East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Aug. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on August 12, 2024, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Terry White; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe. Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Dwight Homann; Gale Warner; Janet Voelker; Rich Frailey; Dan Milleville; Ron Myers; Alan Walk; Larry & Judy Pilger; Tony Weber; Darren Beccue; Tyler Polk; Charles Pagel; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. One vacant Council position remains.

The Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of prior meeting minutes and payment of bills, was approved on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the July 2024 Police Activity Report. He reported Brian Brummer has completed police academy training. A new recruit will be starting academy in August.

Council Approved Purchase of a Police Vehicle not to Exceed $45,000 on a motion by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Tyler Polk addressed the Council regarding sale of 107 North Main Street. He explained he is owner of the adjoining property at 109 North Main. He submitted a proposal on Wednesday, which was open to public knowledge. He stated this procedure should be changed. He suggested if the Council determined the sale should go to another buyer, there should be recourse if they do not carry out plans stated in their proposal.

Ron Myers then addressed the Council regarding sale of 107 North Main Street. If he is awarded the purchase of the property he plans to expand the showroom of RDM Cabinetry and Flooring. He encouraged Council to take into consideration he is an operating and sales tax generating business waiting to expand in 3-5 years.

The Council could not vote on the matter, but were directed to make a statement regarding the sale. Commissioner White stated he had no relationship to either party. He felt the sales tax input from RDM Cabinetry made the Ron Myers offer more appealing. Mayor Pro Tem, Mike Walker concurred with Commissioner White. He liked Ron Myers plan and wanted to keep businesses in Altamont. Commissioners Rippetoe and Polk abstained commenting. The City attorney will be directed to prepare an agreement to sell the property to Ron Myers. An ordinance and the agreement will be presented at a future meeting for approval.

Clerk Stephen explained the State of Illinois will be repealing the Grocery Sales Tax effective January 1, 2026, decreasing City’s sales tax revenue. Municipalities can impose a maximum of 1% tax. 100% of the tax will pass to the municipality. She suggested the Council not delay in determining a sales tax, to avoid an interruption in receiving sales tax revenue.

Commissioner Rippetoe had nothing to report.

Commissioner White reported approximately 14 trees have been marked for removal in preparation of the water main replacement. The north wastewater treatment plant berms will be rebuilt with material currently stored at the south wastewater treatment plant. The option of applying herbicide by drone to the south wastewater treatment plant lagoons for weed removal is being explored.

Commissioner Polk reported stump removal throughout the City has been completed. Tomorrow a walk-thru is planned of the sidewalk replacement project, which follows the water main replacement. It should not be necessary to remove more trees. The anticipated installation is spring/summer 2025. Stakes on West Lincoln are location markers to determine the City right-of-way.

Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker reported plans are going well for the OSLAD grant. The FIELD’s group has pledged $35,000 toward Gilbert Park improvements. Wednesday, August 22, the Altamont Chamber will host an informational meeting concerning the 1% retail sales tax benefiting the school system. The meeting will be held at 6:30 in the Community Room.

Clerk Stephen reported meetings continue in preparation of the WEIU making of Altamont: This is Our Story.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2024_Council.pdf#page=50