City of Altamont City Council met Jan. 24.
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 –Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Mark Workman; Renee Schoenfeld 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)
Gale Warner expressed concerns of speeding on South Fourth Street. He commended Officer Holman for taking time in the past to watch traffic. He also questioned the purchase of an additional police vehicle when the number of City officers has declined. Mayor Rippetoe stated he is planning to get the police department back to full staff.
Mark Workman, owner of Whistle Stop Saloon, wanted to clarify statements from the previous meeting regarding matters not being in compliance in a timely manner. He stated in conversations with Gary White and Mayor Rippetoe, he understood there were steps he had to achieve to obtain zoning and Council approval. However, it seemed not all board members were informed of his delays. He felt the miscommunication was a majority of the problem. Commissioner Polk stated Gary White, was only doing his job. Commissioner Slingerland explained that in the past, property owners have taken action and then asked for forgiveness.
Commissioner Slingerland motioned to Reject all Bids Received for Sewer South Force Main Improvement. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Commissioner Slingerland motioned to Approve Waiver of Competitive Bidding for Sewer South Force Main Project. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
Council approved Awarding Bid of South Sewer Force Main Project to R&H Plumbing in the Amount of $256,831.00 on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Motion seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. R&H was able to secure material pricing which lowered the cost approximately $7,700.
Council Approved Payment in the Amount of $13,401.50 to BHMG Engineers for SCADA Replacement. 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. Commissioner Slingerland stated the Water Department SCADA report graphics were clearer after the upgrade.
Council approved Advertising of 2022 Mowing Bids on a motion by Commissioner Milleville. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Additional City properties of the sewer lagoons and water reservoir, as well as some smaller areas, will be included in the 2022 bidding.
Commissioner Slingerland reported he is considering having water line replacement plans designed, with anticipation that pending grants will not be completed, due to increased material costs and availability. He suggested the water line for the new South Point Subdivision be constructed of six inch line rather than 4”, extend 1250 feet west to allow a loop and future building expansion. The additional cost would be approximately $38,000. The increased size would provide better fire protection. Mayor Rippetoe stated the original plan provided for a connection to an existing line to avoid a dead end water line. Commissioner Slingerland asked the Council to consider the plan change, so engineers can be directed accordingly. The continual excess water usage has not been resolved. It is possible an abandoned water line is a contributor. However, approval will be needed from the property owner to dig the location. Mayor Rippetoe stated he would consult with the owner. The Forester is planning to mark lot three for timber harvesting at the reservoir. IDOT has expressed some interest in utilizing the City’s sewer system to connect the I70 rest area.
Commissioner Polk reported the house and garage on Monroe Street have been demolished. Ground will be leveled as weather permits. Commissioner Polk exited the meeting at this time.
Commissioners Walker & Milleville and Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.
Clerk Stephen reported she and Larry Taylor, IMEA Board Member, joined an IMEA webinar regarding new solar legislation. IMEA has worked diligently to compose new ordinances and agreements for those wanting to install solar units. In the new legislation, solar kilowatts produced in excess of use will be credited to the customer. The City will have to determine the rate of the kilowatt and approve a new ordinance.
Clerk Stephen also reported she participated in a webinar promoting a texting program which could be utilized in customer notifications for such issues as boil orders, service interruptions, street closings, etc. Council suggested she talk with other communities utilizing the program.
The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland and seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.
http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2022_council.pdf#page=84
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