East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met July 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on July 28, 2025, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Kathryn Huntley. Also present –Zain Parker; Charles Pagel; Mark Hoskins, Altamont News: Mimi Mays; Danny Simmons; Jim Corbin; Lee Beckman, Milano & Grunloh Engineers and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioners Jason Rippetoe and Terry White were absent.

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 Huntley. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Lee Beckman, Milano & Grunloh Engineers reported 70% of the water main has been installed. The sidewalk replacement is expected in the spring of 2026, but the actual date is at the contractors discretion. The ITEP sidewalk replacement plan is 95% complete. Regarding the I70 underpass Taylor Law Offices is following up on a written notification from IDOT. Milano & Grunloh will verify if land purchases can be included in the OSLAD grant, or if two applications need to be submitted.

Mimi Mays asked if mosquito spraying could be done after dark, when people aren’t setting outside. Those with breathing problems cannot stay outside when spraying is being done.

Jim Corbin asked for a 6” covered tile for the Seventh & Monroe ditch. It cannot be mowed in the current condition. Commissioner Polk responded tiling is the only option, but not affordable.

Council Approved Ordinance 832-25; 2026 Appropriation on motion by Commissioner Huntley. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. The appropriation is set at $9,288,651.

Council Approved Ordinance 833-25; Authorizing Execution of Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Altamont Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Andrews Eats) on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Huntley seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Commissioner Polk reported Street Department is preparing streets for oiling. Plans are being made for drainage projects in August. Materials for Schmidt Park restrooms were delivered today.

Commissioner Huntley thanked Logan Cornett for his service this summer.

Mayor Walker reported 90% of the electrical is done on the Schmidt Park restrooms. The volunteers having full time jobs has provided a time challenge in reaching completion. He is talking to the Industrial Arts teacher for repair of the Schmidt Park sign.

Clerk Stephen reported Peoples Bank is serving the City well. Over $312,000 in interest has been earned and over $4,000 in services have been provided at no charge. A great deal of time, money and resources are being spent on nuisance violations, with compliances being met by some offenders.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=40