East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met April 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on April 14, 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; Mark Hoskins, Altamont news; Dan Milleville; Greg Warner; Gale Warner; Zain Parker; Dwight Homann; Charles Pagel; Todd Slingerland; 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 March 2025 Police Activity Report.

Richard Finn questioned why Council was repeatedly entering into executive session to discuss sale of property. Commissioner Polk explained the limited reasons for entering into executive session.

Greg Warner asked if there was a sewer system problem in his area. During the recent rain he had sewer backup and the sump pump could not keep up.

Gale Warner asked where the City limits south border was. He asked how many signatures it would take to stop the purchase of the Frederking property the City currently has an option on. Commissioner Rippetoe explained the City boundaries. Mayor Pro Tem Walker explained the Council listens to the public concerns, but ultimately Council makes the decision.

Todd Slingerland asked when water department bonds will be paid off. He understood the water capital infrastructure fee has a sunset clause to activate when grants were no longer needed or available. He recommended Council search for a different engineering firm, that would not plan projects with substandard pipes. Commissioner White assured the current plans for the water main replacement project were amended to take care of the issue. He suggested Council not make any major decisions until a full Council is in place.

Council Approved a Roadside Fundraiser Request for Lion’s Club Tootsie Roll Day, May 03, 2025 on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Council Approved Roadside Fundraiser Request for American Legion Post 512, Poppy Day June 13, 2025 with June 20, 2025 Rain Date. Commissioner Rippetoe motioned to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, abstained; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Council Approved Street Closure for Memorial Day Parade May 26, 2025 Sponsored by Altamont Masonic Lodge on a motion by Commissioner White. 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 Employee Assistance Program 1 Year Renewal with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on a motion by Commissioner Polk. 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 Resolution 2025-04-07 Joint Funding Agreement for Federally Funded Construction (ITEP) on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Seconded by Commissioner White. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

Council heard from Commissioner White concerning installation of a storm siren. He stated there is community support and Pam Jacobs, Effingham County EMA Director stated 90% of the sirens in the County are owned by the municipality. The Altamont Fire Department is not interested in owning the siren. It should be placed in a central location. Estimates are being received from Global Tech. However, it will need to be advertised for bid. The siren could be initiated by the County 911 staff or an authorized individual. He will be contact sources for available grants.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported small outages were caused by the lift station on Sunday.

Commissioner White reported the scada system resulted in a quick notification of the electric outage and a fast response. The reservoir is 12” over the spillway due to the recent heavy rains. A drainage problem has been discovered on Division & Bond. The line will be camera inspected tomorrow. A storm drain on Third St from Division to Rt 40 has roots. The video system is being placed at the South Sewer plant.

Commissioner Polk reported stump grinding and storm cleanup have been projects for the Street Department as well as storm drainage issues.

Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker reported Union Cemetery was cleaned with the help of the Be A Tiffany group and the Garden Club was working on the Veterans Memorial flower bed.

Council Entered into Executive Session for the Purpose of Purchase of Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Motion seconded by Commissioner White. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner Walker, yes.

There was not action as a result of executive session.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Polk. 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=19