East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met March 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on March 09, 2020, 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 – Shelby Niehaus, Altamont News; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Clarence Pagel; Terry Plowman; Nick Burrus, Milano & Grunloh; Jason Mislich; Police Chief, Alan Heiens 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 Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the February 2020 Police Activity Report.

Nick Burrus presented preliminary street improvement plans for Carriage Lane. Plans include surface replacement with asphalt and addition of an 8” shoulder. It was suggested the City camera proposed replacement sewer lines for grant information purposes. A Decatur company provides such a service at a cost of $2.00 per foot. Burrus reported on recently released grant opportunities.

Terry Plowman requested the Council approve the use of side by sides within the City limits. He also requested the Council revisit approving sales of cannabis.

Jason Mislich addressed the Council concerning the privacy fence between residential properties and McDonalds. He believes it is not in compliance with City zoning, as it should be a solid fence. The grandfather clause will be researched. He asked what plans were in place to correct the drainage issue along the alley east of his residence. Mayor Rippetoe stated the drainage is part of the Carriage Lane street improvement project and a swale is planned to handle drainage. Mislich stated the alley has a lot of rock and he is concerned the newly installed vinyl fence will be damaged during mowing season.

Council approved a Roadside Fundraiser Request by American Legion for Poppy Days on May 22, 2020 with May 29, 2020 rain date. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Commissioner Slingerland stated all proceeds are used to help Veterans in need.

Council approved Ordinance AM-1593; Rezoning 401 South Main Street. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Approval allows property to be rezoned from B-3 to Single Residential.

Commissioner Slingerland provided financial numbers representing the current cost of conditioning water for public consumption. He stated the numbers indicate the City current practice of treating water is more cost effective than purchasing water from an outside source. Outside sources could provide water. However, due to aging cast water mains, the City would need to continue water treatment practices.

Commissioner Walker reported the new Electric Department employees are operating with a pro- active approach, which is encouraging for the City electric utility.

Commissioner Milleville acknowledged the Street Department for their work to revitalize the Schmidt Park entrance. Chain link fencing was removed and the sign was repainted. New tables were installed at pavilion #4. Benches for placement at the Triangle are almost complete. Broken wooden slats were replaced with new slats made from ash trees removed throughout the City. Annual cleanup at Union Cemetery is scheduled for April 4th. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9:00 am at the Veterans Memorial.

Commissioner Polk reported city-wide cleanup has been set for the week of April 27th. All items must be curbside before 7am on April 27th.

Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.

Council entered into Executive Session for the Purpose of Purchase or Lease of Property ILCS 120/2 (c)(5). Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval to enter into executive session. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

No action was taken as a result of executive session.

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

http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2020_council.pdf#page=84