Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Sept. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, September 25, 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”, Larry Baer “Here”, Gail Hedges “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”. Also, in attendance were Police Chief Jason Martin and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Melissa Layton was absent.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Hedges to approve the minutes of September 11, 2019. The motion passed 5-0.

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion they be approved. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Visitors: Supervisor Reports: Public Works:

Rhodes reported the water main project is nearly complete. He has had two good sample tests completed and service connections should be finished this week. The natural gas leak survey that was scheduled for last week had to be rescheduled for October 11th. The American Legion Post sent a thank you card for the sidewalk work done in front on their building. Hedges reported she worked with the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for many years. She will contact the Association to discuss whether they have services available that could help the Village improve water and sewer services or apply for grants to improve the aging water and sewer systems. If the IACAA can assist, she’ll arrange for a representative to speak to the Board about programs that are available to the Village for receiving grants for water and sewer projects.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the new Noptic night vision system has been received. There have been some problems with kids causing damage on the square. There is a possibility of some community service being done on weekends. The full-time officer position is still open. Baer asked about the status of the two part time officers that are going through the academy. Martin said both would be completing their training soon. He will look into the reimbursement the Village is due when training is finished. Busch asked about the status of the Safe Passage program. Martin said the program had some early success, but had not received any new candidates recently. The special meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing an ordinance violation court with Auburn and Pawnee was cancelled and has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. at the Jr. High cafeteria.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

A motion was made by Busch to approve the first amendment to the TIF agreement with Bert Barlow for his building on Reichert Road. Jones seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Hedges will get together with Office Manager Heather Rideout to put together an informational packet for residents regarding the LIHEP program. They will have this available by October 1st.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Baer to approve changes to the Village’s Personnel Code. The motion passed 5-0. Baer reported the new health insurance program will begin on November 1, 2019. Copies have been distributed to employees. The first withdrawal from employees’ checks will begin in October.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Copelin reported he has had discussions with the Village Attorney regarding the old IGA building. She said it would be alright for Village employees to be used to clean the building out before it is demolished. The Sangamon County Health Department has deemed it a dangerous building and given permission to the Village to have it demolished. The attorney will attempt to get a judge’s order by the next meeting. Molnar will contact Illinois Risk Management to be assured employees will be covered during the cleanup process. Frontier has fixed their leaning pole on Third Street, but have yet to pick up the old poles all over town.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

After a short discussion the Board decided not to take over the operation of the public restrooms from the Township Library. The Board approved a request by Misty Grober to hold a “Trunk or Treat” on the square on October 26th. Jeremy looked into the lights at the pavilion. Some of them are working. The others have a bad photo cell that will need to be replaced. Busch and Bramley will get bids on having the pavilion sandblasted and repainted. Flu shots will be available at the Senior Citizens Center on October 1st from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

A discussion was held concerning putting together incentives to attract new businesses into the Village.

Motion by Hedges to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2019/10/Minutes-9-25-2019.pdf