East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met June 24.

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 24, 2019, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Mike Walker and Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present –Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh; Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Clarence Pagel; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Terry Hahn, Sewer Dept. Supr; Mark Workman; Fred Richter; Jane Tappendorf; April Zacha 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 Milleville and seconded by Commissioner Slingerland. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)

Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh, reported the West Division Street Project is anticipated to begin July 08, 2019 weather permitting. He provided a map indicating the target area for sewer line improvements of the grant application. 77% responded to the income surveys. Surveys can be used for a phase 1 & phase 2 grant cycles.

Council approved the purchase of a brush chipper from Fabick in the amount of $34,950.00. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. The cost of the two cameras is grant refundable.

Council approved a resolution for 2019 Maintenance of Streets on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Mark Workman questioned the gaming establishment license regulations. He stated in gaming rooms facilities he has visited in other communities are only gaming stations and not a bar. Mayor Rippetoe explained income regulations of that specific liquor license and the City’s rights to review those records.

Jane Tappendorf provided pictures of deterioration in West John Adams Street, a stump needing ground, and dead Ash trees needing removed. Mayor Rippetoe indicated next year the street could have durapatch applied and be oiled.

Clarence Pagel asked why the street sweeper couldn’t be used. Mayor Rippetoe explained manpower was an issue; dying trees and drainage are taking priority. Pagel also asked why neighbors were not notified of a recent gas leak situation. Council was not aware of the occurrence.

Commissioner Slingerland reported a recent IEPA inspection of the water treatment plant resulted in minimal items to correct. City has 45 days to comply. A large culvert will soon be replaced at the south waste water treatment plant. Over 40 applications have been received for the water department position.

Commissioner Walker reported the Electric Department has been assisting the Street Department with tree removal. The generation facility passed certification. Eleven applications have been received for the electric department position.

Commissioner Milleville reported he attended the Newly Elected Official Workshop – time well spent. Updates are planned for the sign at Nori’s Yard and improvements to the Schmidt Park entrance.

Commissioner Polk reported damaged trees have been removed.

Mayor reported he has been in contact with the contractor for the downtown demolition.

Council entered into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel Matter 5 ILCS 120/2 (c ) (1) on a motion by Commissioner Milleville and seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Upon returning to open session, Commissioner Slingerland motioned to approve a 2% wage increase for all non-union employees. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Commissioner Milleville motioned to approve advertising for a sixth full time police officer. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

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

http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2019_council.pdf#page=84