East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council Met June 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 Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Dan Milleville; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present – Carissa Sitki, Altamont News; Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Charles Pagel; Tim Kastl, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioner Todd Slingerland was absent.

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 Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. (Attachment 1)

Charles Pagel requested the mowing ordinance be re-evaluated and changed to a 7 day compliance rather than the current 10 day. He stated the former Bean Development property is once again at 9” tall.

Council approved Ordinance SP-1639; Special Use to Operate a Medical Facility in B-2 District at 15 North Main Street. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, abstained; Commissioner Walker yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center has purchased the building for a new business providing physical therapy services.

Council awarded MFT Bid for Street Oiling to Larry Heuerman $42,330.70. Commissioner Polk 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.

Council approved a request by The Gathering Church to Conduct a Backyard Bash Youth Event at Heritage Park July 5-9, 2021. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved a request by Jason Williams to Conduct Vacation Bible School in Heritage Park, July 11-13, 2021. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved CEFS Vendor Agreement for LIHEAP Program July 2021-June 2024. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Milleville seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved Transfer of TIF Funds to General Fund in the Amount of $6,000 for Gilbert Park Ball Diamond A Lights. Commissioner Milleville motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Resolution 2021-06-05; Adopting Early Retirement Incentive was approved on a motion by Commissioner Walker. Motion seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Resolution 2021-06-06; Employer Pick-up of Member Contribution Required for Purchase of Extra Service Under the IMRF Early Retirement Incentive was approved by Council. Commissioner Milleville motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Commissioner Slingerland, in his absence, provided a written report of water interruptions created by fiber optic installation along Route 40. All breaks were repaired and service restored.

Commissioner Walker reported a new service was installed west of the City. Service interruptions caused by blown fuses during the recent high temperatures created a strain on the system. Services were restored in a short time.

Commissioner Milleville reported the Garden Club’s bubble fountain has been installed on the Triangle. Permanent electric service needs completed. Benches and flower accents will be added. Playground equipment is being painted at Schmidt Park.

Commissioner Polk reported streets are being prepared for oiling.

Mayor Rippetoe reported he participated in an informative webinar of Police Oversight for Municipal Officials. The webinar was enlightening regarding police policies, police retention, and liability of police force both for the City and personally and law changes. Within 24-36 months body cameras will be required for the City of Altamont. He plans to work with Chief Heiens to review current policies and create newly required policies.

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 Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

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