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Lyons hired as new Public Works Superintendent
The Riverton Village Board met June 21 at 7:07 p.m. Mayor Bob Todd was not in attendance, so Trustee Rich Pottier served as Mayor pro tem. The minutes from the June 7
meeting and bills for payment were approved 6-0.
“People on the Agenda” were listed as Jacquelyn Grimes, who was not in attendance. It was noted her issue was with RV/bus parking at Wheeland Park, but it has perhaps
been addressed, per trustees.
“Old Business” included the water plant update. Trustee Jack Rader stated they are waiting on materials. Regarding the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station, Rick Vice, who was in
the audience, advised there is a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) regarding that, after he was asked about its status.
Trustee Joe Bartley presented an update on the Third Street overlay project; they’d received a fax from Larry Hoffman and the numbers on the change order don’t add up, so
they’ll be re-addressing it. He also mentioned there are three residents who’ve noted problems with driveway drop-offs since the resurfacing of Third Street. The striping on
other streets that intersect will be the responsibility of the Streets Committee, per Bartley.
There will be a Zoning Board meeting July 8 at 6 p.m. Attorney Myers said he will attend that meeting. It will consist of discussion to dissolve that board, which will result in an
ordinance.
“Ordinance Establishing a Prevailing Wage for the Village of Riverton” was approved 6-0 without discussion. “Ordinance Approving Salaries for the Fiscal Year” goes into effect
July 1 and it is for non-union workers, per Trustee Bartley. This was also approved 6-0.
“Ordinance Approving a Use Agreement for City-Owned Facilities with the City of Springfield” was noted to apply to the village officers’ use of the Springfield Police Academy
Firing Range for training purposes, which is usually once per year. This was approved 6-0.
Pottier asked to hold an executive session, prior to the next two ordinances being voted upon. This began at 7:15, and they returned to open at 7:45. When they returned,
Trustee Pottier asked to recognize Jim Good, who was in the audience, and had requested of Pottier to speak to the board. Mr. Good stated Alex Lyons is a tireless worker for
the community and he believes it’s a very positive move. In his experience, Mr. Lyons does what’s best for our area, and will save the village and township money.
Mr. Dennis Wieland also spoke to trustees regarding Mr. Lyons’ work ethic and character. He also believes it’s a good deal. Mr. Louie Rogers was last to speak, and he
believes village employees will be very happy with how Mr. Lyons manages, as well as what he brings in terms of abilities.
Pottier thanked the three for their input. The board addressed the “Ordinance Relating to the Superintendent of Public Works Amending Section 38.001.” The superintendent
will work not less than 20 hours per week and not more than 30 hours per week, and may set his/her own hours as depending on the needs of the village. The salary shall be
established from time to time by separate ordinance.” This ordinance was approved 6-0.
An “Ordinance Establishing the Salary of the Superintendent of Public Works” was read “The initial salary of the superintendent of public works through April 30, 2011 shall be
$40,000 per annum.” This ordinance was also approved 6-0.
Pottier said: “As Mayor pro tem, I would like Alex to know that this was a unanimous decision among the mayor and the six trustees. We would like to appoint him as our
superintendent with the aforementioned ordinances.”
Mr. Lyons was invited to speak to trustees: “I had no idea these guys were going to speak tonight. I am very humbled. You can count on me. I appreciate every one of you, and
thank you very much.”
Mayor pro-tem Pottier stated the appointment goes into effect July 1. Mr. Lyons’ appointment was approved 6-0.
Pottier, when asked before the meeting, said the position was not advertised outside of the village.
“The opportunity presented itself before we had a chance to advertise,” he said. “We did look at an internal person for this position, but this outside person, with the
qualifications that he has, we decided to go that direction. We felt that this person presented enough skills that we did not have to interview other individuals.”
Police Chief Dave Smith informed trustees he had spoken with the grant advisor regarding the SOS grant; it is not available to fund salaries, but only for equipment or
programs. The advisor was not aware of a federal grant that the village could use to pay for the school resource officer position (which was a budget cut by the school district).
Trustee Pat Faires said the SRO position will go to committee. Trustee Bartley asked Smith if the Finfrock property had rodents or other animals that posed a problem? Chief
Smith and trustees discussed. By a 6-0 vote, trustees authorized $125 for a public health inspection of the property. An ordinance violation on the property immediately south of
the new Dollar General was noted as well.
Trustee Faires would like to look at options for an ordinance on public drunkenness, in response to individuals walking around Riverton with open cans of beer. Attorney Myers
stated banning open liquor in public is a disorderly conduct issue, so it is police-related. Trustees agreed ordinances need to be reviewed.
Office Manager Linda Viola was not in attendance. Treasurer Tim Laffey advised trustees the appropriation ordinance will be available at the next regular village meeting.
Pottier waived the Administrative Committee report. Trustee Rader, Utility Committee, reminded that for the lagoon to be cleaned in September, which is as soon as the
company can schedule it, the bill of $17,000 is due June 26. There is $23,000 budgeted in contractual services, so it is covered. This was approved 6-0. Next, Rader noted the
sewer vacuum truck requires a new hose and nozzle at a cost of $2284.20; a generator at the main lift station is due for its inspection at a cost of $1267.75; and mosquito
abatement chemicals at a cost of $1289.20; each of these items were approved 6-0 as well.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Maintenance Committee, had talked with library staff about repairing the water leak at the west door.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, will hold a meeting June 28 at 6 p.m. On the tentative agenda will be maintenance at the basketball court, concession stand
progress at the Field of Dreams and Trustee Bartley suggested maintenance at the tennis court, with All Weather Courts. Pottier suggested ideas to help the drainage on the
east side of the Field of Dreams.
At 8:07 the board voted to go into another executive session, after a short break, for contract discussion and collective bargaining. When they returned at 8:58, Trustee Bartley
motioned to hire two full-time personnel, positions to be determined after consulting with the union. Trustee Rader seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
Trustee Bartley announced there will be a drill conducted at the old firehouse June 24 from noon-3 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
The Riverton Village Board met June 21 at 7:07 p.m. Mayor Bob Todd was not in attendance, so Trustee Rich Pottier served as Mayor pro tem. The minutes from the June 7
meeting and bills for payment were approved 6-0.
“People on the Agenda” were listed as Jacquelyn Grimes, who was not in attendance. It was noted her issue was with RV/bus parking at Wheeland Park, but it has perhaps
been addressed, per trustees.
“Old Business” included the water plant update. Trustee Jack Rader stated they are waiting on materials. Regarding the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station, Rick Vice, who was in
the audience, advised there is a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) regarding that, after he was asked about its status.
Trustee Joe Bartley presented an update on the Third Street overlay project; they’d received a fax from Larry Hoffman and the numbers on the change order don’t add up, so
they’ll be re-addressing it. He also mentioned there are three residents who’ve noted problems with driveway drop-offs since the resurfacing of Third Street. The striping on
other streets that intersect will be the responsibility of the Streets Committee, per Bartley.
There will be a Zoning Board meeting July 8 at 6 p.m. Attorney Myers said he will attend that meeting. It will consist of discussion to dissolve that board, which will result in an
ordinance.
“Ordinance Establishing a Prevailing Wage for the Village of Riverton” was approved 6-0 without discussion. “Ordinance Approving Salaries for the Fiscal Year” goes into effect
July 1 and it is for non-union workers, per Trustee Bartley. This was also approved 6-0.
“Ordinance Approving a Use Agreement for City-Owned Facilities with the City of Springfield” was noted to apply to the village officers’ use of the Springfield Police Academy
Firing Range for training purposes, which is usually once per year. This was approved 6-0.
Pottier asked to hold an executive session, prior to the next two ordinances being voted upon. This began at 7:15, and they returned to open at 7:45. When they returned,
Trustee Pottier asked to recognize Jim Good, who was in the audience, and had requested of Pottier to speak to the board. Mr. Good stated Alex Lyons is a tireless worker for
the community and he believes it’s a very positive move. In his experience, Mr. Lyons does what’s best for our area, and will save the village and township money.
Mr. Dennis Wieland also spoke to trustees regarding Mr. Lyons’ work ethic and character. He also believes it’s a good deal. Mr. Louie Rogers was last to speak, and he
believes village employees will be very happy with how Mr. Lyons manages, as well as what he brings in terms of abilities.
Pottier thanked the three for their input. The board addressed the “Ordinance Relating to the Superintendent of Public Works Amending Section 38.001.” The superintendent
will work not less than 20 hours per week and not more than 30 hours per week, and may set his/her own hours as depending on the needs of the village. The salary shall be
established from time to time by separate ordinance.” This ordinance was approved 6-0.
An “Ordinance Establishing the Salary of the Superintendent of Public Works” was read “The initial salary of the superintendent of public works through April 30, 2011 shall be
$40,000 per annum.” This ordinance was also approved 6-0.
Pottier said: “As Mayor pro tem, I would like Alex to know that this was a unanimous decision among the mayor and the six trustees. We would like to appoint him as our
superintendent with the aforementioned ordinances.”
Mr. Lyons was invited to speak to trustees: “I had no idea these guys were going to speak tonight. I am very humbled. You can count on me. I appreciate every one of you, and
thank you very much.”
Mayor pro-tem Pottier stated the appointment goes into effect July 1. Mr. Lyons’ appointment was approved 6-0.
Pottier, when asked before the meeting, said the position was not advertised outside of the village.
“The opportunity presented itself before we had a chance to advertise,” he said. “We did look at an internal person for this position, but this outside person, with the
qualifications that he has, we decided to go that direction. We felt that this person presented enough skills that we did not have to interview other individuals.”
Police Chief Dave Smith informed trustees he had spoken with the grant advisor regarding the SOS grant; it is not available to fund salaries, but only for equipment or
programs. The advisor was not aware of a federal grant that the village could use to pay for the school resource officer position (which was a budget cut by the school district).
Trustee Pat Faires said the SRO position will go to committee. Trustee Bartley asked Smith if the Finfrock property had rodents or other animals that posed a problem? Chief
Smith and trustees discussed. By a 6-0 vote, trustees authorized $125 for a public health inspection of the property. An ordinance violation on the property immediately south of
the new Dollar General was noted as well.
Trustee Faires would like to look at options for an ordinance on public drunkenness, in response to individuals walking around Riverton with open cans of beer. Attorney Myers
stated banning open liquor in public is a disorderly conduct issue, so it is police-related. Trustees agreed ordinances need to be reviewed.
Office Manager Linda Viola was not in attendance. Treasurer Tim Laffey advised trustees the appropriation ordinance will be available at the next regular village meeting.
Pottier waived the Administrative Committee report. Trustee Rader, Utility Committee, reminded that for the lagoon to be cleaned in September, which is as soon as the
company can schedule it, the bill of $17,000 is due June 26. There is $23,000 budgeted in contractual services, so it is covered. This was approved 6-0. Next, Rader noted the
sewer vacuum truck requires a new hose and nozzle at a cost of $2284.20; a generator at the main lift station is due for its inspection at a cost of $1267.75; and mosquito
abatement chemicals at a cost of $1289.20; each of these items were approved 6-0 as well.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building and Maintenance Committee, had talked with library staff about repairing the water leak at the west door.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, will hold a meeting June 28 at 6 p.m. On the tentative agenda will be maintenance at the basketball court, concession stand
progress at the Field of Dreams and Trustee Bartley suggested maintenance at the tennis court, with All Weather Courts. Pottier suggested ideas to help the drainage on the
east side of the Field of Dreams.
At 8:07 the board voted to go into another executive session, after a short break, for contract discussion and collective bargaining. When they returned at 8:58, Trustee Bartley
motioned to hire two full-time personnel, positions to be determined after consulting with the union. Trustee Rader seconded, and this was approved 6-0.
Trustee Bartley announced there will be a drill conducted at the old firehouse June 24 from noon-3 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Issue Date: June 24, 2010
