UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
June 3, 2025
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 RJ Lindemann.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman RJ Lindemann. 3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann and Mike Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and City Clerk Maggie McDonald
Absent: Alderman Eric Blake
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to adopt the proposed agenda.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of May 20, 2025.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to approve the minutes of the May 20, 2025 meeting of the Newton City Council. Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Lanette Huddleston: Approached the council inquiring about installing another electrical outlet out at the Old Mill Bridge. She will be putting up lanterns and this will also help with seasonal decorations.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: None 8. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing the 2024 IDOT Compliance Review. (This is the annual review of the Motor Fuel Tax Funds.)
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac to authorize the 2024 IDOT Compliance Review. (This is the annual review of the Motor Fuel Tax Funds.)
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 25-08 Amending the Zoning Map. Changing the Zoning District Classification for the properties at Parcel Number: 90-12-01-401-003 Lot 3 Block 1 Leach’s First Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 114 P 631; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-401-004 Lot 4 Block 1 Leach’s First Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 114 P 631; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-402-001 Block 4 Leach’s Second Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 181 P 220; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-403-010 PT NW 1/4 SE 1/4 S1 T6 R9 .75 AC Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-403-001 Lot 6 Absher’s Addition to City of Newton PT of Central School B 203 P 1249; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-222-003 Lot 162 Picquet’s Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 123 P 46; B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; B 181 P 220; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-222- 004 Lot 163 Picquet’s Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 123 P 46; B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; B 181 P 220; from a Neighborhood Business B-1 District to a Single Family Residence (Large) SR 1 District.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Larry Brooks, to pass Ordinance 25-08 Amending the Zoning Map. Changing the Zoning District Classification for the properties at Parcel Number: 90-12-01-401- 003 Lot 3 Block 1 Leach’s First Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 114 P 631; Parcel Number: 90-12-01- 401-004 Lot 4 Block 1 Leach’s First Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 114 P 631; Parcel Number: 90-12-01- 402-001 Block 4 Leach’s Second Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 181 P 220; Parcel Number: 90-12-01- 403-010 PT NW 1/4 SE 1/4 S1 T6 R9 .75 AC Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-403-001 Lot 6 Absher’s Addition to City of Newton PT of Central School B 203 P 1249; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-222-003 Lot 162 Picquet’s Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 123 P 46; B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; B 181 P 220; Parcel Number: 90-12-01-222-004 Lot 163 Picquet’s Addition to City of Newton Newton Grade/Central Junior High School B 123 P 46; B 129 P 115; B 129 P 119; B 181 P 220; from a Neighborhood Business B-1 District to a Single Family Residence (Large) SR-1 District.
Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on passing Ordinance 25-09 Amending the Zoning Map. Changing the Zoning District Classification for the properties at Parcel Number: 90-12-02-204-003, PT SW 1/4 NE 1/4 S2 T6 R9 21.14 AC Newton Community High School B 187 P 749; B 197 P 419; ESMT B 235 P 555; Parcel Number: 90-12-02-210-001, Lots 1 & 2 Bock 12 Fallers Addition City of Newton Newton Community High School B 78 P 305; B 81 P 154; B 92 P 505; B 121 P272; Parcel Number: 90-12-02-214-001, Lots 1 & 2 Block 11 Fallers Addition City of Newton Newton Community High School B 78 P 305; B 81 P 154; B 92 P 505; B 121 P 272; from a Neighborhood Business B-1 District to a Single Family Residence (Small) SR-2 District.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to pass Ordinance 25-09 Amending the Zoning Map. Changing the Zoning District Classification for the properties at Parcel Number: 90-12-02-204- 003, PT SW 1/4 NE 1/4 S2 T6 R9 21.14 AC Newton Community High School B 187 P 749; B 197 P 419; ESMT B 235 P 555; Parcel Number: 90- 12-02-210-001, Lots 1 & 2 Bock 12 Fallers Addition City of Newton Newton Community High School B 78 P 305; B 81 P 154; B 92 P 505; B 121 P272; Parcel Number: 90-12-02-214-001, Lots 1 & 2 Block 11 Fallers Addition City of Newton Newton Community High School B 78 P 305; B 81 P 154; B 92 P 505; B 121 P 272; from a Neighborhood Business B-1 District to a Single Family Residence (Small) SR-2 District.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 12,546 gallons of BIT Material AC-5 to Lee Kintner and Sons Inc. in the amount of $49,556.70. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 12,546 gallons of BIT Material AC-5 to Lee Kintner and Sons Inc. in the amount of $49,556.70. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on authorizing the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 501 tons of Seal Coat AGG CA-16 CR Stone to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $11,948.85. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 501 tons of Seal Coat AGG CA-16 CR Stone to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $11,948.85. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
C. Consider and act on authorizing the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 200 tons of CA-6 to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $4,570.00. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 200 tons of CA-6 to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $4,570.00. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
D. Consider and act on authorizing the MFT Street and Maintenance Program bid for 75 tons of Salt to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $8,437.50. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 at Newton City Hall.)
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Mike Swick, to authorize the Street and Maintenance Program bid for 75 tons of Salt to 3 Sisters Logistics in the amount of $8,437.50. (Bid letting was May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Newton City Hall.)
Ayes: Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
E. Consider and act on authorizing SCIRPDC to proceed with the Local Roads and Streets Grant Application.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize SCIRPDC to proceed with the Local Roads and Streets Grant Application.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
F. Consider and act on authorizing the re-hire of Susie McCann as Manager of the Newton Aquatic Center.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the re-hire of Susie McCann as Manager of the Newton Aquatic Center.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
G. Consider and act on authorizing the re-hire of Kristie Finley and Kathleen Terry as Assistant Managers of the Newton Aquatic Center.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the re-hire of Kristie Finley and Kathleen Terry as Assistant Managers of the Newton Aquatic Center.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
H. Consider and act on authorizing the Special Event Application submitted by First Baptist Church for Vacation Bible School that will be held June 4-6, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM and June 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize the Special Event Application submitted by First Baptist Church for Vacation Bible School that will be held June 4-6, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM and June 7, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
10.STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: Thanked all the utility departments for cleaning up the trail and police department for helping direct traffic during the Annual Strong Boys and Strong Girls on the Run. Thanked Doug Weddel for bringing out the fire truck. He has not missed a year yet. The pool is now open, so come out and enjoy the water. We have had some busy days. Newton was awarded the Grid Resilience Grant. This will help with the Line D Project Rebuild.
Wright: The City of Newton was awarded $85,000 through a Police Retention and Recruitment Grant. This will help offset recruitment costs, advertisement fees, training and other eligible expenses.
Brooks: Glad to see Newton Foods doing well with the new store. Lindemann: Congratulations to Newton Foods and thanked everyone who stopped by at the grand opening, very well attended event. Wish First Baptist Church good luck this week during their Vacation Bible School. I believe the Capital Development Fund should be abolished and we should lower property taxes twenty five percent. Swick: Asked Alderman Lindemann for clarification on his comments from the last council meeting. (Lindemann: “I will continue to be a strong opponent of mishandled or uninvestigated spending and opponent of law bending of any kind, especially when it comes to city incentive dollars”.)
Alderman Lindemann spoke stating at a prior meeting the city awarded a demolition reimbursement in the amount of $15,000. He felt one of the receipts provided should not have been honored with the reimbursement. Later, the city approved $30,000 in demolition reimbursement incentives to the same individual. He did not feel the city received adequate quotes, and three applications were approved when the application states one at a time.
Alderman Swick stated everything was discussed by council in length and the majority objective was to help get things cleaned up around town.
Alderman Lindemann expressed he believes the spirit of the law needs to be followed as well, not just the lettering.
Met with the manager of EVAPCO. EVAPCO is now building their own honeycomb filters at the Newton facility. As things progress, they will have somewhere between 20 and 25 employees working there.
Also want to give a shout out to my neighbor to the East, Terry Bergbower. He has done an absolute remarkable job cleaning up his property and the property to the East of him. Underbrush, brush, trees, all cleaned up with no power tools. City Attorney: None
City Treasurer: None
City Clerk: (1 PO)
1. Electric Department PO#33-30 to BeckTech Communications for 3 handheld radios in the amount of $2,994.10.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the Electric Department PO#33-30 to BeckTech Communications for 3 handheld radios in the amount of $2,994.10.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
Informed council to be thinking of project ideas for the next phase of the Energy Transition Community Grant.
There have been residents inquiring about vacating more alleys.
Will be compiling all costs incurred with recording meetings and will have an estimate at next meeting.
Mayor: Thanked the City of Newton residents for their participation in the City Wide Cleanup last weekend. Thanked the City of Newton employees who not only worked Friday, but also helped man the dumpsters on Saturday. I was able to attend Saturday and it was nice to see our residents participating. Big Congratulations to the Newton Lady Eagles Softball Team on another great season! This is their second year in a row in the Elite 8. Well wishes to the Seniors as I know they have had an exciting softball career. We will be moving forward with Phase 3 of the Energy Transition Grant Application. Be thinking of projects. Tyler Weber updated on a fire hydrant that was not fully flowing. They found a valve partially closed and will be doing another pressure flow test. Lastly, there is a local couple that is purchasing a house that has been on our clean up list for quite some time. We can hope to see another property removed from this list.
11.NEXT REGULAR MEETING: June 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS:
• Finance and Audit Committee Meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
12.ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM.
Submitted by:
Maggie McDonald, City Clerk
