East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council Met Aug. 9.

Here are 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 Todd Slingerland ; Commissioner Mike  Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present – Carissa Sitki, Altamont News; Charles Mills,  Effingham Daily News; Michael Tappendorf, Milano & Grunloh Engineers; Police Chief, Alan Heiens;  Kyle Stuemke; Jim Watts; 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 Slingerland and seconded by Commissioner Milleville. 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 July 2021 Police Activity Report. 

Kyle Stuemke requested the Council allow a 50 amp electrical service be installed utilizing a retired  service nearby his location. He also requested the waterway behind his residence be mowed.  

Jim Watts addressed the Council concerning weed growth on the right-of-way along ADM property in  front of his residence. He requested trees be removed from the right-of-way and weeds be cut on a routine basis. Mayor Rippetoe responded he would talk to the department supervisor and get it mowed.  

Council approved Ordinance 711-21; Authorizing Option for Purchase of Real Estate (FCC Limited  Partnership) on a motion by Commissioner Walker and seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members  voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland,  yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. The option provides $1,000 to be paid by the City  for three consecutive years. At year three, the City may exercise the right for purchase at a cost of  $315,000.  

Council approved a Special Event Liquor License for Wright Mansion Wine Tasting Event to be Held  September 18, 2021. 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. 

Council approved Knights of Columbus Request to Conduct Roadside Fundraiser Tootsie Roll Drive  September 17, 2021 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. 

Council discussed utilization of American Rescue Plan Act Funds. The City has the potential to receive  $317,973. Commissioner Slingerland stated the water department has many infrastructure needs.  Commissioner Walker suggested payment for the new SCADA system. Commissioner Polk stated it  would be nice to use some of the funds for park improvements. No decision was achieved. 

Council approved Ordinance 712-21; Pertaining to Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund of the  American Rescue Plan Act on a motion by Commissioner Milleville and seconded by Commissioner  Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes;  Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. This ordinance allows  proceeding with filing a request for the previously discussed ARPA funds.

Council approved Grant Writing Services Agreement with South Central Illinois Regional Planning &  Development for Rural Development Community Facilities Grant for Squad Car Purchase.  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.  

Council approved the following Requests for Sesquicentennial Events: 

a. Special Event Liquor License September 3, 4, 5th, Schmidt Park 

b. Street Closing of Second Street Main to Washington & Washington Main to Second  on Friday, September 3rd 5:00-9:00, Saturday September 4th 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

c. Parade Saturday, September 4th; Organizing at High School Proceeding West on  Division St, North on Main Street to Jackson Street. 

d. Extend Ending Time of Amplified Music from 11:00 pm to Midnight. 

Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval of all requests. Commissioner Walker seconded.  Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes;  Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe,  yes. 

Commissioner Slingerland reported Rt 40 & Division Street water main replacement has passed  inspection. The water meter at Altamont High School will soon be moved outside the building. Bids for  pipe material to be installed during the South Lift Station and Force Main improvement project were  opened and sent to Curry & Associates for review and recommendation. Commissioner Slingerland  provided an estimate for replacement of raw water pumps at a total cost of $216,700. 

Commissioner Walker reported crews are overtasked with JULIE locates for the fiber optic companies. 

Commissioner Milleville reported he received a request to mark the current tennis court at Nori’s Yard  as a pickle ball court in order to utilize it in conjunction with the tennis. Complaints have been received  regarding animals running at large in Gilbert Park and the accumulation of feces from the animals.  Avenues for correcting the situation are being reviewed. David Burrow has been treating Gilbert Park  for grubs and McGinnis has been trapping to contain the mole invasion. 

Commissioner Polk reported he attended the ITEP planning meeting. He has scheduled twenty trees to  be planted this fall. They will have a one year warranty. 

Mayor Rippetoe provided preliminary plans of lots on the newly acquired property near Town &  Country Subdivision. 

The meeting was adjourned 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. 

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