East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Feb. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER: Attorney William Heap

Attorney William Heap called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Kaleb Wright.

Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Kaleb Wright.

3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk

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

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

Absent: Mayor Joshua Kuhl and Alderman Larry Brooks

4. Attorney William Heap asks for a motion to appoint Alderman Mike Swick as Mayor Pro Tem.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to appoint Alderman Mike Swick as Mayor Pro Tem.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

5. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: (Add Skylar Lindemann to Public Comments and add Potential Litigation to Executive Session.)

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

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

6. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of February 4, 2025.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

7. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $220,662.67 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 $134,026. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion.

Ayes: Blake, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Skylar Lindemann: Updated the council on actions he has taken in regards to the incident that occured on February 11, 2025.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting February 12, 2025 5:30 PM.

Present: RJ Lindemann, Melissa Brooks, Eric Blake, Kaleb Wright, Gayle Glumac, Mike Swick, Joshua Kuhl, Maggie McDonald and Chief Riddle

1. The committee went into executive session to discuss personnel

A. Mike Swick made the motion, Gayle Glumac second

2. The committee moved out of executive session where we discussed personnel

A. RJ Lindemann made the motion, Gayle Glumac second.

3. Discuss sign on bonus incentives and clarify lateral transfer incentives

A. The committee discussed how to implement the sign on bonuses that were passed at the previous city council meeting, as well as clarifying when lateral transfers can access their sick and personnel time within the 1 year of probation.

4. Discussion of Landlord liability for unpaid utilities at their residence

A. The committee discussed the option of having landlords accept liability for tenants' unpaid utilities at their residence. Chief Riddle advised the committee there are many cases of tenants moving addresses with outstanding utilities at other residences and then being able to get new utilities at the new residence.

5. The committee authorized Chief Riddle to pursue a grant for a new squad vehicle. Meeting adjourned at 6:50pm

Submitted by: Kaleb Wright - Chairman

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 immediately following the Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting. Finance/Audit Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 6:54 PM – 7:47 PM

Present: RJ Lindemann, Melissa Brooks, Eric Blake, Kaleb Wright, Gayle Glumac, Mike Swick, Joshua Kuhl, Maggie McDonald, Matt Tarr, Mike Schackmann and Tyler Weber

Meeting called to order at 6:54 PM.

• The tax levy for 2025/2026 was discussed. RJ will be investigating further the possibility of changes. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Submitted by:

RJ Lindemann - Chairman

(Alderman Lindemann did update that he is still doing some independent research on the tax levy and the tax rate. Would still like to speak with the county clerk.)

• Park, Cemetery and Pool Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 immediately following the Finance and Audit Committee Meeting. Park, Cemetery and Pool Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:47 PM – 8:12 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Joshua Kuhl, Kaleb Wright, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Melissa Brooks and Mike Schackmann

Meeting was called to order at 7:47 PM.

• Gayle Glumac made a motion to go out of open session and into executive session to discuss purchase of real estate.

7:55 PM

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

• One of the motors on the pool heater is beginning to not function correctly. The unit is 15 years old and other parts are also showing signs of failure. We will continue to research on the unit and look into pricing. We will also be looking into grants to help with the cost.

• There was discussion of the pickleball courts that will be starting soon. We have also applied for a grant for new fencing around the mini golf course and batting cages and two new pitching machines.

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Submitted by: Gayle Glumac – Chairman

10.OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the Dumpster Reimbursement for 300 S. Sycamore in the amount of $1,269.75 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the Dumpster Reimbursement for 300 S. Sycamore in the amount of $1,269.75 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing a Chamber of Commerce Membership Contribution in the amount of $2,500 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize a Chamber of Commerce Membership Contribution in the amount of $2,500 as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 25-02 Annexation Agreement with Shannon and Crystal Woodard.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass Ordinance 25-02 Annexation Agreement with Shannon and Crystal Woodard.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

11.NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the advertisement for two summer maintenance positions.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the advertisement for two summer maintenance positions.

Ayes: Blake, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the advertisement for pool employees.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the advertisement for pool employees.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing the city attorney to proceed with writing Ordinance regarding owners’ responsibilities to rental properties.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to table authorizing the city attorney to proceed with writing Ordinance regarding owners’ responsibilities to rental properties.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing BHMG to conduct an electric system study. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize BHMG to conduct an electric system study.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to table Resolution 25-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes until after closed session.

Ayes: Blake, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2023 – July 2023. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to table Resolution 25-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2023 – July 2023 until after closed session.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

12.STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: Thanked the city employees for the birthday card.

Wright: No comments

Lindemann: Presented the utility adjustments. Wished everyone good luck at the upcoming candidate forum tomorrow night. Recommends every voter be educated and come watch. Stated his opinion to abolish the Capital Development Fund. Called a Finance and Audit Committee Meeting for Wednesday, February 26, 2025 immediately following the Electric Committee Meeting.

Blake: No comments

City Attorney: No comments

City Treasurer: No comments

City Clerk: (1 PO)

1. Water Department PO# 6544 to Hacker Well and Pump for 3 Grundfos Submersible Pumps for a total cost of $12,000.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Water Department PO# 6544 to Hacker Well and Pump for 3 Grundfos Submersible Pumps for a total cost of $12,000.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Swick: I foresee several matters ahead that will need to be addressed. We all need to work very hard and start paying better attention to what is going on. We as a council need to get on the same page and start heading in the same direction. I’m willing to put in my efforts to get things done and get them done right the first time.

3B General Contracting will be starting the siding project on City Hall the week of March 10th. Mr. Belcher mentioned there were disconnect boxes and LED lights that were not stated in the bid notice. These would be roughly another $1,500 to repair. Gayle or myself will be getting with Matt Tarr to see if this is something we can get done in house.

13.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: March 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Electric Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 immediately following the Electric Committee Meeting.

14.EXECUTIVE SESSION: Closed Session Minutes and Potential Litigation Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss Closed Session Minutes and Potential Litigation pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 6:23 PM.

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

Ayes: Blake, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 6:40 PM.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Swick announced that during closed session the council discussed Closed Session Minutes and Potential Litigation.

10. E. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to pass Resolution 25-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

10. F. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2023 – July 2023. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to pass Resolution 25-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2023 – July 2023.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

15.ADJOURNMENT:

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

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 6:44 PM.

https://www.cityofcaseyil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/870