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Village board discusses dissolving zoning committee
The Riverton Board of Trustees met April 5 beginning at 7:02 p.m. The minutes from March 15 were approved, and bills were approved for payment, both 6-0.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked about Veterans Park, its lease, maintenance of the area and upkeep of memorial. It is a long-term lease,
which originally cost $1, because the church realized the area would keep flooding, as it was low-lying to begin with, per Chuck Stone; maintenance is typically done by the
village and upkeep of the memorial done with help from the township.
The attorney, John Myers, was not present; his associate, Nick San Diego, arrived at 7:06 p.m. Linda Viola said she’d received information from Riverton Elementary School
on a planned 5K run scheduled for May 1. They might need to have traffic control for that time period, as the route contains 3rd, 7th and Menard Streets. Chief Smith
mentioned barricades.
Per Mayor Bob Todd, Jess Moats, who was on the agenda for Silent Rain Subdivision, that topic will be deferred to committee. Next was Frank Ware, who lives at #49
Hilltop and has reported several problems with electric service since last year. The meter and electric box have been checked out at least twice, a new meter was installed,
but the problem eventually was diagnosed as bad connections on the back of the meter. However, this was not before appliances in the home were damaged or ruined.
Since the connections were repaired, there have been no further problems; Mr. Ware presented copies of costs to the board, so that it could be turned over to insurance for
reimbursement. He will complete a claim form, per Linda Viola’s request.
“Old Business” was an update on the water plant; Chuck Stone said they’re still waiting on things to come in and he has no estimated time on receiving them.
Unfortunately, submersible pumps at the old water plant were damaged by a suspected power surge and will need to be repaired. No dollar amount was mentioned.
The Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station progress on the main pump is being scheduled. Stone mentioned $3,500 as the cost for a line stop, and he plans to keep contractors
and Mr. Coleman in the loop on communication.
An update on the Third Street overlay project from Trustee Joe Bartley noted that Broughton is not ready to start yet, and anticipates early May. Trustees discussed valves,
culverts and ditches along the street.
“Amend Ordinance #10-005 regarding Business Incentives” was up next. The document was not available, and this action will be postponed to the next meeting.
“Approve Resolution Abating the Direct Annual Real Estate Tax” was motioned for a vote by Trustee Bartley, with Trustee Pottier seconding, and the vote was 6-0 to approve.
The amount is $1,360,000.
The resolution needs to be passed every year, said Viola Tuesday. That amount is the bond payment every year, and instead of having to levy that money directly to
taxpayers, it is taken out of water/sewer revenues, she said.
The Agreement with Riverton Girls Softball League was reviewed by trustees, and it was noted the dates on several of the pages needed to be Aug. 1 as the end, not
September. With these corrections, Trustee Raycraft motioned for a vote, Trustee Faires seconded, and the agreement was approved 6-0.
“New Business” had EE Insurance listed, and trustees agreed to discuss in closed session.
“Zoning Board Concerns” was the next topic listed. Trustees Faires and Pottier discussed the advisory nature of the zoning committee. Final decisions are made by the
village trustees, and given budget constraints perhaps it is time to look at dissolving the zoning committee. Chuck Stone is compensated as being part of the zoning
committee also, and each member is paid $35 per meeting. It was noted that variance fees coming before the committee typically cost $200 each, which are paid to the
village and might offset the meeting compensation costs. Stone offered to print out an e-mail containing Attorney Myers’ opinion for trustees’ information. They didn’t review it
at this meeting, but will consider dissolving the committee after legalities versus costs are delineated.
In his Superintendent’s report, Stone reported the sinkhole repair in Riviera Subdivision was sent out for quotes; $5,710 was the lowest received. Trustee Rader motioned
for a vote, Faires seconded, and it was approved 6-0.
Stone continued, saying two pumps for the main lift station have been delivered; conduits have to be replaced to accommodate. The low bid was $3,600. Trustee Rader
motioned for a vote, Pottier seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
Center Park could use two loads of clay dirt for the athletic field; total cost is approximately $700. Trustee Raycraft motioned for a vote, Faires seconded, this was approved
6-0. Trustees also approved $644.60 for midgefly treatment.
Stone has also met with Mr. Geiger of the school district regarding drainage on the Field of Dreams. He said Geiger recognizes what they’re asking for may be out of the
village’s budget, so they would settle for fill dirt.
Chief Stone said the Boy Scouts have requested to use Wheeland Park for camping April 23-25. The village will waive the fees, and this was approved 5-1 (Trustee Raycraft
abstained).
Officer Lawley will resign as the school resource officer, effective after the end of this school year. The position is scheduled to be cut by the district due to lack of funding.
However, Smith stated that if funding again becomes available, Officer Landgrebe would be interested in the position. It will be at least May before grant award
announcements are made (concerning funding). Landgrebe will attend a training, which trustees approved, and they would like a commendation issued to honor Lawley.
Smith also reported the active shooter drill, held March 24, went well. The trustees who saw it were impressed with its organization. Finally, Officer Sutton has accepted
another job and is resigning effective April 16. Officer Peterson will fill in until the vacated position is approved; this will be discussed in closed session.
Linda Viola reviewed her report, saying she and Treasurer Tim Laffey had worked on the budget. IMRF payments were also discussed; in 2008 the fund lost money, in 2009
it was a little over $497,000, and now in 2010 it contains $616,538 (49 percent funded now, as compared to 51 percent in 2008). Anticipated retirements in the next three
years will impact payment adjustments by the village, and she will continue to check with the IMRF representative.
Treasurer Laffey had distributed the budget to trustees; in comparing revenues versus expenditures, he sees a $1M projected deficit. He recommends precise cuts in each
budget line item and welcomes suggestions from trustees. They will revisit revenue numbers.
Trustee Pottier will present his Administrative Committee report in closed session. Trustee Faires, Public Safety Committee, said they have considered the school resource
officer being asked to transport students to their homes; the consensus was, due to liability, the officer should not be transporting students in non-emergency situations.
Chief Smith will create a directive.
Trustee Rader said there is a negotiation meeting this Monday.
Trustee Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she was asked about the Boy Scouts painting different things for the village, as part of their projects. Chuck Stone will be the
contact person.
Trustee Bartley, Streets Committee report, mentioned the engineer’s core samples for Riviera Subdivision. Trustee Dave Charles, Equipment Committee, stated furniture
is being looked at.
The board agreed to go into closed session at 8:23, after a short break.
Trustees came back into open session at 9:39 p.m. They agreed to hire Officer Peterson as full time by a vote of 6-0. Plans to move insurance to RW Troxell were approved
6-0; the plans will be presented to unions’ employees to inform them of the changes (Health Alliance). A formal vote on this will be taken at the next village meeting. They
adjourned at 9:42.
It was confirmed by Mayor Bob Todd that the Administrative Committee report contained information related to personnel.
The Riverton Board of Trustees met April 5 beginning at 7:02 p.m. The minutes from March 15 were approved, and bills were approved for payment, both 6-0.
“People on the Agenda” included Ralph Willoughby, who asked about Veterans Park, its lease, maintenance of the area and upkeep of memorial. It is a long-term lease,
which originally cost $1, because the church realized the area would keep flooding, as it was low-lying to begin with, per Chuck Stone; maintenance is typically done by the
village and upkeep of the memorial done with help from the township.
The attorney, John Myers, was not present; his associate, Nick San Diego, arrived at 7:06 p.m. Linda Viola said she’d received information from Riverton Elementary School
on a planned 5K run scheduled for May 1. They might need to have traffic control for that time period, as the route contains 3rd, 7th and Menard Streets. Chief Smith
mentioned barricades.
Per Mayor Bob Todd, Jess Moats, who was on the agenda for Silent Rain Subdivision, that topic will be deferred to committee. Next was Frank Ware, who lives at #49
Hilltop and has reported several problems with electric service since last year. The meter and electric box have been checked out at least twice, a new meter was installed,
but the problem eventually was diagnosed as bad connections on the back of the meter. However, this was not before appliances in the home were damaged or ruined.
Since the connections were repaired, there have been no further problems; Mr. Ware presented copies of costs to the board, so that it could be turned over to insurance for
reimbursement. He will complete a claim form, per Linda Viola’s request.
“Old Business” was an update on the water plant; Chuck Stone said they’re still waiting on things to come in and he has no estimated time on receiving them.
Unfortunately, submersible pumps at the old water plant were damaged by a suspected power surge and will need to be repaired. No dollar amount was mentioned.
The Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station progress on the main pump is being scheduled. Stone mentioned $3,500 as the cost for a line stop, and he plans to keep contractors
and Mr. Coleman in the loop on communication.
An update on the Third Street overlay project from Trustee Joe Bartley noted that Broughton is not ready to start yet, and anticipates early May. Trustees discussed valves,
culverts and ditches along the street.
“Amend Ordinance #10-005 regarding Business Incentives” was up next. The document was not available, and this action will be postponed to the next meeting.
“Approve Resolution Abating the Direct Annual Real Estate Tax” was motioned for a vote by Trustee Bartley, with Trustee Pottier seconding, and the vote was 6-0 to approve.
The amount is $1,360,000.
The resolution needs to be passed every year, said Viola Tuesday. That amount is the bond payment every year, and instead of having to levy that money directly to
taxpayers, it is taken out of water/sewer revenues, she said.
The Agreement with Riverton Girls Softball League was reviewed by trustees, and it was noted the dates on several of the pages needed to be Aug. 1 as the end, not
September. With these corrections, Trustee Raycraft motioned for a vote, Trustee Faires seconded, and the agreement was approved 6-0.
“New Business” had EE Insurance listed, and trustees agreed to discuss in closed session.
“Zoning Board Concerns” was the next topic listed. Trustees Faires and Pottier discussed the advisory nature of the zoning committee. Final decisions are made by the
village trustees, and given budget constraints perhaps it is time to look at dissolving the zoning committee. Chuck Stone is compensated as being part of the zoning
committee also, and each member is paid $35 per meeting. It was noted that variance fees coming before the committee typically cost $200 each, which are paid to the
village and might offset the meeting compensation costs. Stone offered to print out an e-mail containing Attorney Myers’ opinion for trustees’ information. They didn’t review it
at this meeting, but will consider dissolving the committee after legalities versus costs are delineated.
In his Superintendent’s report, Stone reported the sinkhole repair in Riviera Subdivision was sent out for quotes; $5,710 was the lowest received. Trustee Rader motioned
for a vote, Faires seconded, and it was approved 6-0.
Stone continued, saying two pumps for the main lift station have been delivered; conduits have to be replaced to accommodate. The low bid was $3,600. Trustee Rader
motioned for a vote, Pottier seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
Center Park could use two loads of clay dirt for the athletic field; total cost is approximately $700. Trustee Raycraft motioned for a vote, Faires seconded, this was approved
6-0. Trustees also approved $644.60 for midgefly treatment.
Stone has also met with Mr. Geiger of the school district regarding drainage on the Field of Dreams. He said Geiger recognizes what they’re asking for may be out of the
village’s budget, so they would settle for fill dirt.
Chief Stone said the Boy Scouts have requested to use Wheeland Park for camping April 23-25. The village will waive the fees, and this was approved 5-1 (Trustee Raycraft
abstained).
Officer Lawley will resign as the school resource officer, effective after the end of this school year. The position is scheduled to be cut by the district due to lack of funding.
However, Smith stated that if funding again becomes available, Officer Landgrebe would be interested in the position. It will be at least May before grant award
announcements are made (concerning funding). Landgrebe will attend a training, which trustees approved, and they would like a commendation issued to honor Lawley.
Smith also reported the active shooter drill, held March 24, went well. The trustees who saw it were impressed with its organization. Finally, Officer Sutton has accepted
another job and is resigning effective April 16. Officer Peterson will fill in until the vacated position is approved; this will be discussed in closed session.
Linda Viola reviewed her report, saying she and Treasurer Tim Laffey had worked on the budget. IMRF payments were also discussed; in 2008 the fund lost money, in 2009
it was a little over $497,000, and now in 2010 it contains $616,538 (49 percent funded now, as compared to 51 percent in 2008). Anticipated retirements in the next three
years will impact payment adjustments by the village, and she will continue to check with the IMRF representative.
Treasurer Laffey had distributed the budget to trustees; in comparing revenues versus expenditures, he sees a $1M projected deficit. He recommends precise cuts in each
budget line item and welcomes suggestions from trustees. They will revisit revenue numbers.
Trustee Pottier will present his Administrative Committee report in closed session. Trustee Faires, Public Safety Committee, said they have considered the school resource
officer being asked to transport students to their homes; the consensus was, due to liability, the officer should not be transporting students in non-emergency situations.
Chief Smith will create a directive.
Trustee Rader said there is a negotiation meeting this Monday.
Trustee Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she was asked about the Boy Scouts painting different things for the village, as part of their projects. Chuck Stone will be the
contact person.
Trustee Bartley, Streets Committee report, mentioned the engineer’s core samples for Riviera Subdivision. Trustee Dave Charles, Equipment Committee, stated furniture
is being looked at.
The board agreed to go into closed session at 8:23, after a short break.
Trustees came back into open session at 9:39 p.m. They agreed to hire Officer Peterson as full time by a vote of 6-0. Plans to move insurance to RW Troxell were approved
6-0; the plans will be presented to unions’ employees to inform them of the changes (Health Alliance). A formal vote on this will be taken at the next village meeting. They
adjourned at 9:42.
It was confirmed by Mayor Bob Todd that the Administrative Committee report contained information related to personnel.
Issue Date: April 8, 2010
