East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met March 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 March 10, 2025, 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 –Richard Finn; Richard Frailey; Mark Hoskins, Altamont news; Larry Taylor; Marie Adamick, Effingham Daily News; Dan Milleville; Charles Pagel; Dan Simmons; Mimi Mays; Gale Warner; Roy Long; 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 White. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the February 2025 Police Activity Report. He stated one office hire is needed to be at full staff.

Larry Taylor addressed the Council regarding Illinois Municipal Electric Agency energy efficiency program. $3,857.00 needs to be committed prior to April 2025 or the funds move to the rate stabilization fund. He suggested using the funds for lighting upgrade at Gilbert Park. A total of $10,545 is available for energy saving upgrades. Capital credits will soon be finalized by IMEA.

Roy Long requested an explanation of the area to be surveyed for a ditch. Commissioner Polk explained the location is southeast of Grant Avenue. Long stated West Jefferson Street has experienced water problems for years. He suggested Council investigate cleaning the ditch west of Tenth Street near the railroad crossing. He asked the Council to consider removing more empty, unsightly houses in the City and to deal with the former feed store along West Jefferson Street.

Gale Warner asked why a survey was being conducted on private property (southeast of Grant Avenue). Commissioner Rippetoe stated this area is a continuation of prior drainage cleaning near the railroad. Warner asked why Council wanted the I70 underpass to remain open. Commissioner Walker explained there are future plans to connect a street to South Point Subdivision, the proposed fire station and other anticipated improvements.

Council Approved Roadside Fundraiser Request, VFW Post 7676 Poppy Day, April 11, 2025 with a rain date April 25, 2025. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Bids were opened for the sale of 301 North Main Street by Clerk Stephen, with one bid received from Tyler Polk in the amount of $7,500.

Commissioner White motioned Accept the bid received from Tyler Polk for purchase of 301 North Main St . Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, abstained; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Council Approved Resolution 2025-03-05; Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract Regarding Water Main Replacement (Main Street) Commissioner White motioned to accept Alternate one with Alternate 2 addition and award to low bidder Kieffer Bros Construction. Seconded by Commissioner Polk.

Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The bid amount was $1,876,072.22.

Council Approved Resolution 2025-03-06; Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract Regarding Tree Removal & Disposal of Designated Trees (Water Main Replacement – Main Street). Commissioner White motioned to approve the resolution awarding the bid and contract to low bidder, Jay’s Tree Service in the amount of $15,000. Seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Council Approved Ordinance 815-25; Amending Solar Avoided Cost Rate. Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The avoided cost rate, which refunds customers for the amount of solar produced, was lowered from .0543 per kw to .0391 per kw.

Council Approved Ordinance 816-25; Amending Ball Diamond Use Fee on a motion by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The annual fee was increased from $200 to $300 for teams and tournaments.

Council Approved Ordinance 817-25; Amending Chapter 25 of the Revised Code of Ordinances Relating to Nuisances and Abandoned Property. Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The ordinance will strengthen enforcement of abandoned structures and serious violators of the nuisance ordinance.

Council Approved Appointments of Amanda Bannister, Pam Dammerman and Jaz Sain to the Zoning Board. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes. The appointments fill existing zoning board vacancies.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported work will soon resume on the northeast electric feeder. Commissioner White reported he is excited to move forward on the water main replacement project.

Commissioner Polk reported the Street Department assisted in resolving issues in the Water Department. The house on Field Street has been demolished. A truck is being adapted for use with the durapatcher. The newly purchased street sweeper has been used this week. He acknowledged the heavy amount of rock on East Monroe and noted the Street Department will try sweeping up the excess rock.

Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker reported the pickle ball renovation at Nori’s Yard may be started in May.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=13