East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council Met March 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session beginning at 6:00 pm, in the Community Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present – Carissa Sitki, Altamont News; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Travis Voelker; Charles Pagel; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk.

The Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of prior meeting minutes and payment of bills, was approved 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. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the February 2021 Police Activity Reports. He commended the Altamont Officers for a job well done during the recent stabbing incident.

Charles Pagel inquired about a culvert cleaning maintenance program. During a recent rain, he cleaned the culvert near his residence, removing debris and allowing water to drain away.

Council approved Ordinance SP-1622 Home Occupation at 609 North Main Street. 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. The ordinance provides Pam Dammerman use of the location for a real estate office.

Travel Voelker was present to discuss a timber harvesting contract for the water reservoir area. Council again tabled action regarding entering into contract with Travis Voelker. During discussion it was mutually agreed to have a forester mark the trees and a harvesting plan be presented. Commissioner Slingerland motioned to table the 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 by Effingham Knights of Columbus for April 16, 2021. 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.

Commissioner Slingerland reported the north sewer lagoon aerators were started. However, the power supply was not sufficient to power the system. An upgrade will be completed. A boil order was required during connection of the new Effingham Equity water service. Permits are arriving for the Rt 40 & Division Street water project. The Rt 40 & Main Street water main project is awaiting delivery of supplies. Moving of the raw water pumps is planned for the next fiscal year at an estimated cost of $207,000. Commissioner Slingerland presented a report comparing net income and water loss of the previous to current year. In further investigation of a grant opportunity to provide sewer connection to unserved areas, it was discovered the City would not be eligible as it is designed for areas within a corporate limit. Permits are being mailed for the south sewer lift station project.

Commissioner Milleville expressed to the Council that he would appreciate more frequent updates of all pending projects.

Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Polk and Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.

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

http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2021_council.pdf#page=84