East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met May 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 May 12, 2025, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Terry White; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Kathryn Huntley. Also present – Mark Hoskins, Altamont news; Greg Warner; Gale Warner; Zain Parker; Charles Pagel; Mike Kirchoff; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk.

City Clerk Stephen swore into office Michael Walker, Mayor and Kathryn Huntley, Commissioner. They will complete the terms expiring in 2027. Huntley serves as Commissioner of Parks & Cemetery.

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 Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Kathryn Huntly introduced herself as being a resident of Altamont since 2013, a nine year employee of Lutheran Care Center as Director of Administrative Services and leader of Altamont Youth Sports Commission.

Chief Alan Heiens presented the April 2025 Altamont Police Activity Report. Commissioner White asked him to watch the noise limits on Main Street.

Gale Warner asked for an explanation of why Commissioner White is not allowed to vote on matters relating to the TIF district. Commissioner White explained it is because he owns property within the TIF district. Warner asked when the lot on Main Steet would be sold. Mayor Walker stated it would be on the agenda for the next meeting.

Mike Kirchoff addressed the Council explaining he is an account representative for Ameren, working for economic development in a 19 county region. He provided a professional history of his achievements and offered to consult for the City of Altamont at no charge regarding economic development and TIF matters

Council Approved Ordinance 822-25; Appointment Ordinance on motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Huntley seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. No changes were made to the individual appointments.

Council Approved Ordinance 823-25; Appointment Ordinance on motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. Taylor Law Offices will reside as City’s legal counsel.

Council Approved Approved Appointment of Mike Klitzing as Zoning Board Chairman on a motion by Commissioner White. Seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Payment to Vandevanter Engineering in the Amount of $18,225.00 for Pump Replacement at South Wastewater Treatment Plant on a motion by Commissioner White. Seconded by

Commissioner Huntley. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Ordinance 824-25 Authorizing Execution of Contract for Private Development Pursuant to Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Masonic Lodge) on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. Commissioner White ineligible to vote. Project is window replacement.

Council Approved Ordinance 825-25 Authorizing Execution of Contract for Private Development Pursuant to Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Masonic Lodge) on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Seconded by Commissioner Polk. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. Commissioner White ineligible to vote. Project is AC replacement.

Commissioner White met with the Altamont Fire Department regarding a storm siren. The Department is not able to contribute to the purchase of a new siren, as it does not serve the complete fire district. Grants are being sought. There are no County funds available. Commissioner Rippetoe asked about updating the current siren until a new one can be established. Commissioner White will explore the idea.

Commissioner Polk reported city-wide cleanup was completed by the Street Department with the assistance from other departments. Trees are being planted. Preparations are being done for the Memorial Day Parade. He noticed skunks at Gilbert Park and suggested McGinnis be called to eradicate. Employees will be receiving training on the dura patch equipment.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported tree work and pole changes are waiting on dry ground. Lighting at the Nori’s Yard multi court will be adjusted. He is talking with engineers for a two year upgrade plan to the electrical system.

Commissioner White reported the water main replacement project has started on south Main Street. The store front sidewalks have been discussed to allow entrance to the businesses during construction. Recent city-wide cleanup costs are estimated at $20,199.00 for removal of items, labor and equipment. With such a large cost, no fall cleanup can be provided.

Commissioner Huntley thanked Greg Warner for help with bleacher damage at Gilbert Park. The Gilbert Park fields are busy. Plans for Union Cemetery Memorial Day service are underway with lunch following at the VFW.

Mayor Walker reported trusses are installed on Schmidt Park restrooms. Resurfacing of the multi court at Nori’s Yard will start this week. New doors are ready to be installed in the Gilbert Park storage building. Garden Club has mulched all the park flower beds.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=25