East Central Reporter

City of Newton City Council met Sept. 16.

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 Eric Blake.

Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Eric Blake.

3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk

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

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

Absent: Alderman Larry Brooks

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: (Add Julie Alzate and Sarah Diel Kinkade to Public Comments)

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adopt the amended agenda. (Adding Julie Alzate and Sarah Diel Kinkade to Public Comments).

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of September 2, 2025. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $204,414.62 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 $284,194.23. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Julie Alzate: Ms. Alzate spoke to the council regarding an incident that occurred back in May. She has been trying to reach the Mayor to discuss the matter. Her next step was to approach the council. Alderman Wright will be setting up a meeting with Ms. Alzate to discuss the matter. Sarah Diel Kinkade: Sarah Diel Kinkade spoke on behalf of the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce stating how grateful the Chamber is for the City of Newton’s Electric Department, Park Department and Street Department, for all their help with the Fall Festival. She gave a solo shout out to Carson Brown for going above and beyond. Thanked Gayle Glumac for helping with the petting zoo and getting water out in the troughs. The city police department for keeping the parade running smoothly. Thanked Mayor Kuhl for being there to help with whatever was needed throughout the day. Not every town gets what we get. We are able to make these things happen because of all the help we receive from the City of Newton. The Chamber really appreciates it, and thank you all!

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:

• Street and Alley Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Street and Alley Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 3, 2025 5:30 PM – 5:51 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, John Stone, Maggie McDonald, Matt Tarr and Harley Gray

Meeting began at 5:30 PM.

• The committee discussed what the expansion process will look like for the retention pond in Five Aprils. The city engineer will be getting quotes from local contractors for the project. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 PM

Submitted by:

Mike Swick – Chairman

• Personnel Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 immediately following the Street and Alley Committee Meeting.

Personnel Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 3, 2025 5:51 PM – 7:06 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald and Matt Tarr

Meeting was called to order at 5:51 PM.

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

Gayle Glumac makes the motion, RJ Lindemann seconds.

• RJ Lindemann made the motion to go out of executive session and back into open session, Kaleb Wright seconds.

Meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM

Submitted by:

Mike Swick - Chairman

• Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

September 9, 2025 The Zoning Board of Appeals met on September 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Room at Newton City Hall.

Roll call was taken. Present: Lanette Huddleston, Tom Clark, Kenneth Belcher, Ken Albrecht, John Stone and Twyla Harvey. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kenneth Belcher.

• Minutes were read and approved.

• Chairman Albrecht then turned the meeting over to Jared Wagner. Jared requested a Special Use Permit on a property he owns at 405 E. Reynolds. There is a single-family residence on the property and a two story garage which he would like to turn into a duplex. Therefore, there would be 2 primary residences on said property. Jared stated he will put up a fence between the two.

• John Stone stated he had heard from one of the neighbors; she did not have any objections, just asked a couple of questions.

• Twyla Harvey made a motion to grant a Special Use Permit to Jared Wagner and Tom Clark seconded the motion.

• Tom Clark made a motion to adjourn, and Kenneth Belcher seconded the motion. Submitted by: Twyla Harvey

• Electric Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

Electric Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 10, 2025 5:30 PM – 5:57 PM

Present: Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, Mike Swick, Melissa Brooks, Maggie McDonald and Matt Tarr

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.

• Frontier Communication will be installing fiber optic lines throughout Newton. The city does not currently have a Joint Pole Use Agreement with Frontier. The committee discussed charges and stipulations that will be put within the agreement.

• The Electric Department will be getting rid of one of the old bucket trucks. It was recommended by the committee to begin the bidding process.

• The committee discussed the trees in the alley behind 405 and 407 Walnut St. The city needs permission from another homeowner to be on their property to access the trees that need to come down. Mike Swick will be addressing this with the homeowner.

• The City had applied for the second round of a Grid Resilience Grant. Unfortunately, we did receive notice that we were not awarded the second round of the grant.

Meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM.

Submitted by:

Gayle Glumac – Chairman

9. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing the City Engineer to seek quotes for construction at the Retention Pond in Five Aprils Subdivision, as recommended by the Street and Alley Committee.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the City Engineer to seek quotes for construction at the Retention Pond in Five Aprils Subdivision, as recommended by the Street and Alley Committee.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing the use of TIF funds for the construction at the Retention Pond in Five Aprils Subdivision, as recommended by the Street and Alley Committee.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize tabling the use of TIF funds for the construction at the Retention Pond in Five Aprils Subdivision, as recommended by the Street and Alley Committee, to the October 7, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing the City of Newton to seek bids on a 1999 Ford F550 Super Duty Bucket Truck, as recommended by the Electric Committee.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the City of Newton to seek bids on a 1999 Ford F550 Super Duty Bucket Truck, as recommended by the Electric Committee.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Blake, Swick

Nays: Lindemann

D. Consider and act on authorizing the City of Newton to seek bids on a 2011 Ford Crown Victorian.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the City of Newton to seek bids on a 2011 Ford Crown Victorian.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing the City of Newton to seek bids on a 2012 Dodge Charger.

Motion dies for lack of motion.

F. Consider and act on authorizing an annual donation of $5,000 to the Jasper County Museum.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize an annual donation of $5,000 to the Jasper County Museum. This donation will be dispersed October 21, 2025 to October 21, 2030.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

10.NEW BUSINESS:

A. Consider and act on authorizing quote to move gas line on the East side of City Hall.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize tabling the quote to move gas line on the East side of City Hall to the October 7, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

B. Consider and act on authorizing a Fall City Wide Cleanup to be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 and Saturday, October 4, 2025. (Unmanned dumpsters will be located at Earl Dufrain Park and in the back parking lot of City Hall. No electronics and no tires.)

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize a Fall City Wide Cleanup to be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 and Saturday, October 4, 2025. (Unmanned dumpsters will be located at Earl Dufrain Park and in the back parking lot of City Hall. No electronics and no tires.)

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

C. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by Newton Community High School for the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Special Event Application submitted by Newton Community High School for the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

D. Consider and act on passing Resolution 25-09, Resolution for the 2025 Homecoming Parade.

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass Resolution 25-09, Resolution for the 2025 Homecoming Parade.

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

E. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by the Newton PTO for a 5K Color Run to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Sick, to authorize the Special Event Application submitted by the Newton PTO for a 5K Color Run to be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM.

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann

Nays: None

F. Consider and act on authorizing Halloween Trick-or-Treat Night for Friday, October 31, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a rain date of Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize Halloween Trick-or-Treat Night for Friday, October 31, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with a rain date of Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake

Nays: None

11. STATEMENTS BY:

Glumac: Repeat of Sarah’s public comments in thanking all the utility departments for their work helping with the Fall Festival. There was a lot more set up and preparation this year. Lots of people there and everything was set up and ready to go. Commend the Chamber for the awesome job they always do. The parade was packed with people lining the streets on both sides. Thank you to the citizens of Newton for coming out and showing your community support. It was such a wonderful day!

Wright: Thanked the city guys for helping with the set-up of Fall Festival. Everything looked very nice.

Lindemann: Presented the utility adjustments. Expressed extreme sadness of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Prayers for his family and all those invested in what he was doing. Very happy to see all those at the Fall Festival. Had a thought the other day to abolish the Capital Development Fund and lower property taxes by 25%. Blake: No comments.

Swick: Myself, along with the Sewer, Water and Electric Departments met with the architects overseeing the Elementary School addition. Everyone seems to be on the same page in regards to the project plans. It was a very productive meeting.

Mr. Zuber has given the city permission to be on his property in order to remove trees in an alley way.

Tiffany Keller has reached out inquiring about help funding a mural to be painted on the South side of the St. Pierre Oil Building. We will discuss this further in a Finance Committee Meeting.

City Attorney: No comments.

City Treasurer: Has other items to discuss in a Finance Meeting. (Alderman Lindemann scheduled a Finance Committee Meeting for October 7 at 5:30.) City Clerk: 1 PO for the Wastewater Department

1. Consider and act on authorizing the Sewer Department PO# 11 to Lakeside Equipment Corporation for the purchase of new bearings for fine screens at the sewer department in the amount of $5,950.

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the Sewer Department PO# 11 to Lakeside Equipment Corporation for the purchase of new bearings for fine screens at the Sewer Department in the amount of $5,950.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

Thank you to the Chamber for the hard work they put into another successful Fall Festival.

Mayor: Echo all the comments thanking everyone for their help with Fall Festival. Thank you to Sarah Diel, Lea Creadore and the Chamber of Commerce for putting on the event. Thank you to all who participated in the parade. I will say it again, that is one morning you will see people gathering in lawn chairs at 7 AM awaiting the start of the Fall Festival Parade. Thank you, Chief Riddle and the Newton PD, as well as the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office for making sure the parade ran smoothly. Thank you to the city employees for getting things set up and torn down. Special thanks to the Newton Football Team showing up on Friday evening to help vendors set up.

I have spoken with Fire Chief Lindemann today, there is currently no burn ban in place for Jasper County. Please hold off any burning until we get some ample rainfall. I ask that anyone who chooses to burn, please do not leave unattended. 12.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: October 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

• Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM.

13.EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss litigation, sale of real estate and personnel pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.

Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac

Nays: None

Open session suspended at 7:07 PM.

Alderman Lindemann left the meeting at 7:29 PM.

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

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright

Nays: None

Open session resumed at 7:54 PM.

Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed litigation, sale of real estate and personnel

14.ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Blake, Swick

Nays: None

Meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.

https://jaspercountyillinois.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250916-UN-CC-Meeting-Minutes-1.pdf