Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met March 25.

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”, Melissa Layton “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. Copelin and Baer were at the Village Hall, while all other attended electronically.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Jones to approve the corrected minutes of March 11, 2020. The motion passed 6-0.

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion they be approved. Bramley seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

Visitors:

Sarah Busch, a registered nurse specializing in infection prevention with St. John’s hospital was in attendance to speak to the Board about the COVID-19 virus. She expects the situation to get worse for at least the next two to three weeks. She doesn’t expect things to get better for at least 30 to 45 days. Anyone showing symptoms needs to self-isolate a minimum of 14 days. Information from the Illinois Department of Public Health is being relayed daily to the police department. Both the Police and Fire Departments need to be supplied with the necessary protective equipment. She suggested that Police and Fire Department vehicles be cleaned daily. She suggested that the Village especially look out for the welfare of the elderly community. She suggested possibly holding a food drive for those who may be put out of work. Layton said she has been in touch with the Methodist Church food pantry to address their needs. Layton said she was contacted by Township Supervisor Ray McCrady. Divernon Township has roughly $5000.00 in aid that can be requested by individuals that have been affected by the virus. There is an application process and a specific requirement to receive the aid. The aid can be used to for utilities, food and transportation. Anyone contacting the Village will be advised to contact the Township Clerk. A message will be added to the Village sign and website. Hedges recommended using the Village website to promote local businesses. Some local businesses are providing drive up service. Chief Martin said that he has plenty of facemasks and gloves. Baer spoke with Fire Chief Randy Rhodes and they are in good shape also. Craig Busch spoke with the owner of the Snack Shack about opening the convenience store early each day. He said he is having trouble getting supplies. Bramley reported that per the recommendation of the CDC the funeral home will only be allowing graveside services until further notice.

Supervisor Reports: Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that Jeff Allen will begin working as a part time public works employee beginning April 16, 2020 at a rate of $15.00 per hour. He said he and his crew have been staying safe during the virus situation. If they need to enter a residence for a gas leak and the resident is quarantined, he has suits and respirators. Jones asked when Rhodes would begin working summer hours. Rhodes said they are now working 7:00 to 3:30 year-round.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the old IGA building is completely cleaned out. The loading dock has also been filled in. The F150 police truck is getting a new engine installed. The ordinance regarding violations on Village streets has been reviewed by the attorney and will be addressed at the next meeting. Busch filled out forms on the IDOT website to get the potholes filled in from of Dowson’s elevator. Martin spoke with one of the engineers, and they will take care of it along with the pothole by the railroad tracks.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Three residents have contacted the Village that they have been put out of work and would be unable to pay their utility bills on time. They were asked to fill out an adjustment form to establish a payment plan. The Village will continue to handle utility payments as normal. Anyone having issues should contact the Village Hall to work something out instead of just not paying their bill. Layton will contact Denise McCrady to see if it is ok to have these people contact the Township concerning the aid package. Hedges will contact Sangamon County to see if there is any help available through LIHEAP or Community Action grants. Busch asked if the new Civic Plus phone service had been installed yet, as it would be a good tool to pass along information. Bramley replied that it is not in service yet and will follow up with the company.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

A motion was made by Baer to approve the annual Appropriation Ordinance (2020-001). Layton seconded and the motion was approved 6-0. Baer and Copelin interviewed two candidates for the treasurer position and are recommending the Board hire Amanda Kessler. A motion was made by Baer to employ Kessler as Village Treasurer at a rate of $50.00 per hour beginning May 1, 2020. Busch seconded and the motion passed 6-0. On average the position requires around five days each month. Treasurer Christine Nichols will begin training as soon as possible. Nichols sent a letter to the Board with her feelings on how the virus will affect revenue to the Village. She recommended putting off purchasing big ticket items until further notice. Copelin reported that a new general ledger code has been established for the Village’s share of Cannabis Use Tax.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks.

Minutes March 25, 2020 Page 3767

Work continues on the new lighting at the Village Hall, Public Works Garage and Park Pavilion. Playground equipment is expected to arrive in about four weeks. Installation will be mid to late April.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

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

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2020/04/Minutes-3-25-2020.pdf