Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Jan. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Busch to approve the minutes of December 11, 2019. The motion passed 4-0.

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion they be approved. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 4-0.

Visitors:

Chuck Apgar was in attendance but had no business to bring before the Board.

Awards were given out for the annual Christmas Lights Contest. Best Light Show went to James Newbold and Best Theme to Brent and Heidi Bearden. Best Traditional, awarded by the Fire Department went to Ray Pfeiler.

Supervisor Reports: Public Works:

Jeremy Rhodes reported the drinking water system was recently inspected by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency with good results. Next week the Illinois Commerce Commission will be auditing the natural gas system. He and his crew are currently working on equipment maintenance. Hedges asked if Benton and Associates should be asked to update costs on capital projects. Rhodes will contact them. Rhodes would like the Village to explore looking into IEPA low interest loans to update the water system. It is too late for this year, but next year may be an option. Currently rates are 2% and a level of forgiveness of the loans can sometimes be as much as 60%.

Police:

Jason Martin reported the old IGA store is being cleaned out and the owners should have the task completed by the end of the month. The new towing ordinance is already being used. Martin distributed a list of municipal code citations. He would like the Board to look into getting a camera system for the Village Hall for both the Police Department and the Utilities Department. He will contact George Alarm to get some estimates. He has received the new equipment for the AED defibrillator.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Busch asked for updates on the TIF redevelopment agreement with the Corner Bar and Grill. Rhodes reported Prairieland Farms has received their occupancy permit for the new construction near Route 104.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Jones to employ Stephanie Kaylor at a rate of $15.00 per hour to clean the Village Hall every two weeks. The motion carried 4-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Hedges reported the Village Newsletter is on the website, but needs to be added to Facebook. Baer is going to check to see if the Village has an ordinance requiring all residences to have house numbers. He also believes that state law requires diaper changing stations to be put in all public restrooms. There are none in the Village Hall.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Busch said he was asked by Wade Wiseman as to who has the authority to maintain the road in front of his house south of the Village. Copelin has checked into this before and believes that even though it is in the Village, it is not considered a street. Rhodes said at one time, that the Township took care of it. In recent years, Rhodes has been putting rock in the potholes, but the road had never been considered for the MFT program. Copelin will try to get some more information for the Board. Busch reported he had seen some solar powered speed signs that could be put on the top of street signs. Martin replied that there are many options and he could get some prices if the Board was interested.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Rhodes would like to see if the phone system has the ability to send a robo-call in the event of a boil order. Bramley is checking with someone from the Village of Chatham who is responsible for the calls there. Busch reported all businesses have been updated on the website. He also asked if there was an update on new playground equipment for the park. Baer replied he has been working on options.

Old Business: None.

New Business:

Rhodes asked if there had been any movement on getting a backup for the Office Manager position. Baer said he has an applicant and will have her in for an interview before the next meeting. Copelin will contact the bank that has the mortgage on the gas station properties to see if there has been any movement.

Motion by Jones to adjourn at 7:32 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2020/01/Minutes-1-8-2020.pdf