East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met April 22.

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 22, 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; Commissioner Terry White Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Lee Beckman, Milano Grunloh Engineers; Richard Frailey; Gale Warner; Jerry Hoffmeister 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 White. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. (Attachment 1)

Lee Beckman presented the project report. Main Street Water line project is awaiting the DCEO grant agreement. A final walk thru is planned for the Third Street sidewalk project. ITEP sidewalk project is anticipated to start the 2nd quarter of 2025.

Gale Warner addressed the Council regarding speeding traffic on South Fourth Street. He asked that police department monitor from a discrete location.

Council Approved a Masonic Lodge Request to Conduct Memorial Day Parade, May 27th at 10:00 am. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Council Approved Controlled Burn Request by American Legion to Conduct Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags at Schmidt Park June 14, 2024 noon-6:00 pm, Alternate Date June 22, 2024 on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. A collection box for unserviceable flags is available at the Municipal Building.

Richard Frailey addressed the Council concerning the pricing of South Point Subdivision lots. He suggested the sanitary lift station at the subdivision entrance be disguised. He asked how much interest there was in the lots, if the covenants were complete, why the City was going to replat. Mayor Milleville indicated there had been some interest, how serious would be determined when the lots are marketed and the covenants were previously approved. He asked how much had been spent per lot. Clerk Stephen responded for completion of the subdivision it is estimated an investment of $51,700 per lot would be expended. Commissioner Rippetoe explained the anticipation is to regain the cost through real estate taxes of the home built. It is not a quick return and could take 20 years for full repayment. Commissioner Walker stated it is a long term growth plan to grow the City.

Council Approved Ordinance 788-24; Authorizing Sale of Real Estate (Lots in Replat of South Point Subdivision). Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, no, stating for the record he wanted to see the price higher and more comparable to the market. The cost per lot was established at $5,000 per lot.

Rich Frailey, Jerry Hoffmeister and Gale Warner addressed the Council with their concerns of purchasing 24 acres for development. Frailey stated the money could be used in other departments for repairs and improvements of existing property. He felt there was a liability in purchasing the water ways of the property. Commissioner Rippetoe stated there are 30 proposed lots in the option plans. Hoffmeister stated it would be a better investment to give those wanting to build $45,000 each, rather than invest $50,000 and sell for $5,000. He stated there are wants and needs in life and the Council should take care of the needs. He suggested buying the 24 acre option after South Point is successful. Warner stated in other communities, homes were built, all benefits were exhausted and then the house was for sale. Families did not stay in the community.

Council approved Ordinance 789-24; Authorizing Execution of Third Notice of Extension of Option for Purchase of Real Estate (FCC Limited Partnership). Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, no Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, no.

Council Approved Submittal of Request for Zoning Amendment Regulating Temporary Accessory Structure or Facility. Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, no Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. The request prohibits placement of freight containers in residential and commercial areas. Following Zoning Board recommendation Council an ordinance will be presented to Council.

Council approved a Grant Writing Services Agreement with South Central Illinois Regional Planning and Development for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD) from Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the Amount of $2,500. Commissioner Walker motioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

An Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of :

Item No. 1 – Approve Special Liquor License SP-63; Barn & Bottle for SAFE Fundraiser Yappy Hour at Schmidt Park; May 19, 2024, 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Item No. 2 - Approve Special Liquor License SP-63; Wylewood Cellars for SAFE Fundraiser Yappy Hour at Schmidt Park; May 19, 2024, 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes.

Commissioner White reported the destratifier is placed on the water reservoir. He provided pictures showing bent blades of the removed unit.

Commissioner Walker reported the canopy replacement at Diamond A is started. The OSLAD grant application is moving forward with plans of the grant request to include Gilbert Park improvements of diamond A fencing replacement, diamond B lighting replacement, and remodel of concession and restrooms. The FIELDs group is committed to fundraising for the projects. The OSLAD grant only provides 50% funding. He will be hiring a summer employee for park and cemetery help. May 11th 9:30 am is the Gilbert Park Baseball Mega Day to included dedication of the new playground equipment and kickoff of the summer leagues.

Commissioner Polk reported Wendling Landscape will be renovating the Opilka landscaping disturbed during the Third Street sidewalk project. The City will pay the cost.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported a utility pole survey, which indicated there are many poles and aged wiring needing replaced. Electric Department will be assisting with city-wide cleanup.

Mayor Milleville stated the first day of City-wide cleanup has already made a great improvement in the City.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner White. 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/2024_Council.pdf#page=25