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Village board appoints new zoning board members
The Riverton Village Board began their August 16 meeting at 7:04 p.m. The minutes from the August 2 meeting and bills were approved.
“People on the Agenda” included Sandy Johnston, who asked trustees about the water drainage issue near her property. She mentioned her earlier request from late
April/early May to have this same problem corrected and wondered when something would be done. Trustee Joe Bartley responded that the village has had several things to
take care of, including the Third Street work, which has overlapping personnel time issues, but that they will be up there in the next 30 days. They also continue to handle
smaller issues that come up throughout the village.
“It’s on the list, it isn’t forgotten” he assured her. “It won’t be an easy fix, but we will do what we can.” Trustee Bartley mentioned the owner of the apartment buildings taking
care of the area for which he’s responsible as well. Ms. Johnston thanked the village for the mosquito spraying they had done. Trustee Bartley, Supervisor Alex Lyons and Ms.
Johnston discussed a bit further the matter. “You are not forgotten,” Trustee Bartley assured her again.
Next up was Ralph Willoughby, who inquired about the nuisance ordinance with regard to tall weeds/grass. He and Trustee Pat Faires got into it verbally, with Silent Rain a
topic of discussion as well as Willoughby’s putting numerous items on the agenda to speak about but then not always discussing all of those items. He said he “sometimes
changes his mind” about what to talk about; anyone who wishes to be placed on the agenda must do so 48 hours in advance.
Faires told Willoughby that the village board does not have to allow him to speak (or any other member of the public, for that matter); the Illinois Press Association confirmed
that Tuesday afternoon, though in comparison, school boards must allow comment time because it is written into school code.
“Old Business” was an update on the water plant. Mr. Lyons stated the water softeners were installed and pipes were being run. He will ask for a completion date, and follow
up with trustees.
The Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station was also updated; the site has been excavated, and they are waiting on bids for concrete.
The Third Street Overlay Project should be wrapped up, as the bill will be finalized soon, per Trustee Bartley. He has spoken with the engineer.
Mayor Bob Todd gave his recommendations for the Zoning Board. They are: Jim Mileham, Chair (5 year term); Tom Rader (4 year term); Randy Blanchard (3 year term); Don
Sloper (2 year term); and Cecil Funk (1 year term). He clarified the terms are staggered and once each term ends, members have the option of reapplying. Trustees voted to
approve the appointments 5-0, with Trustee Jack Rader abstaining. The Zoning Board is appointed effective immediately.
“IMUA Mutual Aid Agreement Resolution” was next discussed briefly. Trustee Rich Pottier gave an overview that utility companies within the association can assist each other.
He motioned for a vote Trustee Faires seconded, and the resolution was approved 6-0.
“New Business” included a Resolution in Support of Safe Routes to School. Trustee Bartley explained the biggest part of this plan is sidewalks within one mile of the
elementary and middle schools being ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The village would also be placing signs that flash the speed of vehicles driving through
school zones. The planned grant is required to be submitted to IDOT, and board approval will allow obtaining other approvals before it has to be finalized/turned in to IDOT.
Trustee Bartley motioned for a vote, Trustee Rader seconded, and this resolution was approved 6-0. Mayor Todd thanked Bartley for his work on the grant.
A resolution in support of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program was explained; the proposed sidewalks around Field of Dreams will be 2400 feet long/six feet wide
and will connect that area with 7th Street. The grant has a matching funds requirement of 80 percent-20 percent, which translates to $20,000/$5,000, state/village, respectively.
This is due to IDOT September 1, Trustee Bartley stated. Trustees approved 6-0.
Jeff King, a resident of 5th Street, addressed trustees regarding the 5th annual Glen Acres block party, scheduled for October 16, rain date of October 23. He is asking for
village support, as in the past, with barricades, signs and two trash cans. Trustee Faires requested that if there are any residents whose driveway access may be impacted to
make every effort for communication regarding the event. Trustees approved the request 6-0.
Superintendent Alex Lyons gave his report; a new conduit at 3rd and Riviera has been done. The pole at 3rd and Jefferson has been put in place. Drains, ditching and culvert
work around the village continues. At the Field of Dreams, the plumber is scheduled to begin tomorrow at the concession stand; trusses and wall material will be delivered.
Chief Dave Smith mentioned to trustees that training for NIMS will be offered downstate for the first time in a long while; these are 300-400 level classes, he explained, and has
to do with hazard mitigation requirements (300 is for middle management; 400 is for executive level). Smith also mentioned he’s sent out letters regarding ordinance
violations. The house at 3rd and Madison is still scheduled to be demolished. The Department of Public Health has not yet been out to do an inspection on the Finfrock
property; he will follow up.
Linda Viola, office manager, mentioned that vacation carry-over according to the personnel code can be carried at three weeks. There was discussion among trustees
regarding employees who may not be able to take their vacation before their anniversary date, and being paid for it instead. This will go to the Administrative Committee for
review; the attorney will look at language in the collective bargaining agreement as well. Early retirement incentives had vacation paid out, it was noted.
Mrs. Viola is in the process of renewing liability insurance (Illinois Municipal League). She mentioned loss control. Trustees reviewed information, and will defer to the
Administrative Committee.
Treasurer Tim Laffey, in his report, mentioned investments that are tied up in money market funds that are not generating a lot of interest. Perhaps the village would want to
look at CDs for comparison. The tax levy for the library was briefly touched upon.
Trustee Rich Pottier, Administrative Committee, stated the village was pre-approved for an IMEA grant, which will allow retrofitting 19 street lamps, estimated at $4921. He also
worked on a grant for LED lighting, which is worth approximately $11,000.The latter is through the county and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety, stated they had been with the school district regarding the SRO position. It will be considered by their Finance Committee once the district
schedules a date for that meeting. Faires also mentioned there was an officer who did not complete one year of employment, and per the agreement for reimbursement, there
is $644 due. Trustees discussed the brand-new uniforms not worn and it was agreed that the reimbursement would be $320.08.
There was nothing to report from the Utility Committee, per Trustee Jack Rader.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, stated the circus company had filled the date they originally offered Riverton (back in June).
Trustee Joe Bartley, recapped ERI briefly. Mayor Todd said they had received a note of thanks from a resident of East Kinzie Street for work done by the village.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building/Maintenance Committee, mentioned roofing on a garage, and the unused chairs to be donated to either Goodwill or Salvation Army.
The board voted to go into executive session at 8:11 p.m., with a break beforehand. When trustees returned to open at 8:43 p.m., they voted 6-0 to approve a quote from Trader
Concrete on footings for the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station at $5,432. They also approved hiring a plumber, Terry Britz, at $4,000 for work on the Field of Dreams concession
stand.
They adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
The Riverton Village Board began their August 16 meeting at 7:04 p.m. The minutes from the August 2 meeting and bills were approved.
“People on the Agenda” included Sandy Johnston, who asked trustees about the water drainage issue near her property. She mentioned her earlier request from late
April/early May to have this same problem corrected and wondered when something would be done. Trustee Joe Bartley responded that the village has had several things to
take care of, including the Third Street work, which has overlapping personnel time issues, but that they will be up there in the next 30 days. They also continue to handle
smaller issues that come up throughout the village.
“It’s on the list, it isn’t forgotten” he assured her. “It won’t be an easy fix, but we will do what we can.” Trustee Bartley mentioned the owner of the apartment buildings taking
care of the area for which he’s responsible as well. Ms. Johnston thanked the village for the mosquito spraying they had done. Trustee Bartley, Supervisor Alex Lyons and Ms.
Johnston discussed a bit further the matter. “You are not forgotten,” Trustee Bartley assured her again.
Next up was Ralph Willoughby, who inquired about the nuisance ordinance with regard to tall weeds/grass. He and Trustee Pat Faires got into it verbally, with Silent Rain a
topic of discussion as well as Willoughby’s putting numerous items on the agenda to speak about but then not always discussing all of those items. He said he “sometimes
changes his mind” about what to talk about; anyone who wishes to be placed on the agenda must do so 48 hours in advance.
Faires told Willoughby that the village board does not have to allow him to speak (or any other member of the public, for that matter); the Illinois Press Association confirmed
that Tuesday afternoon, though in comparison, school boards must allow comment time because it is written into school code.
“Old Business” was an update on the water plant. Mr. Lyons stated the water softeners were installed and pipes were being run. He will ask for a completion date, and follow
up with trustees.
The Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station was also updated; the site has been excavated, and they are waiting on bids for concrete.
The Third Street Overlay Project should be wrapped up, as the bill will be finalized soon, per Trustee Bartley. He has spoken with the engineer.
Mayor Bob Todd gave his recommendations for the Zoning Board. They are: Jim Mileham, Chair (5 year term); Tom Rader (4 year term); Randy Blanchard (3 year term); Don
Sloper (2 year term); and Cecil Funk (1 year term). He clarified the terms are staggered and once each term ends, members have the option of reapplying. Trustees voted to
approve the appointments 5-0, with Trustee Jack Rader abstaining. The Zoning Board is appointed effective immediately.
“IMUA Mutual Aid Agreement Resolution” was next discussed briefly. Trustee Rich Pottier gave an overview that utility companies within the association can assist each other.
He motioned for a vote Trustee Faires seconded, and the resolution was approved 6-0.
“New Business” included a Resolution in Support of Safe Routes to School. Trustee Bartley explained the biggest part of this plan is sidewalks within one mile of the
elementary and middle schools being ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The village would also be placing signs that flash the speed of vehicles driving through
school zones. The planned grant is required to be submitted to IDOT, and board approval will allow obtaining other approvals before it has to be finalized/turned in to IDOT.
Trustee Bartley motioned for a vote, Trustee Rader seconded, and this resolution was approved 6-0. Mayor Todd thanked Bartley for his work on the grant.
A resolution in support of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program was explained; the proposed sidewalks around Field of Dreams will be 2400 feet long/six feet wide
and will connect that area with 7th Street. The grant has a matching funds requirement of 80 percent-20 percent, which translates to $20,000/$5,000, state/village, respectively.
This is due to IDOT September 1, Trustee Bartley stated. Trustees approved 6-0.
Jeff King, a resident of 5th Street, addressed trustees regarding the 5th annual Glen Acres block party, scheduled for October 16, rain date of October 23. He is asking for
village support, as in the past, with barricades, signs and two trash cans. Trustee Faires requested that if there are any residents whose driveway access may be impacted to
make every effort for communication regarding the event. Trustees approved the request 6-0.
Superintendent Alex Lyons gave his report; a new conduit at 3rd and Riviera has been done. The pole at 3rd and Jefferson has been put in place. Drains, ditching and culvert
work around the village continues. At the Field of Dreams, the plumber is scheduled to begin tomorrow at the concession stand; trusses and wall material will be delivered.
Chief Dave Smith mentioned to trustees that training for NIMS will be offered downstate for the first time in a long while; these are 300-400 level classes, he explained, and has
to do with hazard mitigation requirements (300 is for middle management; 400 is for executive level). Smith also mentioned he’s sent out letters regarding ordinance
violations. The house at 3rd and Madison is still scheduled to be demolished. The Department of Public Health has not yet been out to do an inspection on the Finfrock
property; he will follow up.
Linda Viola, office manager, mentioned that vacation carry-over according to the personnel code can be carried at three weeks. There was discussion among trustees
regarding employees who may not be able to take their vacation before their anniversary date, and being paid for it instead. This will go to the Administrative Committee for
review; the attorney will look at language in the collective bargaining agreement as well. Early retirement incentives had vacation paid out, it was noted.
Mrs. Viola is in the process of renewing liability insurance (Illinois Municipal League). She mentioned loss control. Trustees reviewed information, and will defer to the
Administrative Committee.
Treasurer Tim Laffey, in his report, mentioned investments that are tied up in money market funds that are not generating a lot of interest. Perhaps the village would want to
look at CDs for comparison. The tax levy for the library was briefly touched upon.
Trustee Rich Pottier, Administrative Committee, stated the village was pre-approved for an IMEA grant, which will allow retrofitting 19 street lamps, estimated at $4921. He also
worked on a grant for LED lighting, which is worth approximately $11,000.The latter is through the county and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Trustee Pat Faires, Public Safety, stated they had been with the school district regarding the SRO position. It will be considered by their Finance Committee once the district
schedules a date for that meeting. Faires also mentioned there was an officer who did not complete one year of employment, and per the agreement for reimbursement, there
is $644 due. Trustees discussed the brand-new uniforms not worn and it was agreed that the reimbursement would be $320.08.
There was nothing to report from the Utility Committee, per Trustee Jack Rader.
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, stated the circus company had filled the date they originally offered Riverton (back in June).
Trustee Joe Bartley, recapped ERI briefly. Mayor Todd said they had received a note of thanks from a resident of East Kinzie Street for work done by the village.
Trustee Dave Charles, Building/Maintenance Committee, mentioned roofing on a garage, and the unused chairs to be donated to either Goodwill or Salvation Army.
The board voted to go into executive session at 8:11 p.m., with a break beforehand. When trustees returned to open at 8:43 p.m., they voted 6-0 to approve a quote from Trader
Concrete on footings for the Lucky Horseshoe Lift Station at $5,432. They also approved hiring a plumber, Terry Britz, at $4,000 for work on the Field of Dreams concession
stand.
They adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Issue Date: Aug. 19, 2010
