UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
August 15, 2023
- CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl
Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Kaleb Wright.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Kaleb Wright. - ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, Deputy City Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann and
Michael Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks and Deputy City
Clerk Maggie McDonald - ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: Add to Item #14 Executive Session: Litigation and
Closed Session Minutes.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to adopt the
amended agenda.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick
Nays: None
Absent: Blake - APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of August 1, 2023.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to approve the
minutes of the August 1, 2023 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
Absent: Blake - APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Alderman RJ Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $209,269.29 and
the bills and accounts payable. Alderman Lindemann made a motion to approve
the pre-paids and authorize payment of the bills and accounts payable in the
amount of $135,540.37. Larry Brooks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Absent: Blake
Alderman Eric Blake arrived at 6:05 PM. - PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS: None
- COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS:
Personnel Committee Meeting Tuesday August 8th, 2023Attendees: Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks,
Melissa Brooks, Gayle Glumac, Maggie McDonald, Eric Blake, Josh Kuhl, RJ Lindemann, Amy Tarr.
Meeting Started at 5:30pm
I. Motion was made to go into executive session to discuss personnel and personnel related matters.
Firsted by Larry Brooks, Seconded by Gayle Glumac - Motion was made to go out of executive session by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac.
Meeting adjourned at 6:06pm
Electric Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 8, 2023 6:09 PM – 7:36 PM
Present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Matt
Tarr, Jeff Vance, Tyler Weber, Brent Benefiel, Amy Tarr, Brenda Phillips, Josh Kuhl and Maggie
McDonald
The Electric Committee meeting was called to order at 6:09 PM.
The committee discussed hiring a consultant to prepare a RFP for power purchasing agreement and review proposals that come in.
While meeting with the consultant, we explored how his knowledge and connections could benefit the City.
With the City’s power contract coming to an end, the Council wants not only the best price but also to ensure we are exploring all options for future power supply. We want to keep an eye on progress.
A consensus of the committee was to review the consultant’s proposal for services.
Matt Tarr presented costs for the engineering work that would be required when we start upgrading D circuit.
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM.
Gayle Glumac, Chairman
Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting Tuesday August 8th, 2023
Attendees: Kaleb Wright, Melissa Brooks, Amy Tarr, Maggie McDonald, Tyler Weber, Brent
Benefiel, Josh Kuhl, Brenda Phillips, Gayle Glumac, RJ Lindemann.
Meeting start: 7:37pm
Water
- 305 E Decatur St. meter relocation
a. It was discussed whether to move the meters that feed 2 mobile home properties from
another adjoining property; the City will leave the current meters and repair the yard with
the meters any time it is disturbed for repairs. - Flushing Hydrants
a. Fire hydrants are systematically being flushed, just not on a set schedule due to staffing
issues. The committee has advised Tyler to flush dead end hydrants as often as
possible to avoid debris or blockage in the event they are needed. - Water Plant Roofing needs
a. Tyler informed the committee that the Water treatment plant roof isleaking again,
insurance claim efforts failed as the contractor has since gone out of business. The
committee advised Tyler to get quotes for replacing the current roof with a metal roof.
Wastewater
- Purchasing 2009 Ram Jetter Truck
a. Brent gave an update on the ’09 Truck, it completes all the jobs needed of it, often doing
it with less hassle. The dealer the truck is being purchased from will give us a trade in
value of $5000 for the current ’95 Jetter truck. The dealer will also pay for the ’09 truck
to be sent to a certified mechanic for all engine issues to be fixed free of charge. The
committee moved to add a line item to the council meeting to purchase the ’09 jetter
truck. - Kaeser Electric Motor
a. Brent informed the committee that one of the kaeser motors had broken a bearing which
caused it to keep overloading the breaker, full replacement with new motor and install
will be $17,498. - BOD incubator
a. The sewer plant sample incubator broke down, Brent has ordered a new one that will be
delivered for the cost of $3,505.02
Meeting adjourned at 8:31pm
- OLD BUSINESS:
a. Consider and act on moving forward with replacing 100 feet of sidewalk on South Van
Buren Street.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize moving
forward with replacing 100 feet of sidewalk on South Van Buren Street.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
b. Consider and act on authorizing TIF application submitted by Jared Wagner to
demolish 204 West End Ave. in the amount of $2,781.90
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize TIF
application submitted by Jared Wagner to demolish 204 West End Ave in the
amount of $2,781.90.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
c. Consider and act on authorizing the Treasurer to remove Rosetta York and add
Deputy City Clerk Maggie McDonald as authorized signers on City accounts.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the
Treasurer to remove Rosetta York and add Deputy City Clerk Maggie McDonald as
authorized signers on City accounts.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
d. Consider and act on accepting Police Officer Trevor Honomichl’s letter of resignation
effective August 15, 2023.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the
acceptance of Police Officer Trevor Honomichl’s letter of resignation effective
August 15, 2023.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
e. Consider and act on approving Police Chief Britton to seek full time officer.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Police
Chief Britton to seek full time officer.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
f. Consider and act on authorizing Connor & Connor to begin with project pertaining to
the grant agreement between The State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and
the City of Newton for the Lead Service Line Inventory.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize
Connor & Connor to begin with project pertaining to the grant agreement between
The State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Newton for
the Lead Service Line Inventory.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
g. Consider and act on authorizing the revision to the Second Amendment to the Lease
Agreement Between Saint Thomas Roman Catholic Church, As Lessor, and The City of
Newton, Illinois, As Lessee. Changing the annual sum paid by the Lessee to the Lessor
from $750.00 to $1,000.00 per water well.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the
revision to the Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement Between Saint
Thomas Roman Catholic Church, As Lessor, and The City of Newton, Illinois, As
Lessee. Changing the annual sum paid by the Lessee to the Lessor from $750.00
to $1,000.00 per water well.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
h. Consider and act on authorizing the purchase of a 2009 Vactor Ramjet Truck from
Coe Equipment, Inc. in the amount of $65,000.00. With a one-month rental price
deduction of $9,250.00, making the current purchase price of $55,750.00.
The purpose of tabling authorization is to inquire selling or trade in value of
previous truck.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to table the
motion for the purchase of a 2009 Vactor Ramjet Truck from Coe Equipment, Inc.
in the amount of $65,000.00. With a one-month rental price deduction of $9,250.00,
making the current purchase price of $55,750.00.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
j. Discuss eligible TIF expenditures.
Several different projects were discussed to utilize TIF funds.
h. Discuss update with basement stairs railing.
Jim Brooks has been here taking measurements and is making final arrangements
to finish.
- NEW BUSINESS:
a. Consider and act on Resolution 23-08 Closed Session Minutes.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to table 10a.
Resolution 23-08 Closed Session Minutes until after the executive session.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
b. Consider and act on Resolution 23-09 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Meetings
Sessions Audio Recordings between August 2021 through January 2022.
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Mike Swick, to table 10b.
Resolution 23-09 Destruction of Closed Meeting Sessions Audio Recordings
between August 2021 through January 2022 until after the executive session.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
c. Discuss City Hall and Newton Police Department Fiber Internet Contracts.
The connection cable between the main line and the server was bad and was
replaced. Upped to 200megs on speed and problems seem to be fixed.
- STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: School has started, please be cautious when driving in the morning and
afternoon hours. Passed along a thank you from several organizations to our Electric,
Water, and Wastewater Departments for their diligent work provided. Last day for the
pool will be Labor Day, September 4. Susie and all pool faculty, Brad and Mike with the
Park Department, were thanked for another great year. Lastly, gave appreciation to
Jackie and her staff for all summer events at the library.
Wright: No Comments
Brooks: No Comments
Lindemann: Voiced opinion concerning the Capital Development Fund being abolished.
Reviewed and signed off on billing and utility adjustments.
Blake: No Comments
Swick: On behalf of Police Chief Britton, gave report that the new body cams are
working great and the department is very pleased with them.
City Attorney: No Comments
City Treasurer: The three-year mark has come for the city to go out for quotes on
property liability and work comp insurance. Will be getting the information available and
placing ads in the paper.
Deputy City Clerk: (1 PO’s) Wastewater Department PO# 10 to USA Bluebook for (1)
BOD Incubator at a cost of $3,505.72
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize the
Wastewater Department PO#10 to USA Bluebook for (1) BOD Incubator at a cost of
$3,505.72.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
Mayor: Thanked Officer Honomichl for his hard work and dedication to the city Police
Department. Wished him well in his new endeavors. Cruise Night brought a great crowd.
Recognized the Chamber of Commerce, our City Departments, and all who had a hand
in making the night successful. Again, school has started, all sports are in full swing,
please keep an eye out for our children. Hopes for a safe and healthy school year for all
students and staff. Lastly, thanked every one of our city employees and Police
Department for all their hard work. It does not go unnoticed. - NEXT REGULAR MEETING: September 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM
- SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Building Permits Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 5:30 PM. - EXECUTIVE SESSION: Personnel, Purchase of Real Estate, Litigation and Closed
Session Minutes.
Motion was made by Eric Blake, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of open
session and into closed session to discuss Personnel, Purchase of Real Estate,
Litigation and Closed Session Minutes pursuant to the exceptions section of
the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
Open session suspended at 7:01 PM.
Motion was made by Kaleb Wright, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of
closed session and back into open session.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 7:39 PM.
Mayor Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed Personnel,
Purchase of Real Estate, Litigation and Closed Session Minutes.
(10a) Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to pass
Resolution 23-08 Closed Session Minutes.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
(10b) Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Kaleb Wright to pass
Resolution 23-09 Authorizing the Destruction of Closed Meetings Sessions Audio
Recordings between August 2021 through January 2022.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
- ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the
meeting.
Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.
Submitted by: Maggie E. McDonald, Deputy City Clerk
