City of Altamont City Council met June 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on June 10, 2019, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Tayler Polk;. Also present –Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh; Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Larry Taylor; Clarence Pagel; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Bryan Seidel, Electric Dept. Supr; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief; Dallas & Jennie Kendall; Roy Long; Lloyd Wendling; Joey Stewart and City Clerk Sarah Stephen. Commissioners Todd Slingerland & Mike Walker were absent.

The Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of prior meeting minutes and payment of bills, was approved on a motion by Commissioner Milleville and seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)

Alan Heiens, Police Chief, presented the May 2019 Police Activity Report.

Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh, reported the West Division Street Project bid opening resulted in a bid much lower than estimated. Kieffer Construction of Mt Carmel was the low bidder. Estimated start date is July 08, 2019. Letters will be sent to affected landowners. DCEO grant income surveys are being compiled.

Council approved Purchase of Police Department In-Car Cameras in the amount of $5050.00. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. The cost of the two cameras is grant refundable.

Resolution 2019-06-04 Awarding Bid to Kieffer Bros Construction in the amount of $687,716.66 for West Division Street Project was approved on a motion by Commissioner Milleville. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Larry Taylor updated Council on the IMEA solar installation. Rich Baltimore of Sol, IMEA representatives, Larry Taylor and City employees met to discuss a timeline and inspect the location. Sol did not require any trees to be removed. An easement and siting agreement need to be processed by the City. Start up for the solar units is anticipated in the fall of 2019. Larry Taylor also provided the Council with a listing of USDA grant programs available. He stated the squad car program has been very successful for communities.

Ordinance 666-19 Granting Easement to IMEA for Solar Location was approved on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Bid advertising for a brush chipper was approved by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Bryan Seidel, Electric Dept Supr, explained an application for installation of a 30kw residential solar unit has been received. City ordinance regulates residential solar to a maximum 10kw unless City provides exception. He stated there is a total maximum kw solar connection to the City electric system. The larger unit would limit connection by others. He recommended adhering to the ordinance. Commissioner Milleville motioned to deny exceeding 10kw capacity limit. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Dallas Kendall addressed the Council concerning recent flooding at their residence. He stated the flooding signs at West Jefferson were in place, but motorists ignored them. He requested the drain south of their residence be cleaned. He asked if the City had made progress with the railroad to increase culvert size to help move water. Mayor Rippetoe explained the expensive installation of a larger railroad culvert, the complications of obtaining railroad approval and the lengthy process. Mr. Kendall asked if any sidewalk replacements were planned for this year.

Roy Long explained to Council Mr. Kendall has addressed a 40 year old problem. He also inquired if a solution had been discovered. He requested rock at the end of an alley.

Joey Stewart reported the plans for Summerfest are progressing well. At this time 16 outside vendors have expressed interest.

Clarence Pagel asked if his alley had been inspected, he stated when it rains water almost runs under his house and the high school has not been mowing the Jackson Street ditch. Mayor Rippetoe stated he would get a visual of the drainage and he would contact the high school.

Commissioner Milleville had nothing to report.

Commissioner Polk reported a chipper is being demonstrated allowing for removal of some dead ash trees.

Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Milleville and seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

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