East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Feb. 14.

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 Tayler Polk. Also present –Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Amanda Miller and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioner Mike Walker was absent.

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

Amanda Miller presented a Book Walk program she would like to administer at Schmidt Park during the summer months. She proposed placing signs along the walking path on Friday’s and removing the signs on Sunday’s. Each sign has a story book page for adults to read to younger children as they walk the path. She is also planning additional literacy promoting activities one day a month. Commissioner Milleville motioned to approve the Book Walk program. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved a two year contract with TextMyGov on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Motion seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. TextMyGov is a text based messaging system, which will provide announcements regarding City events such as boil orders, utility interruptions, traffic detours, among other events to subscribers of the messaging system. There will be no cost to subscribers.

Council Approved a three year contract extension with Clean Uniform. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Slingerland seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved Resolution 2022-02-01; Authorizing Agreement Execution of South Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Force Main Replacement on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Commissioner Slingerland reported the South Sewer Force Main specifications were modified to allow non-domestic use of fittings. A 22 week wait time of American made fittings would delay the project past the agreed completion date. The unexplained excess water usage has been remedied with the repair of a number of leak locations. Usage is back to normal. Commissioner Slingerland provided Council with IEPA regulations for water line sizing and fire protection in the future South Point Subdivision.

Commissioner Milleville reported mowing bid advertising has been published. He met with Altamont Youth Sport Commission (AYSC) concerning approaching league play and needs at Gilbert Park

Commissioner Polk asked if an auto payment system for utility billing had been considered. Clerk Stephen indicated several programs have been researched with each of them charging 2.5 to 3 % per transaction, which would be paid by the customer. Commissioner Polk thought the charge would be well received by the customers for the convenience.

Mayor Rippetoe stated he is working on finalizing the plans for South Point Subdivision and is anticipating those ready for approval at the next meeting. With Council members support he is considering requesting a quote from the company Imagine This to rebuild the City website. Council members agreed an update is in order.

Clerk Stephen reported work is ongoing for the new solar ordinance. Council members will have to determine the Fair Solar Credit rate and if grandfathering of current solar customers would be provided. The CDBG Sewer Grant is awaiting a grant agreement from DCEO. As a follow-up to the January 24th meeting the Water Department timber logging income to date is $43,464.41.

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

http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2022_council.pdf#page=84