East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on August 11, 2025, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Mike Walker; Commissioner Jason Rippetoe; Commissioner Terry White; Commissioner Kathryn Huntley. Also present –Charles Pagel; Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Jim Stuckemeyer; Casey Adam, Unit 10 School; Dale & Julie Stanley; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioner Tayler Polk was absent.

The Omnibus Vote Agenda comprised of prior meeting minutes and payment of bills, was approved on a motion by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Huntley. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. (Attachment 1)

Chief Heiens presented the July 2025 Police Activity Report. He announced Blaze Hartke has been hired as police office. He was formerly employed by St. Elmo Police Department.

Council Approved Ordinance 834-25; Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Altamont, Illinois Redevelopment Plan for TIF 2 South Tax Increment Area (Schultz-1780 E 300th Ave). Commissioner Rippetoe motioned for approval. Commissioner Huntley seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. Commissioner White was ineligible to vote. $8,000 of TIF funding will be provided for asbestos abatement in preparation of building demolition.

Council Approved Payment to IML Risk Management for Min/Max Additional Billing in the Amount of $30,631.34 on motion by Commissioner Huntley. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Grobengieser-Fischer American Legion Post Controlled Burn Permit for Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags, Schmidt Park, October 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm on a motion by Commissioner White. Commissioner Rippetoe seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Roadside Fundraiser Request for Effingham Knight of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, September 19, 2025 on a motion by Commissioner Rippetoe. Commissioner White seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Rippetoe, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Casey Adam, Unit 10 Superintendent, addressed the Council regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City concerning parking lot improvements at the high school. The 25 year agreement proposes installation of a minimum of six 4” drain pipes, to be installed from the parking lot to the west, under Ewing Street, and emptying into the drainage ditch along Ewing Street. The school would pay for all installation. The City would be responsible for maintenance of the ditch area. Commissioners expressed their concerns of the water entering the ditch at a faster rate and the box culvert at Ewing and Rt 40 not being able to accept more water during a heavy rain. Commissioner Rippetoe questioned the total increase of flow to the ditch as reported by the school’s engineer. Adam responded the new system increase would only add water from the areas that retain water. She added those areas become a walking hazard in freezing temperatures. The project is anticipated for the summer of 2026.

Commissioner White asked if a retention area could be developed for the watershed. The Unit 10 civil engineer will be contacted to attend the August 25th Council meeting for more detailed information. Commissioner Rippetoe stated drainage of other nearby streets and East Meadows Subdivision needs to be fixed and working with the State for highway improvements is a challenge. The possibility of another box culvert under Rt 40 was discussed.

Commissioner Rippetoe had nothing to report.

Commissioner White reported the cardboard recycling program is back. The water line replacement project is advancing to South Third Street. Residential connections will follow. His is looking at new grant opportunities. Water quality has been treated in accordance with IEPA and engineer recommendations. The water is safe to drink and the water department is doing its best to meet the challenges of providing good water.

Commissioner Huntley reported Gilbert Park season opening will be next weekend with many communities involved. Grade School regionals will be hosted at Gilbert Park in September. She thanked volunteers who helped with the cleanup on Saturday. The Lions Club Soccer will soon begin. The K-1st grade soccer will be moved to Klitzing Park.

Clerk Stephen asked Council members to look at the 600 South Main building. The August 25th meeting will be the time to determine the future of the building. If it is to remain, a new roof will soon be needed. There have been inquiries about renting the building for a small restaurant, but a direction needs to be determined.

Mayor Walker reported Phil Webster, owner of A&H, has submitted an application, for TIF financial assistance to remodel the current building with new doors, electrical, lighting, repour flooring, change parts room into employee area and diagnostics machine. In addition, he plans to install carports to cover the wrecker truck and tires. Total cost of approximately $153,000.

Mayor also reported the commercial & residential rental property at 3 North Main Street. They are planning remodeling with an approximate cost of $80,000 to include flooring, paint, and roof repair. Bannisters are requesting TIF assistance.

Dale Stanley addressed the Council concerning a TIF request he would be submitting for improvements to 112 North Third Street to place steel I beams under the building for foundation repair, new windows and siding.

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

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=43