NEWTON – The Newton City Council tackled a wide range of infrastructure, maintenance and financial matters during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4, approving several projects funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), authorizing improvements to city utilities and parks, and discussing ongoing drainage concerns throughout the community.
During public comments, representatives of the Newton Masonic Lodge asked the council to consider additional TIF assistance to help offset the cost of replacing the roof at the historic lodge building. The organization highlighted its longstanding service and contributions to the Newton community.
Committee reports covered several city operations. The Park, Cemetery and Pool Committee reviewed cemetery policies, discussed concerns with the city’s current mowing contractor and recommended terminating the existing agreement while seeking new bids for the 2027 season. Committee members also decided not to pursue the creation of a pickleball club due to insurance and liability concerns. Officials reported that concrete work between the tennis and pickleball courts is planned in the near future and that the municipal swimming pool remains on schedule to be painted this fall. An update on Lights in the Park revealed preparations will begin the week of Nov. 2, with the Newton Community High School welding class constructing new signs for the annual holiday display.
The Electric Committee received a presentation outlining the city’s long-term electric utility needs. The highest priority identified was replacement of the aging Decatur Street Substation, which has reached the end of its expected service life. Committee members also discussed a new switching software program designed to improve monitoring of the city’s electrical system, the purchase of a reel trailer for the electric department, recent vandalism that caused approximately $4,000 in damage to the Peterson Park pavilion, and the continued evaluation of unused public alleys throughout the city. Alderman R.J. Lindemann also raised the possibility of selling the city’s electric utility, with further discussion planned during a September committee meeting.
The Finance and Audit Committee recommended approval of a $5,000 TIF request for the Newton Masonic Lodge while also discussing a reduced-scope Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant project and future obligations of surplus TIF funds toward several infrastructure improvements.
Among old business, the council awarded the demolition contract for the property at 805 Foster Street to H & K Excavating and Trucking for $9,100. Council members also reviewed plans to improve drainage near the Kibler Condos and Hickory Drive by replacing an undersized storm sewer with a larger concrete pipe. Flooding concerns on Russell Drive were also discussed, with the city planning to work alongside its engineer to improve drainage capacity in the area.
The council approved several TIF-related expenditures, including:
- Up to $5,000 for improvements to the Newton Masonic Lodge.
- $300,000 toward the city’s matching share of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant.
- $125,000 for storm sewer relining from East Reynolds Street to Wilson.
- $105,000 for sanitary sewer relining from Edwards to Owens.
- $40,000 for improvements to the Hooker Lift Station.
- $80,000 for the Washington Street sidewalk replacement project.
A proposed $50,000 allocation toward a TIF extension project failed after no motion was made. Voting on several of the TIF expenditures reflected a split council, with Aldermen Eric Blake and R.J. Lindemann opposing multiple funding measures.
The council unanimously approved terminating the city’s mowing agreement with Noblit Mowing and Digging effective Oct. 17, 2026, and authorized soliciting bids for mowing services at Peterson Park, Earl Dufrain Park and Riverside Cemetery for the 2027 season.
Additional actions included hiring Edward Gonzalez Jr. as a Newton police officer pending completion of required testing, approving the purchase of software for the Electric Department’s Fast Forward Switching Program at an installation cost of $20,000 with a $1,000 annual fee, and approving a special event liquor license for the Newton American Legion’s BBQ Smoke Off Competition scheduled for Aug. 21-22 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.
During closing comments, Alderman Gayle Glumac reminded motorists that school begins Aug. 11 and urged drivers to remain alert for students and school buses. Alderman Lindemann expressed disappointment regarding the demolition of the Jasper County Courthouse and voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund. Mayor Joshua Kuhl also announced the city will assist Newton Elementary School with traffic management during student pickup while construction continues at the school, encouraging residents to use caution as traffic increases with the start of the school year.
The next regular meeting of the Newton City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at Newton City Hall.
