East Central Reporter

City of Altamont City Council met Oct. 13.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Altamont met in regular session at 6:00 pm on October 13, 2025, in the Council Room of the Municipal Building. The following members were present: Mayor Mike Walker; Commissioner Tayler Polk; Commissioner Terry White; Commissioner Kathryn Huntley. Also present – Charles Pagel; Mark Hoskins, Altamont News; Marie Adamick, Effingham Daily News; Zain Parker; Jim Stuckemeyer; Shaun Splechter; Gale Warner; Alan Heiens, Altamont Police Chief and Sarah Stephen, City Clerk. Commissioner Jason Rippetoe was absent.

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

Chief Alan Heiens presented the September 2025 Police Activity Report.

Jim Stuckemeyer suggested the Christmas decorations be put up earlier this year and a larger Christmas tree be placed on the triangle.

Council Approved Special Use Liquor License SP-67 for The Black Dog, Heather Davis Benefit to be held October 26, 2025 noon-10:00 pm. Commissioner Huntley motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Ordinance 840-25 Authorizing Execution of a Contract for Private Development Pursuant to the City of Altamont, Illinois Redevelopment Plan for Tax Increment Area (Bannister Properties) $5,000 on a motion by Commissioner Polk and seconded by Commissioner Huntley. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. Commissioner White, was ineligible to vote. Bannister Properties will be remodeling the building at 3 North Main Street.

Council Approved Ordinance 841-25; Establishing Street Signage – West Carriage Lane, West Wildcat Way, South B&O Road, South Rocket Road. Commissioner Polk motioned for approval. Commissioner Huntley seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes. West Carriage Lane is declared no parking on either side of the street.

Council Approved Payment of Pay Requests #3 & #4 to Kieffers Bros Construction for Water Main Replacement Totaling $367,225.17. (DCEO Grant Agreement 19-242036) Commissioner White motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded the motion. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Payment to R&H Plumbing & Heating for Schmidt Park Restroom Install in the Amount of $25,132.00 on a motion by Commissioner Polk. Commissioner Huntley seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes.

Council Approved Bid Advertising for Demolition of 600 South Main Street. Commissioner White motioned for approval. Commissioner Polk seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Ordinance 842-25; Amending Water Capital Infrastructure Fee was presented to those present. Commissioner White explained an annual 3% increase has been established, which represents a 30 cent monthly increase for each water customer. The increase will be reflected on the utility bill of January 2026. The ordinance will be presented for approval at the next regular meeting.

Council Approved Pay Request #5 to Kieffer Bros Construction in the Amount of $128,794.54 (DCEO Grant Agreement 19-242036) for the Water Main Replacement Project on a motion by Commissioner White and seconded by Commissioner Huntley. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Council Approved Renewal of Blue Cross Blue Shield Employee Health Insurance with Tingley Insurance with 9% Increase. Commissioner Huntley motioned for approval. Commissioner White seconded. Members voted as follows: Commissioner Polk, yes; Commissioner White, yes; Commissioner Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

Commissioner Polk reported Street Department has been replacing cracking concrete culverts. The box culvert at the entrance of Gilbert Park will need to be replaced next year. Motor Fuel funds may be utilized for the cost. Division Street drainage has been delayed due to the contractors busy schedule.

Commissioner White reported meter installs have begun on the Water Main Replacement Project. Downtown sidewalk replacement should be starting soon. Curry & Associates are working on suggestions to change aging water treatment equipment at the water plant.

Commissioner Huntley reported soccer and fall ball will be ending soon and park cleanup will begin. Four locations have been reserved for the Park & Treat. November 1st will be the start of building the Ho Ho Land display at Schmidt Park.

Mayor Walker reported Lynn Kull has been generous to allow schools to park on his property near Gilbert Park during tournaments, which is appreciated. The Industrial Arts instructor has withdrawn the offer of the class to repair the Schmidt Park sign.

Clerk Stephen reported the online auction of restaurant items at 600 South Main is going well. The auction will close Tuesday October 14th. She announced an agreement has been signed for the first sale of a lot in South Point Subdivision.

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 Huntley, yes; Mayor Walker, yes.

https://www.altamontil.net/images/forms/2025_Council.pdf#page=61