Council also approves $36,634 for pool repairs and sets Halloween trick-or-treat hours
The Newton City Council approved a $15,000 contribution to a revolving loan fund, authorized three tax increment financing (TIF) applications for properties on West Washington Street and approved $36,634 in pool painting and repairs during its Oct. 6 meeting.
The council also established Halloween trick-or-treat hours for Friday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with Saturday, Oct. 31, designated as the rain date.
City Attorney William Heap called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in the absence of Mayor Joshua Kuhl. Alderman Michael Swick was appointed mayor pro tem following a motion by Alderman RJ Lindemann, seconded by Alderman Gayle Glumac. Aldermen Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Lindemann and Glumac voted in favor.
Loan fund contribution approved
Council members unanimously approved a one-time $15,000 contribution to the Revolving Loan Fund administered by Jasper Economic Development Inc. (JEDI). The contribution was recommended by a majority of the Finance and Audit Committee.
The committee discussed the fund during its Sept. 29 meeting and recommended matching the county’s $15,000 contribution.
The Finance and Audit Committee also reviewed three remaining TIF applications submitted by Blake Schroedter and recommended approval of the applications.
All three applications involve properties on West Washington Street.
For 114 W. Washington St., the council approved reimbursement of 15% of the total project cost, up to $12,300. Reimbursement will be made annually based on the incremental tax increase following completion of the project.
For 116 W. Washington St., council approved 50% of the total project cost, up to $5,000.
For 118 W. Washington St., council approved 15% of the total project cost, up to $10,171.95, with reimbursement made annually based on the incremental tax increase after project completion.
Wright made the motions for all three applications, with Glumac seconding each. Swick, Wright, Brooks and Glumac voted in favor of each application, while Lindemann voted against all three.
Pool repairs approved
Under old business, the council unanimously approved an invoice of $36,634 to Dreyer Painting for painting and repairs at the city swimming pool. Lindemann made the motion, and Glumac seconded it.
City continues insurance review
The council received reports from recent committee meetings, including a city insurance meeting held Oct. 5.
During that meeting, Kate Passalacqua of Weis Insurance presented a proposed new health insurance plan for city employees. Several questions about the proposal remained unanswered, and employees expressed opposition to making a change at that time.
The insurance committee will continue evaluating health insurance options and alternative methods of funding employee health insurance.
The Finance and Audit Committee also discussed a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant. The city plans to contact property owners to identify potential eligible projects.
Utility updates and city projects
Deputy City Clerk Amy Tarr reported that the Electric Department has completed installation of Vision electric meters throughout Newton.
The Water Department has provisioned 938 Beacon water endpoints. Customers whose utility accounts begin with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 12 can now download the EyeOnWater app to monitor water usage and establish leak-alert preferences.
The city will provide updates on its Facebook page as additional routes are converted.
Tarr also thanked residents and organizations who submitted letters of support for the city’s 2026 Railway to Recreation Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application. The city received 60 letters from sixth-grade classes at Newton Elementary and 17 letters from local organizations and community members.
Several city utility departments have also worked together to pour concrete near the basketball, tennis and pickleball courts at Peterson Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Swick praised city crews and staff for their work, noting improved cooperation among departments and thanking employees for their efforts on community projects and daily city operations.
Budget transfers approved
The council approved three appropriation amendments presented by City Treasurer Melissa Brooks.
The General Fund’s police appropriations were amended by transferring $1,000 from the Police Contingency Fund to the Miscellaneous Expense line item.
The Electric Fund appropriations were amended by transferring $25,000 from the Electric Contingency Fund to Equipment Rental.
The Water Fund appropriations were amended by transferring $25,000 from the Water Contingency Fund to Improvements – Distribution.
All three transfers were approved unanimously.
During statements by council members, Glumac commented positively on homecoming and the recent football game. Lindemann voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund.
The council also approved the minutes of its Sept. 15 meeting and heard no public comments.
Before adjournment, members entered closed session at 6:22 p.m. to discuss the purchase of real estate under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The council returned to open session at 6:41 p.m., and Swick announced that the discussion had concerned the purchase of real estate.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
The next regular Newton City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m.
