Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Oct. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at the Masonic Lodge. Village President Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Jim Copelin “Here”, Craig Busch “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Gail Hedges “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Also in attendance was Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Police Chief Jason Martin. Tyler Bramley was absent.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Jones to approve the minutes of September 23, 2020. The motion passed 4-0. Hedges voting present.

Baer recommended the Village pay the Illinois Risk Management Bill early to take advantage of the 1% discount and made the motion to approve the bills. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 5-0.

Visitors:

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

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported the water leak was found at the corner of State and Madison and repaired. The company hired did an evaluation of the water system and found no other leaks. He and his crew have begun work on the water main extension.

Police:

Chief Martin reported he received the resignation of Officer Garrad Straube. He has someone in mind for the position, but the Village would be required to send him through training. Cost of training ranges from $3257.00 to $6020.00. Mayor Copelin advised Martin to fill in with part time officers until a decision is made on moving forward. Hedges asked about how many hours a week the Village has police coverage. Martin said all but 20 hours are covered. Jones suggested the department look into using cameras at various places in town. Martin said that Officer Kenny Reardon is nearing the completion of his one-year probation period. He would like the Board to consider making Reardon a sergeant. Martin recently completed a training course for police chiefs. He felt it was worthwhile. He would like the Village to consider moving the starting salary for part time officers to the same amount as full time officers. It would help him in finding part timers as the Village is in competition with other communities in securing officers. Martin may have found a used squad car available with low mileage the Village may be interested in. He will get more information for the next meeting. Copelin and Hedges recommended the Chief put together a plan including a mission statement for the department and present it to the Board for approval.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Molnar presented a letter he and Busch have worked on with several questions regarding the TIF district which will be sent to TIF attorney Kathy Orr.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Jones presented two requests for adjustments of late fees. A motion was made by Jones to approve the requests from Mike Crain and Shari Dipasquale. Hedges seconded. The motion was approved 5-0. Jones reported the Village received a rebate in the amount of $4339.80 from United Gas Management as a part of the hedging agreement with UGM.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer presented a policy regarding the use of credit cards by the Village. Copelin would like to have the language amended. The policy currently allows employees to use the card without Board approval for amounts up to $500.00. Baer said the bills would still have to be approved by the Board. The language will be worked on and discussed again at the next meeting. Treasurer Amanda Kessler created a policy for the Board to consider in the event of her absence and how the work would be handled. The item will be moved to the next meeting when Kessler can attend. At the last meeting Baer asked Rhodes to get prices on picnic tables for use under the pavilion. The tables begin at $650.00. Copelin would like the tables to be placed in the playground area before considering the pavilion. He asked the Board to take a look where he believes they should be placed.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Jones received a request for a new streetlight on Faithorn Street. Martin will look at the area to see if he believes a new light would improve safety. Layton asked Martin to take a look at yards that need to be cleaned up, cars without valid tags and other violations. Copelin suggested the request for a stop sign on First Street be tabled until more information is gathered. Martin will put the speed display sign up which will capture the number of vehicles and speeds each day. Martin will look into the trailer parked on Kenney Street. It may need to be moved now that school has started to allow buses to turn the corner from State Street. Copelin has some suggestions for signs to be placed at the dead-end road near the school on Dodds Street. He recommended signs be placed allowing only parking for residences. Copelin will check with the attorney before moving forward. The Sangamon County Health Department will be giving flu shots on November 2nd between 10:00-11:30 at the public works garage.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks:

Summer employee Jeff Allen is reaching the end of his work for this summer. Rhodes said he did a great job. The Otter Lake Water Commission will be supplying the Village with pamphlets concerning their work on the Otter Lake watershed. It is an ongoing effort along with the Illinois Corn Growers Association in an effort to control the watershed and improve water quality. The commission would like the Village to make the pamphlets available to the public.

Old Business:

Trick or Treat hours in the Village will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 30th and 31st.

New Business:

The Village received a sample diversity policy and ordinance from the Illinois Municipal League they feel the Village should consider. Molnar will have it ready for the next meeting.

Motion by Busch to adjourn at 8:21 p.m.

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2020/10/Minutes-10-14-2020.pdf