East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Aug. 19.

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, RJ Lindemann and Mike Swick

Also present: Attorney William Heap and City Clerk Maggie McDonald Absent: Alderman Eric Blake and Treasurer Melissa Brooks

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: Amend – Add Jennifer Hinterscher and Anthea Zumbahlen to Public Comments.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adopt the amended agenda.

Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

Alderman Kaleb Wright arrives at 6:02 PM.

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of August 5, 2025.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $473,928.75 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 $143,551.30. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion.

Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jennifer Hinterscher and Anthea Zumbahlen with the Jasper County Museum: Jennifer Hinterscher and Anthea Zumbahlen have taken on the task of revamping The Jasper County Museum. In 2023, the Newton Library started making plans that would require them to need the space in their building that the museum was located. The museum has since found a new location at the old Crooked Creek building. Along with that, comes rent and other expenses. In the past, the city has had a history of being a supporter of the Jasper County Museum. Mrs. Hinterscher and Mrs. Zumbahlen are requesting a budgeted yearly donation from the city in the amount of $5,000 to help support the museum with rental expenses. They will also be approaching the county with the same request. With the security of rent being covered, they would be able to use any grant funding and other donations towards exhibits, workshops and other events to help bring people to the museum. Having the museum also benefits the community. These individuals are very passionate and take pride in preserving the history of Jasper County and our community. The council will be scheduling a finance committee meeting to discuss their request.

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Monday, August 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 6:30 PM – 6:56 PM Present: Kaleb Wright, Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Mike Swick, Eric Blake, Maggie McDonald, Joshua Kuhl and Jim Riddle

1. Go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel

a. RJ Lindemann makes the motion, Larry Brooks seconds.

2. Go out of Executive Session and back into Open Session

a. RJ Lindemann makes the motion, Larry Brooks seconds.

Meeting adjourned at 6:56 PM.

Submitted by: Kaleb Wright - Chairman

• Personnel Committee Meeting on Monday, August 12, 2025 immediately following the Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting.

Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, August 12, 2025 6:57 PM – 7:53 PM Present: Joshua Kuhl, Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald and Amy Tarr

Meeting was called to order at 6:57 PM.

• The committee moved to go out of open session and into closed session.

Eric Blake makes the motion, Kaleb Wright seconds.

• Mike Swick made the motion to go out of executive session and back into open session, Gayle Glumac seconds.

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM

Submitted by: Mike Swick - Chairman

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Monday, August 12, 2025 immediately following the Personnel Committee Meeting.

Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Minutes August 12, 2025 7:54 PM – 8:23 PM Present: RJ Lindemann, Joshua Kuhl, Gayle Glumac, Maggie McDonald, Kaleb Wright, Melissa Brooks, Larry Brooks, Eric Blake, Mike Swick and Tyler Weber

• The OSLAD Grant projects and Safe Routes to School Grant were discussed.

• The purchase of the backhoe was discussed. It was decided to purchase the equipment.

• The purchase of the tractor was discussed. It was decided to purchase the equipment.

• The administrative fee to JEDI for TIF applications was discussed. It was decided to remove the fee. It will be voted on next meeting.

• Demolition reimbursements for 205 E. Harris St. and 409 Stevens St. were discussed. Both applications were rejected.

Adjourned at 8:23 PM

Submitted by: RJ Lindemann - Chairman

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Minutes August 18, 2025 6:03 PM – 6:40 PM Present: RJ Lindemann, Joshua Kuhl, Gayle Glumac, Melissa Brooks and Anne Marie Clark • The Audit was discussed. No changes were needed and no issues were found. Adjourned at 6:40 PM

Submitted by: RJ Lindemann - Chairman

9. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the purchase of a 2020 New Holland B95C Backhoe in the amount of $38,365.22 split between the Water and Wastewater Departments.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the purchase of a 2020 New Holland B95C Backhoe in the amount of $38,365.22 split between the Water and Wastewater Departments.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the purchase of a 2019 New Holland T6.165 Tractor in the amount of $47,345.59 split between the Street and Wastewater Departments.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the purchase of a 2019 New Holland T6.165 Tractor in the amount of $47,345.59 split between the Street and Wastewater Departments.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Audit. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Audit.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on authorizing the 2024-2025 TIF Fiscal Year Audit. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the 2024-2025 TIF Fiscal Year Audit.

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing the removal of the 1% administrative fee given to JEDI received from approved TIF applications.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the removal of the 1% administrative fee given to JEDI received from approved TIF applications. Effective August 19, 2025. Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing the city attorney to proceed with legal action regarding removal of the structure located in the alley between 103 and 105 E. Morgan.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the city attorney to proceed with legal action regarding removal of the structure located in the alley between 103 and 105 E. Morgan.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

10.NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for the OSLAD Grant.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb wright, to authorize the Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for the OSLAD Grant.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for the Safe Routes to School Grant.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Grant Writing Agreement with SCIRPDC for the Safe Routes to School Grant.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-05 Concerning Closed Session Minutes.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to table passing Resolution 25-05 Concerning Closed Session Minutes from August 2023 through January 2024 to after closed session.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-06 Authorizing the Destruction of Audio Recordings of Closed Meeting Sessions.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to table passing Resolution 25-06 Authorizing the Destruction of Audio Recordings of Closed Meeting Sessions from August 2023 through January 2024 to after closed session.

Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing one employee from the clerk’s office to attend the 2025 Illinois Institute and Academy for Municipal Clerks in Bloomington, IL., October 6-10, 2025. Only cost is hotel and allowable expenses.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize one employee from the clerk’s office to attend the 2025 Illinois Institute and Academy for Municipal Clerks in Bloomington, IL., October 6-10, 2025. Only cost is hotel and allowable expenses.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks

Nays: Lindemann

11. STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: Thanked Tammy Michls for having the first responders’ event on Saturday. I would like to personally thank all of our first responders, from police, fire to EMS. It has been a tough year but they keep going in when others would run out. Thank you all for stepping up in what can sometimes feel like a thankless job. School is back in session. Thank you to everyone for keeping an eye out for the kids and to the police for monitoring traffic.

Wright: No comments.

Brooks: No comments.

Lindemann: Presented the utility adjustments. Thank you to everyone who helped with Cruise Night. Very well attended event. Feels the Capital Development Fund should be abolished and would like to lower property taxes.

Swick: Wants to keep moving on the retention pond situation South of Five Aprils Subdivision. Will be getting with John Stone to get a cost estimate together. City Attorney: No comments.

City Clerk: (1 PO)

1. Consider and act on authorizing the Electric Department PO# 36-30 to Midwest Tractor Sales for the purchase of a 2025 Erskine 901778 Stump Grinder with a John Deere Harness Adapter in the amount of $7,900.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the Electric Department PO# 36-30 to Midwest Tractor Sales for the purchase of a 2025 Erskine 901778 Stump Grinder with a John Deere Harness Adapter in the amount of $7,900.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

Reminder that the City Clerks Office and Treasurer’s Officer have permanently changed our office hours to 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. You can still always use our drop box for payments, pay at your local bank, pay online or come in and see us! Mayor: Thank you to Jasper County Chamber of Commerce for hosting another wonderful Cruise Night event. Very well attended, even with the heat. Thank you to Tammy Michl. I want to express my gratitude, to not only Tammy but all of our first responders, as she selflessly recognized our first responders last Saturday on our courthouse lawn. Coming up this weekend is the 2nd Annual BBQ Competition at the fairgrounds. Last year brought in a lot of people. If you have an opportunity Friday night, and/or Saturday, please attend. I was asked to be a judge last year and I will say it was a very cool event. Media Night for the fall sports is Friday night at the high school. Happy one week of school! Equip-It is the new business going out in the Industrial Park. If you are out and about that way you will see they have started dirt work. Very exciting to see some movement down there. Lastly, I was in contact with Dollar General’s Disaster Specialist on August 13th. I have given them 15 days to get something done there; otherwise, legal action will be taken. They responded stating they are having an assessment done within 24 hours to formulate a plan for the removal of the contents, that they will execute ASAP, and they hope to meet or exceed the 15- day deadline. I will follow up with them for updates tomorrow.

12.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: September 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Public Hearing for OSLAD Grant on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 5:30 PM. • Public Hearing for the Safe Routes to School Grant on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 immediately following the Public Hearing for the OSLAD Grant. • Zoning Board of Appeals Committee Meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 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 closed session minutes, litigation and personnel pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 6:52 PM.

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

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 7:32 PM.

Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed closed session minutes, litigation and personnel.

10.(C.) Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-05 Concerning Closed Session Minutes.

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass Resolution 25-05 Concerning Closed Session Minutes from August 2023 through January 2024.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann

Nays: None

10.(D.) Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-06 Authorizing the Destruction of Audio Recordings of Closed Meeting Sessions.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass Resolution 25-06 Authorizing the Destruction of Audio Recordings of Closed Meeting Sessions from August 2024 through 2024.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick

Nays: None

14.ADJOURNMENT:

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

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Glumac

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250819-UN-CC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf