The Newton City Council will meet Tuesday, September 1, at 6 p.m. at Newton City Hall, 108 N. Van Buren Street, with a lengthy agenda that includes several ongoing infrastructure projects, TIF expenditures, property demolition and maintenance projects throughout the city.
Among the largest financial items on the agenda are several payments connected to ongoing watermain and water service projects.
The council will consider authorizing a $16,398 Pay Estimate #2 to B & T Drainage for the Watermain Upgrade Project between Hutton Drive and Homestead. A $31,843 Pay Estimate #2 for the Courthouse Water Service Line Project and a $54,159.59 Pay Estimate #2 for the TIF-funded E. Reynolds Watermain Replacement Project are also scheduled for consideration.
The council will also consider invoices from Stone and Waggoner associated with those projects. The proposed payments include $2,540 for engineering work on the Hutton Drive-to-Homestead watermain project, $4,776 for the Courthouse Water Service Line Project and $7,736.99 for the E. Reynolds Watermain Replacement Project.
Another infrastructure item involves the proposed authorization of an agreement with Stone and Waggoner for the Hickory Drive/Kibler Condos Storm Culvert Replacement Project.
$50,000 proposed for Washington Street sidewalk project
The council is also scheduled to consider authorizing the obligation of $50,000 in surplus TIF funds for the Washington Street Sidewalk Replacement Project.
TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, is also involved in a proposed amendment concerning 101 S. Jackson Street. The council will consider amending the TIF application payout submitted by BS Square, LLC, to provide reimbursement of 15% of the total project cost, up to $14,891.95.
Under the proposed amendment, the reimbursement would be issued as a one-time payment after completion of the project rather than being included in the city’s annual TIF increment reimbursement.
805 Foster Street demolition moves forward
Several agenda items concern the property at 805 Foster Street.
The council will consider authorizing a $1,000 invoice to Triple A Asbestos Services for an asbestos inspection at the property, followed by a $1,900 invoice for asbestos abatement.
An additional $9,100 invoice from H & K Excavating & Trucking for the demolition project at 805 Foster Street is also on the agenda.
Together, the three items represent $12,000 in proposed expenditures related to asbestos inspection, abatement and demolition at the property.
Cemetery, park mowing contracts
The council will open sealed bids for the 2027 mowing season for Earl Dufrain, Peterson Park and Riverside Cemetery.
Following the opening of the bids, council members are scheduled to consider awarding contracts for each of the three mowing projects.
Courts to receive repairs
The council will also consider a $5,900 invoice to Courts and Cracks for crack and paint repairs at the basketball court and two tennis courts.
Electric department training
Under new business, council members will consider authorizing two Electric Department employees to attend a Brownstown Electric Supply Co. Regulator/Capacitor Class in Brownstown, Indiana, on October 8.
The class itself is free, with the city responsible for hotel and allowable expenses.
City Clerk Maggie McDonald is also scheduled to seek authorization to attend the Clerk Academy in Bloomington October 7-9. The cost is listed at $550, plus hotel and allowable expenses.
The meeting will also include public comments, committee reports, statements from council members and city officials, and approval of the August 18 regular meeting minutes.
The next regular Newton City Council meeting is scheduled for September 15 at 6 p.m. An Electric Committee meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 6 p.m.
