City of Altamont City Council met Feb. 25.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on February 25, 2019, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Richard Frailey; Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Jason Williams. Also present – Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Vaughn Voelker, Water Department Supr; Terry Hahn, Sewer Dept Supr; Beth Speers; Konnie Smith; Nick Burrus; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Alvin Oliver; Justin Osteen; Matt Holste; Jon Berg; Larry Taylor; Gary Goldstein; John Vezetti, Bernardi Securities; Clarence Pagel; and City Clerk Sarah Stephen.
The Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of prior meeting minutes and payment of bills, was approved on a motion by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)
Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh, provided a preliminary plan of the Division Street project modifications were discussed. The street light at Division & Third will need relocated. Mayor Rippetoe stated the City would remove the light & pole, but the contractor will need to remove the foundation. Division Street from Main to Third will be completely replaced. Project letting is estimated for the end of March.
Council approved Placement of a Little Library in Schmidt Park on a motion by Commissioner Milleville. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Slingerland. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Exact placement will be determined by the Park Commissioner.
John Vezetti of Bernardi Securities addressed the Council concerning refinancing of existing bonds. He stated the City has an A- rating which provides better interest rates. Council was favorable to proceed.
A comparison of mowing bids received was provided to Council. Commissioner Milleville stated he had reviewed the bids and he considered the prior year performances. Commissioner Milleville motioned to award groups 1, 2 & 3 to Precision Law Care and Group 4 to Jon Berg. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Bids received for Consultants to Prepare Enterprise Zone Application were presented to the Council. Commissioner Frailey motioned to award the bid to South Central Illinois Regional Planning & Development. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. SCIRPDC bid was in the amount of $28,000 with $2,000 inclusion of Beecher City for a total of $30,000.
Ordinance 656-19; Authorizing Execution of Generation Siting and Operating Agreement (Solar Site) was approved on a motion by Commissioner Frailey and seconded by Commissioner Williams. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Larry Taylor commented IMEA will be contracting the project to protect the City. The solar panels are expected to be installed and operating before winter.
Larry Taylor reported Ameren has filed for a rate increase to be effective July 1, 2019. IMEA will attempt to negotiate a lower increase. Altamont customers will see the effect thru the energy cost adjustment. He also reported IMEA has approved the 2019 electric efficiency program to include a provision of $200 for electric vehicle charging stations.
Council approved a rebate for completion of income surveys. Commissioner Slingerland motioned to provide a $20.00 utility bill rebate for customers voluntarily completing an income survey and no rebate if a home visit request is required. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Income surveys will be utilized in a grant application for 1⁄2 million dollars to replace sewer lines in the northwest section of the City.
After a lengthy discussion comparing improvement costs for the water treatment plant, Commissioner Slingerland motioned to have the clear well repaired not to exceed $15,000. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Clarence Pagel presented Clerk Stephen with a FOIA request for records pertaining to the latest sewer rate increase.
Commissioner Slingerland reported the clarifier leak at the Water Department can be fixed relative easy. Ryan Spade passed his Class A testing, but cannot receive full classification until hours on the job are satisfied. The north wastewater treatment plant received a compliant EPA certification.
Commissioner Frailey reported the Electric Department worked six weekend outages.
Commissioner Williams reported a quote has been received for the purchase of a replacement wood chipper in the amount of $38,000. The current unit is 25 years old, not as safe to operate and has more costly repairs than new models. More street sealing with the assistance of Effingham County is being scheduled. The waterway at Gilbert Park will start when weather permits. The project is an estimated two day project. Wood debris will be burned in a nearby field.
Commissioner Milleville reported Gilbert Park improvements - new benches installed in the batters building; the storage shed and tractor sheds are cleaned and organized; and the tractor has been serviced.
Mayor Rippetoe reported Wortman’s are pursing demolition and remodeling of the Jack Flash location.
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Slingerland. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Frailey, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Williams, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2019_council.pdf#page=84
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