East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Sept. 17.

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: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk

Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake (arrived at 6:05 PM.) and Mike Swick

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

Absent: Kaleb Wright

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adopt the proposed agenda.

Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of September 3, 2024.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2024 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $347,428.47 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 $460,051.77. Mike Swick seconded the motion. Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Brooks Nays: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:

Personnel Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 6:06 PM - 7:34 PM

Present: Kaleb Wright, Joshua Kuhl, Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Buddy Parker, Greg Coker, Adam Bridges, Sandy Dhom, Jim Riddle, Sean Brody and Sarah Carter

Meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM.

The committee met with the Policemen's Benevolent Labor Committee to discuss union contract negotiations.

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM

Submitted by:

Kaleb Wright - Chairman

9. 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 RJ Lindemann, 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 November 19, 2024 City Council Meeting.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

(Eric Blake joins the meeting 6:05 PM.)

B. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-13 Vacating the Alley Running East and West Between Lots 3 & 5 in Block 13 of the Original Town Subdivision in the City of Newton.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to pass Ordinance 24-13 Vacating the Alley Running East and West Between Lots 3 & 5 in Block 13 of the Original Town Subdivision in the City of Newton. With verbal agreement from homeowner allowing adjoining neighbor to continue to utilize for passing through.

Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-14 Authorizing the Sale of Lot 4 in Five Aprils Crossing to Patrick and Justina Earnest.

Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Mike Swick, to pass Ordinance 24-14 Authorizing the Sale of Lot 4 in Five Aprils Crossing to Patrick and Justina Earnest.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing a Grant Writing Agreement with South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission (SCIRPDC) for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize a Grant Writing Agreement with South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission (SCIRPDC) for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Brooks

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on passing Resolution 24-12 Committing Funds for the ITEP Grant.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Larry Brooks, to pass Resolution 24-12 Committing Funds for the ITEP Grant.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing Pay Estimate #2 to Kieffer Brothers Construction Co., in the amount of $284,569.20 for work completed on the South Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Pay Estimate #2 to Kieffer Brothers Construction Co., in the amount of $284,569.20 for work completed on the South Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Brooks, Blake

Nays: Lindemann

G. Consider and act on authorizing the Invoice to Stone & Waggoner, PLLC in the amount of $25,111.60 for the work completed on the South Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Invoice to Stone & Waggoner, PLLC in the amount of $25,111.60 for the work completed on the South Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: Lindemann

10. NEW BUSINESS: None

11.STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: The chamber went above and beyond this year on the Fall Festival. Believe there were 67 parade entries with 15 bands. My church alone gave out over 700 bottles of water that day, not including what the chamber provided. All the bands were very appreciative. I can't thank Sarah, her President and board enough, for making the day such an enjoyment for our community! Thank you to all the city guys for being there to call on and extra help making the day a success. I'm proud of all the team efforts and for Newton!

Brooks: No comments.

Lindemann: Hope everyone enjoyed the Fall Festival. Presented the utility adjustments. Voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund.

Blake: No comments.

Swick: Thank you to the chamber, all the city employees and police force for their hard work at the Fall Festival. One of the biggest crowds I've ever seen. The Superintendent, Mrs. Guzman and myself went and picked out bikes for the Safe Routes to School Grant. Thank you to Mrs. Guzman for your input helping Joe and I pick out some terrific bikes for our students. The School Safety Day will be held on October 22, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

City Attorney: No comments.

City Treasurer: No comments.

City Clerk: Thank you to the chamber for all your hard work put in making the Fall Festival such an amazing day! Thank you to the city guys and all you do for this event. It was such a wonderful turnout and I can't wait for next year.

Mayor: Thank you to the chamber and our city employees, the Fall Festival was an amazing turnout. Phenomenal job on everyone's part! Thank you to St. Thomas' 8th grade class for cleaning up after the parade. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Wright. Wishing you many years of happiness!

12. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: October 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

13. ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 6:22 PM.

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240917-CC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf