Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met April 10. 

Here is the minutes as provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 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 Baer and seconded by Hedges to approve the corrected minutes of March 27, 2019. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Jones to approve the executive session minutes of March 27, 2019. Layton seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved. Baer seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

Visitors:

Allan Shears was in attendance to request the annexation of a 1/2 acre parcel at 3rd and Springer Streets. The Village Attorney will be asked to draft the necessary paperwork and have the parcel annexed at the next meeting.

Gail Hedges and Tyler Bramley were in attendance. They were elected as Trustees in the recent election and will be sworn in at the first meeting in May.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes presented a bid from Bob Ridings Ford for a 2019 F350 regular cab dump truck priced at $35,718.00. A motion was made by Baer to purchase the vehicle. Hedges seconded and the motion was approved 6-0. Molnar presented the resolution from Benton and Associates for the MFT streets program for $59,780.00. Hedges made the motion to approve the program. Brenning seconded and the motion passed 6-0. A motion was made by Hedges to employ Dale Shoemaker as part time seasonal help at $12.00 per hour beginning immediately. Baer seconded and the motion carried 6-0. A discussion was held concerning altering the branch pickup policy. Items discussed were weight of lawn bags, frequency of pickup and bags being left out all week before being picked up. Mayor Copelin suggested that it was too close to summer to make a change now, but suggestions should be made and a new policy put into place before next year. Layton questioned Rhodes about the policy on rock for residents. He said he has a list of requests and will take care of them when weather improves.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that a number of properties on Lincoln and State streets had been cleaned up. One violation was issued. The Sangamon County Health Department has approved the request from the Village to begin proceedings to have the old IGA on the square demolished. A representative from the county will be making a walkthrough of the property on Monday. The Chief received complaints of 4 wheelers running around the Village. He tracked down the individuals and the problem has been taken care of. He would like for the Board to look into giving him the authority to impound vehicles when this occurs and impose an impoundment fee. Craig Busch supplied the Chief with a schedule of when MacMurray Park will be used this summer so cones can be put up on Brown Street. Wesley Helmich was introduced as a candidate for full time Police Officer.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

The TIF proposal from Jon Hopkins for the purchase and remodeling of the Corner Bar was discussed. The request was for $40,000.00. Jones made the motion to approve the following: A redevelopment agreement will be drafted by the Village’s TIF Attorney to propose a TIF grant which will be awarded to the Corner Bar and Grill for $10,000.00 or 25% of the cost of remodeling whichever is less to be paid over four years. The first payment will be made within 90 days of the Village receiving receipts for labor and materials for the project. The next three payments will be made annually on that date. The bar must remain in business during the four years to continue to receive payments. Layton seconded and the motion carried 6-0. Final approval will take place once the redevelopment agreement and ordinance are received from the attorney. Hedges reported that he had contacted the City of Springfield regarding their requirements regarding zoning changes for commercial property. In the previous board meeting, Mr. Hopkins of the Corner Bar and Grill stated the Village of Divernon's commercial building permit process is much more difficult than the City of Springfield. Hedges reported he had contacted the City of Springfield regarding their Commercial Building permit process for renovations/construction on a commercially zoned property. Springfield has roughly the same commercial permit process due to State laws and regulations. This includes the Architectural Drawing requirement and the requirement for a building permit when meeting specific project scope. Building permits are required when changes are made to the structure of the building but also when ADA compliance is required and any time a path of egress is altered. The information Hedges received from the City of Springfield has been shared with the Zoning Board of Appeals for consideration as they review the Zoning Ordinance and make recommended changes. A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to create sub account 09-562 for the TIF reimbursement for Divernon Equipment on Reichert Road.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning reported that Treasurer Christine Nichols has been informed that the Village’s rate to IMRF will increase this year form 13.44% to 14.67%. A motion was made by Brenning to pay off the EPA loan on the water tower. The payoff amount is $241,073.83. Baer seconded and the motion passed 6-0. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Layton to approve the revised Personnel Policy. The motion passed 6-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Layton reported that last year the cost of a truck or trailer for cleanup day was $30.00. It will remain the same for this year. She still is waiting to hear back on whether there will be an electronics recycle station at the cleanup day.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Baer reported that he and Rhodes had inspected the sidewalks and a plan has been put together for this summer.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Busch reported that he recently took the online Open Meetings Act training. He reminded the Board that the agenda for meetings needed to be put on the Villages website, and minutes of the meetings should be put on the website within 10 days of being approved. He suggested that the Village take the closed sign down at the closed gas station or put a banner on it telling drivers that the next gas station is at exit 82. He will check with Emerson Press on a price. He feels that the Village needs to look into a new contractor for computer maintenance. He received a quote from Intense Software for $35.00 per hour. They are only available evenings and weekends and would not be available during the day. He will look into other options.

Old Business:

An ordinance will be on the agenda for the next meeting to approve the sale of the property at 333 State Street.

New Business:

Copelin will contact Express Personnel about a backup for Office Manager Rideout as she will be taking some time off.

A motion was made by Hedges to go into executive session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.

The Board returned to regular session at 9:05 p.m.

A motion was made by Baer to employ Wesley Helmich as full time Police Officer at a rate of $16.00 per hour beginning when available. Layton seconded ant the motion passed 6-0.

Motion by Jones to adjourn at 9:10 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2019/04/Minutes-4-10-2019.pdf