Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Nov. 25

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held electronically. 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 were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes, Treasurer Amanda Kessler and Police Chief Jason Martin. Tyler Bramley arrived at 6:40. 

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Busch to approve the minutes of October 28, 2020. The motion passed 4-0. Layton voting present. 

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion approve. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 5-0. 

Supervisor Reports: 

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported trees have been removed at 212 Springer Street and MacMurray Park. Ben Tree Service did the work and did an excellent job. The water main project has been completed and all but one service has been connected. He plans to begin the next water main project in March or April. Rhodes received two estimates to have the E-Shed insulated. A motion was made by Busch and seconded by Hedges to employ Bolash Construction for the project at a cost of $5688.00. The motion carried 6-0. Hedges asked about the progress being made by Benton and Associates on the engineering and permits for the extensive water main replacement project. Rhodes said they hope to have it completed by early spring. Both the old manger scene put up at the Village Hall and the one in the park donated by the Lions Club are in need on some extensive work. Baer said $500.00 was appropriated for Christmas decorations. 

Police: 

Chief Martin reported he has written several citations on properties to be cleaned up and some have already complied. He will do a follow up on the property on Lincoln Street of the house that had the fire. The owner came to an earlier meeting and said he would have the outside completed before winter. There is a lot of work still needed. 

Committee Reports: 

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits: 

Busch had a meeting with representatives of Ameren, NexSite, a redevelopment business and Ryan McCrady concerning developing the properties just north of the Village. McCrady would come to a meeting in the near future to address the Board. The Board agreed if a new Business District is created, it should include all businesses in the Village. Busch and Molnar will meet next week to put together a map. They also met last week with Jeff Fjelstul of AGI, a business that deals in selling grain bins and other items. They are considering purchasing the building previously occupied by Divernon Equipment. 

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas: 

Jones presented three requests for adjustments of late fees. A motion was made by Jones to approve the requests from Michael Nachowicz, Dara Boze, and Richard Smock. Layton seconded. The motion was approved 6-0.

Minutes November 25, 2020 Page 3808 Finance, Personnel, GIS: 

Baer reported the cost of health insurance for employees would be going up this year, but Blue Cross/Blue Shield was still the best option. Treasurer Kessler recommended the Village move $400,000.00 from the sweep account into Illinois Funds. The rate of return will be 1.8% and there are no restrictions on moving monies in and out. A motion was made by Baer to accept the recommendation. Jones seconded and the motion was approved 6-0. Kessler then presented the annual Tax Levy Ordinance. A motion was made by Baer to approve Ordinance 2020-004.  Hedges seconded and the motion passed 6-0. Kessler will be applying for reimbursement from the Cares Act due to the Covid crisis. The Village was pre-approved for $48,000.00. Kessler said the Village did not have that much in expenses unless Police Department salaries were included. The Village will apply for the entire amount. 

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Copelin presented a proclamation ordered by the Governor regarding the rules and regulations for bars and restaurants during the pandemic. 

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks: 

Nothing to report. 

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks: 

Nothing to report. 

Old Business:  

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Jones to approve the Covid Policy regarding employees. The motion passed 6-0. 

New Business: 

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Layton to purchase an ad in the Auburn Citizen and Divernon News for the football and basketball editions at a cost of $52.00. The motion was approved. 6-0. Baer reported he has been working on the annual Christmas Lights contest. The Fire Department will be responsible for the Best Traditional display and the Village will take care of the Best Light Show and Best Theme. Judging will take place on December 16th and awards will be given at the December 23rd meeting. 

Motion to adjourn by Baer at 8:18 p.m. 

https://divernonil.com/assets/uploads/sites/219/2020/12/Minutes-11-25-2020.pdf