Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Jan. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 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”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Gail Hedges “Here”. Also, in attendance were Police Chief Jason Martin and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Tyler Bramley arrived at 6:32 p.m. Larry Baer was absent.

A motion was made by Busch and seconded by Hedges to approve the minutes of January 8, 2020. The motion passed 4-0 with the Mayor voting. Bramley and Layton voting present.

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

Visitors:

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

Tim Patterson asked to use MacMurray Park this summer for practice and games. His team has kids from Pawnee and other surrounding communities. Bramley said there are two other groups wanting to use the park this summer, but he was sure a schedule could be worked out. Bramley will schedule a meeting with all three groups to work out the details.

Supervisor Reports: Public Works:

Jeremy Rhodes reported in speaking with Benton and Associates, there are no major changes to cost estimates that the Village has submitted for the capital plan. He will meet with Hedges and Baer to determine if the priority list of the plan needs to be updated. He has a conference call scheduled with IEPA to discuss the possibility for low interest loans for replacement of water mains.

Police:

Jason Martin reported he received a preliminary estimate of the cost to install security cameras at the Village Hall from George Alarm. He will also get estimates from CIS, Youngs and ADT. After a discussion, the Board asked that he reduce the number of cameras and get new estimates. Cameras will only be installed for safety and security of personnel.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Bramley to approve one request for a utility adjustment. The motion carried 5-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Copelin reported he, along with Baer and Office Manager Heather Rideout had interviewed a candidate to the position to backup the office manager. He recommended that Heather White be hired for the position. A motion was made by Layton to employ White at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Hedges seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Hedges reported the only community in the area that had an ordinance regarding house numbers was Auburn. Copelin asked Molnar to put together a rough draft of the ordinance for the Board to consider.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Bramley reported that Civic Plus All Call Communications can install a system that would allow the Village to put out a robo-call informing residents of boil orders or other emergency situations. The initial installation cost would be $1000.00 and an annual charge of $610.00. Bramley will get some additional information before moving forward. The Village would have to put together a data collection plan, because currently a limited number of phone numbers are on file. Bramley also has reached out to Ameren regarding their efficiency program to install LED lighting in public buildings. He is still waiting on a response. A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Bramley to have Rhodes install diaper changing stations in the restrooms at the Village Hall. The motion carried 5-0.

Old Business:

Busch asked the status of the new playground equipment for the park. Baer is working on this project and nothing has yet been decided.

New Business:

Copelin advised the Board that he has received the resignation of Treasurer Christine Nichols effective April 30, 2020. He would like to get some input from Nichols before beginning the search for a new Treasurer. Layton reported that the Presbyterian Church will be celebrating its 150th anniversary later this year. She will inform the Board as plans move forward.

Motion by Hedges to adjourn at 7:51 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2020/02/Minutes-1-22-2020.pdf