City of Altamont City Council met Sept. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm in the Community Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk and Mayor Jason Rippetoe. Also present – Carissa Sitki, Altamont News; Charles Pagel; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Michael Tappendorf, Milano & Grunloh; and Gale Warner.
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 Milleville. Members voted as follows: Milleville, yes; Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)
Council approved a Change Order of Carriage Lane Improvements Additional Cost of $10,436.00. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Milleville, yes; Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Mayor Rippetoe explained the increase allowed elevation transition improvements from the Jack Flash parking lot to the street.
Payment to J.B. Esker & Sons for Carriage Lane Improvements in the Amount of $89,291.60 was approved on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Milleville, yes; Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Council discussed plans for Trick-or-Treat in relation to the pandemic. Mayor Rippetoe stated he does not want to ban trick-or-treat, but rather suggest those participating follow the CDC guidelines. Commissioner Polk preferred to continue the tradition. Commissioner Walker recommended allowing individuals the choice to participate with CDC guidelines followed.
Council discussed creating a customer utility charge to establish reserve funds for Water Department improvements. Commissioner Slingerland provided a spreadsheet reflecting water main replacement project costs if the project is completed in phases. Considering previous statements from Lee Beckman of Milano & Grunloh, that upfront expenses and a 10% contingency are not covered by DCEO grants, Commissioner Slingerland recommended a monthly charge of $8.55 per water customer. The charge would be a flat fee indicated on the utility bill, not based on consumption. Commissioner Slingerland also recommended an automatic 3% annual increase to the charge. Commissioner Polk asked for ideas to keep costs down, why Altamont rates are higher than neighboring communities, and where the inefficiencies are. Commissioner Slingerland stated there had been no water rate increases during prior administration even with annual cost increases and the loss of the I70 rest area customer. However, with water main improvements it is anticipated chemical costs and water loss would decrease. Major repairs at the water plant are still needed.
Commissioner Slingerland reported at the water plant, carbon is being changed in filter #3 and the same will be done in filter #2. No recent complaints of odor and taste have been received. The tower mixer is operating. As a result, a chlorine residual improvement has been noticed. The dive team report has not been received.
Commissioner Walker reported September 25th was the IMEA ribbon cutting ceremony for the solar units. The 1674 solar panels cover 4.9 acres with 500kw maximum capacity. This would be enough to power 100 homes. The Effingham Equity line move is completed. The north wastewater lagoon transformer is installed. Fall projects include preventative maintenance of replacing older poles.
Commissioners Milleville had nothing to report.
Commissioner Polk reported IDOT is planning to repave Rt 40 and 128. The project also includes replacing a box culvert near Tenth Street.
Mayor Rippetoe reported notice has been received that DCEO approved a 15 year renewal of the Enterprise Zone. The new zone will be larger, including the addition of Beecher City. This will provide incentives for economic growth in both communities.
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Walker and seconded by Commissioner Slingerland. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; 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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