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Four village employees take early retirement
The Riverton Village Board of Trustees met June 7 at 7 p.m. The minutes from the May 17 meeting were approved 6-0, and bills were approved for payment by the same
vote.
“People on the Agenda” included John Keyes, who distributed a flier to trustees regarding “World Changers;” this is organized by the North American Mission Board of the
Southern Baptist Convention. Mr. Keyes explained this is an outreach effort in communities that provides volunteer labor for home improvements to individuals who cannot
afford to hire workers. There will be a roofing project done in Riverton beginning June 21 at a home on Allen Drive, and approximately 25 other projects in and around
Springfield are planned this year. Trustees discussed funding for project materials; Mr. Keyes explained this is obtained by grants, usually, and communities handle funding
while World Changers provides the labor (usually high school youth, with some junior high and college age; construction coordinators work with building and zoning officials,
and World Changers guarantees the quality and completion of the work). Trustees discussed putting together a grant application for next year.
Rhonda Mitro, representing the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, was next and asked trustees if they would be willing to provide $1500 to them for a 4th of July fireworks display.
Since the Riverton Athletic Club is not organizing a fireworks display this year, there is already $1500 budgeted. Mrs. Mitro said two bids have been obtained, and insurance
certificates, advertising, etc. has also been researched. Trustees asked where the fireworks display is planned, and Mrs. Mitro responded it would be on Eagles Club
property, which the fireworks company has looked at. After a bit more discussion, Trustee Jack Rader motioned for a vote, Trustee Tina Raycraft seconded, and trustees
approved giving the $1500 to the Eagles Club by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Mitro said S&N is the company they will employ; the total cost is $3,000 for the fireworks show.
“Old Business” included an update on the water plant. Chuck Stone advised the service pumps had been installed. Also, the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station is two weeks
away from starting, Stone said.
Trustee Joe Bartley summarized the just-completed 3rd Street overlay project. A final “walk-through” was scheduled for June 9 (after press time). Mayor Bob Todd said he
had received a few calls regarding the area near the Veterans Memorial Park on 3rd Street, as there seems to be a drop-off in the pavement. Otherwise, the project has been
very well complimented by the community.
Attorney John Myers has drafted an ordinance to abolish the Zoning Board. A public hearing must be published for this purpose. Trustees discussed a possible zoning
administrator position, which is separate from a hearing officer. There was concern as to how the process would transpire, since Chuck Stone is taking advantage of early
retirement. Attorney Myers stated he would like to be present at the hearing, whenever it is scheduled, to help answer questions.
An ordinance to approve “Providing for Electronic Attendance at Board Meetings” was next discussed. Trustee Rich Pottier explained this would allow trustees, who may be
out of town for work, to listen in via speakerphone and participate at meetings. Trustee Bartley motioned for a vote, Trustee Pottier seconded, and it was approved 6-0.
“Approve Ordinance Relating to Fences” was next up. This allows the support poles on fences to be on the outside rather than inside at athletic fields, for purposes of
safety. Trustee Faires motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
“Approve Ordinance Relating to Subdivision Bond Reductions” was explained as the dollar amount retained going from 12.5 percent to 5 percent of a project. This is the
minimum for infrastructure, Chuck Stone said. Trustee Pottier motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
“Approve E.L. Pruitt Pay Estimate #4” in the amount of $38,292.30 was approved 6-0.
“New Business” was a resolution honoring Bobby Raycraft, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout on June 5. He will be presented with the resolution. This was approved 6-
0.
The superintendent’s report from Chuck Stone noted the drainage problem around 5th Street. Trustee Bartley would like to discuss all the drainage issues around town at
the next Streets Committee meeting, which has been scheduled for June 15 at 5 p.m. There was nothing else Stone mentioned from his report; the mayor and trustees
thanked him for his service to the village.
Police Chief Dave Smith advised trustees he had received an officer’s request to attend a training in Springfield, Mo. Since there will be the same training conducted in
Effingham on a different date, trustees approved that one due to closer proximity. The cost for either is $150, Smith noted. Also in his report were two grass ordinance
violations, one at 220 E. Blackburn and another at 1175 N. 7th. Each was discussed; trustees would like the ordinance enforced. Officer Sutton is also resigning.
The camping site rental at Wheeland Park was reviewed. Apparently there was an issue with two campers renting the same spot on overlapping days. The ordinance
wording does not state advance reservations. Attorney Myers and trustees discussed potential changes to the ordinance. It was also noted by trustees that refurbished
school buses, even if they have an RV license plate, are not allowed in the park. That is not likely to change, but the ordinance will go to the Parks Committee for review.
Officer Manager Linda Viola stated she did not have a report, and advised she will not be in attendance at the next village meeting. Treasurer Tim Laffey was not in
attendance; trustees asked about budgeting. Two weeks ago Trustee Pottier, Mrs. Viola and Mr. Laffey had a meeting regarding increasing renters’ deposits for utilities to a
flat $300. Discussion on increasing village water rates are continuing.
Treasurer Tim Laffey was not in attendance. Trustee Pottier has applied for a grant, worth $12,155, to obtain energy efficient LED lighting for 7th Street and Riverton Road.
He is also looking into an IMEA grant for lighting walkways at the Field of Dreams.
Committee reports were next. Administrative Committee chair Pottier mentioned there are four employees who have decided to take early retirement; they were not publicly
named in the meeting, but they are Stone, Max Shekelton (Gas Department), Coy Squires (Sewer) and Steve Szoke (Line Locator for things like JULIE). He also stated there
have been discussions on how to divvy up responsibilities of those departing until something permanent/long term is in place. At the next Administrative Committee meeting
they will discuss the particulars of Chuck Stone’s job. The meeting will be June 12 at 8 a.m.
The village discussed early retirement incentives a few years ago, but then dropped it, according to Pottier. The four employees in question were in the ‘window’ to retire
early, based on their combined age and years of service.
The final decisions were not made until last week, he said.
Based on his calculations, Pottier estimates the village will realize annual savings of $151,830, with that number assuming three rehires (the village does not plan to
replace Szoke’s position, instead absorbing those duties among other employees).
All four will get a lump sum payment for vacation/comp time, which will actually be cheaper to the village now because of the early retirement (because it was going to have
to be paid anyway).
The estimate is that the village will be able to pay off its cost incentives (to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) in 3 1/2 years, according to Pottier (though the first
payment to the IMRF is not actually due until December 2011); in the meantime, the plan is to put the monthly savings into an interest-bearing account.
Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety Committee, had nothing to report. Neither did Trustee Jack Rader, Public Utilities Committee.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, said rain has been hindering progress on the access road to the pavilion site at the Field of Dreams. Trustee Joe Bartley, Streets
Committee, restated that at their next meeting they will be reviewing drainage issues around Riverton, as well as Safe Routes to School.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Maintenance Committee, was complimented on the chairs purchased for use at board meetings.
There was no Executive Session held, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
The Riverton Village Board of Trustees met June 7 at 7 p.m. The minutes from the May 17 meeting were approved 6-0, and bills were approved for payment by the same
vote.
“People on the Agenda” included John Keyes, who distributed a flier to trustees regarding “World Changers;” this is organized by the North American Mission Board of the
Southern Baptist Convention. Mr. Keyes explained this is an outreach effort in communities that provides volunteer labor for home improvements to individuals who cannot
afford to hire workers. There will be a roofing project done in Riverton beginning June 21 at a home on Allen Drive, and approximately 25 other projects in and around
Springfield are planned this year. Trustees discussed funding for project materials; Mr. Keyes explained this is obtained by grants, usually, and communities handle funding
while World Changers provides the labor (usually high school youth, with some junior high and college age; construction coordinators work with building and zoning officials,
and World Changers guarantees the quality and completion of the work). Trustees discussed putting together a grant application for next year.
Rhonda Mitro, representing the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, was next and asked trustees if they would be willing to provide $1500 to them for a 4th of July fireworks display.
Since the Riverton Athletic Club is not organizing a fireworks display this year, there is already $1500 budgeted. Mrs. Mitro said two bids have been obtained, and insurance
certificates, advertising, etc. has also been researched. Trustees asked where the fireworks display is planned, and Mrs. Mitro responded it would be on Eagles Club
property, which the fireworks company has looked at. After a bit more discussion, Trustee Jack Rader motioned for a vote, Trustee Tina Raycraft seconded, and trustees
approved giving the $1500 to the Eagles Club by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Mitro said S&N is the company they will employ; the total cost is $3,000 for the fireworks show.
“Old Business” included an update on the water plant. Chuck Stone advised the service pumps had been installed. Also, the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station is two weeks
away from starting, Stone said.
Trustee Joe Bartley summarized the just-completed 3rd Street overlay project. A final “walk-through” was scheduled for June 9 (after press time). Mayor Bob Todd said he
had received a few calls regarding the area near the Veterans Memorial Park on 3rd Street, as there seems to be a drop-off in the pavement. Otherwise, the project has been
very well complimented by the community.
Attorney John Myers has drafted an ordinance to abolish the Zoning Board. A public hearing must be published for this purpose. Trustees discussed a possible zoning
administrator position, which is separate from a hearing officer. There was concern as to how the process would transpire, since Chuck Stone is taking advantage of early
retirement. Attorney Myers stated he would like to be present at the hearing, whenever it is scheduled, to help answer questions.
An ordinance to approve “Providing for Electronic Attendance at Board Meetings” was next discussed. Trustee Rich Pottier explained this would allow trustees, who may be
out of town for work, to listen in via speakerphone and participate at meetings. Trustee Bartley motioned for a vote, Trustee Pottier seconded, and it was approved 6-0.
“Approve Ordinance Relating to Fences” was next up. This allows the support poles on fences to be on the outside rather than inside at athletic fields, for purposes of
safety. Trustee Faires motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
“Approve Ordinance Relating to Subdivision Bond Reductions” was explained as the dollar amount retained going from 12.5 percent to 5 percent of a project. This is the
minimum for infrastructure, Chuck Stone said. Trustee Pottier motioned for a vote, Trustee Raycraft seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
“Approve E.L. Pruitt Pay Estimate #4” in the amount of $38,292.30 was approved 6-0.
“New Business” was a resolution honoring Bobby Raycraft, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout on June 5. He will be presented with the resolution. This was approved 6-
0.
The superintendent’s report from Chuck Stone noted the drainage problem around 5th Street. Trustee Bartley would like to discuss all the drainage issues around town at
the next Streets Committee meeting, which has been scheduled for June 15 at 5 p.m. There was nothing else Stone mentioned from his report; the mayor and trustees
thanked him for his service to the village.
Police Chief Dave Smith advised trustees he had received an officer’s request to attend a training in Springfield, Mo. Since there will be the same training conducted in
Effingham on a different date, trustees approved that one due to closer proximity. The cost for either is $150, Smith noted. Also in his report were two grass ordinance
violations, one at 220 E. Blackburn and another at 1175 N. 7th. Each was discussed; trustees would like the ordinance enforced. Officer Sutton is also resigning.
The camping site rental at Wheeland Park was reviewed. Apparently there was an issue with two campers renting the same spot on overlapping days. The ordinance
wording does not state advance reservations. Attorney Myers and trustees discussed potential changes to the ordinance. It was also noted by trustees that refurbished
school buses, even if they have an RV license plate, are not allowed in the park. That is not likely to change, but the ordinance will go to the Parks Committee for review.
Officer Manager Linda Viola stated she did not have a report, and advised she will not be in attendance at the next village meeting. Treasurer Tim Laffey was not in
attendance; trustees asked about budgeting. Two weeks ago Trustee Pottier, Mrs. Viola and Mr. Laffey had a meeting regarding increasing renters’ deposits for utilities to a
flat $300. Discussion on increasing village water rates are continuing.
Treasurer Tim Laffey was not in attendance. Trustee Pottier has applied for a grant, worth $12,155, to obtain energy efficient LED lighting for 7th Street and Riverton Road.
He is also looking into an IMEA grant for lighting walkways at the Field of Dreams.
Committee reports were next. Administrative Committee chair Pottier mentioned there are four employees who have decided to take early retirement; they were not publicly
named in the meeting, but they are Stone, Max Shekelton (Gas Department), Coy Squires (Sewer) and Steve Szoke (Line Locator for things like JULIE). He also stated there
have been discussions on how to divvy up responsibilities of those departing until something permanent/long term is in place. At the next Administrative Committee meeting
they will discuss the particulars of Chuck Stone’s job. The meeting will be June 12 at 8 a.m.
The village discussed early retirement incentives a few years ago, but then dropped it, according to Pottier. The four employees in question were in the ‘window’ to retire
early, based on their combined age and years of service.
The final decisions were not made until last week, he said.
Based on his calculations, Pottier estimates the village will realize annual savings of $151,830, with that number assuming three rehires (the village does not plan to
replace Szoke’s position, instead absorbing those duties among other employees).
All four will get a lump sum payment for vacation/comp time, which will actually be cheaper to the village now because of the early retirement (because it was going to have
to be paid anyway).
The estimate is that the village will be able to pay off its cost incentives (to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) in 3 1/2 years, according to Pottier (though the first
payment to the IMRF is not actually due until December 2011); in the meantime, the plan is to put the monthly savings into an interest-bearing account.
Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety Committee, had nothing to report. Neither did Trustee Jack Rader, Public Utilities Committee.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, said rain has been hindering progress on the access road to the pavilion site at the Field of Dreams. Trustee Joe Bartley, Streets
Committee, restated that at their next meeting they will be reviewing drainage issues around Riverton, as well as Safe Routes to School.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Maintenance Committee, was complimented on the chairs purchased for use at board meetings.
There was no Executive Session held, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Issue Date: June 10, 2010
