Richmond hires Village Administrator

by Greg Cryns

May 10, 2005

The Richmond Village Board held a Special Meeting on Monday, May 9.

The main purpose of the meeting was to appoint people to village positions and committees.

Village President Lauri Olson's choices were unanimously approved by the trustees.

At the fore of Olson’s decisions was the appointment of Tim Savage to the position of Village Administrator. Savage has a Masters degree in Public Administration. He served as the Town Administrator in the town of Beloit, Wisconsin. Savage said that the length of is term will depend on how long the village needs his services. He said his employment is open with a 7 day notice of termination.

Savage said the village budget is an immediate concern. “There was no advance preparation for the budget by the former village president,” said Savage.

The job of village administrator is to manage the day-to-day operations of the government. Savage will be working at the village office on weekdays. “I’ll be working at least 45 hours per week, probably more,” said Savage. Savage indicated that he would focus on finance and accounting though no job is too small.

According to newly appointed Village Attorney David McArdle the village fiscal year ended on May 1, 2005, but he said the village will be allowed time to get its affairs in order.

Olson said her main concern is to find out what Richmond deserves and needs. She said she is also concerned about the pending lawsuit by a developer.

Attorney McArdle represented Charles Schultz whose candidacy was legally challenged in the last election. He is adamant that Richmond needs a professional administrator at this time. “The village has some very serious issues before it.” Alluding to at least two major lawsuits in progress against Richmond, McArdle said. “The village office is not in the condition it should be in. We cannot cut corners on these issues. You could be out a lot more money,” he said.

Resident Charles Eldredge agrees that the village will need expert help in the months ahead. “With all the litigation we have going on, it is reasonable to hire an administrator." said Eldredge.

The people and companies appointed are:

Auditor – Eder, Casella & Co
Attorney – David McArdle of Zukowski, Rogers, Flood & McArdle
Engineer – Smith Engineering
Superintendent of Public Works – Wes Lemons
EDC Trustee – Cindy Walleck
Interim Village Administrator – Tim Savage
Plan Commission –
   John Zabor, 2 yr term
    Matt Resh, 2 yr term
    Kurt Carlson, 2 yr term
    Ed Collins, 4 yr term
    Deb Nelson, 4 yr term

*Zoning Commission

Melissa Kinast-Eldridge, 1 yr term

Carolynn Janus, 2 yr term

Ann Cunningham, 3 yr term

Mike Baldwin, 4 yr term

Jim Haskins, 5 yr term

Peter Koenig, yr term

Eric Mayer, Chairman/Hearing Officer, 7 yr term

*Recreational Director – Jody Gullifor

*Treasurer – Kathleen Hellmann

*Finance Committee –
Dennis Bardy, Bruce Hunter, Chuck Schultz

*Public Works Committee – Cindy Walleck, Roy Wulffen, Dan Deters

*Economic Development Commission

Judy Foy – Chairman (2005-2007

Dr. George Zimmer (2004-2006)

Robin Cetner (2005-2007)

Barbara Gallegos (2005-2007)

Jeanine Nagel (2005-2006)

OPEN (2005-2006)