Unofficial Minutes of the May 21st City Council Meeting

UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL 

108 N. VAN BUREN St. 

NEWTON, IL 62448 

May 21, 2024 

1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor 

Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Kaleb Wright. 

Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Kaleb Wright. 3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk  

Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ  Lindemann, Eric Blake and Mike Swick 

Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald  

4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:  

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adopt  the amended agenda.  

Mayor Kuhl was added in Public Comments representing Ben Borgic and Kristi  Wagner in their absence.  

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick 

Nays: None 

5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of May 7, 2024. 

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to approve  the minutes of the May 7, 2024 meeting of the Newton City Council. Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick, Glumac 

Nays: None 

Abstain: Lindemann 

6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $259,806.14  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 $115,809.44. Kaleb Wright seconded the motion. Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright 

Nays: None 

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Kuhl spoke in representation of Kristi Wagner  and Ben Borgic, both Imperial Acres residents, about their concern with  West End Receptions placement of a new sign for their business. The main  issue they wanted to address was with the new sign being digital, the  brightness and visual effects this could impose on drivers. The residents  feel Museum Drive is already in a dangerous spot and would like the  council to consider a solution that works for everyone. 

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:  • Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at  6:00 PM. (Waiting on minutes).  

9. OLD BUSINESS: 

A. Consider and act on authorizing TIF Application submitted by Arndts Fudgery. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to  authorize the TIF Application submitted by Arndts Fudgery in the  amount of $4,400.00 as recommended by the Finance and Audit  Committee.  

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks 

Nays: None 

B. Consider and act on authorizing the 2022-2023 IDOT Compliance Review.  (This is an annual review of the Motor Fuel Tax Funds.) 

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the 2022-2023 IDOT Compliance Review. (This is an annual  review of the Motor Fuel Tax Funds.) 

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann 

Nays: None 

C. Consider and act on authorizing a 7-year lease agreement with Coe  Equipment for a 2100i Vactor truck in the amount of $85,757.29 per year after  a trade in value of $27,500 on the current Vac truck. This payment is to be  split between Water and Sewer, with Water payment of $50,000 per year and  Sewer payment of $35,757.29 per year.  

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to table  authorizing a 7-year lease agreement with Coe Equipment for a 2100i  Vactor truck in the amount of $85,757.29 per year after a trade in value  of $27,500 on the current Vac truck. This payment is to be split between  Water and Sewer, with Water payment of $50,000 per year and Sewer  payment of $35,757.29 per year. Tabled to the June 4, 2024 City Council  Meeting. (Council asked to get more numbers on what we could sell the  truck for outright instead of doing a trade in). 

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake 

Nays: None 

D. Consider and act on authorizing the Zoning Board of Appeals  recommendation of a Variance Request from Doug Weddell, with West End  Reception and Events, to place a sign on public City right-of-way. Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to  authorize the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation of a Variance  Request from Doug Weddell, with West End Reception and Events, to place a sign on public City right-of-way be sent to a Building and  Grounds Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 6:00 PM  for further discussion on an agreement for the placement of a sign on  the right-of-way. 

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Blake, Swick 

Nays: Lindemann 

E. Review and discuss quotes for extermination at 200 N. Goble St. The city received three quotes: 

1. Arab – one time interior/exterior spray for $300.00. 

2. Terminix – three interior/exterior sprays, once a week for three weeks. First  initial spray is $185.00 with an additional $85.00 per time the next two  times. Total cost of $355.00. 

3. Sentinel – one time interior/exterior spray for $475.00. 

F. Consider and act on authorizing an extermination at 200 N. Goble St  Motion was made by Eric Blake, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to  authorize an extermination agreement with Terminix for 200 N. Goble St  in the amount of $355.00. This includes three, one time per week  interior and exterior sprays.  

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright 

Nays: None 

G. Consider and act on authorizing a water main extension from 406 S.  Cloverdale Rd. to 9271 N. 1000th St. Homeowners will pay for material; city  will pay for labor.  

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to  authorize a water main extension from 406 S. Cloverdale Rd. to 9271 N.  1000th St. Homeowners, Fritschle Family Estate and Shannon Woodard, will pay for material; city will pay for labor. (There is currently an 8”  watermain in place from where they would like to run the extension.  The homeowners have agreed to keep the cities participation in the 8’’  watermain extension opposed to a 6” watermain. They will be  purchasing 8” watermain piping from Utility Pipe Sales in the amount of  $17,000.00. Labor will be done in house).  

Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks Nays: None 

H. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 24-08 Amending Chapter 11 Electric  System and Chapter 33 Street Regulations of the Municipal Code. Includes  amendments to Back feeding, Trees, Liabilities, Tampering and Meter  Location. This amendment also includes the power cost increase of 5% for  Residential, Commercial and Graduated Industrial Accounts and increase of the minimum charge that will be calculated as 45 kwh at the first tier for  Residential accounts and calculated as 115 kwh at the first tier for  Commercial and Graduated accounts. The Industrial rate shall be a rate  equal to the City rate. Amendments take effect June 1, 2024. 

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to pass  Ordinance 24-08 Amending Chapter 11 Electric System and Chapter 33  Street Regulations of the Municipal Code. Includes amendments to  Back feeding, Trees, Liabilities, Tampering and Meter Location. This  amendment also includes the power cost increase of 5% for Residential,  Commercial and Graduated Industrial Accounts and increase of the  minimum charge that will be calculated as 45 kwh at the first tier for  Residential accounts and calculated as 115 kwh at the first tier for  Commercial and Graduated accounts. The Industrial rate shall be a rate  equal to the City rate. Amendments take effect June 1, 2024. Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann 

Nays: None 

10.NEW BUSINESS:  

A. Consider and act on hiring Evan Ferguson for the part time General  Maintenance position.  

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to hire  Evan Ferguson for the part time General Maintenance position.  Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake 

Nays: None 

B. Consider and act on authorizing Stone & Waggoner to submit a project  estimate for the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant.  

Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to  authorize Stone & Waggoner to submit a project estimate for the  Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Grant.  

Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick 

Nays: None 

C. Consider and act on authorizing a Grant Writing Services Agreement with  South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission  (SCIRPDC) to proceed with the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street Grant.  Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to  authorize a Grant Writing Services Agreement with South Central Illinois  Regional Planning and Development Commission (SCIRPDC) to proceed  with the Rebuild Downtowns and Main Street Grant.  

Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac Nays: None 

D. Consider and act authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by Back  Forty Pride and Power for a Cruise Night/Truck Show/Concert to be held on  Friday, June 7 – Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM at the  Jasper County Fairgrounds.  

Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to  authorize the Special Event Application submitted by Back Forty Pride  and Power for a Cruise Night/Truck Show/Concert to be held on Friday,  June 7 – Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM at the Jasper  County Fairgrounds.  

Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright 

Nays: None  

11.STATEMENTS BY:  

Glumac: Thank you to Mike Schackmann and Josh Ochs for getting everything  cleaned up before the Strong Boys and Strong Girls run. We had received a lot of rain.  The run was fantastic. It makes me emotional every year to see these kids accomplish  something great that they are proud of. Most of all, the support of our community,  coming out and cheering them on. It is an all-around heart felt and rewarding event that  I take great pride in doing every year.  

Wright: All the new sidewalks are looking very nice. I am very excited for all the  upcoming projects this next year.  

Brooks: No comments. 

Lindemann: Presented the utility adjustments. Apologized to his voters for his  absence at the last council meeting. Apologizes in advance for his absence to the next  meeting. Voiced opposition to the Capital Development Fund.  

Blake: No Comments. 

Swick: Sidewalks are continuing to look good. The city is continuing to actively pursue grants.  

City Attorney: No Comments. 

City Treasurer: The auditors are scheduled for the week of June 10. City Clerk: (3 PO’s) 

1. Electric Department PO# 25-30 Invizions Inc for Oil Sample Analysis and  Infrared Testing in the amount of $6,900.00 

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to  authorize the Electric Department PO# 25-30 Invizions Inc for Oil  Sample Analysis and Infrared Testing in the amount of $6,900.00 Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks Nays: None 

2. Park Department PO# 6392 to Miracle Recreation Equipment for a 6’6” straight tube slide.  

Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to  authorize Park Department PO# 6392 to Miracle Recreation  

Equipment for a 6’6” straight tube slide.  

Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann 

Nays: None 

3. Park Department PO# 6393 to Waterloo Tent and Tarp for 2 (two) canopy  sunshade mesh umbrellas and 1 (one) sunshade mesh top to cover the  slide in the amount of $5,864.52.  

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to  authorize Park Department PO# 6393 to Waterloo Tent and Tarp for 2  (two) canopy sunshade mesh umbrellas and 1 (one) sunshade mesh  top to cover the slide in the amount of $5,864.52. 

Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake 

Nays: None 

Mayor: School is out for summer The Newton Aquatic Center will be open this  Friday. Kids will be out and about, please keep eyes open. The new sidewalks are all  looking nice. We have several big projects that will be up and coming. We have a great  crew of city workers, as well as office personnel, that are all ready to work together and  get things done. I am very excited for the future as well. I apologize I was unable to  attend the Strong Boys and Strong Girls run. My heart is so happy to know we in a  community that still rally’s together for encouragement and support of our youth.  Whether it be the run, a football game, baseball game or anything, we are all there for  one another. We should all be very grateful to live where we live with so many  passionate and positive people by our side. 

12.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: June 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM  

SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:  

Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 22,  2024 at 11:00 AM.  

Building and Grounds Committee Meeting on Monday, May 29, 2024  at 6:00 PM. 

13.ADJOURNMENT: 

Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to  adjourn the meeting. Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright  Nays: None 

Meeting adjourned at 7:29 PM. 

Submitted by: 

Maggie E. McDonald, City Clerk