East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met May 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 Mike Walker; Commissioner Todd Slingerland; Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present –Charles Mills, Effingham Daily News; Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Michael Tappendorf, Milano & Grunloh Engineers; Ryan Spade, Sewer Dept. Supervisor; Alan Heiens; 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 Slingerland and seconded by Commissioner Polk. 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 April 2022 Police Activity Report. Commissioner Milleville communicated a citizen residing on Tenth St had tested motor vehicle speeds with a radar gun. His testing providing hours and speed ranges of the motorists. Chief Heiens indicated he would place speed detection signs in the area. Commissioner Milleville requested police presence in Schmidt Park to monitor drivers using Schmidt Park to avoid the highway construction area.

Council approved Ordinance 740-22; Legal Counsel Appointment on a motion by Commissioner Walker. Motion seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Taylor Law was appointed as legal counsel.

Council approved Ordinance 741-22; Appointment Ordinance on a motion by Commissioner Walker. Motion seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. All were re-appointed with the exception of Ryan Spade who was appointed to Sewer Department Supervisor replacing the retired, Terry Hahn.

Council approved Memorial Day Parade Request by Altamont Masonic Lodge for May 30, 2022. Commissioner Slingerland motioned for approval. Motion seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

Council approved Bid Advertising for Sanitary Sewer & Manhole Lining from Grade School to South Wastewater Treatment Plant, between manholes 7&10 with an alternate of manhole 4-7 on a motion by Commissioner Slingerland. Motion seconded by Commissioner Milleville. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Milleville, yes; Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Slingerland, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes. Ryan Spade explained in discussion prior to the motion that a 10” cutter could not penetrate the interior roots, but an 8” cutter could make the pass thru. Work is to be completed by September 1, 2022.

Council approved Plans & Bid Advertising of Northwest Quarter Sanitary Sewer Replacement/Repair Project. (DCEO grant funded) 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. Michael Tappendorf of Milano & Grunloh Engineers explained the project area is bordered by the railroad to Jackson and Tenth St to Eighth St. Replacement will be the majority of the project, with lining utilized when possible. A short area near the railroad & Jefferson Street, which is impassible with a camera will be cleaned and lined at the City’s expense.

Council discussed the condition of the Electric Department bucket trucks. Commissioner Walker explained a routine inspection sidelined both trucks for necessary repairs. Some repairs are due to normal wear and tear. Truck 5 has several expensive repair items listed. The market to sell used equipment is strong, but buying a replacement will be costly in today’s market. However, purchasing a used truck would be an estimated $80,000. Commissioner Walker suggested the Council consider when the best time to trade the equipment is. A rental bucket truck is currently being utilized.

Commissioner Slingerland reported when fiber optic was being bored, what appears to be an abandoned sanitary main at Main & Rt 128 was punctured. The south plant wastewater main influent has been experiencing problems. Ryan Spade explained he charted the variances and found the sump pump to be failing. Inexpensive repairs were made to correct the variances. The south lagoon covers need vegetation removal. Safety assistance will be needed for Ryan to complete the task.

Commissioner Milleville reported the Union Cemetery road corners are being widened. Commissioner Walker, Commissioner Polk and Mayor Rippetoe had nothing to report.

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; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Rippetoe, yes.

http://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2022_Council.pdf#page=36