East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Aug. 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on August 26, 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; Mimi Mays; Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Clarence Pagel; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Mark Workman; Jason Mislich; Lloyd Wendling; Ken Ginn 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 Slingerland and seconded by Commissioner Walker.

Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh, reported DCEO grant application for sanitary sewer replacement is due Thursday. Award announcements are expected in January 2020. The West Division Street project is progressing on schedule, curb and gutter will be poured this week.

Carol Clarkson requested the City Council relax the parking regulations for a business relocation in the downtown area. She expressed concerns of businesses growth and departure from the City and felt the Council should do everything in their power to help businesses grow. The concerns originated from a recent ruling requiring parking spaces for a business relocating to 14 North Second Street and adding apartments above a restaurant. Commissioner Slingerland stated the Council needs to plan parking for future businesses opening in the area. Mayor Rippetoe stated he would meet with owners of the restaurant to discuss their business plan.

Mark Workman stated his bartenders have been getting pulled over when leaving work at closing time. He wanted the situation explained to the Altamont Police Department.

Mimi Mays requested the time limit for golf cart usage be extended to 10:00 pm, rather than dusk. Mayor Rippetoe stated IDOT would be consulted about their time limitations.

Jason Mislich provided pictures of the west side of the McDonald’s privacy fence and asked for it to be cleaned up. He also requested the fence be replaced to code eliminating headlights shining on their property. He provided pictures of the parking lot between McDonald’s & Jack Flash, requesting the trash be cleaned up. He expressed concerns about the Jack Flash rebuild project and emphasized the need for a 10 foot solid privacy fence. Adjacent residences want to retain their privacy.

Council approved Resolution 2019-08-06; Supporting Community Development Block Grant Application for Sewer Line Replacement. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval.

Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved a Roadside Fundraiser Request for Lions Club Candy Day, September 7, 2019.

Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved a Roadside Fundraiser Request for Effingham Nights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, September 20th & 21st, 2019. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Commissioner Slingerland motioned to approve payment to Newmann Company Contractors for Water Tower Painting in the amount of $93,800. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Project was $1,000 under bid.

Commissioner Polk motioned to approve Pay Request #1 to Kieffer Bros Construction in the amount of $140,854.95 – West Division Street project. Commissioner Milleville seconded.

Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Commissioner Slingerland reported the algae control units are working. Raw pump repair is being researched. Water Department continues searching for a new employee. The south wastewater treatment plant has many weeds growing between the pond covers. A process for weed elimination is being sought.

Commissioner Walker reported the Electric Department is continuing employment interviews, as the previous individual chose to continue his education.

Commissioner Milleville reported a new sign was placed at Nori’s Yard.

Commissioner Polk reported a water main extension was installed in the south water service area. A note of appreciation was conveyed for work of the Street Department during a tree removal.

Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.

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