By Jasper County Daily News
The Newton City Council addressed several financial, infrastructure and community matters during its September 15 meeting, including tax increment financing incentives, repairs to the Yager Lift Station, a proposed Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application and early payment of outstanding bonds connected to the Newton Aquatic Center.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Joshua Kuhl at 6 p.m. Six aldermen were present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake and Mike Swick.
The council approved pre-paid expenses totaling $225,638.88 and authorized payment of bills and accounts payable totaling $276,892.02.
During public comments, John Stone provided an update on the Hickory Drive/Kibler Condos Storm Culvert Replacement Project. Project plans and easement acquisition remain in progress, while the city continues working to determine the appropriate routing for existing water and sewer lines.
Committee Updates
The Electric Committee reported on its September 8 meeting, including discussions with Norris Electric and the city’s current and future electrical system needs.
Matt Tarr provided an update on the city’s substations and explained that a comprehensive substation analysis would identify necessary upgrades and improvements. The committee reached a consensus to proceed with the analysis.
The committee also discussed the planned installation of a Verizon 5G antenna, a boring project on the south side of Curtis Street and keeping AED machines on Electric Department vehicles for emergency response.
The Finance and Audit Committee discussed several matters, including Newton signs, TIF applications and incentives, dumpster reimbursements, the city’s pool bond and a proposed revolving loan for JEDI.
The committee recommended a $5,000 TIF award for Blake Schroedter. It also discussed changes to TIF guidelines that would allow the council to award up to $25,000, with 15% serving as a guideline, for projects exceeding $100,000. The minutes note that such projects remain at the discretion of the council.
The committee also determined that dumpster-related expenses may be eligible for reimbursement when tonnage receipts and landfill tickets are provided.
Alley Vacation and ITEP Grant
The council approved Ordinance 26-11, vacating the public alley running east and west from Walnut Street to Stevens Street in the Anna Stevens Subdivision.
The council also approved Resolution 26-14, supporting the city’s application for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant.
The resolution passed with five votes in favor and one against, with Alderman Lindemann voting no.
The ITEP application is connected to the city’s proposed “Railway to Recreation” project. A public hearing on the grant application was held before the regular council meeting.
Mowing Contract and TIF Applications
The council authorized the 2027 Mowing Season Project Agreement with Triple M Mowing. The motion passed with four votes in favor and two against, with Lindemann and Blake voting no.
The council also approved a TIF application from BS Square, LLC, for property at 101 S. Jackson St. The approved reimbursement is for 15% of the total project cost, up to $14,891.95. The reimbursement will be issued as a one-time payment upon completion of the project and will not be included in the annual TIF increment reimbursement.
The vote was four in favor and two against, with Lindemann and Blake voting no.
A second TIF application for 120 W. Washington St. was approved for up to $5,000. Lindemann voted against the motion.
Yager Lift Station Repairs Approved
The council authorized a $135,396.64 quote from Vandevanter Engineering for repairs at the Yager Lift Station.
The motion passed unanimously, with all six aldermen voting in favor.
The council also approved a $2,772 quote from Effingham Signs and Graphics to reface the city’s Welcome to Newton signs.
Newton Aquatic Center Bonds
The council unanimously approved Resolution 26-15, authorizing the redemption and payment of all outstanding General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Alternate Revenue Source, Series 2016, associated with the Newton Aquatic Center.
All six aldermen voted in favor.
Upcoming Community Events
The council authorized a Fall City Wide Cleanup for Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3. Unmanned dumpsters will be available in the back parking lot of City Hall. The minutes specify that electronics and tires will not be accepted.
The council also approved Newton Community High School’s 2026 Homecoming Parade, scheduled for Friday, September 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and passed Resolution 26-16 concerning the parade.
A special event application from Parklanes was also approved for a Cruise for Cancer and Raffle benefiting the Jasper County Cancer Support Group. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to midnight.
City Updates
City Clerk Maggie McDonald reported that fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the clerk’s office had been installed and were working properly.
The mayor thanked city employees for their additional work during the previous week and offered well wishes for Homecoming week. Kuhl also noted that the artwork on the city’s windows looked great and said he looked forward to welcoming Newton’s 25-year and 50-year classes back for Homecoming.
Alderman Lindemann presented utility adjustments and voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at 6 p.m.
The council entered closed session at 6:51 p.m. to discuss potential litigation and the purchase of real estate. The council returned to open session at 7:07 p.m., with Mayor Kuhl announcing that those two matters had been discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
The minutes provided for this article are marked unofficial and were submitted by City Clerk Maggie McDonald.
