The Newton City Council met Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with Mayor Joshua Kuhl absent. Attorney William Heap called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., and Alderman Michael Swick was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for the meeting. Aldermen Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, RJ Lindemann and Swick were present.
The council approved the August 4 regular meeting minutes and authorized payment of $78,981.88 in pre-paid expenses along with $242,758.67 in bills and accounts payable.
Watermain Rehabilitation Project Moves Forward
One of the major items addressed during the meeting was the Southeast System Watermain Rehabilitation Project. The council approved Resolution 26-11, supporting the city’s application for a Public Infrastructure Community Development Block Grant for the project.
The resolution passed unanimously, with Swick, Glumac, Wright and Lindemann voting in favor.
The project was also the subject of a public hearing held before the regular council meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Stormwater Work at Kibler Condos and Hickory Drive
The council also received an update concerning stormwater improvements near the Kibler Condos and Hickory Drive.
The city engineer presented two quotes for a proposed culvert repair. The appropriate committee will review the options to determine the most efficient, feasible and cost-effective approach.
In the meantime, the city and engineer will begin preliminary work, including obtaining surveys and locating existing utilities. A nearby sanitary sewer main will also be inspected to determine whether repairs may be necessary while construction is underway.
The city is also working to finalize an alternate access route for residents of the Kibler Condos and Hickory Drive during construction.
Several Old Business Items Receive No Action
A number of items under old business did not move forward because motions died for lack of a motion.
Those included a proposal to partner with Milano and Grunloh Engineers to apply for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant, a proposal to obligate $50,000 in surplus TIF funds toward the Washington Street Sidewalk Replacement Project, and authorization of Pay Estimate #2 to B & T Drainage totaling $102,400.59.
The council also took no action on a $15,052.99 invoice from Stone and Waggoner, as well as two ordinances concerning the vacation of public alleys in the Anna Stevens Subdivision.
During statements, Lindemann apologized to B&T Drainage and Stone and Waggoner for the invoices not being approved, explaining that some charges were unclear and needed to be straightened out first.
Council Approves Training for Wastewater Employees
The council approved training opportunities for city wastewater employees.
Two Wastewater Department employees were authorized to attend the Southern Illinois Wastewater Operators Association meeting at Rend Lake on August 20. The total cost is $70 plus allowable expenses.
The council also approved sending one employee to the Illinois Rural Water Association Hands-On Wastewater Lab Workshop and Training in Centralia on August 26 and 27. The cost is $250 plus allowable expenses.
Newton PTO Color Run Approved
The council approved a special event application submitted by the Newton PTO for a Color Run scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 7 to 9 a.m. The application was approved unanimously.
City Moves Forward With Sewer and Lift Station Work
The council approved a $32,868 purchase order to Hoerr Construction for the first phase of a sanitary sewer and storm sewer relining project. The work includes cleaning and televising the lines, with the cost split equally between the Wastewater and Street departments at $16,434 each.
The measure passed 3-1, with Swick, Glumac and Wright voting in favor and Lindemann voting against.
A $27,406 Wastewater Department purchase order to Vandevanter Engineering for Hooker Lift Station upgrades was also approved on a 3-1 vote. Glumac, Wright and Swick voted in favor, while Lindemann voted against.
The council additionally approved $3,261 for JM Test Systems to conduct annual onsite testing of electrical safety equipment.
The Water Department was authorized to purchase four four-inch valves from Consolidated Pipe & Supply Co. for $3,248. The valves will be used to replace fire hydrants.
Water Plant Filters Repaired
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Swick provided an update on the water plant’s media filters, reporting that filters one and three had become significantly plugged.
Swick said the problem had been remedied and the filters were now working well. He expressed satisfaction that the issue had been identified and corrected.
The Newton City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for September 1 at 6 p.m., with an Electric Committee meeting scheduled for September 8 at 6 p.m.
The August 18 meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.
