East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Nov. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on November 13, 2023, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Dan Milleville; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe and Commissioner Terry White. Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Nick Taylor, Effingham Daily News; Sandy Perry, CLA; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief; Phil & Paula Devore; 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 Walker and seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. (Attachment 1)

Sandy Perry, CliftonLarsonAllen, presented the FYE 2023 audit. No concerns were found in the audit process. She stated the 2024 audit would focus on IT and network agreements, per GASB rulings.

Chief Heiens presented the October 2023 Police Activity Report. Chief reported he has been watching the school crossings in the morning. A speed indicator on West Jackson Avenue has helped slow traffic.

Council Approved Purchase of a 2020 Dodge Pickup for Street Department from A&H Implement on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Council Ordinance 777-23 Authorizing Lease of Real Estate (Effingham County Emergency Telephone System Board) on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. An attachment will be placed on the Gilbert Park tower to strengthen the radio transmission signal to emergency responders.

Council Approved Ordinance 778-23; Authorizing Execution of Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Altamont Illinois Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Fred & ScottMo Enterprises) on a motion by Commissioner White. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. The agreement provides one half of the cost to upgrade flooring and the HVAC system, not to exceed $10,000 at the location of 112 West Adams.

Council Approved Payment to 120 Water for the Second Year of Lead Service Line Inspection Program in the Amount of $13,230 on a motion by Commissioner White. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Commissioner White motioned to purchase a Destratifier from Limnetics Corporation in the Amount of $30,350 with TIF Funds. Motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner White explained the importance of the destratifier and the summer water violation was caused by a failed unit. Since the event happed after appropriation was set, water department funds had not budgeted for such a purchase. The current unit would be removed and fully inspected for a potential

backup unit. Curry’s engineering firm recommended a unit replacement. Commissioner Polk expressed concerns of the water plant living on borrowed time and money. Commissioner Rippetoe stated the TIF funds should not be used as a slush fund for repairs to the utility departments. He would support an infrastructure improvement for a new or expanding business.

Commissioner White motioned to Approved Purchase of a Destratifier from Limnetics Corporation in the Amount of $30,350 with Water Department funds. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Mayor Milleville announced the Estimated Tax Levy in the amount of $278,000 a 4.14% increase over the previous year.

Commissioner Walker reported Gilbert Park playground equipment was installed with the help of eight volunteers. The surface needs landscaped and mulched. In the spring a commemorative plaque and recognition will be held. Ho Ho Land Christmas display at Schmidt Park is partially installed and will be open to the public November 24th. Two trees planted as seedlings some years ago will be transplanted into Union Cemetery. The Garden Club planted a tree in Schmidt Park in memory of Charlotte Brauer. Pyramid Marble has quoted $6,000 for eight hours of work straightening stones in Union Cemetery.

Commissioner Polk reported leaf pickup started last week. At the Third Street sidewalk project a cleanout was stubbed inside the sidewalk. Curbing is done. There was an elevation change in front of 8 North Third, creating a 6”-7” step onto the premises. The project is expected to be completed at weeks end.

Commissioner White reported the south wastewater plant lost power due to broken utility poles. The north wastewater treatment plant monitoring system installation is complete. Rural Med Ambulance has moved into the Cobblestone to better serve the Altamont area. They are searching for a location with living quarters to accommodate responders.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported the Electric Department is getting good experience at replacing utility poles.

Mayor Milleville reported a TIF Joint Review Board meeting was held November 1st. He met with Pam Jacobs of Effingham County Emergency Management. He attended the Illinois Municipal Electric Association Regional meeting held in Effingham. He obtained useful information from all the meetings.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2023_Council.pdf#page=69