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Riverton Village Board discusses incentives to entice future developers
The Riverton Village Board met Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Trustee Joe Bartley was not in attendance. There were six people in the audience. The minutes from Jan. 4 and bills were
approved 3-0, with Trustee Tina Raycraft abstaining, because she was not at that meeting.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked if Petersburg Plumbing & Heating is paying for dewatering on the Washington Street sewer project? Chuck
Stone responded “yes.” PP&H will also cover over the road by April, per Stone. Mr. Willoughby also inquired if the village was seeking any grants to cover the costs for water
meters/pipes future developments’ infrastructure. He believes that anything less than six-inch diameter pipes will not be suitable. Stone has said he’s seen low-interest loans,
but currently no grants. Fire hydrants are flushed one time per year, he also said. Trustee Pottier asked Mr. Willoughby that if, in his research, he does come across any grants
to please let them know.
There was nothing on the agenda under “Old Business.” The only item under “New Business” was listed as “Appoint New Trustee,” which Mayor Todd said would be tabled
until the next village meeting.
The Superintendent’s report was reviewed, and Chuck Stone asked trustees if they saw anything that needs to be discussed? “No” was the collective response. Police Chief
Dave Smith’s report contained end-of-year information, and he asked trustees if the intergovernmental agreement with the Sangamon County Department of Public Health for
purposes of them providing HepB immunizations (at a cost of $41 each) could be approved. Trustee Pat Faires motioned for a vote, Trustee Jack Rader seconded, and this
was approved 4-0.
Linda Viola voiced nothing regarding her report, as did Treasurer Tim Laffey. Committee reports were next discussed. Trustee Rich Pottier, Administrative Committee, talked
about the personnel code in the report. If trustees have any changes, he asked that those be forwarded so that it can be voted on at the next meeting. A policy letter regarding
overtime, as part of the personnel code, was also mentioned as part of this.
Trustees then talked about incentives the village could offer future developers, such as perhaps waiving fees to tap into utilities. It’s all about being more proactive in
promoting growth for sales tax-generating businesses, they said. The 8-foot tall privacy fence that Dollar General will be required to erect on the property for their new store was
also noted as “a lot of expense we’re asking them to incur.” Trustees estimate the sales tax generated by the new DG will be at least $100 more per month, just to start. They
really see the new store as being able to do a tremendous amount of additional business than the current one. Mayor Todd believes other businesses will come along.
Trustees discussed tap fees, single phase vs. three-phase meters and enterprise zones. Whatever incentives are decided upon, they agreed it needs to be a standard one
applying to all businesses. Mayor Todd would like this to be discussed at the committee level. Trustee Faires’ opinion is that it should reflect the size of the project or
business. Barry Brown, who was in the audience, asked if Dollar General had considered the costs of moving beforehand, including the fence? Trustees stated the fence is
estimated at $20,000; however, DG had to agree to that as part of the zoning.
The report from the Public Safety Committee was next discussed. Trustee Faires plans on contacting Chevrolet headquarters regarding the problems the village police have
had with Chevrolet Impalas. The engines on two of them have had repairs at 25,000 miles. The 2008 model is also having its transmission replaced at 30,000 miles.
Although some repairs have fallen under warranty, they are considering a different dealership or mechanic for future warrantied repairs (such as Pontiac, Giuffre or Miles in
Decatur, which are all GM), and also Lyons Automotive. They will also strongly consider a different make of car for any future police purchases.
Trustee Rader, Utilities Committee, asked that an extra cleaning cost for well #5 to be approved. This would be capped at $3500. He motioned for a vote, Trustee Pottier
seconded, and it was approved 4-0. He also requested $8,002. for Hanson Engineers; this amount was explained as over and above the contract due to unforeseen extra
expenses, including additional time and dewatering. Trustee Rader motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was also approved 4-0.
Trustee Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she met with Ron Williams and he hopes to break ground this week for the concession stand at Field of Dreams. The report from the
Streets Committee included information from Chuck Stone and Martin Engineering regarding Third Street. It is anticipated that bids will be let in March. Third Street, from Lucky
Horseshoe to Lincoln Street, will be milled before resurfacing. Third Street, from Lincoln to Route 36, will be resurfaced only, not milled first. Grant money is being used for the
project; a six to eight-week time frame, total, was estimated. Snow emergencies were discussed briefly as relating to streets. Additional signs may be placed.
The board went into closed session at 7:59 p.m.; when they returned at 8:24, no votes were taken. They adjourned.
The Riverton Village Board met Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. Trustee Joe Bartley was not in attendance. There were six people in the audience. The minutes from Jan. 4 and bills were
approved 3-0, with Trustee Tina Raycraft abstaining, because she was not at that meeting.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked if Petersburg Plumbing & Heating is paying for dewatering on the Washington Street sewer project? Chuck
Stone responded “yes.” PP&H will also cover over the road by April, per Stone. Mr. Willoughby also inquired if the village was seeking any grants to cover the costs for water
meters/pipes future developments’ infrastructure. He believes that anything less than six-inch diameter pipes will not be suitable. Stone has said he’s seen low-interest loans,
but currently no grants. Fire hydrants are flushed one time per year, he also said. Trustee Pottier asked Mr. Willoughby that if, in his research, he does come across any grants
to please let them know.
There was nothing on the agenda under “Old Business.” The only item under “New Business” was listed as “Appoint New Trustee,” which Mayor Todd said would be tabled
until the next village meeting.
The Superintendent’s report was reviewed, and Chuck Stone asked trustees if they saw anything that needs to be discussed? “No” was the collective response. Police Chief
Dave Smith’s report contained end-of-year information, and he asked trustees if the intergovernmental agreement with the Sangamon County Department of Public Health for
purposes of them providing HepB immunizations (at a cost of $41 each) could be approved. Trustee Pat Faires motioned for a vote, Trustee Jack Rader seconded, and this
was approved 4-0.
Linda Viola voiced nothing regarding her report, as did Treasurer Tim Laffey. Committee reports were next discussed. Trustee Rich Pottier, Administrative Committee, talked
about the personnel code in the report. If trustees have any changes, he asked that those be forwarded so that it can be voted on at the next meeting. A policy letter regarding
overtime, as part of the personnel code, was also mentioned as part of this.
Trustees then talked about incentives the village could offer future developers, such as perhaps waiving fees to tap into utilities. It’s all about being more proactive in
promoting growth for sales tax-generating businesses, they said. The 8-foot tall privacy fence that Dollar General will be required to erect on the property for their new store was
also noted as “a lot of expense we’re asking them to incur.” Trustees estimate the sales tax generated by the new DG will be at least $100 more per month, just to start. They
really see the new store as being able to do a tremendous amount of additional business than the current one. Mayor Todd believes other businesses will come along.
Trustees discussed tap fees, single phase vs. three-phase meters and enterprise zones. Whatever incentives are decided upon, they agreed it needs to be a standard one
applying to all businesses. Mayor Todd would like this to be discussed at the committee level. Trustee Faires’ opinion is that it should reflect the size of the project or
business. Barry Brown, who was in the audience, asked if Dollar General had considered the costs of moving beforehand, including the fence? Trustees stated the fence is
estimated at $20,000; however, DG had to agree to that as part of the zoning.
The report from the Public Safety Committee was next discussed. Trustee Faires plans on contacting Chevrolet headquarters regarding the problems the village police have
had with Chevrolet Impalas. The engines on two of them have had repairs at 25,000 miles. The 2008 model is also having its transmission replaced at 30,000 miles.
Although some repairs have fallen under warranty, they are considering a different dealership or mechanic for future warrantied repairs (such as Pontiac, Giuffre or Miles in
Decatur, which are all GM), and also Lyons Automotive. They will also strongly consider a different make of car for any future police purchases.
Trustee Rader, Utilities Committee, asked that an extra cleaning cost for well #5 to be approved. This would be capped at $3500. He motioned for a vote, Trustee Pottier
seconded, and it was approved 4-0. He also requested $8,002. for Hanson Engineers; this amount was explained as over and above the contract due to unforeseen extra
expenses, including additional time and dewatering. Trustee Rader motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was also approved 4-0.
Trustee Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she met with Ron Williams and he hopes to break ground this week for the concession stand at Field of Dreams. The report from the
Streets Committee included information from Chuck Stone and Martin Engineering regarding Third Street. It is anticipated that bids will be let in March. Third Street, from Lucky
Horseshoe to Lincoln Street, will be milled before resurfacing. Third Street, from Lincoln to Route 36, will be resurfaced only, not milled first. Grant money is being used for the
project; a six to eight-week time frame, total, was estimated. Snow emergencies were discussed briefly as relating to streets. Additional signs may be placed.
The board went into closed session at 7:59 p.m.; when they returned at 8:24, no votes were taken. They adjourned.
Issue Date: Jan. 21, 2010
