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Riverton village board to apply for Safe Routes to Schools funding
The Riverton Village Board met May 17 at 7 p.m. Minutes from the May 3 meeting, and bills, were approved 5-0. Trustee Pat Faires was not in attendance.
There was no one on the agenda to speak.
“Old Business” was the water plant update. Chuck Stone referenced an e-mail he’d sent trustees that explains what is going on. Out of four pumps received, two were the
wrong size and will be sent back/switched for the correct ones. It was not stated why the error occurred or how it affects the project’s timetable.
Regarding the Lucky Horseshoe lift station, Stone said there was a pre-construction meeting last week. Construction should begin in 2-3 weeks.
Trustee Joe Bartley stated the Third Street overlay project began Monday with milling. Depth of the road is part of what dictates what sections get milled. Paving will begin this
week as well, if the weather cooperates. Stone stated the milling machine being used is new and does a great job; there were a couple of sections of Third Street, he said, that
had matting/fabric in which the milling machine got caught. Trustees stated they had received several positive comments from residents on the ditching/culvert work along
Third Street.
Linda Viola asked if money would be sent to the village or contractor. Trustee Bartley will check on that; money for the project is through IDOT. His understanding is that the
money comes to the village, and they pay the contractor once a bill is submitted. Engineering fees are separate, as stated in previous meetings. That money, approximately
$46,000, has been received and paid out.
“Early Retirement Incentives” were on the agenda next; Mayor Todd stated they are still working these out. They will be discussed in closed session.
An ordinance regarding the Zoning Board has been drafted by the attorney. John Myers, village attorney, sent it to trustees over the weekend. He advised trustees to review it
and suggest changes; he will then re-draft and forward it to the Zoning Board. Any action requires a public hearing.
An ordinance regarding the tobacco enforcement grant from the Illinois Department of Revenue, which pertains to tobacco compliance checks, was up next. This was
approved 5-0.
“New Business” had just one item, a fence variance at the Riverton Athletic Club. Mayor Todd stated that is being tabled.
Reports were next. Chuck Stone, Superintendent, advised trustees he’d driven by the new Dollar General location this morning and said he didn’t see any drainage issues. It
appears to be working well, with the retention pond, and there will be a little more settling of the area too but there are no problems now. Trustee Rich Pottier complimented the
power wash done on the front of the village building.
Chief of Police Dave Smith was up next. He reported on grass ordinance violations. A letter was mailed to the property owner at 729 E. Madison on May 6; it is unoccupied.
Smith stated the back yard is “a jungle.” The ordinance needs to be complied with, trustees advised. Rules are rules; the village will have it mowed and send the owner the
bill. The Finfrock property is an ongoing problem. The owner was mailed a letter April 27; it has since been mowed. Smith stated this is a cycle; Finfrock knows the ordinance,
the village mails him a letter, he doesn’t have the grass cut until he receives a letter.
Smith requested approval to purchase two “ID-tech” cameras at approximately $700 each, and also another camera to have on hand, for $80. These will replace cameras that
no longer work. There is $2200 in a line item that can be used. This was approved 5-0.
Chief Smith advised the “Click it or Ticket” campaign has begun with regard to seat belt violations. The program, in conjunction with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, runs
through May 31.
Linda Viola, Officer Manager, reported that she will be starting files for the new fiscal year. She asked Attorney Myers about destruction of records; there is a form (State
Archives) she completes prior to any records’ destruction. Myers advised not to get rid of any Coleman records until he is finished with them.
Viola will be meeting with Treasurer Tim Laffey and Trustee Pottier regarding utility deposits and utility rates. It’s not a committee meeting, but it’s the three of them looking at
finances a little closer, sometime this week.
Treasurer Laffey told trustees his schedule will not allow him to attend the IMTA conference. Otherwise, he has nothing to report.
Committee reports were next presented beginning at 7:25. Trustee Pottier, Administrative committee, forwarded an e-mail from the IMEA to trustees. He also stated he and
Mayor Todd met with Diane Rhinehart, Chamber of Commerce, to discuss economic development. They showed her around Riverton. The mayor thought it was a positive
experience.
Regarding the letter of credit for Silent Rain, Mr. Moats is changing banks from INB to CEFCU. The mayor will talk with the attorney regarding the letter, and the lower limit
percentage for the letter of credit; 5 percent was mentioned. Linda Viola inquired if they are looking at changing the ordinance? Pottier replied they may be.
Trustee Pottier asked about Johnston Lane as far as drainage issues. Trustee Bartley said the priority is Third Street, but they will schedule a Streets Committee meeting to
look at all issues. Pottier also asked about the drainage ditch between Jamestown and Carl Streets being kept clear.
Trustee Jack Rader had nothing to report for the Utility Committee. Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety Committee, was not in attendance.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she’d spoken with Ron Williams earlier in the day. He will start the footings for the concession stand at Field of Dreams once
the access road is widened/turn around area widened, so they can get back there.
Trustee Joe Bartley, Public Works Committee, stated they will be applying for the sidewalk grant through “Safe Routes to Schools.” The application has to be
completed/returned prior to December 15. There is a possibility of $250,000 total funding, with up to three projects maximum on the application. It has to be infrastructure and
non-infrastructure (bicycle racks etc.). Bartley has also looked at drainage issues around town. These will be discussed at the Streets Committee.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Equipment Committee, stated he’s still working on getting chairs. The light for the sign in front of the village building has been put into a
new base. Paint for the east side of the electricians’ garage was mentioned, as well as shingles for the gas department garage. Tuck-pointing on the old firehouse is not in the
budget this year; it is on the radar for next year.
They voted to go into closed session at 7:34, with a break beforehand; closed session began at 7:43. They returned to open session at 8:43. Trustee Bartley motioned to vote
on the Ordinance 10-015, “Establish an Early Retirement Program for the Village of Riverton,” effective May 31, 2010. This was seconded by Trustee Raycraft. Trustees
approved it 5-0. Trustee Pottier stated they had enough information during the long conversation under closed session to bring this to a vote.
Trustee Bartley then motioned to vote on Ordinance 10-016, “Establish a Partial Employer Pick up with respect to Early Retirement Program for the Village of Riverton,” as
amended. Trustee Raycraft seconded. The board then approved this 5-0. Attorney Myers will have copies of the ordinances available Tuesday.
Trustees then briefly discussed concrete costs as related to sidewalks. They adjourned at 8:47.
**
After the meeting, Trustee Tina Raycraft was asked about lights for the Field of Dreams. “We’re still looking into what we have,” she stated, and also clarified that lights were
never planned for the soccer field. They were planned for the football field JFL uses. (This new information is contrary to statements made during meetings last year by trustees
about obtaining lights, and placement of poles and lights, at the fields. The soccer and JFL fields are side by side each other. There had previously been statements that either
money or lights were being sought from utility companies and electrical associations as well).
Mayor Todd was asked when the fence would be erected to separate the new Dollar General from the residential area. He responded the materials for the shadowbox-style
wooden fence are there on the property, but setbacks haven’t allowed it to be placed yet. His understanding is the fence will be put in place soon.
The Riverton Village Board met May 17 at 7 p.m. Minutes from the May 3 meeting, and bills, were approved 5-0. Trustee Pat Faires was not in attendance.
There was no one on the agenda to speak.
“Old Business” was the water plant update. Chuck Stone referenced an e-mail he’d sent trustees that explains what is going on. Out of four pumps received, two were the
wrong size and will be sent back/switched for the correct ones. It was not stated why the error occurred or how it affects the project’s timetable.
Regarding the Lucky Horseshoe lift station, Stone said there was a pre-construction meeting last week. Construction should begin in 2-3 weeks.
Trustee Joe Bartley stated the Third Street overlay project began Monday with milling. Depth of the road is part of what dictates what sections get milled. Paving will begin this
week as well, if the weather cooperates. Stone stated the milling machine being used is new and does a great job; there were a couple of sections of Third Street, he said, that
had matting/fabric in which the milling machine got caught. Trustees stated they had received several positive comments from residents on the ditching/culvert work along
Third Street.
Linda Viola asked if money would be sent to the village or contractor. Trustee Bartley will check on that; money for the project is through IDOT. His understanding is that the
money comes to the village, and they pay the contractor once a bill is submitted. Engineering fees are separate, as stated in previous meetings. That money, approximately
$46,000, has been received and paid out.
“Early Retirement Incentives” were on the agenda next; Mayor Todd stated they are still working these out. They will be discussed in closed session.
An ordinance regarding the Zoning Board has been drafted by the attorney. John Myers, village attorney, sent it to trustees over the weekend. He advised trustees to review it
and suggest changes; he will then re-draft and forward it to the Zoning Board. Any action requires a public hearing.
An ordinance regarding the tobacco enforcement grant from the Illinois Department of Revenue, which pertains to tobacco compliance checks, was up next. This was
approved 5-0.
“New Business” had just one item, a fence variance at the Riverton Athletic Club. Mayor Todd stated that is being tabled.
Reports were next. Chuck Stone, Superintendent, advised trustees he’d driven by the new Dollar General location this morning and said he didn’t see any drainage issues. It
appears to be working well, with the retention pond, and there will be a little more settling of the area too but there are no problems now. Trustee Rich Pottier complimented the
power wash done on the front of the village building.
Chief of Police Dave Smith was up next. He reported on grass ordinance violations. A letter was mailed to the property owner at 729 E. Madison on May 6; it is unoccupied.
Smith stated the back yard is “a jungle.” The ordinance needs to be complied with, trustees advised. Rules are rules; the village will have it mowed and send the owner the
bill. The Finfrock property is an ongoing problem. The owner was mailed a letter April 27; it has since been mowed. Smith stated this is a cycle; Finfrock knows the ordinance,
the village mails him a letter, he doesn’t have the grass cut until he receives a letter.
Smith requested approval to purchase two “ID-tech” cameras at approximately $700 each, and also another camera to have on hand, for $80. These will replace cameras that
no longer work. There is $2200 in a line item that can be used. This was approved 5-0.
Chief Smith advised the “Click it or Ticket” campaign has begun with regard to seat belt violations. The program, in conjunction with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, runs
through May 31.
Linda Viola, Officer Manager, reported that she will be starting files for the new fiscal year. She asked Attorney Myers about destruction of records; there is a form (State
Archives) she completes prior to any records’ destruction. Myers advised not to get rid of any Coleman records until he is finished with them.
Viola will be meeting with Treasurer Tim Laffey and Trustee Pottier regarding utility deposits and utility rates. It’s not a committee meeting, but it’s the three of them looking at
finances a little closer, sometime this week.
Treasurer Laffey told trustees his schedule will not allow him to attend the IMTA conference. Otherwise, he has nothing to report.
Committee reports were next presented beginning at 7:25. Trustee Pottier, Administrative committee, forwarded an e-mail from the IMEA to trustees. He also stated he and
Mayor Todd met with Diane Rhinehart, Chamber of Commerce, to discuss economic development. They showed her around Riverton. The mayor thought it was a positive
experience.
Regarding the letter of credit for Silent Rain, Mr. Moats is changing banks from INB to CEFCU. The mayor will talk with the attorney regarding the letter, and the lower limit
percentage for the letter of credit; 5 percent was mentioned. Linda Viola inquired if they are looking at changing the ordinance? Pottier replied they may be.
Trustee Pottier asked about Johnston Lane as far as drainage issues. Trustee Bartley said the priority is Third Street, but they will schedule a Streets Committee meeting to
look at all issues. Pottier also asked about the drainage ditch between Jamestown and Carl Streets being kept clear.
Trustee Jack Rader had nothing to report for the Utility Committee. Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety Committee, was not in attendance.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, said she’d spoken with Ron Williams earlier in the day. He will start the footings for the concession stand at Field of Dreams once
the access road is widened/turn around area widened, so they can get back there.
Trustee Joe Bartley, Public Works Committee, stated they will be applying for the sidewalk grant through “Safe Routes to Schools.” The application has to be
completed/returned prior to December 15. There is a possibility of $250,000 total funding, with up to three projects maximum on the application. It has to be infrastructure and
non-infrastructure (bicycle racks etc.). Bartley has also looked at drainage issues around town. These will be discussed at the Streets Committee.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Equipment Committee, stated he’s still working on getting chairs. The light for the sign in front of the village building has been put into a
new base. Paint for the east side of the electricians’ garage was mentioned, as well as shingles for the gas department garage. Tuck-pointing on the old firehouse is not in the
budget this year; it is on the radar for next year.
They voted to go into closed session at 7:34, with a break beforehand; closed session began at 7:43. They returned to open session at 8:43. Trustee Bartley motioned to vote
on the Ordinance 10-015, “Establish an Early Retirement Program for the Village of Riverton,” effective May 31, 2010. This was seconded by Trustee Raycraft. Trustees
approved it 5-0. Trustee Pottier stated they had enough information during the long conversation under closed session to bring this to a vote.
Trustee Bartley then motioned to vote on Ordinance 10-016, “Establish a Partial Employer Pick up with respect to Early Retirement Program for the Village of Riverton,” as
amended. Trustee Raycraft seconded. The board then approved this 5-0. Attorney Myers will have copies of the ordinances available Tuesday.
Trustees then briefly discussed concrete costs as related to sidewalks. They adjourned at 8:47.
**
After the meeting, Trustee Tina Raycraft was asked about lights for the Field of Dreams. “We’re still looking into what we have,” she stated, and also clarified that lights were
never planned for the soccer field. They were planned for the football field JFL uses. (This new information is contrary to statements made during meetings last year by trustees
about obtaining lights, and placement of poles and lights, at the fields. The soccer and JFL fields are side by side each other. There had previously been statements that either
money or lights were being sought from utility companies and electrical associations as well).
Mayor Todd was asked when the fence would be erected to separate the new Dollar General from the residential area. He responded the materials for the shadowbox-style
wooden fence are there on the property, but setbacks haven’t allowed it to be placed yet. His understanding is the fence will be put in place soon.
Issue Date: May 20, 2010
