UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mark Bolander, Mayor Mayor Mark Bolander called the meeting to order.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Larry Brooks. Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Larry Brooks.
3. ROLL CALL: Rosetta York, City Clerk Physically present: Gayle Glumac (arrived at 6:04), David Brown, Larry Brooks, Robert Riesner, Eric Blake and Marlene Harris Also present: Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Clerk Rosetta York Not present: Attorney William Heap
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: Item #6 add Lee Beckman, Delete Item 7B, Item # 11 Correct to August 18, 2020 and #12 Add Purchase of Real Estate and delete personnel Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Reisner, to adopt the amended agenda. Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of July 21, 2020.
Motion was made by Reisner, seconded by Harris, to approve the minutes of the July 21, 2020 meeting of the Newton City Council. Ayes: Brooks, Reisner, Blake, Harris, Brown Nays: None Gayle Glumac arrived at 6:04
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: Lee Beckman
In regards to the City of Newton’s 2016 ITEP project. We have still been pursuing the ITA/Conservation plan through the State. This has been a lengthy process.
• The ITA has been delayed a few times due to difficulty getting the ITA published per the requirements through IDNR. We have had three attempts at publication. We will move forward with a 4th time.
• There has been discussion as far as how to proceed with the “mitigation” portion of
the ITA. We have a few known options: o Monetary mitigation – There was a past mitigation that was done on a bridge immediately downstream of this project, which involved “Monetary mitigation” (basically a check written to IDNR). It is unknown the exact amount. However, I have just asked the question to determine what this will be.
o Dam removal-This will involve another ITA/conservation plan, likely
lengthy permitting process, and other likely issues. This will likely cost
more in the end than the “Monetary mitigation” named above.
o We have discussed placing signage at the site for making awareness of the species and their endangered status. The IDNR seemed interested in the option, but have not given any approval. This may need to be done in combination with a monetary mitigation as well.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on 20-06 Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget.
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Brown, to pass 20-06 Resolution
Amending the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Budget.
Ayes: Reisner, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on the IMRF contribution per cent rate.
8. NEW BUSINESS: None
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Finance
Committee Meeting on August 3, 2020 and JEDI on August 4, 2020.
Harris-Finance:
Christine Fine spoke on the IMRF contributions. She informed us how the contributing rate was figured. The city is now paying 12.01% of employer contributions to IMRF. Rate is being lowered to 11.68%. We discussed leaving it at 12.01%, to avoid a large jump in the future, but after the discussion with Christine it will be tabled.
Christine is to discuss contribution with lawyer Mark Nannini, and will get back to us. In other matters Melissa Brooks spoke on a salary and wage ordinance for the council that was suggested by Bill Heap. Adjourned at 6:43 PM.
Harris-JEDI: Excepts from Amber Volk’s JEDI meeting minutes.
JEDI visited Secondhand Dans after meeting.
a. Amber Volk, Executive Director
i. Vistra Energy donated pandemic relief funds to JEDI for grants to Jasper County, Illinois businesses. “Limited $1,500 grants will be available. Must be a business located in Jasper County, Illinois. Must currently be in business.
Only one entry per business. Any grant awarded must be used towards the business.
Deadline for application entries is August 31st, 2020 by 5pm. Completed applications can be mailed to: Box 165, Newton, IL. 62448, emailed to: jaspercountyjedi@gmail.com, dropped off at the City Hall’s drop box located at 108 N. Van Buren St. #A, Newton, IL. 62448, or the drive up at the Jasper County Government building located 204 W. Washington St. Newton, IL. 62448”
1. Hard copies of the grant can be picked up at City Hall in Newton, Dieterich
Bank drive-up, Peoples State Bank drive-up, Jasper County Government
Building drive-up.
ii. Next Marketing meeting will be August 18th at 10am at the Chamber building.
iii. Adrian Guzman has created a simple short virtual reality video to show how it can be
used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6DYj6GnDfU
1. Currently working on receiving a sample of a cardboard virtual goggle that
would be sent to potential businesses.
b. Mark Bolander, Mayor of Newton
i. The Marketing Committee has hired Amber Wakefield as our Marketing Director.
ii. Community Banks, Chamber, & JEDI worked hard to help our businesses during this
pandemic. Thank you.
c. Ron Heltsley, Jasper County Board Chairman
i. Currently working on the budget.
ii. Next County Board meeting is August 13th @ 7pm.
d. Andy Johnson, Superintendent of Jasper County Unit #1.
i. School starts Tuesday the 11th with staff and Wednesday the 12th with students. Will
have 90% of students attending in person. The District is offering remote learning. We
are following mandates from the State.
ii. Working on purchasing 20 hotspots for students.
iii. Will be playing sports.
iv. Looking for 3 custodians and 1 part time secretary.
1. Comments from those attending the meeting.
a. Jason Warfel: Due to the early dismissal of school, should we consider changing the time for
the monthly JEDI meetings?
i. All were in agreeance.
2. Motion to change the monthly JEDI meetings from the first Tuesday of the month at 1:15pm to
the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30am made by Jason Warfel, second by Doug Weddell,
and motion passed.
10. STATEMENTS:
Council Members:
Glumac: She had reviewed the bill for electrolyte replacement beverages. Comparing the
price to last year’s purchase. The shipping and handling had increased substantially. She
recommended to check the shipping and handling charges next year. The departments do share the cost of electrolyte replacement beverages.
Brown: Congratulations to Robert Coad for receiving his High School diploma at 96 years old.
Brooks: No comments
Reisner: Asked if anyone had an update on the new “Welcome to Newton” signs. Mayor said
that the current Covid-19 issues have affected getting the granite.
Blake: No comments
Harris: The streets look nice after this year’s chipping and tarring. Marion St. drainage has
improved.
City Attorney: Not present
City Treasurer: No comments
