Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Nov. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, November 13, 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”, Gail Hedges “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”. Also, in attendance were Police Chief Jason Martin and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Melissa Layton was absent.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to approve the corrected minutes of October 23, 2019. The motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Busch to approve the executive session minutes of October 23, 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:

James Meece, the regional manager of the Rural Community Assistance Program was in attendance to explain the assistance the organization has available to offer the Village. They are a federally funded organization that gives municipalities assistance at no cost. The types of things they work with are training of local officials, rate analysis, community planning and assistance with grant and loan applications.

Chuck Apgar was in attendance but had no business to bring before the board. Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Jeremy Rhodes reported the old cast iron water line that was recently replaced has been abandoned. He brought in a section of the line for the Board to see. This led into a discussion of some major projects the Village needs to undertake including water line replacement and storm water drainage. Hedges reported State Senator Steve McClure has promised the Village $50,000.00 from his office for infrastructure repairs. The Village is waiting to hear if they will receive any assistance from the capital bill before making any decisions. A meeting will be set up with the engineering firm of Benton and Associates to discuss infrastructure in the spring. Christmas lights will be going up soon.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the new F150 truck was taken to the dealer and had some parts replaced. He will see if this takes care of the problem of using oil. All of his new officers are working out well so far. All should be ready to be on their own by the end of the year. He needs to purchase ammunition at a cost of $430.00.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Bramley reported he had gone through the receipts from the Corner Bar on their request for TIF funds. The receipts total $21,061.02. Molnar will contact the TIF attorney to have her make the necessary changes to the redevelopment agreement. The Village will agree to return 25% of the

request over a four-year period. The annual TIF Joint Review Board hearing will be set for December 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. J. Rhodes is still working with Prairieland Farms on getting the required documentation for their project near Route 104.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Jones presented four requests for adjustments to utility bills. After an explanation for each of the requests, he made the motion to approve all four. Bramley seconded and the motion passed 5-0. Bramley reported that the phone system does not have the ability to send robo-calls to landlords notifying them when tenants utilities are going to be shut off for non-payment. Chatham has a system in place. He will meet with the gentleman from Chatham that is in charge of the system.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Jones to approve ordinance number 2019-007, the annual Tax Levy Ordinance. Jones seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Copelin asked the Board to consider what restrictions, if any they would like to be place on the sale of cannabis in the Village. The Village Attorney is working on an ordinance for the Board to consider. The use of recreational cannabis in Illinois becomes legal on January 1, 2020.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

A discussion was held on the parking near the Snack Shack. It was determined that for safety reasons, the parking should remain as parallel instead of diagonal.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Baer would like to see new playground equipment added to the park next spring. He said the current equipment is for older children and would like to see some equipment designed for two to five year olds. Also, some equipment for handicapped children should be looked into.

Old Business:

Hedges reported on the meeting with representatives from Auburn and Pawnee concerning the Administrative Adjudication Ordinance. A second meeting will take place in Auburn on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 6:00. A motion was made by Hedges to approve the ordinance (2019-008). Bramley seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

New Business:

Copelin reported the Village’s current attorneys are leaving to take other work. He will have Greg Mordock, who is currently with Sorling Northrup come to the next meeting to see if the Board would like him to take over. He has worked on some Village issues in the past. The fraud manual is nearly completed. The Board decided to keep the audit firm of Patton and Associates for two more years. A discussion was held concerning the second Board meeting in December which falls on Christmas Eve. It was decided that the meeting would not be held unless an emergency were to arise, and then the meeting would be held on either the 23rd or 26th.

A motion was made by Baer to go into executive session at 8:34 p.m. to discuss personnel. The Board returned to regular session at 8:45 p.m.

A motion was made by Baer to approve Christmas bonuses of $100.00 for full time employees and $50.00 for part time employees. Bramley seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Motion by Jones to adjourn at 8:49 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2019/12/Minutes-11-13-2019.pdf