UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
February 1, 2022
- CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Joshua J. Kuhl called the meeting to order.
- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Gayle Glumac.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman R. J, Lindemann.
The Mayor called a moment of silence for Gayle Glumac and the Shamhart family 3. ROLL CALL: Rosetta York, City Clerk
Physically present: David Brown, RJ Lindemann, and Marlene Harris
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Clerk Rosetta York Absent: Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks and Eric Blake
- ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Harris, to adopt the proposed agenda.
Ayes: Brown, Lindemann, Harris, Mayor Kuhl
Nays: None
- APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES of January 18, 2022.
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to approve the minutes of the January 18, 2022 of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Brown, Lindemann, Harris, Mayor Kuhl
Nays: None
- PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: Dr. Adam Wolf
Dr. Adam Wolf: We bought David Sanders’ business 10 years ago. We’re expanding to have bigger working office, hopefully to make myself more efficient. I sent the email because we were not able to make it to the last City Council meeting. From reading the past council minutes and what we were told with the First Street water main being voted down, we would have to tap into the smaller water main on Washington Street. The city ordinance required us to restore the brick street. The estimated cost to replace the brick street maybe ten thousand dollars. That’s what prompted the email. The Mayor stopped by the next day and said replacing the brick street wouldn’t be our responsibility. I’m very happy about that. Of course, we know there are costs involved with hooking up water and so forth. If there’s any other information that we need to know going forward, please share that with us.
- COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Police and Building Permit Committee on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 6:00 PM and Insurance Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 5:45 PM
Brown — Police and Building Permit Committee on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 6:00 PM • The Chief and Clint discussed building code updates to the Codebook. They would like to move from 2003 to the 2015 “International Building Code.” The Electric Department would also like to update to the 2015 Codes (IPMC). Mike, Clint and Illinois Codification will review the 2015 codes and bring to council. Matt and Mike discussed a fine for generators improperly hooked up to city electrical system causing feedback. Also, discussed was no running water in occupied dwellings. 2015 Code would cover this issue. • Clint asked for and received committee approval to add a couple building permit applications. The current long-form permit application would be simplified and/or altered for commercial, portable buildings, etc…. • Mike discussed updating vehicle computers. His proposal is city buying 3 and NPD buying 2. Mike would utilize some of his drug fund, etc. Car cameras, regular security cameras and DVR upgrades were discussed. Uptown cameras are 15 years old.
- The committee unanimously agreed to recommend to the full council that the monies be made available to demo one house or building the next fiscal years.
- Mike states that part-time officers Carter and Ruholl are slated to graduate March 19th. • Mike recommends to the committee that part-time officer pay be increased from $17.35 per hour to $22.00 per hour.
- Mike also discussed upgrading to fiber optic internet.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM
Harris — Insurance Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 5:45 PM • Discussed IMRF recommended monthly COBRA rate. It was suggested we go with the recommendations suggested.
- Melissa stated she was notified that the federal regulators issued guidelines on over-the-counter COVID testing. We were given 3 options of coverage. It was suggested we do Option 1. It was a consensus of the council to go with option 1. This was to be submitted by Feb 1, or it would be defaulted to option 3. This will be put on the next agenda to formally accept option 1 of the at home test kit COVID test coverage. • Adjourned at 5:49
- OLD BUSINESS:
- Consider and act on 22-XX Ordinance Approving The 2022 Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan and Project for Redevelopment Project Area No. 1.
The purpose of tabling the ordinance is to extend the deadline.
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Harris, to table 22-XX Ordinance Approving The 2022 Amendment to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan and Project for Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 to be voted on at the May 3, 2022 City Council Meeting.
Ayes: Lindemann, Harris, Kuhl, Brown
Nays: None
- Consider and act on the mayor’s fidelity bond waiver for Newton Athletic Boosters Queen of Hearts Raffle Permit dated October 29, 2021. (My mistake to not bring it to the council for a vote before now. Rosie)
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Harris, to authorize the mayor’s fidelity bond waiver for Newton Athletic Boosters Queen of Hearts Raffle Permit dated October 29, 2021.
Ayes: Harris, Brown, Lindemann
Nays: None
- Consider and act on authorizing
Cobra/IMRF’s continuation of rates effective
March 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023.
Motion was made by Lindemann,
seconded by Harris, to authorize
Cobra/IMRF’s continuation of rates
effective March 1, 2022 to February 28,
Ayes: Brown, Lindemann, Harris, Mayor
Kuhl
Nays: None
- Discuss community texting service through SlickText.
Lindemann: Bill had a question about privacy. I phoned the company and they do not sell the contact information or names of anyone that signs up. They are private. That’s why you pay for the service. There are some free versions out there that will indeed sell the information. Does not sell the contact information or names of anyone that signs up. They are private. I can send it to you Bill. But their assurance was that’s not what they do. The Community Development Funds will be used to pay for the monthly fee of $189.00 until the next fiscal year.
- Consider and act on subscribing to a community texting service through SlickText on a monthly basis at a cost of $189.00 per month.
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Harris, to authorize subscribing to a community texting service through SlickText on a monthly basis at a cost of $189.00 per month from the Capital Development Fund until the next fiscal year budget. Ayes: Lindemann, Harris, Mayor Kuhl, Brown
Nays: None
- NEW BUSINESS:
- Consider and act on appointing Matt Tarr Electric Department Head, effective February 1, 2022.
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Lindemann, to table the appointing Matt Tarr Electric Department Head to the next Council Meeting on February 15, 2022. Ayes: Harris, Mayor Kuhl, Brown, Lindemann
Nays: None
- STATEMENTS:
Council Members:
Brown: Prayers and thoughts to Gayle Glumac and the Shamhart Family.
Lindemann: Prayers and thoughts to Gayle Glumac and the Shamhart Family. Harris: Prayers and thoughts to Gayle Glumac and the Shamhart Family.
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