The Newton City Council will meet Tuesday, August 18, with several public hearings scheduled before the regular 6 p.m. council meeting.
A public hearing concerning the Public Infrastructure Community Development Block Grant Southeast System Watermain Rehabilitation Project will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Newton City Hall, 108 N. Van Buren St.
Two additional public hearings, both scheduled for 5:45 p.m., will address proposed alley vacations in the Anna Stevens Subdivision. One involves the east-west alley running from Walnut Street to Stevens Street, while the second concerns the north-south alley running from Reynolds Street to Curtis Street between Walnut and Stevens streets.
The council is expected to take action on both alley vacations during the regular meeting. Ordinance 26-11 addresses the east-west alley, while Ordinance 26-12 addresses the north-south alley.
Water infrastructure projects are among the major items on Tuesday’s agenda.
The council will consider Resolution 26-11, supporting the city’s application for the Public Infrastructure Community Development Block Grant for the Southeast System Watermain Rehabilitation Project.
The council also will consider authorizing Pay Estimate No. 2 to B & T Drainage totaling $102,400.59. The payment includes $16,398 for the watermain upgrade between Hutton Drive and Homestead, $31,843 for the courthouse water service line and $54,159.59 for the East Reynolds Street watermain replacement project.
An additional $15,052.99 payment to Stone and Waggoner also is on the agenda. Of that amount, $2,540 is associated with the Hutton Drive-Homestead watermain upgrade, $4,776 with the courthouse water service line and $7,736.99 with the East Reynolds Street watermain replacement.
Stormwater improvements at the Kibler Condos and Hickory Drive also remain under consideration as old business.
The council will consider authorizing the city to partner with Milano and Grunloh Engineers to apply for funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP).
Another funding matter involves the Washington Street Sidewalk Replacement Project. The council will consider authorizing the obligation of $50,000 in surplus TIF funds for the project.
New business will include several matters involving city employees and records. The council will consider Resolution 26-12 concerning closed-session minutes and Resolution 26-13 authorizing the destruction of closed-session audio recordings.
The council also will consider allowing two Wastewater Department employees to attend the Southern Illinois Wastewater Operators Association meeting at Rend Lake on August 20 for training and continuing education credits. The total registration cost is $70, plus allowable expenses.
A separate request would allow one Wastewater Department employee to attend 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.
The council also will consider a special event application from the Newton PTO for a Color Run scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 7 to 9 a.m.
The meeting will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman RJ Lindemann. Joshua J. Kuhl serves as mayor, with Maggie McDonald serving as city clerk.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 1 at 6 p.m. An Electric Committee meeting is scheduled for September 8.
