UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
August 16, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Larry Brooks.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Larry Brooks.
3. ROLL CALL: Rosetta M. York, City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, David Brown, Larry Brooks, R. J. Lindemann,
Eric Blake (arrived 6:02 PM) and Marlene Harris
Also present: Attorney William Heap and Clerk Rosetta M. York
Absent: Treasurer Melissa Brooks
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: add Sue and Alan Beard and delete Police PO
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Glumac, to adopt the amended agenda.
Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Harris
Nays: None
Eric Blake arrived 6:02 PM
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of August 2, 2022.
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Glumac, to approve the minutes of
the August 2, 2022 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac
Nays: None
6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $160,963.83 and the
bills and accounts payable earlier today and made a motion to approve the pre-
paids and authorize payment of the bills and accounts payable in the amount of
$177,692.66. Harris seconded the motion.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown
Nays: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: Sue and Alan Beard
Sue and Alan Beard brought photos of water drainage issues on their property over the
years. Their property is south of city limits of the City of Newton. The City has worked on
the drainage there several times. There was a lengthy discussion of the history, the tried
solutions, this year’s heavy rainfalls and how to go forward. The Mayor is starting with
contacting an engineer.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:
Brooks-Water and Wastewater Committee on August 8 at 6:00 PM
Attendees: Larry Brooks, Tyler Weber, RJ Lindemann, Matt Tarr, Eric Blake, Gayle Glumac, Joshua Kuhl,
and David Brown (7:30 PM)
Called to order at 6:00 pm
Wastewater
• Alarm system for the lift station: Brent Benefiel will get all the information together to put on a
City Council agenda. Cost for (1) $4,025; for (6) $19,330
• 1990 F350 dump truck: We are checking into repairing or selling the truck.
• Brent Benefiel wants to increase Repair Parts inventory. Approximate cost $3000. Vandevanter
made a mistake on maintenance contract from $7259 to $8886.
• Purchase frames and lids as part of Repair Parts Inventory.
Water
• 108 S Van Buren: There is a water leak. As a temporary solution, 1 meter is servicing 2 units.
The leak needs repaired. Until then, the City will charge (2) minimums for this water meter.
• Lafayette St water main replacement: Tyler Weber will contact Shannon Woodard to discuss
costs.
• Painting well heads was discussed. It will not happen at this time.
• Status of old water plant’s generator: It will be sold.
• New well has started drilling. Last week’s heavy rainfall lead to problems.
• Purchase of a compact tractor was discussed. It will not happen at this time.
• Tapping fees in Five April’s subdivision were discussed. They will remain the same.
The committee went into Executive session at 7:30 PM to discuss personnel.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
August 16, 2022
The committee went back into Open Session at 7:50 PM.
CDL licenses were discussed when the committee went back into open session.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Submitted by Larry Brooks
Lindemann — Finance/Audit Committee on August 9 at 5:45 PM
Meeting was called to order at 5:48 p.m.
Present: Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Rosie York, Eric Blake, David Brown, Gayle Glumac, Amy
Tarr, Brenda Phillips, Tyler Weber, Matt Tarr, Riley Britton, Brad Benefield, Annette Kirts, Kathy
Slankard, Jill Michl, Josh Ochs
It was decided to update the TIF application to reflect the committee's newly adopted procedure of
awarding 15% of the total project cost.
The TIF application for the KC Hall was discussed. It was decided to table this for a later date.
The TIF application for Ginger's Gardens and Gifts was discussed. It was decided to award $200.00,
15% of the total project cost.
The TIF application for the People's State Bank was discussed. It was decided to award them
$1,900, 15% of the total project cost.
The Newton utility deposit policy was opened for discussion.
It was decided that Newton's utility deposit policy is to remain the same. Bedrock management was
given several resources that might be used to come up with utility deposits. These resources can be
found at city hall.
Meeting adjourned at: 6:25 p.m.
Personnel Committee on August 9 6:25 PM
Present: Gayle Glumac, Rosetta M. York, RJ Lindemann, Larry Brooks, David Brown, Eric Blake, Matt Tarr,
Brenda Phillips, Chief Riley Britton, Tyler Weber, Brent Benefiel and Brad Benfield
Personnel Committee Meeting called to order at 6:25 PM.
The committee met to receive updates from Department Heads.
Water Department: Tyler Weber discussed water line needs on Lafayette Street.
Electric Department: Matt Tarr discussed the Scott Avenue Church project. Also, the City of
Sullivan would like to purchase a transformer we have in inventory because they are experiencing
delivery delays. We would get the transformer that the City of Sullivan ordered when it arrives.
City Hall: Brenda Phillips thanked City employees for their help during the remodel of City Hall. We
discussed items around the outside the building that need attention. Brenda also thanked the
Council for the part time help hired for the office. She is working out fantastic.
Street Department: Josh Ochs discussed S. Van Buren railroad crossing and sidewalk repairs.
The meeting adjourned at 7:08 PM.
Eric Blake Chairman
9. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Discuss the Net Metering policy for solar panels.
There was nothing new to discuss.
b. Consider and act on Resolution 22-05 Closed Session Minutes.
c. Consider and act on Resolution 22-06 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed
Meetings Sessions audio recording.
Motion was made by Brown, seconded by Harris, to table 9b and 9c until
after the Executive Session.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Glumac
Nays: None
d. Consider and act on the Gingers’ Gardens & Gifts TIF application.
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Brooks, to authorize Gingers’
Gardens & Gifts TIF application 15% of the total project cost which is
$200.00.
Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Glumac, Lindemann
Nays: None
e. Consider and act on the People's State Bank TIF application.
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Glumac, to authorize People's
State Bank TIF application 15% of the total project cost which is $1,900.
Ayes: Harris, Glumac, Brown, Glumac, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
August 16, 2022
10. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Consider and act on the Special Event permit application Smitty’s Action, on Hillcrest
Dr. September 3, 2022, for Lee Holt Auction, starting at 9:30 AM until done.
Motion was made by Brooks, seconded by Glumac, to authorize the Special
Event permit application Smitty’s Action, on Hillcrest Dr. September 3, 2022 for
Lee Holt Auction, starting at 9:30 AM until done.
Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Glumac, Lindemann, Blake, Harris
Nays: None
b. Consider and act on the Special Event permit application for Memorial Service at
Westside Lounge on August 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Harris, to authorize the Special
Event permit application for Memorial Service at Westside Lounge on August
19, 2022 at 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac
Nays: None
c. Consider and act on the Special Event permit application for 2022 Fall Festival on
September 10, 2022.
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Lindemann, to authorize the Special
Event permit application for 2022 Fall Festival on September 10, 2022.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown
Nays: None
d. Consider and act on passing Resolution 22-07 Fall Festival Parade 2022.
Motion was made by Brooks, seconded by Harris, to pass Resolution 22-07 Fall
Festival Parade 2022.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks
Nays: None
e. Consider and act on the Special Event permit application for 2022 Homecoming on
October 7, 2022.
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Brooks, to authorize the Special
Event permit application for 2022 Homecoming on October 7, 2022.
Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
f. Consider and act on passing Resolution 22-08 Homecoming Parade 2022.
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Lindemann, to pass Resolution 22-
08 Homecoming Parade 2022.
Ayes: Harris, Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
11. STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: I'd like to thank Josh Ochs, Street Department and the other city departments
employees for the chip and tar maintenance program. I know it was very hot.
I'd like to thank Kevin Colclasure and New Hope Church volunteering to coat the Old
River Bridge for the City. Also, thank you to Honey Do Ministry for roofing a home after
their annual week.
Brown: I would all echo what Gale said. Brad said the bridge isn’t quit done. He had to
order more sealant. Otherwise, those folks would be done. I'm pretty sure they're coming
back to finish.
Brooks: No Comments
Lindemann: No Comments
Blake: No Comments
Harris:
I also want to ditto what Gail said and thank everybody.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
August 16, 2022
There is a Snedeker Risk Management meeting in East Peoria on Wednesday,
September 28th. I would like to attend. It's at no cost, but it would just be a
reimbursement for travel.
I have a new estimate on the boat ramp. I believe it's going to be $7,000, but that's
not included the construction engineering. Mayor suggested a plain and simple
boat ramp design, then bring it back to the council to discuss.
City Attorney: No Comments
City Clerk: 2 Electric PO’s and 1 Police PO
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Harris, to authorize Electric
Department PO #00008-30 for $18,480.00 to Brownstown Electric Supply.
Ayes: Glumac, Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris
Nays: None
Motion was made by Glumac, seconded by Harris, to authorize Electric
Department PO #00009-30 for $4,380.00 to Anixter.
Ayes: Brown, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac
Nays: None
Mayor:
If you are the first city council member contacted by a citizen, please give the
council a heads up. It will help the Council to have historical information.
I'll echo Gail’s thank you New Hope for the bridge and the curbs around the
square. I appreciate them donating their time.
I appreciate the summer help at pool and park.
School is in session. I'll always say keep an eye out for children. We have a lot of
foot traffic and/or vehicle traffic in the mornings and afternoons.
I want to thank the city employees, not only the street department, for the streets. I
also want to thank the cross collaboration within utilities. A week ago we were
short staffed over a weekend and they worked together. I really do appreciate that
and I hope to see more.
There are job openings within the city of Newton and the county.
There is “NO PARKING” on Absher and Maxwell by the Newton Grade School.
12. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: None
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Potential Litigation, personnel and closed session minutes
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Glumac, to go out of open session and into
closed session to discuss potential litigation, personnel and closed session minutes
pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas
of discussion.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brown
Nays: None
Open session suspended at 7:27 PM.
David Brown left 7:30 PM
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Harris, to go out of closed session and
back into open session.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brooks
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 8:00 PM.
Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed potential
litigation, personnel and closed session minutes.
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. Van Buren St
Newton, IL 62448
August 16, 2022
Motion was made by Lindemann, seconded by Glumac, to pass Resolution 22-05
Closed Session Minutes.
Ayes: Blake, Harris, Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Glumac, to pass Resolution 22-06
Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Meetings Sessions audio recording.
Ayes: Harris, Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
14. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Harris, seconded by Glumac, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Glumac, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Harris
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Submitted by Rosetta M. York
