Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees Met May 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at the Village Hall. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar call roll: 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.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Layton to approve the minutes of April 28, 2021. The motion passed 6-0.

Baer presented the Village bills and made a motion to approve. Busch seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Jim Copelin was sworn into office by Clerk Molnar for another four-year term. New trustees Chuck Apgar and Joe Bukantos were sworn in as new trustees as was Larry Baer who was re elected. Gail Hedges submitted her resignation as a trustee and was appointed as Village Clerk. Busch made a motion to approve Hedges’ appointment and Bramley seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Apgar to approve the appointment of Dianne Brenning as a trustee to replace Hedges. The motion passed 5-0.

Visitors

Sarah Peterson is asking the Village Board to address some issues she has with situations on First Street. The Village will look into possible remedies for these issues.

Ben Spreen of Benton and Associates presented the MFT plan which must be presented and approved by IDOT annually before work may commence or expenditures incurred. This year’s plan includes roadway maintenance, culverts, and signs and posts. Baer made a motion to approve the $61,065 project. Busch seconded the motion that was passed 5-0. Baer asked if there was a certain percentage of the total MFT balance that could be used to do more work.

Spreen also discussed the water main replacement EPA permit process that was ready for signature. Once signed, the documentation will be submitted to EPA. Once approved by EPA, the Village may begin work replacing water main. EPA approval will also allow the Village to apply for grants or loans to complete the replacement of all cast iron water lines.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported the last service line had been connected after the new main was installed.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that a number of certified letters were mailed to residents with ordinance violations. Potential part-time officers have passed the power test.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Mayor Copelin reported the Village had received a letter from EPA stating No Further Remediation was necessary for the south gas station property. The receipt of this letter allows the Village to move forward with the sale of the property. Busch made a motion to approve an ordinance prohibiting the use of ground water as a potable water supply for this property. Bukantos seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The north property still requires sign-off by the State Fire Marshal.

Public Utilities, Water, Gas & Sewer:

Busch made a motion to approve an ordinance allowing the City of Creal Springs and Village of Tamms to withdraw from the Interstate Municipal Gas Agency and Authorization Gas Agency. Apgar seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer reported that the Village Treasurer had resigned. Both Amanda Kessler and Chris Nichols will be sharing treasurer duties until a new treasurer can be hired. Baer presented to the board several scenarios for covering the cost of the February gas crisis bill. No action was taken.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar and Baer reported the Village clean-up went very well.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys & Sidewalk:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building, Grounds & Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Rhodes reported that electric and water upgrades will take place before the Village Block Party scheduled for July 10, 2021. Busch reported he has been collecting donations for the Village Block Party. Valley View Agri Systems is readying for their June Open House.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

None.

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

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/05/Minutes-5-12-2021.pdf