East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Jan. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on January 13, 2025, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Mike Walker; Commissioner Terry White; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe. Also present –Janet Voelker; Richard Finn; Charles Pagel; Gale Warner; Dwight Homann; Richard Frailey; Altamont Police Chief, Alan Heiens; Officer Jacob Herd and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. One vacant Council position remains. Commissioner Tayler Polk was absent.

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 Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the December 2024 Police Activity report and the 2024 Year End report. He introduced the new Officer, Jacob Herd.

Richard Frailey asked what the procedure was for starting snow removal. He stated in the past the on duty police officers determined when removal or street salting should start. He commented if the snow removal had been started earlier, some of the street accumulation issues could have been avoided. Richard Finn stated the employees reacted well, but need to be proactive. Commissioner Walker explained we usually don’t get two storms in one week. The employees worked long hours on snow removal.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported one bucket truck failed the dielectric testing and has been taken to Springfield for repair. The Electric Department helped with snow removal.

Commissioner White reported there was an oversight in newspaper advertising of the water main replacement. The bid opening has been moved to February 20th. An RFP is being prepared for removal of trees along the water main replacement area. Planting of replacement trees on the residential property has been discussed.

Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker had nothing to report.

Commissioner Rippetoe motioned to move into Executive Session for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel Matter 5 ILCS 120/2 (c )(1) and Setting Price for Sale of Property 5 ILCS 120/2 (c ) (5). Commissioner White seconded. . Members voted as follows: Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

No action resulted from Executive Session.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=1