East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met May 10.

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: 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; Terry Plowman; Charles Pagel; Mark Workman; Renee Schoenfeld; Mimi Mays; Danny Simmons; Jim Mayhaus; Gale Warner; Michael Tappendorf, Milano & Grunloh; Dillon Meier; Electric Dept Supervisor; 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 Polk and seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)

Gale Warner requested the sidewalk at his residence be replaced. It was damaged by equipment during stump removal work.

Terry Plowman asked the Council if removal of a tree on private property needed City approval and when ditch digging would be done. Commissioner Polk explained no drainage work is planned as roads need prepped for oiling and tree removal is of great importance now.

Charles Pagel informed Council the property to the west of his residence needs mowed. Mayor Rippetoe stated a letter was being delivered to the property owner and they have 10 days to mow before the City can take further action.

Danny Simmons asked if there were any sidewalks planned for replacement and mentioned the grass and weeds growing in the street and sidewalks. Mayor Rippetoe explained sidewalks on Main Street from Rt 40 to Heritage Park are planned for replacement in conjunction with the water main replacement project. Commissioner Polk stated the City employees would be addressing the weeds in preparation for Memorial Day.

Mark Workman addressed the Council regarding his variance request. The contractor delayed the price increase, but he would need Council approval tonight to meet the deadline. He explained the building would include two foot anchored concrete blocks, a 12’ opening at the door, 14x14 garage door on the south end, sides that can be raised and lowered according to the seasons weather. He will also build a fence with a gate on the north property line extending east to west. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval of Ordinance VA-1628 with the condition of a fence installation. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. The variance provides side yard setbacks from 15’ to 4’; reduction of front setback from 15’ to zero feet and maximum height of 25’ to 27’ with condition of adding a fence along the north lot line.

Commissioner Walker explained to the Council the current computer monitoring system for the electric system is out of date. He introduced Dillon Meier, Electric Department Supervisor, to explain the new installation process and costs. Supr Meier explained IMEA monitors the Altamont electric system via this same SCADA system. Replacement of the system will cost $74,415, plus $2,252 for license and setup. An additional option of a Win911 system is available at the cost of $7,824. BHMG Engineers have provided the quote, much of which is programming costs. He will inquire about the life expectancy of the upgrade and the anticipated time frame.

Commissioner Slingerland motioned to approve change orders to the Rt 40 & 128 water main installation project. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Ordinance 707-21; Legal Counsel Appointment Ordinance was approved on a motion by Commissioner Walker and seconded by Commissioner Slingerland. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Taylor Law was again appointed as legal counsel.

Ordinance 708-21; Appointment Ordinance was approved 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. All positions were reappointed with no changes.

Council approved the Masonic Lodge Request to Conduct Memorial Day Parade May 31, 2021 at 10:00 am. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Terry Plowman suggested the Council proceed to approve the use of side by sides and regulate them the same as golf carts. He stated it would increase revenue for the City. He understood noise was a concern, but he explained some trucks are louder than side by sides. Gale Warner disapproved the same due to the noise and speed. Mayor Rippetoe stated a City speeding ticket to a side by side operator would be a City violation and could cost the City $1,000 to collect as a civil claim. Plowman suggested relinquishing the unit. Mayor Rippetoe explained proof of guilt has to be conducted before punishment. Mayor Rippetoe called three times for a motion to approve proceeding to allow side by sides within the City limits. The matter died for lack of a motion.

Commissioner Slingerland explained a project to install a water main north of Rt 40 along 450th Street to service future customers. 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 first phase of water main replacement is complete and has passed inspection. Carbon has been changed on filter #2. The water main replacement on Division & Rt 40 has corrected an extensive water loss location. Phase 2 water main replacement plans are being finalized. Upgrade costs to the water department SCADA system is being determined. The sewer line servicing the Relax Inn has been moved. Ryan Spade has completed the class 3 wastewater operators testing.

Commissioner Walker reported a pretrial hearing is schedule for a resident in violation of building on the utility easement. New service has been installed for future building of a rural residence. The pole at the corner of Washington and Third Street is needing replaced.

Commissioner Milleville reported the flower beds at Schmidt Park look fantastic thanks to the Altamont Garden Club’s efforts. Preparation for Memorial Day is being completed. Gilbert Park diamond A lights are completed. Diamond C lights have been repaired.

Commissioner Polk reported Memorial Day cleanup is on schedule. Mulch around park equipment is needed. The Street Department is searching to hire a full time and part time positions.

Mayor Rippetoe reported Effingham Equity and Beck’s Body Shop are on schedule to meet deadlines of their TIF agreements.

Commissioner Polk motioned to enter into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel Matters 5 ILCS 120/2 (c ) (1). Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

No action was taken as a result of Executive Session.

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