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Riverton village board approves purchase of new Christmas decorations
The Riverton Village Board met Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Their first vote was to approve the minutes from Nov. 2 and the bills for payment, both 5-0 (Trustee Cathy Black was not
present). No one from the public was on the agenda to speak.
“Old Business” included an update on the Washington Street sewer project. Both sides of Stanton Street are done and pumping continues on the project, which is 50 percent
completed, per Mayor Bob Todd. Regarding the water plant, trustees discussed Petersburg Plumbing and Heating and E.L. Pruitt very briefly; were they waiting for anything?
The attorney had advised that the ordinance approved at the previous meeting should suffice to get the project started.
The ordinance compensating the deputy clerk was tabled, per Mayor Todd, until the first meeting in December.
“New Business” concerned the purchase of holiday decorations. Trustee Rich Pottier mentioned replacing old decorations within a $2500 budget. Trustee Pat Faires
suggested that seasonal decorations, such as the banners he’s seen in the town of Easton, for instance, be looked at as a possibility. Trustee Pottier would like to order 10
Christmas lights and get those put up the week after Thanksgiving. Trustees agreed, and this was approved 5-0. Seasonal banners is an idea that might look nice at the
intersection of 7th and Lincoln Streets, Chuck Stone suggested. Trustees thought a budget of $250 would cover that, and this was approved 5-0 as well.
The payroll audit conducted Nov. 8 by the IRS revealed that the village needs to include employees’ clothing allowances and Christmas bonuses in their actual pay. Linda
Viola, office manager, was advised by the IRS representative that these are both taxable fringe benefits. These benefits weren’t necessarily being looked at in municipalities a
few years ago by the IRS, so Riverton wasn’t alone. It was also suggested that the village send out W9s to vendors in order to ensure these are on file for contracted
services. Trustee Faires asked if a motion was needed on the taxable benefits for employees, and after a quick consultation with Mr. Nick San Diego, an associate of attorney
John Myers, it was voted 5-0 that these do go through payroll. Mr. San Diego stated that if an ordinance is necessary, it can be developed for the next meeting. Trustee Jack
Rader verified that this applies to union and non-union employees.
Police Chief Dave Smith requested that Officer Mills be allowed to attend a taser instructor course at a cost of $395; up until now the instruction has been provided through the
county. This would save the village money rather than paying the costs of officers’ overtime. Trustees approved 5-0. Chief Smith also requested the intergovernmental
agreement for 911 dispatch and the village be approved; this is an annual agreement. Trustees approved 5-0.
Trustee Pat Faires advised the board he has a topic for closed session. Ms. Viola said she has left two messages for Erica Perkins, grant manager, regarding the Field of
Dreams construction grant. She has not heard anything back and will keep trying to contact her regarding the March 31, 2010 end date. Chuck Stone stated the weather
continues to play a role in delaying construction of the concession stand.
Trustee Pottier, Administrative Committee, advised the details of the Personnel Code changes would be available at the next village board meeting. The Public Safety
Committee has an issue for closed session. There was nothing to report from the Utilities Committee. Regarding the construction of the concession stand at Field of Dreams,
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, stated the plan was to start that project this week, but that has been derailed by the rains. Trustee Pottier asked if, once construction is
set to begin, who has authority to procure items? Trustees agreed that needs to go through the village. Ms. Viola said she would contact Mr. Williams about it.
The board went into closed session at 7:29 and emerged at 7:37. They voted 5-0 to approve the employment of Grant Peterson as part-time police officer. The meeting was
then adjourned.
The Riverton Village Board met Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Their first vote was to approve the minutes from Nov. 2 and the bills for payment, both 5-0 (Trustee Cathy Black was not
present). No one from the public was on the agenda to speak.
“Old Business” included an update on the Washington Street sewer project. Both sides of Stanton Street are done and pumping continues on the project, which is 50 percent
completed, per Mayor Bob Todd. Regarding the water plant, trustees discussed Petersburg Plumbing and Heating and E.L. Pruitt very briefly; were they waiting for anything?
The attorney had advised that the ordinance approved at the previous meeting should suffice to get the project started.
The ordinance compensating the deputy clerk was tabled, per Mayor Todd, until the first meeting in December.
“New Business” concerned the purchase of holiday decorations. Trustee Rich Pottier mentioned replacing old decorations within a $2500 budget. Trustee Pat Faires
suggested that seasonal decorations, such as the banners he’s seen in the town of Easton, for instance, be looked at as a possibility. Trustee Pottier would like to order 10
Christmas lights and get those put up the week after Thanksgiving. Trustees agreed, and this was approved 5-0. Seasonal banners is an idea that might look nice at the
intersection of 7th and Lincoln Streets, Chuck Stone suggested. Trustees thought a budget of $250 would cover that, and this was approved 5-0 as well.
The payroll audit conducted Nov. 8 by the IRS revealed that the village needs to include employees’ clothing allowances and Christmas bonuses in their actual pay. Linda
Viola, office manager, was advised by the IRS representative that these are both taxable fringe benefits. These benefits weren’t necessarily being looked at in municipalities a
few years ago by the IRS, so Riverton wasn’t alone. It was also suggested that the village send out W9s to vendors in order to ensure these are on file for contracted
services. Trustee Faires asked if a motion was needed on the taxable benefits for employees, and after a quick consultation with Mr. Nick San Diego, an associate of attorney
John Myers, it was voted 5-0 that these do go through payroll. Mr. San Diego stated that if an ordinance is necessary, it can be developed for the next meeting. Trustee Jack
Rader verified that this applies to union and non-union employees.
Police Chief Dave Smith requested that Officer Mills be allowed to attend a taser instructor course at a cost of $395; up until now the instruction has been provided through the
county. This would save the village money rather than paying the costs of officers’ overtime. Trustees approved 5-0. Chief Smith also requested the intergovernmental
agreement for 911 dispatch and the village be approved; this is an annual agreement. Trustees approved 5-0.
Trustee Pat Faires advised the board he has a topic for closed session. Ms. Viola said she has left two messages for Erica Perkins, grant manager, regarding the Field of
Dreams construction grant. She has not heard anything back and will keep trying to contact her regarding the March 31, 2010 end date. Chuck Stone stated the weather
continues to play a role in delaying construction of the concession stand.
Trustee Pottier, Administrative Committee, advised the details of the Personnel Code changes would be available at the next village board meeting. The Public Safety
Committee has an issue for closed session. There was nothing to report from the Utilities Committee. Regarding the construction of the concession stand at Field of Dreams,
Trustee Tina Raycraft, Parks Committee, stated the plan was to start that project this week, but that has been derailed by the rains. Trustee Pottier asked if, once construction is
set to begin, who has authority to procure items? Trustees agreed that needs to go through the village. Ms. Viola said she would contact Mr. Williams about it.
The board went into closed session at 7:29 and emerged at 7:37. They voted 5-0 to approve the employment of Grant Peterson as part-time police officer. The meeting was
then adjourned.
Issue Date: Nov. 19, 2009
