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Village board approves SWAT intergovernmental agreement
The Riverton Village Board met March 1 at 7 p.m. Trustees approved the minutes from the Feb. 15 meeting 5-0 (Pat Faires voted “present”) and bills for payment.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked how much the village had spent thus far on the old firehouse, to which Linda Viola responded “a little over
$20,000.” There is another $30K, approximately, to be spent on it. Mayor Todd asked Mr. Willoughby to, whenever he has questions about monies spent or prices, etc., get
those questions in to the office before the meeting so they will have specific numbers for him. Willoughby also inquired whether the village has a program to “ditch” streets.
Trustee Bartley stated Third Street is the priority for that now, before the overlay project begins, but there will be a Streets Committee meeting to go over all that and talk about
oil and chipping roads. Chuck Stone said the village cleans ditches along streets as they can, but residents can help keep them clear by not piling up yard waste in them.
The contractor will be grading Washington Street, per Trustee Bartley. All streets in the village will be prioritized for oil and chipping; they are waiting on price numbers for oil
and hope to have everything within two weeks, before the next village meeting. The winter has been unkind to most roads. Stone also stated the village has a working
relationship with the township on roads that fall under their jurisdiction.
Mr. Willoughby asked Trustee Pottier if he was on the IMEA Board? “Yes,” replied Pottier. “Do you attend the meetings?” “Yes,” and “Do you get paid for attending the
meetings?” “No,” Pottier replied. Willoughby suggested the village reimburse him for attendance. He also thanked Attorney Myers for the response to his FOIA request.
Next up was Deb Behrens, who asked trustees to consider a donation to Riverton High School’s after-prom, which gives students a safe place to enjoy activities from
approximately 11 p.m. to 4-5 a.m., after prom concludes. Students are locked in, supervised and parents/students raise money all year for the event. Trustees agreed this is
a positive thing, as did others. Linda Viola stated the village had donated $200 last year; Trustee Faires suggested that be upped, and trustees concluded a $500 donation
would be a good idea, and this was approved 6-0.
“Old Business” included first an update on the water plant. Bids on overhead doors, single vs. double, were received, and an amount of $5,364 for a single door was
approved 6-0. A change order ($1700) to raise the roof to accommodate the doorway was also required, per Chuck Stone, and this was approved 6-0.
The automatic windows have been received for the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station. The Third Street overlay project is progressing; bids will be opened on March 15 at 9 a.m.,
according to Trustee Bartley. Gas valve replacements have been identified, as well as culvert replacements for that street, per Stone. The school district break begins March
15, and the mayor stated this would be a good week to begin the Third Street project, if at all possible.
An “Ordinance Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement with Sangamon County SWAT Team” was reviewed. Officer Mills wants to be a part of SWAT, which is with the
Sheriff’s Department. Trustees and Linda Viola discussed insurance, and Chief Smith responded to questions regarding pay, for which the village will be responsible. Smith
stated if there is any confiscation of property while Mills is participating with SWAT, the village would be entitled to a percentage of that. Trustees approved this agreement 6-0.
The “Ordinance to Approve Business Incentives” was approved 6-0. There was no discussion on what it specifically included in final form.
Chief Smith informed trustees that the grant from the Liquor Commission on tobacco enforcement, which funds the village’s efforts to conduct checks of tobacco sales’
compliance, will be due March 15. There was discussion on cigarette vending machines, as Smith said at least three people have contacted him with concerns. He asked
trustees if they want to expand that compliance check to all tobacco vending machines? The grant renewal request must be specific regarding number of machines, if they’d
like to do that. The trustees’ consensus was, because of the grant due date, over-the-counter sales would be sufficient for now; Chief Smith will forward a completed grant
request to the state.
Smith also informed trustees that he received a request from IDOT regarding the state’s upcoming focused “Click it or Ticket” program, requesting the village police
participate in that. IDOT requests statistics regarding compliance with the law be reported to them voluntarily. Illinois is aiming for 93 percent compliance as a whole.
Trustees answered “yes” on participation; the consensus was this should be enforced anyway.
Trustee Pottier asked Chief Smith if he’s aware of Springfield’s “safe texting” program, in which he’s seen some businesses post reminder fliers near schools? Smith
replied he was not. Trustees would like awareness and enforcement of the no-texting while driving law. On another topic, Smith said police officers have noted there is a law
against taverns having shades or curtains obscuring their front windows; trustees asked that all tavern owners be reminded of this.
Linda Viola asked about a fax she’d received from Martin Engineering for $900 on core drill samples? Trustee Bartley replied he would explain that further in the Streets
Committee report discussion. Viola went on to request $125 for an office employee to attend a utility payment software training in Forsyth. The employee will also be
reimbursed for her travel mileage. Trustees approved this request 6-0.
Viola also distributed copies of a list (approimately 556 names) of utility bill delinquencies to trustees. She explained most have already been turned over to collection
agencies, but some will need to be written off due to the statute of limitations, bankruptcies or deaths. Viola will be compiling another report, which stems from the collection
agency that closed in October 2009. (That agency is being investigated by the state for questionable practices). If any of those people on either list move back to Riverton,
their debts can still be collected, because that falls under another statute. Trustees and the mayor, however, stated they recognized some of the names on the list and would
provide Viola with additional “where to locate” information. Trustee Rader believes that landlords should be held responsible for tenants who move away without paying their
utility bills. This is done in Springfield.
Treasurer Tim Laffey has been working on the budget and estimated numbers; he would like feedback from trustees.
Trustee Pottier, Administrative Committee, gave a lengthy report. He did attend the IMEA meeting; wind energy, general operation items and budgets were summarized. He
also attended the American Public Power Association, at his own cost, held in Washington, D.C. It allows individual constituents — he estimated 300-400 people attended —
to have opportunities to speak with their senators and representatives. He spoke with Aaron Schock’s office staff (Schock was not available) regarding obtaining money for
additional street projects. His staff told Pottier to complete a request. Rep. Phil Hare was available to talk with him about utilities infrastructure off Old Route 36 and I-72.
Trustee Pottier enjoyed the experience, and hopes the village benefits by receiving monies.
Mayor Todd requested Chuck Stone to print a reminder of the IMEA’s newest coupon on the back of utility bills for customers’ information. Trustee Pottier would still like the
Field of Dreams’ lighting to be considered for a grant, and Trustee Bartley mentioned the girls’ softball field too. A grant request to the IMEA is ideal, because they want to get
money back into communities, per Pottier. Efficient motors for pumps could also be considered. He asked Linda Viola about a utility billing program brought to his attention. It
would probably not mesh with what the village currently has, Viola replied, but they will talk about it.
Trustee Faires recapped a Public Safety Committee meeting that was held Feb. 24, with a school board member and the superintendent, to discuss the School Resource
Officer’s position, currently held by Officer Lawley. Budgets for school districts in all of Illinois are being cut, and this position was targeted during their January discussion.
Chief Smith stated grants will be applied for, as the district does want to keep the officer, but they cannot pay for his salary after the current school year ends. Faires also
stated he received a response from Chevrolet headquarters regarding the village’s problems with squad cars. Based on that feedback, the village will not be purchasing any
more Chevys.
Trustee Tina Raycraft said she has a contract for the pavilion construction at Field of Dreams, and would like to put it on next meeting’s agenda for approval. Attorney Myers
asked that it be sent to him first, please. Raycraft asked Linda Viola about a new agreement with the Riverton Girls Softball League (for use of utilities at fields). Trustee
Rader reminded the board to keep fresh in their minds that last year’s Riverfest workers had more than once, unfortunately, left the lights on through 3 or 4 a.m. near Center
Park, which is a waste of money and an abuse of the agreement, in his opinion. Trustees will be aware.
Mayor Todd said people have asked him how to go about getting on the Riverfest Committee. Suggestions for contacts include Tim Raycraft and Terry Mitro. The Riverfest
2009 report will be given to trustees at an upcoming meeting, per Trustee Raycraft.
Trustee Bartley, Streets Committee, stated there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. March 15 for oil and chip project finalization. Regarding the $900 for core drill samples, this was
done on Powell and Allen Drives in Riviera Subdivision. Problems with drainage, uneven and broken surfaces and a potential sinkhole are the reasons. There is a 2-4”
difference in the surface of those streets; they are inconsistent and uneven. Appropriate repairs will be recommended based on the engineer’s findings of those core
samples.
Rock salt at $96/ton was this budget year’s price to the village. The village plans to submit an application to the state in order to get better pricing, aimed at $58/ton for next
budget year. This request to submit was approved 6-0. Dave Charles, Maintenance Committee, reported the form for the American Red Cross is nearly complete. The school
district is already involved with IEMA for purposes of emergency shelter. The board voted at 8:30 p.m. to go into closed session, following a short break.
They returned to open session at 9:33 p.m.; no votes were taken on the agenda topics of pending litigation and personnel issues, and they adjourned.
The Riverton Village Board met March 1 at 7 p.m. Trustees approved the minutes from the Feb. 15 meeting 5-0 (Pat Faires voted “present”) and bills for payment.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked how much the village had spent thus far on the old firehouse, to which Linda Viola responded “a little over
$20,000.” There is another $30K, approximately, to be spent on it. Mayor Todd asked Mr. Willoughby to, whenever he has questions about monies spent or prices, etc., get
those questions in to the office before the meeting so they will have specific numbers for him. Willoughby also inquired whether the village has a program to “ditch” streets.
Trustee Bartley stated Third Street is the priority for that now, before the overlay project begins, but there will be a Streets Committee meeting to go over all that and talk about
oil and chipping roads. Chuck Stone said the village cleans ditches along streets as they can, but residents can help keep them clear by not piling up yard waste in them.
The contractor will be grading Washington Street, per Trustee Bartley. All streets in the village will be prioritized for oil and chipping; they are waiting on price numbers for oil
and hope to have everything within two weeks, before the next village meeting. The winter has been unkind to most roads. Stone also stated the village has a working
relationship with the township on roads that fall under their jurisdiction.
Mr. Willoughby asked Trustee Pottier if he was on the IMEA Board? “Yes,” replied Pottier. “Do you attend the meetings?” “Yes,” and “Do you get paid for attending the
meetings?” “No,” Pottier replied. Willoughby suggested the village reimburse him for attendance. He also thanked Attorney Myers for the response to his FOIA request.
Next up was Deb Behrens, who asked trustees to consider a donation to Riverton High School’s after-prom, which gives students a safe place to enjoy activities from
approximately 11 p.m. to 4-5 a.m., after prom concludes. Students are locked in, supervised and parents/students raise money all year for the event. Trustees agreed this is
a positive thing, as did others. Linda Viola stated the village had donated $200 last year; Trustee Faires suggested that be upped, and trustees concluded a $500 donation
would be a good idea, and this was approved 6-0.
“Old Business” included first an update on the water plant. Bids on overhead doors, single vs. double, were received, and an amount of $5,364 for a single door was
approved 6-0. A change order ($1700) to raise the roof to accommodate the doorway was also required, per Chuck Stone, and this was approved 6-0.
The automatic windows have been received for the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station. The Third Street overlay project is progressing; bids will be opened on March 15 at 9 a.m.,
according to Trustee Bartley. Gas valve replacements have been identified, as well as culvert replacements for that street, per Stone. The school district break begins March
15, and the mayor stated this would be a good week to begin the Third Street project, if at all possible.
An “Ordinance Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement with Sangamon County SWAT Team” was reviewed. Officer Mills wants to be a part of SWAT, which is with the
Sheriff’s Department. Trustees and Linda Viola discussed insurance, and Chief Smith responded to questions regarding pay, for which the village will be responsible. Smith
stated if there is any confiscation of property while Mills is participating with SWAT, the village would be entitled to a percentage of that. Trustees approved this agreement 6-0.
The “Ordinance to Approve Business Incentives” was approved 6-0. There was no discussion on what it specifically included in final form.
Chief Smith informed trustees that the grant from the Liquor Commission on tobacco enforcement, which funds the village’s efforts to conduct checks of tobacco sales’
compliance, will be due March 15. There was discussion on cigarette vending machines, as Smith said at least three people have contacted him with concerns. He asked
trustees if they want to expand that compliance check to all tobacco vending machines? The grant renewal request must be specific regarding number of machines, if they’d
like to do that. The trustees’ consensus was, because of the grant due date, over-the-counter sales would be sufficient for now; Chief Smith will forward a completed grant
request to the state.
Smith also informed trustees that he received a request from IDOT regarding the state’s upcoming focused “Click it or Ticket” program, requesting the village police
participate in that. IDOT requests statistics regarding compliance with the law be reported to them voluntarily. Illinois is aiming for 93 percent compliance as a whole.
Trustees answered “yes” on participation; the consensus was this should be enforced anyway.
Trustee Pottier asked Chief Smith if he’s aware of Springfield’s “safe texting” program, in which he’s seen some businesses post reminder fliers near schools? Smith
replied he was not. Trustees would like awareness and enforcement of the no-texting while driving law. On another topic, Smith said police officers have noted there is a law
against taverns having shades or curtains obscuring their front windows; trustees asked that all tavern owners be reminded of this.
Linda Viola asked about a fax she’d received from Martin Engineering for $900 on core drill samples? Trustee Bartley replied he would explain that further in the Streets
Committee report discussion. Viola went on to request $125 for an office employee to attend a utility payment software training in Forsyth. The employee will also be
reimbursed for her travel mileage. Trustees approved this request 6-0.
Viola also distributed copies of a list (approimately 556 names) of utility bill delinquencies to trustees. She explained most have already been turned over to collection
agencies, but some will need to be written off due to the statute of limitations, bankruptcies or deaths. Viola will be compiling another report, which stems from the collection
agency that closed in October 2009. (That agency is being investigated by the state for questionable practices). If any of those people on either list move back to Riverton,
their debts can still be collected, because that falls under another statute. Trustees and the mayor, however, stated they recognized some of the names on the list and would
provide Viola with additional “where to locate” information. Trustee Rader believes that landlords should be held responsible for tenants who move away without paying their
utility bills. This is done in Springfield.
Treasurer Tim Laffey has been working on the budget and estimated numbers; he would like feedback from trustees.
Trustee Pottier, Administrative Committee, gave a lengthy report. He did attend the IMEA meeting; wind energy, general operation items and budgets were summarized. He
also attended the American Public Power Association, at his own cost, held in Washington, D.C. It allows individual constituents — he estimated 300-400 people attended —
to have opportunities to speak with their senators and representatives. He spoke with Aaron Schock’s office staff (Schock was not available) regarding obtaining money for
additional street projects. His staff told Pottier to complete a request. Rep. Phil Hare was available to talk with him about utilities infrastructure off Old Route 36 and I-72.
Trustee Pottier enjoyed the experience, and hopes the village benefits by receiving monies.
Mayor Todd requested Chuck Stone to print a reminder of the IMEA’s newest coupon on the back of utility bills for customers’ information. Trustee Pottier would still like the
Field of Dreams’ lighting to be considered for a grant, and Trustee Bartley mentioned the girls’ softball field too. A grant request to the IMEA is ideal, because they want to get
money back into communities, per Pottier. Efficient motors for pumps could also be considered. He asked Linda Viola about a utility billing program brought to his attention. It
would probably not mesh with what the village currently has, Viola replied, but they will talk about it.
Trustee Faires recapped a Public Safety Committee meeting that was held Feb. 24, with a school board member and the superintendent, to discuss the School Resource
Officer’s position, currently held by Officer Lawley. Budgets for school districts in all of Illinois are being cut, and this position was targeted during their January discussion.
Chief Smith stated grants will be applied for, as the district does want to keep the officer, but they cannot pay for his salary after the current school year ends. Faires also
stated he received a response from Chevrolet headquarters regarding the village’s problems with squad cars. Based on that feedback, the village will not be purchasing any
more Chevys.
Trustee Tina Raycraft said she has a contract for the pavilion construction at Field of Dreams, and would like to put it on next meeting’s agenda for approval. Attorney Myers
asked that it be sent to him first, please. Raycraft asked Linda Viola about a new agreement with the Riverton Girls Softball League (for use of utilities at fields). Trustee
Rader reminded the board to keep fresh in their minds that last year’s Riverfest workers had more than once, unfortunately, left the lights on through 3 or 4 a.m. near Center
Park, which is a waste of money and an abuse of the agreement, in his opinion. Trustees will be aware.
Mayor Todd said people have asked him how to go about getting on the Riverfest Committee. Suggestions for contacts include Tim Raycraft and Terry Mitro. The Riverfest
2009 report will be given to trustees at an upcoming meeting, per Trustee Raycraft.
Trustee Bartley, Streets Committee, stated there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. March 15 for oil and chip project finalization. Regarding the $900 for core drill samples, this was
done on Powell and Allen Drives in Riviera Subdivision. Problems with drainage, uneven and broken surfaces and a potential sinkhole are the reasons. There is a 2-4”
difference in the surface of those streets; they are inconsistent and uneven. Appropriate repairs will be recommended based on the engineer’s findings of those core
samples.
Rock salt at $96/ton was this budget year’s price to the village. The village plans to submit an application to the state in order to get better pricing, aimed at $58/ton for next
budget year. This request to submit was approved 6-0. Dave Charles, Maintenance Committee, reported the form for the American Red Cross is nearly complete. The school
district is already involved with IEMA for purposes of emergency shelter. The board voted at 8:30 p.m. to go into closed session, following a short break.
They returned to open session at 9:33 p.m.; no votes were taken on the agenda topics of pending litigation and personnel issues, and they adjourned.
Issue Date: March 4, 2010
