East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met July 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on June 10, 2024, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Dan Milleville; Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe; Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Nick Taylor, Effingham Daily News; Derek Warren, Cromwell Media; Sharon Harper; Tyler Polk; Kyle Stuemke; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief 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 May 2024 Police Activity Report. He also reported the speed signs are now working and recording data. 

Kyle Stuemke asked for the ditch behind his house to be mowed and reported the culvert at Grant Street is washing out. Mayor Milleville concurred the mowing is needed. Commissioner Polk stated he would like to meet with Stuemke regarding the ditch. 

Sharon Harper presented a new quote from Courts & Cracks, the only known vendor specific to this type of work, for rehab of the Nori’s Yard Multi Use Court. The estimated cost is $11,000. She requested the Council give her permission to solicit donations towards 50% of the project and the City provide the remaining funds. Funds raised would be presented to the City for processing. Several grant opportunities were discussed. Future permanent pickle ball courts in a different park were discussed. She stated three courts would be needed to host tournaments. Mayor Milleville stated he liked the 50/50 cost share. Council Approved Vendor Agreement with Department of Commerce & Economic Development Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Walker seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. 

Council Approved Ordinance 793-24; Amending Article II of Chapter 40 of the Revised Code of Ordinances (Temporary Accessory Structure or Facility) on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe and seconded by Commissioner Walker. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Walker, yes; Commissioner, Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Mayor Milleville, yes. The ordinance restricts conex containers in residential and commercial zoned areas. A 60 day consideration is available in the event of a disaster or demolition. 

Ordinance 794-24; Authorizing Sale of Real Estate (107 N Main St) was presented to the Council for approval. Tyler Polk addressed the Council explaining he owns adjacent property at 109 North Main, had made a previous offer to Mayor Milleville of $5,000 and wanted a fair shake at purchasing the property. He asked if Dan spoke to anyone about the offer and stated he was not aware of a second buyer. He requested the Council reconsider and take sealed bids on the lot. Mayor Milleville stated he had informed Polk the asking price was $12,500 and in his last conversation with Tyler Polk, which was approximately 30 day ago, Polk indicated the lot was only worth $5,000 to him. There was not a second buyer at that time. Mayor Milleville stated Ron Myers, adjacent property owner at 101 North Main, conveyed he was needing to expand his business and would like to purchase the lot. Myers offered $9,000, which Mayor Milleville stated was a fair offer for an expanding business. Commissioner Polk stated he recused himself from the subject and would abstain from any vote. Commissioner Rippetoe questioned Mayor Milleville’s sequence of conversations. Commissioner Walker commented if there were two bidders on the property it should have been offered at sealed bid to obtain the highest sale price. Commissioner Walker motioned to approve the Ordinance. Ordinance did not pass for lack of a second. 

Commissioner Walker reported Pyramid Marble will be resetting Union Cemetery headstones beginning 7 am on June 13th. Commissioner Walker will be flagging the stones needing correction. 

Commissioner Rippetoe reported the Electric Department will be changing poles and trimming trees.

Commissioner Polk reported a part time employee has been grinding stumps, with 30 completed. Mound Township has offered assistance in ditch cleaning along the north side of Division Street to the east side of Whitler Lane. 

Mayor Milleville had nothing to report. 

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=35