Altamont Council Moves Ahead w/Solar Project, Discusses Liquor License at Former Dairy Bar Location

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Published on September 11 2019 10:55 am
Last Updated on September 11 2019 10:57 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Altamont city council members moved ahead with a solar energy project at this week's meeting, and also discussed the pros and cons of issuing a liquor license for a restaurant desirous of locating in the former Dairy Bar building at Schmidt Park.

The Council approved an interconnection agreement with SOL Systems for a solar generating facility. The facility, to be located in the northwest part of the city near the existing generating facility, is being developed with the encouragement of the Illinois Municipal Electric Association, of which the City of Altamont is a member.

The IMEA is seeking to include a green energy component into their operations. The goal is to have the system installed in the spring. 

The Council also purchased a transformer to work with the solar operation for just over $16,000.

Council members discussed whether a liquor license should be granted if El Rancherito expands to Altamont and operates in the former Dairy Bar location along Illinois Route 128.

While there was support for the restaurant locating in Altamont, not everyone who offered comments favored selling liquor at the restaurant if it's located at the park. It was also shared that the Schultz family plans to sell the building to El Rancherito, and Council members wanted time to weigh their decision since the business owns the building, but the land on which the building is located is City-owned. Altamont Parks Commissioner Dan Milleville was not able to attend the meeting, and that was another reason voiced by the Council in holding off a decision until their September 23 meeting.

Council members also heard from their auditors, who said the audit came back clean.