Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Nov. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Jim Copelin 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: Jim Copelin “Here”, Craig Busch “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Police Chief Jason Martin.

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Layton to approve the minutes of November 14, 2018. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Hedges to approve the executive session minutes of November 14, 2018. The motion passed 6-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after adding invoices for Arnold Monument for $400.00 and Jason Martin for $42.00. Baer seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

Visitors:

Will Adams was in attendance to request an extension until December 7, 2018 on his utility bill. A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Baer to approve the extension. The motion carried 6-0. Tasha Tomarelli requested an extension on her utility bill until December 13, 2018. A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Layton to approve the extension. The motion carried. 6-0.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that public works employee Darrin Copelin has completed his six month probationary period. Rhodes recommended that his employment be extended as he has done very well. Copelin will receive a $1.00 per hour increase in pay for completing his probationary period. He has also completed classes to receive his natural gas certification. He will receive a $3.00 per hour increase for receiving his license.

Police:

Chief Martin recommended that Carson Becker be hired to fill the full time Police Officer position. He presented an example of an ordinance violation that could be written for some offenses instead of a ticket for a State of Illinois violation. By doing this the offender would not have the violation go against their driver’s license or insurance. The discussion centered on enforcement. Martin will get more information for the Board. The used laptops donated from another agency cannot be sold to the Village. Martin will work on a grant.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

A request for a utility adjustment was denied. The request was not for an adjustment, but an extension to have the bill paid. More information was required.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning reported that the Village’s percentage for IMRF contributions will decrease next year from 14.10 to 13.44 percent. Office Manager Rideout would like permission to purchase a Christmas tree for the Village Hall. She provided her own last year, but it is no longer available. She was given permission to purchase a tree for less than $100.00.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

The monument for the park honoring Charles G. Brown has arrived. J. Rhodes will install it as time allows.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Busch is working with the webmaster on the new website. He asked the Board to provide more photos and content. The annual Christmas lights contest will take place again this year. Judging will be done on December 19th and awards given on December 26th.

Old Business:

Martin reported that he has created an online training program regarding sexual harassment as required by the Illinois Municipal League. One bid was received for the property at 333 State Street. The bid was from Lisa Powell for $2001.00. The Board instructed Molnar to make a counter offer of $3500.00 as this amount still only covers about half of the expense the Village has for removing the house and cleaning up the property.

New Business:

Lana Swain requested that the Corner Bar be allowed to remain open one extra hour on New Year’s Eve. A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to approve the request. The motion carried 6-0. A motion was made by Hedges to employ Carson Becker as a full time Police Officer at the rate of $16.00 per hour beginning immediately. Jones seconded and the motion carried 6-0. Molnar will set up the annual TIF Joint Review Board meeting for later this month.

Motion by Hedges to adjourn at 8:14 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2019/01/Minutes-11-28-2018.pdf