UNOFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE NEWTON CITY COUNCIL
108 N. VAN BUREN St.
NEWTON, IL 62448
June 20, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER: Joshua J. Kuhl, Mayor
Mayor Joshua Kuhl called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman Kaleb Wright.
Pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Alderman Kaleb Wright.
3. ROLL CALL: Maggie McDonald, Deputy Clerk
Physically present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake and Mike Swick
Also present: Attorney William Heap, Treasurer Melissa Brooks, Clerk Rosetta York, and Deputy Clerk Maggie McDonald
4. ADOPT OR AMEND AGENDA: Item #7 add Donna Coad and Andre Leachman Executive Session: Litigation, Potential Litigation, Purchase of Real Estate, Sale of Real Estate and Personnel
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Mike Swick, to adopt the amended agenda.
Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
5. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MINUTES of June 6, 2023.
Motion was made by Larry Brooks, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2023 meeting of the Newton City Council.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
6. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Alderman Lindemann reviewed the pre-paids in the amount of $168,809.02 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 $257,470.96. Larry Brooks seconded the motion.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS:
Donna Coad and Andre Leachman inquired about Lights in the Park for 2023. Gayle Glumac, Chairman of the Park Committee, referred them to her with any questions or concerns they may have. They are looking to reorganize due to so many additional displays. Start date for installation will be Friday, October 27, 2023.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS OR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS: Police/Building Permit Committee Meeting Monday, June 19, 2023 at 5:45 PM. Electric Committee Meeting Monday, June 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Street and Alley Committee Meeting Monday, June 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Police and Building Permit Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 19, 2023 5:45 PM – 5:55 PM Present: Michael Swick, Gayle Glumac, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Matt Tarr, Chief Riley Britton, Tyler Weber, Maggie McDonald, Eric Blake, Kenneth Belcher and Kaleb Wright
Josh Ochs arrived at 5:48 PM
Amy Tarr arrived at 5:50 PM
RJ Lindemann arrived at 5:51 PM
• It was recommended by the committee to proceed forward with the Demolition Ordinance for Dangerous and Unsafe Buildings which will allow the City to take proper steps in demolition of properties.
• Chief Riley Britton gave an update on Ordinance violations. The Police Department received their new tasers. They will be sending an officer for training next week.
• Raymond Kocher completed some updates at City Hall last week. There will be more projects in the future. Looking into replacing lights in the awning out front of City Hall and the stair railing in back of the building.
• Clint Crossen gives appreciation of his compensation request.
Meeting adjourned at 5:55 PM
Michael Swick, Chairman
Electric Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 19, 2023 6:00 PM – 6:42 PM Present: Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, Matt Tarr, RJ Lindemann, Eric Blake, Michael Swick, Tyler Weber, Amy Tarr, Josh Ochs and Maggie McDonald
• Several locations were discussed for placement of a new substation. We will continue to research the best location. Our goal is to have new sub station built and operable by 2030. • Questions and ideas were presented on how we could use TIF funds on upgrades. • We are expecting a few power proposal contracts. Our current contract will expire in 2024. • Permit for solar panels at TPS is close to being approved by Electric Department Head. Still waiting on SESE to have other projects completed before we can finish the city’s electrical portion.
• Repairs have been made to hot spots that were found at the substation on Decatur St. There were a few hotspots found at the substation South of town that will be repaired in Spring 2024. Meeting adjourned at 6:42 PM
Gayle Glumac, Chairman
Street and Alley Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, June 19, 2023 7:00 PM – 7:25 PM Present: Eric Blake, Mike Swick, Maggie McDonald, Gayle Glumac, Kaleb Wright, Larry Brooks, Melissa Brooks, RJ Lindemann, Josh Ochs, Matt Tarr, Amy Tarr and Tyler Weber
• Josh Ochs voiced his concerns with alley ordinances needing revised to avoid blocking non maintained alleys.
• Discussion of erecting barricades at unused railroad beds from Reynolds St. to Ochs Ave. to prevent travel. Railroad company still needs to repair crossings.
• Josh Ochs spoke about the storm sewer repair with Metro Communications on Church St. and Marion.
• Replacement of sidewalks in the city that need immediate attention was discussed. • Maintenance at the entrance of Hickory Dr. will be implemented.
• Ochs Ave. project proposed to start in July 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM
Eric Blake, Chairman
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Consider and act on authorizing the City Attorney to proceed with Ordinances for the demolition of derelict properties at 702 Foster St. and 200 Goble St. as recommended by the Police Committee.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to authorize the City Attorney to proceed with Ordinances for the demolition of derelict properties at 702 Foster St. and 200 Goble St. as recommended by the Police Committee. Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
B. Consider and act on authorizing Connor and Connor to proceed with sidewalk improvements on the North side of East Washington, from South Van Buren St. to the alleyway by Expert Collision.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize Connor and Connor to proceed with sidewalk improvements on the North side of East Washington, from South Van Buren St. to the alleyway by Expert Collision. Ayes: Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake
Nays: None
C. Review and discuss the Demolition Reimbursement Application for 706 Fairground St. submitted by 3B General Contracting.
Orders of procedure and additional qualifications for the application were discussed.
D. Consider and act on submitting grant application to the Illinois Basin Funding Review. Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Kaleb Wright, to authorize submitting grant application to the Illinois Basin Funding Review. Ayes: Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick
Nays: None
E. Review bids received for new 2023 one-ton cab/chassis truck for Park Department. One sealed bid was received from McClane Motors in the amount of $48,449.00. F. Consider and act on purchasing a new 2023 one-ton cab/chassis truck for Park Department in the amount of $48,449.00 from McClane Motors in Newton, Illinois. Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to authorize purchasing a new 2023 one-ton cab/chassis truck for the Park Department in the amount of $48,449.00 from McClane Motors in Newton, Illinois.
Ayes: Wright, Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac
Nays: None
10. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Consider and act on authorizing Parklanes temporary fence for outside liquor sales on June 24, 2023 for their one-year celebration.
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by Larry Brooks, to authorize Parklanes temporary fence for outside liquor sales on June 24, 2023 for their one year celebration.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
11. STATEMENTS BY:
Glumac: Thanked the Water Department for their quick turnaround on water main break on South Van Buren. Brad Benefiel and Mike Schackmann, Park Department, as well as Susie McCann, Newton Aquatics Center Manager, were thanked for all their hard work and for running the pool efficiently. On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, all Jasper County junior high and high school students, including St. Thomas, can swim from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Batting cages and mini golf will be open. The pool has had 5 days with more than 200 attendees. Swimming lessons are full. Water aerobics are now being held on Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Fantastic job to all instructors. Wright: Called a Water and Wastewater Department Committee Meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM or immediately following the Finance/Audit Committee Meeting.
Brooks: No comments
Lindemann: Called a Finance/Audit Committee Meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Lindemann expressed his opinion on eliminating the Capital Development Fund.
Blake: No comments
Swick: Voiced appreciation for Water Department working on concrete in front of City Hall. Thank you to the Street Department for getting the sink hole on Church St. and Marion St. worked out and helping with the project on Hickory Dr.
City Attorney: No comments
City Treasurer: No comments
Deputy Clerk: Thanked the City Council and Mayor for allowing her attendance to the “Back to Basics” Clerk training last week in Peoria, Illinois. Great experience, very informative, and was able to create lifelong connections and references. Hope to continue with more trainings in the future. Informed everyone there are student civic opportunities if anyone knows of projects needing volunteers.
City Clerk: This Fall there is an annual institute/academy for clerks. Upon completion you become a Registered Municipal Clerk. It is fabulous training. I recommend that you send Maggie McDonald.
Mayor: Thank you to our Water and Sewer Department for their concrete work in front of City Hall. Melissa and her team, Amy, Brenda, Maggie and Rosie, thank you for all your hard work. It’s been really exciting to watch Maggie come into the zone and take on the Deputy Clerk role. 12. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
SCHEDULED COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Finance/Audit Committee Meeting Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Water and Wastewater Committee Meeting Monday, June 26, 2023 at 6:30 or immediately following the Finance/Audit Committee Meeting.
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Litigation, Potential Litigation, Purchase of Real Estate, Sale of Real Estate and Personnel
Motion was made by Gayle Glumac, seconded by RJ Lindemann, to go out of open session and into closed session to discuss litigation, potential litigation, purchase of real estate, sale of real estate and personnel, pursuant to the exceptions section of the Open Meetings Act pertaining to those areas of discussion.
Ayes: Brooks, Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright
Nays: None
Open session suspended at 7:26 PM.
Motion was made by Mike Swick, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to go out of closed session and back into open session.
Ayes: Lindemann, Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks
Nays: None
Open session resumed at 8:04 PM.
Josh Kuhl announced that during closed session the council discussed litigation, potential litigation, purchase of real estate, sale of real estate and personnel.
14. ADJOURNMENT:
Motion was made by RJ Lindemann, seconded by Gayle Glumac, to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Blake, Swick, Glumac, Wright, Brooks, Lindemann
Nays: None
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Submitted by Maggie McDonald, Deputy City Clerk
