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Richland Village Council approves police pay changes, deletes local chicken ordinance and OKs several budget moves
Summary
At its May 11, 2026 meeting the Richland Village Council approved financial moves including moving funds for police vehicles into a 7‑month CD at 3.8% APY, enrolling in Positive Pay for up to $360 annually, increasing Police Chief Mattioli’s compensation and awarding $2,500 bonuses to two staff members; it also voted to delete the village chicken ordinance to align with state law.
President David Greve presided over the Richland Village Council on May 11, 2026, as the council approved a series of budgetary and personnel measures affecting the police department and village maintenance.
The council voted to move money intended for police vehicles into a seven‑month certificate of deposit at 3.8% APY, a motion moved by President Pro‑Tem Gail Koporetz and seconded by Trustee Jason Mechenbier; the motion carried. The council also approved enrolling the village in a Positive Pay automated cash‑management service to help prevent check and ACH fraud, at an annual cost not to exceed $360 (Koporetz moved; Mechenbier seconded). Clerk Mollie Fish reported the remaining installment loan balance for the D Avenue repaving project is $46,179.37 with Huntington Bank.
On local ordinance matters, the council voted to delete the village chicken ordinance by rewording Section 4.4 to bring it into alignment with Michigan state law. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote: Yes — Koporetz, Riddle, Mechenbier, Greve; No — 0.
Under committee reports the council approved a preliminary contract and medical insurance changes for Police Chief Mattioli and voted to adjust the budget to increase his compensation (motions carried). The council noted two new police officers will start in May, one full time and one part time. For recent streets work, tree trimming was completed under budget with total expenditures of $21,141. In recognition of extra work on tree and stick removal, the council approved $2,500 bonuses for Chief Mattioli and DPW employee Mark Morris (motion carried).
Trustee Gail Koporetz agreed to develop a landscape plan and purchase replacement plants around the village hall; the council approved plant purchases not to exceed $2,000 and Mark Morris at DPW will install them. Trustee Jason Mechenbier reported he is securing estimates for a new furnace and hot‑water heater for the DPW/Police Department facility.
Other routine business included approval of the May agenda and amended April 13, 2026 minutes, and a motion to pay the April cash disbursement journal. The council adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Votes at a glance — approved motions from the meeting include: moving police vehicle funds to a 7‑month CD at 3.8% APY; enrolling in Positive Pay for up to $360/year; paying April 2026 bills; deleting the chicken ordinance (Sec. 4.4) to align with state law (roll‑call 4–0); approving a preliminary contract and compensation increase for Police Chief Mattioli; awarding $2,500 bonuses each to Chief Mattioli and DPW Mark Morris; and approving plant purchases up to $2,000.
