East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Dec. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on December 09, 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; Charlie Pagel; Janet Voelker; Richard Finn; Mark Workman; 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 Rippetoe and seconded by Commissioner White. 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 November 2024 Police Activity Report. He stated the new squad needs striping and will be ready for service.

Council Approved Ordinance 811-24; Amending Appropriation FYE 2025. Commissioner White motioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The amendment lowers the appropriation to $7,255,674.

Ordinance 812-24; FYE 2025 Tax Levy was approved on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The levy is established at $278,000 a 4.17% increase over the prior year.

Ordinance 813-24; Annual Abatement was approved on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Ordinance 814-24; Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Altamont Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Whistle Stop Saloon LLC) was approved on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, abstain; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The project cost for new flooring is estimated at $9,631.61, TIF funding provides 50% of the cost, not to exceed $4,800.00.

Council Approved Payment to S&K Concrete for Foundation & Floor of Schmidt Park Restroom in the Amount of $10,000 on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported Christmas lights are up. Winter fuel for the generators has been purchased. The northeast feeder improvements will continue, weather permitting.

Commissioner White reported the south wastewater treatment plant generator is being upgraded.

Commissioner Polk reported leaf pickup has been completed. A durapatch machine has been located and is being considered for purchase. The City currently subcontracts the patching to Effingham County. Purchasing a machine will eliminate the wait time and patching can be done year around. Effingham County will store the reserved oil.

Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker had nothing to report.

Clerk Stephen reported the TIF Joint Review Board meetings will be held December 12, 2024 beginning at 8:00 am. The City will be receiving a judicial deed for 703 Field Street at which time Council will determine the future of the property. The WEIU Spotlight on Altamont will air on Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 pm on WEIU PBS station and everyone is encouraged to join in watching.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner White. 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=76