UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
- Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at
5:30 PM.
- CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM. - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman RJ Lindemann
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman RJ Lindemann - 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 - ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: (AMEND: Add Amy Tarr and Jared Wagner to
Public Comments.)
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adopt
the amended agenda, adding Amy Tarr and Jared Wagner to Public
Comments.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None - APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of February 3, 2026.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve
the minutes of the February 3, 2026 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None - APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $265,182.68
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 $152,258.18. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None - PUBLIC COMMENTS: Amy Tarr: City Utility Billing Clerk Amy Tarr extended
her appreciation to City Collector Brenda Phillips and City Clerk Maggie
McDonald for their professionalism and assistance during the recent utility billing
delivery delay.
Jared Wagner: Mr. Wagner provided an extensive, chronological review of the
City’s demolition reimbursement program, starting from first inception in 2022.
He emphasized how the program was created. How Lindemann drafted the
application. How the application was amended, and eventually approved
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
unanimously by the Council through Ordinance 23-07, and how the program’s
intent was to incentivize demolition of dangerous and dilapidated properties.
Mr. Wagner has submitted multiple applications in full compliance.
Providing all written requirements, including proof of ownership, estimates,
inspections, and receipts. He noted that similar applications from other
individuals, including those who paid themselves or used their own companies
for labor and equipment, did not get the same “special treatment” he received.
They have never had their name drug through the mud and slandered on social
media. Lindemann’s actions and behavior have been childish and malicious, and
this council has fostered this environment.
Wagner stated how his application for 801 W. Jourdan Street was denied
despite meeting all the criteria. He was trying to bring a day care into the
community. Yet, one council member consistently voted against his application
and treated him differently than other applicants. Jared stated he was very
grateful for the up to $2,500 dumpster reimbursement he was awarded for the
property.
Mr. Wagner strongly disputed the written and verbal statements made by
Alderman Lindemann during and after the February 3, 2026 council meeting,
calling him factually incorrect. Wagner specifically denied the following claims
made by Lindemann: Claims that reimbursements were “explicitly forbidden” for
multiple properties. That his estimates were excessive or changed “on the spot”.
The approvals were illegal or improperly influenced by the mayor. That he paid
himself improperly or failed to provide verifiable costs. That there was political
corruption or a conflict of interest involving the mayor’s association with his
business.
Wagner stated all expenses were documented, recordable, and verifiable,
and that he paid his employees, not himself, for the work. He had objected to
requests for disclosure of hourly labor rates, due to competitive harm and the
inconsistency of enforcement required from other applicants.
Wagner concluded, he is not out seeking the “special treatment” he
himself, his family and his businesses have been subject to. Only equal
treatment of the program rules. He urged the council to improve their
professionalism, accuracy and fairness in their public statements and their future
administration of the demolition reimbursement program.
- COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:
- Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
(Minutes can be found at jaspercountyillinois.gov.) - Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:30
PM.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
Finance and Audit Committee Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 5:30 PM – 6:02 PM
Present: RJ Lindemann, Kaleb Wright, Eric Blake, Melissa Brooks, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Amy
Tarr and Joshua Kuhl
Bill Heap arrived at 5:38 PM.
- It was recommended that the TIF Application submitted by BS Square, LLC be approved as
presented. Up to $14,891.95 was the recommended amount to be awarded. - Quotes for new copiers were discussed. it was recommended to move forward with quotes from
Watts. - The Union has reached out to begin preliminary talks with the city. Councilman Swick will provide
updates as they develop.
Adjourned at 6:02 PM
Submitted by: RJ Lindemann – Chairman
- OLD BUSINESS:
A. Open sealed bids for Mowing Project at Earl Dufrain Park, Peterson Park and
Riverside Cemetery. (10 sealed bids were submitted.)
B. Consider and act on awarding the Mowing Project Bid.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to table
awarding the Mowing Bid Project to the March 3, 2026 meeting of the
Newton City Council.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann
Nays: Blake
C. Consider and act on authorizing the TIF Application submitted for Lot 7 of the
Industrial Park by Belcher Self Storage, LLC.
Motion dies for lack of motion.
10.NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing the TIF Application submitted for 101 S.
Jackson St. by BS Square, LLC.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to
authorize the TIF Application submitted for 101 S. Jackson St. by BS
Square, LLC. as recommended by the Finance and Audit Committee.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on authorizing quote for 3 new copiers at City Hall and the
Police Department.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to
authorize the quote for three (3) new copiers at City Hall and Police
Department from Watts for a 60-month lease in the amount of $182.58
per month plus the monthly full coverage maintenance program
expense. This purchase will begin in the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.
Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
C. Consider and act on passing Resolution 26-01 Concerning Closed Session
Minutes.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to
table passing Resolution 26-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes
until after Executive Session.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
D. Consider and act on passing Resolution 26-02 Authorizing the Destruction of
Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2024 through August
2024.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to
table passing Resolution 26-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed
Session Audio Recordings between February 2024 – August 2024 until
after Executive Session.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann
Nays: None
E. Consider and act on passing Resolution 26-03 Authorizing the Sale of
Surplus Public Real Estate.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to pass
Resolution 26-03 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Public Real Estate.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
F. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Permit Application
submitted by Newton American Legion Post #20 to host an Easter Egg Hunt
at Peterson Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
with a rain date of Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to
authorize the Special Event Permit Application submitted by Newton
American Legion Post #20 to host an Easter Egg Hunt at Peterson Park
on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a rain date
of Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
G. Consider and act on authorizing two officers of the Newton Police Department
to attend the IJOA & IDOA Annual State Conference in Bloomington, Illinois
from June 3 – 5, 2026. Total cost is $525 plus hotel and allowable expenses.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to
authorize two officers of the Newton Police Department to attend the
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
IJOA & IDOA Annual State Conference in Bloomington, Illinois from
June 3 – 5, 2026. Total cost is $525 plus hotel and allowable expenses.
Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
11.STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: With the nice weather approaching, please keep a look out for our electric
guys. They will be out working on the poles and transformers fixing all lines and
correcting all the problems that were found during the Fast Forward automated thermal
inspection and line patrol.
Wright: No comments.
Lindemann: Thanked the Lord for the warm weather we are having. Wished everyone
a reflective Lent. Voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund. Presented utility
adjustments.
Blake: Would like council members to consider their constituents when it comes to
awarding the mowing bid project. Lots of money to waste.
Swick: No comments.
City Attorney: No comments.
City Treasurer: No comments.
City Clerk: 1 PO
- Street Department PO# 1003-22 to Clarke Mosquito Control Products four
(4) cases of Natular XRT Mosquito Tablets in the amount of $5,574.03.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Eric Blake, to
authorize the Street Department PO# 1003-22 to Clarke Mosquito
Control Products four (4) cases of Natular XRT Mosquito Tablets in
the amount of $5,574.03.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Everyone please make note the March 17, 2026 City Council Meeting will be held on
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM. This is due to OMA amendment prohibiting
public bodies from holding or scheduling a regular or special meeting on the day of a
general primary, general, consolidated primary or consolidated election.
Mayor: Echoed Amy Tarr’s public comments, thanking the girls in the Clerks office.
Also, Amy, this includes you and all your diligent efforts and extra work making phone
calls trying to find the bill cards and figuring out a way to get those reprinted and sent
back out.
12.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: March 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
- Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February
18, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
- Bid opening for the Electric Line D Circuit on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at
2:00 PM.
13.EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to go out of
open session and into closed session to discuss closed session minutes
pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to
those areas of discussion.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann
Nays: None - Chief Riddle updated the council informing them both newly hired officers were
doing very well.
Open session suspended at 7:20 PM.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to go out
of closed session and back into open session.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 7:22 PM.
Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed closed session
minutes.
10C. Consider and act on passing Resolution 26-01 Concerning Closed
Session Minutes.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass
Resolution 26-01 Concerning Closed Session Minutes from February
2024 – August 2024.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
10D. Consider and act on passing Resolution 26-02 Authorizing the
Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings between February 2024
through August 2024.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to pass
Resolution 26-02 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Session Audio
Recordings between February 2024 – August 2024.
Ayes: Wright, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
February 17, 2026
Nays: None
- Alderman Lindemann was approached by Terry Smithenry asking for an update
on the sewer installation bill for the Wad It Up project. Lindemann informed him
the council had directed Doug Weddell to submit a TIF Application asking for
reimbursement on the expense in the amount of $5,000. Mr. Weddell stated he
was not going to submit another application. Mr. Smithenry asked Lindemann to
please bring this up to the council for reconsideration. Council confirms stance
with direction to submit another TIF Application to help offset the cost.
14.ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to
adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.
Submitted by:
Maggie McDonald
City Clerk
