East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Nov. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

• Public Hearing to Vacate the Alley running East and West between Lots 3 & 6 in Block 13 of the Original Town Subdivision of the City of Newton on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

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: 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 amended agenda. (Added Purchase of Real Estate to Executive Session.)

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of October 15, 2024.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the October 15, 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:

• Personnel Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Joshua Kuhl, Rachel McVicar and Maggie McDonald

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.

• Gayle Glumac made a motion to go out of open session and into executive session to interview for the Treasurer Assistant position. RJ Lindemann seconded the motion.

7:14 PM

• RJ Lindemann made a motion to go out of executive session and into open session. Gayle Glumac seconded the motion.

• Reminder of the luncheon that will be held for all city employees on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Police and Building Permits Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday October 23, 2024 at 6:00pm

• Committee moved into executive session to conduct interviews for the Police Chief position.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, Seconded by RJ Lindemann.

• Committee moved out of executive session where interviews for the position of Police Chief were discussed.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, Seconded by Mike Swick.

Meeting adjourned at 8:03pm

Submitted by:

Kaleb Wright – Chairman

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday October 24, 2024 at 6:00pm

• Committee moved into executive session to conduct interviews for the Police Chief position.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, Seconded by Gayle Glumac.

• Committee moved out of executive session where interviews for the position of Police Chief were discussed.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, Seconded by Mike Swick.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm

Submitted by:

Kaleb Wright – Chairman

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM. (Waiting on Minutes)

• City Insurance Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM. City Insurance Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 30, 2024 6:00 PM – 7:46 PM Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.

• The 2025 RMA dues were discussed and presented. It was decided to stick to the usual renewal plan.

• Additionally, the city will investigate getting a supplementary umbrella policy for inventory. Brenda Phillips joined the meeting at 7:18 PM.

• The city’s Luminare Administration Renewal was discussed. We are going to find out when the deadline for renewal will be.

Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

Those in attendance were:

RJ Lindemann - Chairman

Josh Kuhl Melissa Brooks Larry Brooks Eric Blake Matt Tarr Maggie McDonald Gayle Glumac Amy Tarr Jim Closson Brenda Phillips

• Electric Committee Meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 immediately following the City Insurance Committee Meeting.

Electric Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 30, 2024 7:46 PM – 9:43 PM Present: Gayle Glumac, Joshua Kuhl, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Matt Tarr, Amy Tarr, Brenda Phillips and Maggie McDonald

Meeting was called to order at 7:46 PM.

7:46 PM

• Gayle Glumac made a motion to go out of open session and into executive session to discuss municipal power. RJ Lindemann seconds the motion.

8:29 PM

• Gayle Glumac made a motion to go out of executive session and back into open session. RJ Lindemann seconds the motion.

Brenda Phillips left the meeting.

• Matt Tarr talked about looking into an infrared GSI mapping company that conducts thermal imaging. This shows hot spots and hot transformers. It also maps utility assets. This helps with pre disaster preparation, identifying where city assets are currently placed.

• The Electric Department needs to purchase 3 cell modems, one for each substation. These modems transfer the information received from the real time data meters, making the data then viewable.

• There is a need for more storage space, especially now with Lights in the Park. Shipping containers or space rental was discussed.

• Rate of pay within the Electric Department was discussed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:43 PM.

Submitted by:

Gayle Glumac – Chairman

8. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-15 Vacating the Alley Running East and West Between Lots 3 & 6 in Block 13 of the Original Town Subdivision of the City of Newton, Repealing Ordinance 24-13.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright to pass Ordinance 24-15 Vacating the Alley Running East and West Between Lots 3 & 6 in Block 13 of the Original Town Subdivision of the City of Newton, Repealing Ordinance 24-13.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year Audit. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year Audit.

Ayes: Blake, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

Present: Swick

C. Consider and act on authorizing the 2023/2024 TIF Fiscal Year Audit.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the 2023/2024 TIF Fiscal Year Audit.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

Present: Swick

D. Consider and act on authorizing the IML Risk Management Association proposal for the City of Newton Property, Liability and Work Compensation Insurance Coverages in the amount of $99.503.45.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Larry Brooks, to authorize the IML Risk Management Association proposal for the City of Newton Property, Liability and Work Compensation Insurance Coverages in the amount of $99.503.45.

Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

Present: Wright, Swick

E. Consider and act on authorizing the City of Newton to solicit bids for a 2012 Dodge Durango. Bidding will begin Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and end on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Eric Blake, to authorize the City of Newton to solicit bids for a 2012 Dodge Durango. Bidding will begin Wednesday, November 6, 2024 and end on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: Wright

F. Consider and act on authorizing the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Newton Police Department and the Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association beginning May 1, 2024 thru April 30, 2028.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Newton Police Department and the Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association beginning May 1, 2024 thru April 30, 2028.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

G. Consider and act on authorizing the disbursement of funds to Gordan Yager in the amount of $2,393.85 for a Dumpster Reimbursement Application. Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac to authorize the disbursement of funds to Gordan Yager in the amount of $2,393.85 for a Dumpster Reimbursement Application.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

H. Consider and act on authorizing Pay Estimate #3 to Kieffer Brothers Construction Company., Inc. in the amount of $181,112.10 for work on the S. Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Pay Estimate #3 to Kieffer Brothers Construction Company., Inc. in the amount of $181,112.10 for work on the S. Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

I. Consider and act on authorizing the invoice to Stone & Waggoner, PLLC in the amount of $16,982.78 for work on the S. Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the invoice to Stone & Waggoner, PLLC in the amount of $16,982.78 for work on the S. Van Buren Watermain Replacement Project.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

J. Consider and act on authorizing the purchase, installation and labor of three cellular modems, one at each substation, for a total amount of $7,600. These transport readings from the real time data meters.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Eric Blake, to authorize the purchase, installation and labor of three cellular modems, one at each substation, for a total amount of $7,600. These transport readings from the real time data meters.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

K. Consider and act on authorizing two employees from the Electric Department to attend Meter Reading School in Springfield, Illinois from December 3 – 5, 2024. Cost is $525.00 per person plus hotel and allowable expenses. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Eric Blake, to authorize two employees from the Electric Department to attend Meter Reading School in Springfield, Illinois from December 3 – 5, 2024. Cost is $525.00 per person plus hotel and allowable expenses.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

L. Consider and act on authorizing Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Special Event Scare on the Square held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Special Event Scare on the Square held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

9. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing Donna Watkins Letter of Retirement after 13 years of service, with last working day on October 30, 2024.

Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Donna Watkins Letter of Retirement after 13 years of service, with last working day on October 30, 2024.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the hire of Stacy Gray as Assistant Treasurer, with a start date of November 6, 2024.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize hiring Stacy Gray as Assistant Treasurer, with a start date of November 6, 2024.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing to participate in the EPA Community Water Supply Testing Program in the amount of $3,004.30.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize participation in the EPA Community Water Supply Testing Program in the amount of $3,004.30.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing St. Thomas a Special Event Liquor License for a Trivia Night Fund Raiser Event held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

Motion was made by Eric Blake, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize St. Thomas a Special Event Liquor License for a Trivia Night Fund Raiser Event held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

Ayes: Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

10.STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: Big thank you, again, to all that came out and helped with Lights in the Park setup. Good luck to Donna on her retirement.

Wright: No comments.

Brooks: Thanked Donna for her service and hope she enjoys her retirement. Blake: Thanked Donna for her service and hope she enjoys her retirement. Swick: Congratulations to Donna and Welcome to Stacy.

City Attorney: No comments.

City Treasurer: The treasurer’s office has determined that the city would need to levy $721,970 for the tax year 2024. The amount to be levied will not exceed the 2023 tax year levy extended by more than 5%. Wished Donna well and many years of happiness in her retirement and welcome to Stacy.

City Clerk: 1 PO Wastewater Department

1. 1 PO for the Wastewater Department to Vandevanter Engineering for Kaeser Blower Repair in the amount of $14,940.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the PO for the Wastewater Department to Vandevanter Engineering for Kaeser Blower Repair in the amount of $14,940.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

Congratulations to Donna, I hope she enjoys her retirement. Welcome aboard Stacy. Mayor: Big thank you and well wishes to Donna Watkins. Much appreciation to you for your 13 years of service with the City of Newton in our Treasurer Department. She will be greatly missed not only as a coworker but also as a friend. Thank you to all that helped with Lights in the Park. Especially to Gayle, Matt, Garrett and Lane for all their efforts getting the event ready. Really looking forward to seeing it all finished. Thanked the Newton Police Department, Sandy, county deputy’s and the States Attorney for hosting the Shop with a Cop Pork Burger Sale. Thank you to the community for all your support, it was a good turnout. Hope everyone got out and exercised their freedom and right to vote today.

11.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: November 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Joint Review Board Meeting on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

• Public Hearing to Vacate the Alley running North and South between Lots 6 & 7 in Block 8 of the Original Plat in the City of Newton on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 5:30 PM.

12.EXECUTIVE SESSION: Personnel and Purchase of Real Estate Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Eric Blake, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss personnel and purchase of real estate pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 6:24 PM.

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

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 7:21 PM.

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

13.ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:21 PM.

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/241105-UN-CC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf