East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met April 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on April 08, 2024, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Dan Milleville; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Tayler Polk. Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Alan Heiens, Altamont Chief of Police; Larry Taylor; Courtney Yockey; Becky Turner; Jill Wright and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioner Terry White was absent.

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 Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the March 2024 Police Activity Report. He announced Brian Brummer will be transitioning from the Water Department to the Police Department. Officer Christopher Carpenter will be ending his full time employment with the City on April 13, 2024.

Courtney Yockey invited the Council to the PAVE Community Breakfast on Tuesday April 16th. PAVE is a product of the County mapping process.

Larry Taylor reported the Effingham County Economic Development Board has money to loan at 3% for new or expanding businesses within the County.

Becky Turner approached the Council regarding traffic on East Wurl Lane. She has placed obstacles in and along her drive to discourage drivers from pulling thru her driveway, but they were not adhered to, causing ruts in her yard. She asked for suggestions. She requested the street be opened back up as it was before. Commissioner Polk stated there is no good solution. However, he would entertain changing to a one way street moving east, as it is not possible to widen the street. Commissioner Walker stated the barriers were placed in such a way to give her access from both directions. Commissioner Rippetoe stated there is no good drainage for the street, making it nearly impossible to maintain. Mayor Milleville stated he and Commissioner Polk would discuss options and get back with Becky.

Council Approved a Lion’s Club Request to Conduct Roadside Fundraiser for Tootsie Pop Day, April 27th with Alternate Date of May 04th. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Council Approved SAFE Organization to Conduct “Yappy Hour” Fundraiser at Schmidt Park May 19, 2024 noon-6:00 pm on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. Shelter comfort pets will be at the event, as comfort pets. Food vendors and wineries providing wine tasting will be participating. Bands will be entertaining also.

Commissioner Rippetoe motioned to Approve a Special Liquor License SP-62 to Vahling Vineyards for SAFE Fundraiser Yappy Hour at Schmidt Park, May 19, 2024 noon – 6:00 pm. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Council Approved Ordinance 787-24; Authorizing Execution of New Power Sales Contract and Capacity Purchase Agreement with Illinois Municipal Electric Agency for Deliver Period Commencing October 1, 2035. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded.

Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Council Approved Master Services Agreement with CliftonLarsonAllen to Perform Fiscal Year 2024 Audit and Year End Reporting at a Cost of $54,000.00. Commissioner Walker montioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Commissioner Walker reported Union Cemetery stone alignment is scheduled for June. Materials for Gilbert Park roof, should arrive Friday with work starting Monday. Estimated completion of two weeks.

Commissioner Polk reported he has discussed hiring of summer help. Commissioner Walker asked if one individual could be dedicated to park help. Commissioner Polk would like to find an individual to grind stumps.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported the Ninth Street manhole near the Catholic Church needs patched. The Electric Department has been trimming trees and replacing poles. Gilbert Park parking lot lights have been installed.

Mayor Milleville reported he attended the Southern Illinois Mayors Association meeting regarding retail strategy. A meeting was held with engineers concerning a sanitary connection with the I70 rest area.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2024_Council.pdf#page=21