City of Altamont City Council met Feb. 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 February 24, 2020, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Mike Walker and Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present – Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Clarence Pagel; Terry Plowman; Larry Taylor; Mimi Mays; Pam Dammerman; Matt Holste; Roger Beccue; April Luchtefeld; Carl Becker; Jon Becker; Mark Workman; and City Clerk Sarah Stephen. Commissioner Dan Milleville was absent.
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; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)
A Report from Milano & Grunloh Engineers was reviewed: A punch list has been completed on the West Division Street project. A survey of Carriage Lane has been completed. The street is planned to be oil and chipped to include a short distance of asphalt. A wide shoulder will be added.
Mark Workman addressed the Council regarding a lunch menu sign, setting on the sidewalk. He was contacted regarding noncompliance of the sign location. He stated there is a 5 1⁄2 foot clearance for pedestrians. He asked if the sign was okay. Mayor Rippetoe stated he would have to evaluate the situation and let him know.
Roger Beccue questioned the appropriate signage and sidewalk displays. Mayor Rippetoe explained sign regulations were being reviewed.
Council approved a Roadside Fundraiser Request by Altamont Lions Club for May 31, 2020. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Jon Becker addressed the Council regarding a dissatisfaction with contractors of the Senior Living Apartments. Concrete was removed from a 16 foot easement, provided by Carl Becker. The concrete allowed access to the west entrance of the Becker building. Becker’s requested assistance from the City Council to encourage the contractor to replace the destroyed concrete. Mayor Rippetoe offered to contact the development owner and discuss the matter.
Larry Taylor provided an IMEA update to the Council. He reported IMEA has hired a new CFO, SCADA firewalls for system protection are being put in place, IMEA has grants available for electric car charging stations, the Altamont solar facility is scheduled for operation in July 2020. A shortage of FERC committee members is delaying objectives presentation in Washington DC. Larry Taylor was re-elected to the IMEA Executive Board.
Council approved Ordinance VA-1590; Mathias Business Park Sign Size. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Approval allows an increase in the sign size. A sign will be installed at the entrance of Do It Drive, listing the various businesses in Mathias Business Park.
Council approved Ordinance SP1590; Placement of Mathias Business Park Sign. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Ordinance allows partial placement of sign in utility easement.
Council approved the Community Partnership Agreement with CEFS Economic Opportunity. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Council awarded mowing bids to Precision Lawn Care and Jon Berg for the 2020 mowing season. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, recused.
Commissioner Slingerland reported generators of the Sewer and Electric Departments have been repaired. They are now on an exercise maintenance schedule. He met with EJ Water Coop to discuss comparison of purchasing water versus the City treating reservoir water as is the current practice.
Commissioner Walker reported a new hire has been found for the Electric Department. This will return the crew to full staff.
Commissioner Polk reported the salt spreader/dump truck was not purchased due to inadequacies. Street Department has been cleaning up brush.
Mayor Rippetoe reported he, Nick Burrus and Commissioner Polk met regarding Carriage Lane improvements. The project will be advertised for bid in the near future.
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; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2020_council.pdf#page=84
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