Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met June 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, June 26, 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”, Gail Hedges “Here”. Also, in attendance were Police Chief Jason Martin and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Tyler Bramley was absent.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Busch to approve the minutes of June 12, 2019. The motion passed 4-0. Baer voting present.

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after adding an invoice for ABC Supply for $2250.71. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Visitors:

Raylene Grischow, a judge with the Circuit Court of Sangamon County was in attendance to introduce herself and explain the duties of the court.

Sangamon County Auditor Andy Goleman was also in attendance to outline the duties of the auditor’s office and take questions from the Board.

Bert Barlow brought in copies of receipts for his construction costs for the building he constructed in the TIF district. The Village has a redevelopment agreement with Mr. Barlow for construction on the property.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Jeremy Rhodes reported that he and his crew have been preparing the streets for oil and chipping this summer. He had to replace the pressure reducing valve on the main water line coming into town near Route 104. The valve was 22 years old. Fortunately, he had another in stock. The cost of a new valve would have been around $2000.00. Rhodes requested permission to have the natural gas regulator station updated. A motion was made by Jones to approve the spending of $18,110.00 for the complete project. Baer seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that he and his officers recently attended active school shooter training in Pawnee. The Pawnee Prairie Days Committee will be donating a helmet and shield to the department. The new owner of the old IGA store on the square was sent a letter from the Sangamon County Health Department giving him 30 days to clean up the property. A discussion was held concerning other options to deal with the owner. Martin will have the Village Attorney attend a meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing an administrative court to deal with Village ordinance violations.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Busch spoke with Zoning Board Chairman Randy Rhodes about having a member of the board attend a Village Board meeting on a quarterly basis. Molnar reported that he was contacted by Fred Jessup of United Community Bank regarding the gas station properties. Jessup arranged for a representative from the bank that is foreclosing on the properties to make a site visit. The representative has been in touch and had planned to make a visit to the property and to meet with Jessup and Village officials last week. He had to cancel and will reschedule the visit for a later date. Representative Mike Murphy will attend also.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Busch to approve one request for a utility adjustment this month. The motion passed 5-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Nothing to report.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Layton reported that she and Chief Martin are continuing to work on properties that need to be cleaned up. The village has received complaints about semi’s use of jake brakes in town. Martin will get an example of an ordinance restricting the use of semi-brakes in the Village.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Hedges complimented the Public Works crew on the mowing and tree trimming that has been done. The plugged culvert on Corn Silk Lane has been cleared and is now working. The stop sign and State and Brown Streets has been relocated. Hedges sent an email to Senator McClure regarding funding of projects in the Village but has not heard anything from him yet.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Illini Tech installed four new computers yesterday. Three were in the Village Office and the other was at the shop. Heart Technologies has been notified that they were awarded the contract for the Village’s IT service. Illini Tech will be notified. Per the contract they are required to have a 60 day notice. Molnar reported that TIF monies cannot be used for the computer purchase. Hedges reported that new applications for LIHEAP cannot be taken until October. Information on the website needs to be updated.

Old Business:

A motion was made by Layton to approve Ordinance 2019-005 approving the sale of the property at 609 State Street to Sam and Mary Lou Fugate. Busch seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

New Business:

A motion was made by Baer to approve the renewal of liquor and gaming licenses for the Corner Bar and Grill, Maddy’s Tavern, Toni’s I55 Cafe, Sennings Cleaning Service and Circle K. Layton seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Hedges asked if there has been any interest in buyer for the gas station properties. Copelin said there have been several inquiries, and the Springfield/Sangamon County Chamber of Commerce has been in touch with potential buyers.

Motion by Hedges to adjourn at 8:03 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2019/07/Minutes-6-26-2019.pdf