Altamont Council Discusses South Point Subdivision Bids

Altamont city council members reviewed bids for infrastructure improvements in South Point Subdivision, the residential subdivision being developed on the city's south side.

Kieffer Brothers Construction of Mt. Carmel was the low bidder on street and drainage work at $176,710.50, Marxman Excavating of Effingham was low bidder on water line work at $40,786, and Kamadulski Excavating of the Metro East area was low bidder on sanitary sewer work at $282,179.70. 

The bids were opened this past Friday. It's expected the Council will consider whether to award the bids at their June 6 meeting.

In the meantime, the Council approved the final plat of South Point Subdivision, and approved Milano and Grunloh Engineers of Effingham for construction engineering on South Point, as well as a payment to Milano and Grunloh for design engineering on the infrastructure for the development.

The Council also discussed water rates. Commissioner Todd Slingerland suggested leaving minimum rates unchanged, but a 3% increase in rates for those who use above the minimum. More discussion is expected.

Council members approved $74,800 in street maintenance for 2022. IDOT needs to endorse the plan.

The Council approved the closing of downtown streets for the Downtown Christmas Event on November 11 and 12, voted to pay R&H Plumbing and Heating of Altamont $158,078.50 for the south sanitary force main project, and approved an early retirement incentive for two City employees. One of the two is still finalizing their retirement, but the City is paying the employee contribution for the other individual. The Council also approved a special event liquor license for the Wright House Wine Tasting Event on September 12.

The Altamont council also approved a special use permit for The Gathering Church. The congregation plans to meet in a back room at Luke's Bar and Grill and will place a trailer outside for Sunday School classes. The trailer will be located alongside the alley between Luke's and The Whistlestop. 

It might seem an unusual location for a church, but the congregation hasn't had a permanent place of worship previously, having met at the Carriage House, and the Living Museum among other locations.

Earlier this month, the Altamont council approved a request from the Altamont Masonic Lodge for the 2022 Memorial Day Parade. The parade will take place on Memorial Day Monday and will travel from Altamont Community High School then west of Division Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Altamont Union Cemetery.

The Council also reappointed Taylor Law as the City's legal counsel, and approved the annual appointment ordinance. The only change was naming Ryan Slade as Sewer Department Supervisor, replacing the retired Terry Hahn.