work being done on W Jourdan.

Please check your email for our new website prototype. Spend some time looking it over and email any needed changes to Maggie by the end of the week. With our website going down as early as tomorrow, June 19, we are hoping the new county-city site goes live the first part of July.

Deputy City Clerk Amy Tarr’s comments: Please share Brenda’s post on FB to help spread the word that the bulk water station is repaired and operational.

Our first utility bills with the new electric rates will go out at the end of the month. Residents and Businesses will see a 5% electric rate increase as well as a bottom tier increase. No one at this table nor anyone working at the City likes to see rate increases. We worked hard evaluating our options and made some tough decisions to keep the increase to a minimum while ensuring a reliable power supply. And the work didn’t stop with this agreement. We are already starting the process for 2025 and beyond. Regardless of what some say, we are working with our citizen’s best interest in mind.

Lastly, I have a PO# 6541 for the Water Department. It is for Vandevanter Engineering in the amount of $7,750.00. This is for a chemical (fluoride & chlorine) feed pipe replacement and reinforcement. There is a 4-week lead time for parts.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann to authorize Water Department PO# 6541 to Vandevanter Engineering for chemical feed pipe replacement and reinforcement for $7,750.00

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

Mayor: I will echo Amy Tarr on the electric rate situation. I appreciate Amy, Brenda, Matt and Gayle’s work on this and keeping us informed. I’ve sat in on some conference calls. Sometimes it seems like 5% isn’t going to be enough. Other situations, it looks as if it is. That’s why we are conducting a rate study. When the results come back, we are going to get both positive and unpopular feedback. Our costs to operate and maintain an electric system is at the forefront. Anyone who has questions or wants to talk about this can reach out to me. I’m more than happy to have those conversations.

The City guys did an amazing job on the parking lot out front of City Hall. The next steps are to look at the metal on the building as well as the steps at the back of the building. Alderman Swick is talking to some people about those projects. I’d like to commend Melissa Brooks, Donna Watkins and Rachel McVicar. The auditors were here last week. In talking with Anne Marie, as usual, she had nothing but positive things to say about these ladies. I didn’t expect any less. So, thank you to you and your team.

Kudos to all our City employees working out in this heat. Attitude and morale is really, really good. These guys are getting a lot of things done. Last week they were busy pouring concrete when a situation came up. I asked them to step up and complete a project before Saturday morning, and it was done. That was a

huge plus. Davis Street was open both Saturday and Sunday during a major ball tournament. I have not received any phone calls from residents who live on Davis Street. I have received a lot of positive feedback from those attending the baseball tournament. They were glad they didn’t have to drive back through all the diamonds to exit the ball park. I am pleased with how this worked out and hope it continues to work well.

Jasper County Fair is next week.

Honey Do Ministries, a group Gayle Glumac works with, will have their summer work week July 8-12. Volunteers complete a lot of worthwhile projects that week.

12.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: July 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

13.EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss purchase of real estate, personnel, Energy Transition Community Grant pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion. Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 6:54 PM.

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

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 7:58 PM.

Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed purchase of real estate, personnel and the Energy Transition Community Grant.

14.ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM.

https://nebula.wsimg.com/bc219ab18de48bed697eb7b807341cbe?AccessKeyId=1E1E639AEF48FED03481&disposition=0&alloworigin=1