East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met July 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on July 08, 2019, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: 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; Lloyd Wendling, Water Dept; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief; April Luchtefeld; Kris Denton; Torrey Denton and City Clerk Sarah Stephen. Mayor Jason Rippetoe was absent. Commissioner Milleville, Mayor Pro-Tem conducted the meeting.

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

Chief Alan Heiens presented the June 2019 Police Activity Report.

Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh, reported the West Division Street Project is anticipated to begin July 15, 2019 weather permitting. The preconstruction meeting is scheduled for July 10th at 8:00 am. A public hearing will be held in August regarding funding for the proposed sewer line project.

Clarence Pagel stated the gas meters at the former Bean Development Mobile Home Park have been removed. He requested a culvert replacement & dirt to improve draining in the alley.

Torrey Denton addressed the Council concerning the fourth backup of sewer into his basement. He stated his sewer line is new and not the problem, that the problem is the sewer main. He is demanding a lift be installed at his residence at the City’s expense. If the City does not agree, he will seek legal counsel and contact IEPA. He stated neighbors did not have backup issues as they all had lift stations. He went on to state during the last occurrence, Terry Hahn, Water Dept Supr, checked the sewer main and it was clear. Commissioner Slingerland stated responsibility fell on the original contractor; however the home would have been built to code of that era. Commissioner Slingerland requested Denton provide two quotes for lift station install and the matter be tabled until the next meeting.

Council approved Sponsorship of the Effingham County CEO Program for three years, with a total contribution of $3,000. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Milleville, yes.

Ordinance 667-19; Adopting Section 40-5-16 to the Municipal Code regarding Zoning Regulations for Solar Systems was approved on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Motion seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Milleville, yes.

Resolution 2019-07-05; Effingham County Fair Parade, July 28, 2019 with Rain Date August 3, 2019 was approved on a motion by Commissioner Walker and seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Milleville, yes.

The estimated fiscal year ending appropriation was announced totaling $6,981,631.

Council approved a street closing request of the 1st United Methodist Church, August 18, 2019 on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Motion seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Milleville, yes.

Commissioner Slingerland reported he visited with Water Department employees. Vaughn Voelker, Water Dept Supr, requested a top priority repair be the dam valve with pump replacements as second priority. The water tower painting project will begin Friday. City employees will be working additional hours to monitor water pressure fluctuations. Commissioner Walker reported the Electric Department has removed the street light at Division & Third in preparation for the Division Street Resurfacing. He is reviewing employment applications.

Commissioner Polk reported Street Dept is trying to catch up after wet weather delays.

Commissioner Milleville reported the Heritage Park restrooms as now open. The free library and benches for Schmidt Park have arrived. Gilbert Park Diamond B has developed a water retention issue since construction of the new senior living apartments. Developers of the apartments have agreed to install a French drain and a warning track to correct the drainage.

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

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