Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met March 10.

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. Roll was called: 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 Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Police Chief Jason Martin. Rod Molnar was absent. 

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Busch to approve the minutes of February 24, 2021 and the special meeting of March 8, 2021. The motion passed 5-0. Baer voting present. 

A motion was made by Busch and seconded by Jones to approve the executive session minutes of February 24, 2021. The motion passed 5-0, with Baer voting present. 

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion to approve after adding an invoice from PVAG Planners for $825.00. Hedges seconded and the motion carried 6-0. 

Visitors: 

Ben Spreen of Benton and Associates presented plans for the water replacement project for the Village. The plans are 90% complete. He has been in touch with JULIE and the Illinois Department of Transportation. After the plans are reviewed by the Village, he will begin working on the permitting process. He will acquire one permit for work within the Village and  the water main from Route 104 to the Village limits. Once the permit is approved, the Village will seek financing for the entire shovel ready project. If financing is not identified, the Village may request Benton and Associates seek a separate permit for portions within the Village that can be completed by Public Works staff. Hedges asked about the Illinois Waterways Program.  Spreen explained the Village may not be eligible because of the median income of the Village, but he would look into what other loans and grants are available through EPA and USDA. Baer asked about plans for the streets this year. Spreen said work would begin soon on what streets would be worked on this year. He explained the Village would receive an additional $77,000 in MFT funds this year through the Rebuild Illinois Program. The Village has up to two years to use the funds. Baer asked about oil and chipping entire streets instead of portions here and there.  Mike McEvers will be in touch with Rhodes soon to do the annual ride around to look at streets. 

Jackie Billings was in attendance to interview for the treasurer’s position. She was interviewed earlier by Copelin, Baer and Treasurer Amanda Kessler. She has been the treasurer for the Midwest Truckers Association for the past five years but will be retiring the first of April. She has been working as a computer programmer and bookkeeper all of her working life. She could begin training April 1 and work around Kessler’s schedule. 

Supervisor Reports: 

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported he will begin work on another section of water line next week, depending on the weather. Two natural gas meter for Dowson’s Grain elevator needs to be replaced at a cost of $16,110. A motion was made by Hedges to approve the purchase. Bramley seconded and the motion passed 6-0. The doors need replaced on the concession stand and restrooms at MacMurray Park. A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Bramley to purchase doors at a cost of $1200.00. The motion carried 6-0. He presented a franchise agreement from Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative for power to the Sewage Treatment Plant. The agreement is for 10 years and would pay the Village $500.00 per year for the agreement. A motion was made by Jones to approve the agreement. Bramley seconded and the motion passed 6-0. 

Police: 

Chief Martin reported two new part time officers have been hired. They are Bert Barlow and Brent Sutton. Part time officer Hiatt will stay with the Village until sometime in June. Lexipol is working on changes to the police department policy manual to include those required by HB3653. Busch asked if there has been any movement to add 4x4’s to the golf cart ordinance.  Martin said nothing has been done yet. 

Committee Reports: 

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits: 

Busch reported Ryan McCrady of the Sangamon County Growth Council is currently gauging how much interest there is in the county with communities interested in a county wide agreement with Nexsite. The public hearing for the two proposed business districts is scheduled for Wednesday March 24, 2021 at 6:00 at the Masonic Lodge. Adam Stroud of PGAV Planners will be in attendance. 

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas: 

Jones presented two requests for adjustment to utility bills for late fees. One requester had five late fees since 2016 and the other was not able to show hardship. No motion was made to forgive either request. Copelin asked the Board to table the discussion regarding natural gas rates. The February rates remained the same as those charged in January, despite the enormous charges to the Village. Copelin would like to see if there is any relief for the Village before making any decisions. 

Finance, Personnel, GIS: 

Nothing to report. 

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Busch asked about plans for mosquito control this summer. Rhodes said a class would cost $45.00. He will continue to do the work. 

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks: 

Nothing to report. 

Village Communication/Building Grounds and Lights, Parks: 

Nothing to report. 

Old Business:  

None.

Minutes March 10, 2021 Page 3829 New Business: 

None. 

A motion was made by Jones to go into executive session at 7:45 p.m. to discuss personnel. The Board returned to regular session at 8:06 p.m. 

A motion was made by Hedges to employ Jackie Billings as Village Treasurer at a rate of $50.00 per hour and begin training with Amanda Kessler as time allows. Jones seconded and the motion was approved 6-0. 

A motion was made by Baer to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. 

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/03/Minutes-3-10-2021.pdf