Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met May 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday May 10, 2017 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes, Police Chief Barclay Harris and Treasurer Christine Nichols.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Layton to approve the minutes of April 26, 2017. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to approve the executive session minutes of April 26, 2017. The motion passed 6-0.

Brenning presented the bills with a motion that they be approved after adding an item for the Illinois Department of Revenue for gas tax for $1976.02. After Baer seconded the motion it was approved 6-0.

Mayor Rhodes then swore in Rodney Molnar as the Village Clerk. Molnar swore in Wayne Jones, Melissa Layton, Daryl Spelman and Larry Baer as Village Trustees. Molnar then swore in Jim Copelin as Village President.

Rhodes then made a brief statement expressing his thanks to the Board, Treasurer Nichols and Village employees for their work during his tenure.

The new Board was then seated.

Visitors:

Andrew Novaria of American Central Insurance Services was in attendance to offer their services to the Village. The Village has been looking into entering into an IRS 125 plan which would allow employee health insurance deductions to take place before taxes which would be a savings for both the employee and the Village. Novaria can put this all in place at a cost of $150.00 each year.

Mark Nutgrass of the 600 block of Henrietta Street addressed the Board in regards to the ditch on the west side of his property. He has been trying to get grass growing and has been having trouble with cars driving through and making ruts. He has tried putting some things up in the ditch to keep cars out, but has been asked to remove them by the police on several occasions. After some discussion, no resolution was reached, but the Board asks all drivers to respect resident’s properties and remain on the roadways while driving in town.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes presented the Board with a variance request for a privacy fence on the property at 100 East Dodds Street. Rhodes explained to the Board what was being requested and recommended the variance be allowed. Mayor Copelin then asked if there were any objections. There were none. A motion was made by Spelman and seconded by Jones to approve the variance request. The motion carried 6-0. A motion was made by Brenning to replace the emergency pumps at the 3rd Street lift station at a cost of $36,932.00. Baer seconded and the

Minutes May 10, 2017 Page 3575

motion passed 6-0. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Layton to approve water main replacement at a cost of approximately $14,000.00. The motion was approved 6-0.

Police:

The Board welcomed Chief Harris back to work. Harris said he currently has one application for part time officer. Part time officer Bowsher will be off work for some time. There was discussion on the purchase of a new police car, but it was tabled for now.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Hedges has been in discussions with David Catlin regarding the opening of Maddy’s Tavern. He has outlined what requirements are left and at that time J. Rhodes will issue an occupancy permit. It has come to his attention that someone is considering burying a hot tub and turning it into a fish pond. He’s not sure our zoning ordinance covers something like this. Layton will speak to the homeowner.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Hedges asked Nichols for some reports regarding water purchases and sales.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Brenning to enter into an agreement with American Central Insurance Services to facilitate the Village’s IRS 125 plan at a cost of $150.00 per year. The motion carried 6-0.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Layton asked if the Village should look into a “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” sign on the corner of South and State Streets. There was also discussion as to whether it should be a four way stop. It is currently a two way stop for the north and south traffic. Layton will have some more information regarding the garbage burning ordinance at the next meeting. Harris hopes to have a draft of an ordinance regarding solicitors at the next meeting also.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

The hedges in front of the Village Hall have been trimmed.

Old Business:

None.

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New Business:

Mayor Copelin addressed the Board about some of his plans and ideas. He requested that when someone adds an item to the meeting agenda that he be notified just so he is aware. He is reallocating the committees and will be meeting with everyone regarding their responsibilities. He would like to add a committee in regards to acquiring community grants. He appointed Hedges to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

A motion was made by Hedges to go into executive session for personnel issues.

The Board returned to regular session at 8:57 p.m.

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Hedges to open the executive session minutes of 3/29/17, 2/8/17, 2/1/17, 12/14/16, 8/15/16, 7/27/16, and 4/13/16. The motion carried 6-0.

Motion by Baer to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.

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