East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met June 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on June 23, 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 –Zain Parker; Richard Frailey; Richard Finn; Charles Pagel; Mark Hoskins, Altamont News: Ron Myers; Ashley Tharp; Mandy Vergara; Mr. Jacinto and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk.

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

No engineer was present to report.

Mandy Vergara & Mr. Jacinto presented a possible business for the location of 600 South Main Street. Mr. Jacinto proposed a family sports bar and grill for the location. He would improve the building with a new roof and complete remodel of the interior, which would take approximately 4-6 months. He explained he owns similar businesses in the Mt. Vernon, Collinsville & Edwardsville areas. He would possibly request a gaming license. Council must consider the business and determine if a lease will be approved for the property where the structure is located.

Ron Myers presented a rehabilitation plan for 1 West Washington Avenue, in which he is requesting TIF funding. He has the opportunity to purchase the building and would like to replace the roof with a gable style, expand the RDM Cabinetry showroom to the location offering new products, and possibly rent the lower level to another business. In addition, Ashley Tharp, Goldies Baking Company, presented the plans for her home-based business to expand into the location providing custom baked goods, morning drinks & muffins with limited seating indoors and out. She has no plans to offer donuts in her sales. Council will consider the amount of TIF funding appropriate for the project.

Council Approved a Street Closing Request from Altamont Lutheran Interparish School for Touch a Truck Event, August 11, 2025 on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Commissioner Huntley seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. North Edwards between Washington and East Division Street will be closed 4:30-8:30 pm.

Council Approved a Payment to H&K Concrete for Schmidt Park Sidewalk in the Amount of $12,925.00 on motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. This provides an ADA entrance to the newly built restrooms.

Resolution 2025-06-09; Effingham County Fair Parade July 27, 2025 was approved on a motion by. Commissioner Huntley. Seconded by Commissioner Rippetoe. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Ordinance 830-25; Adopting Return-To-Work Policy for Employment with the City of Altamont on a motion by Commissioner White. Commissioner Huntley seconded the motion.

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

Council approved Ordinance 831-25; Establishing Salary for Appointed Altamont Representative on the I.M.E.A. Board of Directors. Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. The annual salary will increase from $2500 to $3250. Commissioner Rippetoe commented the 20 year experience Larry Taylor has on the board in invaluable.

Commissioner Polk reported in July a culvert will be replaced on East Jackson Street along with ditch cleaning. Culverts will be removed along East Jackson near Northside Mobile Home Court. Crews will be busy again with storm damage cleanup. Sports Booster is planning an August bash in Schmidt Park.

Commissioner Rippetoe reported the Electric Department will be working on tree damage from the recent storm. The last two poles of the northeast feeder will be replaced.

Commissioner White reported installation of the water main replacement on Main Street is nearing completion, line flushing will follow. Crews will move to another location in the project area. 3700 yards of dirt were purchased to use at the north lagoon berm rebuild.

Commissioner Huntley reported July 2nd at 7pm will be a ribbon cutting for Nori’s Yard multi use court. Logan Cornett has been hired to work on park improvements. She will be obtaining a quote to spray foam in the storage building being converted into an additional batters building.

Mayor Walker had nothing additional to report.

Clerk Stephen reported 600 South Main has been secured with lock changes. She and Chief Heiens inspected the building.

Council discussed conversation held with Altamont School Board President, Dale Laue concerning high school drainage issues. Commissioner White stated the box culvert at Ewing and Rt 40 needs to be moved. There are plans to run a camera into the unknown laterals.

The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Huntley. 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=34