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Village Board takes next step to disband Zoning Board
The Riverton Village Board met April 19 at 7 p.m. The minutes from April 5 were approved, with one correction, and the bills approved for payment, by a 6-0 vote.
Officer Jim Lawley was presented a plaque for his years of service as the school district’s resource officer.
The Eagles Club – DARE grant presentation was also made, for $1000. Look for pictures from both of these events next week.
“People on the Agenda” included Jim Hibbett, who questioned the gas usage reading at his residence. Trustees and he reviewed the usage report for several months back,
for comparison. Trustee Jack Rader noted the meter at that time had been sent away for testing in 2007. There was quite a lengthy discussion on this meter’s accuracy. Mayor
Todd weighed in too, and if the meter is sent away for testing he suggested the village pay for it, estimated to cost $30-40, per Trustee Rader. It was agreed, after more
discussion, to verify the meter through testing.
Mr. Marc Petrilli with R.W. Troxell will discuss employee insurance costs during closed session, per Mayor Todd.
Seth McCormick, a student working on the Riverton High School yearbook, approached the board requesting that they purchase a yearbook advertisement. Advertising helps
fund the yearbook publication costs. Trustees agreed 6-0 to purchase a half-page ad at a cost of $145. They will provide the village logo, and students will design an ad (for
village approval).
In “Old Business” under the water plant update, contractors are getting ready to put in piping; filters and softeners anticipated at the end of May, per Chuck Stone. He
mentioned EMI may meet with him this week.
The lift station at Lucky Horseshoe is “moving along nicely” per Stone. Trustee Bartley asked about valves on Third Street as it relates to the overlay project. They’re over 50
percent done with the valves, per Stone. A start date for the overlay is anticipated in early May, per Bartley. Trustees also discussed whether the high school wanted the bus
lane off Third Street done, and that’s something they’re waiting to see how they can work together on.
Trustee Pottier commended village employees for the work on water issues over this past weekend.
Under “Amend Ordinance #10-005 Regarding Business Incentives,” Attorney Myers, who was not present at the previous meeting this month, read through it and the sewer,
tap and electric changes requested last month had not been made. He apologized and said he’d forgotten. This ordinance will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
Trustees and the mayor, under “Zoning Board Issues,” discussed the necessity of a Zoning Board. Trustees Pottier and Faires indicated they believe the Zoning Board is
redundant, and Pottier sees it as one more difficulty business developers face when they want to build in Riverton. Linda Viola reminded that if the Zoning Board doesn’t meet,
its members do not get paid. The issue of costs had come up previous to now. Trustee Rader believes the village needs to keep the Zoning Board. There was a suggestion
by Attorney Myers that trustees may want to consider a Zoning Hearing Officer. Chuck Stone stated it’s difficult to find people to serve on the Zoning Board – it is two members
short now — and to attend necessary meetings, when they are held, but he also mentioned it may be too much work for one person. There was more discussion, with Trustee
Bartley asking if it’s possible to have at least three to five dedicated members? Attorney Myers responded he would check on the number necessary.
Mayor Todd stated his issue is with zoning board members not gong out to a property in question to see for themselves. He also believes they should be given a time frame in
which to meet and do what they’re supposed to do. Trustee Pottier said he’d be agreeable to the zoning hearing officer idea. Attorney Myers told trustees changes to the zoning
ordinance would need to be drafted; they cannot vote on it now. And further, whether it’s a zoning board or a zoning hearing officer, they would still have to hold a public hearing
on requests. There was more discussion, and Attorney Myers stated he would look at the issue. Currently, anyone with subdivision plans gets those reviewed, and abolishing
the Zoning Board would also necessitate changes to the subdivision ordinance, in addition to the zoning ordinance, which requires a public hearing. Ralph Willoughby, who
was in the audience and is on the Zoning Board, told them he would meet for a $1 each time, and asked that they do the same.
After almost 25 minutes of discussion, trustees voted 5-1 (Rader “no”) to have the attorney draft amendments on eliminating the Zoning Board.
“New Business” included hiring seasonal employees to cut grass, beginning May 1. Mayor Todd said they received six applications, and the two people recommended for hire
are Logan Dyson and Cory Yannone at a rate of $10/hour. This was approved 6-0; they will be seasonal laborers, per Chuck Stone.
There was a short break taken, then the “Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance” for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010 was approved 6-0.
The next item under New Business was ERI (Early Retirement Incentive) for village employees; the discussion was moved to closed session, as the paper was notified that
the listing should have been under executive session instead.
Police Chief Dave Smith reviewed his report. He had a discussion with Trustee Faires regarding policy on responding to medical calls, and a sample policy was sent to
trustees. There was also a brief discussion of policy on who is allowed to ride in squad cars. Officer Lawley told trustees the principal told him the school district understands
police cannot be taking students home. Changes to the police department manual were approved 6-0.
Linda Viola said she met with Mr. Petrilli last Friday; the health and dental increases for village employees are the lowest she’s seen in 14 years. This will be discussed
further in closed session. A bill has been received from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, which the village has been a part of since 1998. Their membership fee is $550
year. This was approved for payment 6-0. Viola also reported she had filed a claim on behalf of the homeowner in Hilltop, who’d appeared before the board at the last meeting,
she will attend the IMGA meeting April 27, and she will not be at the May 3 regular village board meeting.
The 2009 tax levy extension was reviewed — $159,975 was levied and $143,565.72 was extended. Viola has relayed to the Library Board the dollar amount they will receive.
Viola asked Trustee Pottier if they could meet to review policy on utility rates and utility deposit. She informed trustees that a bill from E.L. Pruitt had been received in the
amount of $4,000 for the work at 5th and Menard Streets; it was not an itemized bill, and she will request that from them for auditing purposes. The bill was approved for
payment.
Trustees discussed the history of drainage problems at Carl and Jamestown with Chuck Stone.
Treasurer Tim Laffey briefly discussed the FY11 budget. He projects $1M cash on hand. Trustees looked at expenditure and revenues, and Trustee Bartley stated just
because something is in the budget for purchase doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to buy it, as the village should continue to look for savings. Trustee Pottier noted the
budget is $610,000 short, they looked at different line items and raising water rates was mentioned. Trustees approved the FY11 budget 6-0.
Committee reports were up next. Trustee Pottier stated most of the Administrative Committee discussion would need to happen during closed session. Trustee Faires said
the Public Safety Committee items were contained in Chief Smith’s report. Trustee Jack Rader mentioned that Utilities Committee topics were already covered during the
meeting. There was nothing from Parks Committee, per Trustee Tina Raycraft. Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Equipment Committee, had nothing.
On Public Works, Trustee Joe Bartley said Sangamon County is doing the ditching along 7th Street. Drainage issues by the apartments near Brook Subdivision, they will talk
to the apartment building owner. Drainage on Spaulding/Johnston Streets out to 7th also mentioned. Easement and what the village can do is being considered for both
areas,.
Trustees voted to go into closed session at 8:43, returned to open at 9:54 and voted 6-0 to approve the IBEW contract. The meeting was adjourned at 9:56.
***
Clarification: The Veterans Memorial is owned and maintained by Clear Lake Township. Veterans Memorial Park is leased and maintained by the village of Riverton. The
paper in the last board story stated it incorrectly, and we apologize for the error.
The Riverton Village Board met April 19 at 7 p.m. The minutes from April 5 were approved, with one correction, and the bills approved for payment, by a 6-0 vote.
Officer Jim Lawley was presented a plaque for his years of service as the school district’s resource officer.
The Eagles Club – DARE grant presentation was also made, for $1000. Look for pictures from both of these events next week.
“People on the Agenda” included Jim Hibbett, who questioned the gas usage reading at his residence. Trustees and he reviewed the usage report for several months back,
for comparison. Trustee Jack Rader noted the meter at that time had been sent away for testing in 2007. There was quite a lengthy discussion on this meter’s accuracy. Mayor
Todd weighed in too, and if the meter is sent away for testing he suggested the village pay for it, estimated to cost $30-40, per Trustee Rader. It was agreed, after more
discussion, to verify the meter through testing.
Mr. Marc Petrilli with R.W. Troxell will discuss employee insurance costs during closed session, per Mayor Todd.
Seth McCormick, a student working on the Riverton High School yearbook, approached the board requesting that they purchase a yearbook advertisement. Advertising helps
fund the yearbook publication costs. Trustees agreed 6-0 to purchase a half-page ad at a cost of $145. They will provide the village logo, and students will design an ad (for
village approval).
In “Old Business” under the water plant update, contractors are getting ready to put in piping; filters and softeners anticipated at the end of May, per Chuck Stone. He
mentioned EMI may meet with him this week.
The lift station at Lucky Horseshoe is “moving along nicely” per Stone. Trustee Bartley asked about valves on Third Street as it relates to the overlay project. They’re over 50
percent done with the valves, per Stone. A start date for the overlay is anticipated in early May, per Bartley. Trustees also discussed whether the high school wanted the bus
lane off Third Street done, and that’s something they’re waiting to see how they can work together on.
Trustee Pottier commended village employees for the work on water issues over this past weekend.
Under “Amend Ordinance #10-005 Regarding Business Incentives,” Attorney Myers, who was not present at the previous meeting this month, read through it and the sewer,
tap and electric changes requested last month had not been made. He apologized and said he’d forgotten. This ordinance will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
Trustees and the mayor, under “Zoning Board Issues,” discussed the necessity of a Zoning Board. Trustees Pottier and Faires indicated they believe the Zoning Board is
redundant, and Pottier sees it as one more difficulty business developers face when they want to build in Riverton. Linda Viola reminded that if the Zoning Board doesn’t meet,
its members do not get paid. The issue of costs had come up previous to now. Trustee Rader believes the village needs to keep the Zoning Board. There was a suggestion
by Attorney Myers that trustees may want to consider a Zoning Hearing Officer. Chuck Stone stated it’s difficult to find people to serve on the Zoning Board – it is two members
short now — and to attend necessary meetings, when they are held, but he also mentioned it may be too much work for one person. There was more discussion, with Trustee
Bartley asking if it’s possible to have at least three to five dedicated members? Attorney Myers responded he would check on the number necessary.
Mayor Todd stated his issue is with zoning board members not gong out to a property in question to see for themselves. He also believes they should be given a time frame in
which to meet and do what they’re supposed to do. Trustee Pottier said he’d be agreeable to the zoning hearing officer idea. Attorney Myers told trustees changes to the zoning
ordinance would need to be drafted; they cannot vote on it now. And further, whether it’s a zoning board or a zoning hearing officer, they would still have to hold a public hearing
on requests. There was more discussion, and Attorney Myers stated he would look at the issue. Currently, anyone with subdivision plans gets those reviewed, and abolishing
the Zoning Board would also necessitate changes to the subdivision ordinance, in addition to the zoning ordinance, which requires a public hearing. Ralph Willoughby, who
was in the audience and is on the Zoning Board, told them he would meet for a $1 each time, and asked that they do the same.
After almost 25 minutes of discussion, trustees voted 5-1 (Rader “no”) to have the attorney draft amendments on eliminating the Zoning Board.
“New Business” included hiring seasonal employees to cut grass, beginning May 1. Mayor Todd said they received six applications, and the two people recommended for hire
are Logan Dyson and Cory Yannone at a rate of $10/hour. This was approved 6-0; they will be seasonal laborers, per Chuck Stone.
There was a short break taken, then the “Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance” for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2010 was approved 6-0.
The next item under New Business was ERI (Early Retirement Incentive) for village employees; the discussion was moved to closed session, as the paper was notified that
the listing should have been under executive session instead.
Police Chief Dave Smith reviewed his report. He had a discussion with Trustee Faires regarding policy on responding to medical calls, and a sample policy was sent to
trustees. There was also a brief discussion of policy on who is allowed to ride in squad cars. Officer Lawley told trustees the principal told him the school district understands
police cannot be taking students home. Changes to the police department manual were approved 6-0.
Linda Viola said she met with Mr. Petrilli last Friday; the health and dental increases for village employees are the lowest she’s seen in 14 years. This will be discussed
further in closed session. A bill has been received from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, which the village has been a part of since 1998. Their membership fee is $550
year. This was approved for payment 6-0. Viola also reported she had filed a claim on behalf of the homeowner in Hilltop, who’d appeared before the board at the last meeting,
she will attend the IMGA meeting April 27, and she will not be at the May 3 regular village board meeting.
The 2009 tax levy extension was reviewed — $159,975 was levied and $143,565.72 was extended. Viola has relayed to the Library Board the dollar amount they will receive.
Viola asked Trustee Pottier if they could meet to review policy on utility rates and utility deposit. She informed trustees that a bill from E.L. Pruitt had been received in the
amount of $4,000 for the work at 5th and Menard Streets; it was not an itemized bill, and she will request that from them for auditing purposes. The bill was approved for
payment.
Trustees discussed the history of drainage problems at Carl and Jamestown with Chuck Stone.
Treasurer Tim Laffey briefly discussed the FY11 budget. He projects $1M cash on hand. Trustees looked at expenditure and revenues, and Trustee Bartley stated just
because something is in the budget for purchase doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to buy it, as the village should continue to look for savings. Trustee Pottier noted the
budget is $610,000 short, they looked at different line items and raising water rates was mentioned. Trustees approved the FY11 budget 6-0.
Committee reports were up next. Trustee Pottier stated most of the Administrative Committee discussion would need to happen during closed session. Trustee Faires said
the Public Safety Committee items were contained in Chief Smith’s report. Trustee Jack Rader mentioned that Utilities Committee topics were already covered during the
meeting. There was nothing from Parks Committee, per Trustee Tina Raycraft. Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Equipment Committee, had nothing.
On Public Works, Trustee Joe Bartley said Sangamon County is doing the ditching along 7th Street. Drainage issues by the apartments near Brook Subdivision, they will talk
to the apartment building owner. Drainage on Spaulding/Johnston Streets out to 7th also mentioned. Easement and what the village can do is being considered for both
areas,.
Trustees voted to go into closed session at 8:43, returned to open at 9:54 and voted 6-0 to approve the IBEW contract. The meeting was adjourned at 9:56.
***
Clarification: The Veterans Memorial is owned and maintained by Clear Lake Township. Veterans Memorial Park is leased and maintained by the village of Riverton. The
paper in the last board story stated it incorrectly, and we apologize for the error.
Issue Date: April 22, 2010
