Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met May 26.

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 Gail Hedges called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Present”, Larry Baer “Here”. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Police Chief Jason Martin.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Bukantos to approve the minutes of May 12, 2021. The motion passed 5-0 with Brenning voting “present”.

Baer presented the Village bills with the addition of a Blue Cross Blue Shield payment in the amount of $2582.89. Baer made a motion to approve, and Bramley seconded. The motion passed 6-0.

New trustee Dianne Brenning and new Village Clerk Gail Hedges were sworn in by Mayor Jim Copelin. New part-time police officers Nico Williams and Christian Porter were also sworn in by Mayor Copelin.

Visitors

John DiPasquale was present reporting that three new drainage tiles had recently been put in draining water from the farm field into the creek near his house. He was requesting to know who had authorized the installation of the tiles and reported that these tiles would cause additional flooding of his property. It was reported that the Village does not have this responsibility and that information would be provided on whom he might contact.

Ben and Misty Grober were in attendance requesting additional time for cleaning up their property due to their work schedule.

Darryl Spellman was also present as an interested citizen.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that a visual inspection of the Village water tank discovered a crack. Rhodes will seek a more detailed inspection to determine cost of repair. Bukantos made a motion and Apgar seconded to authorize up to $2500 for a more in-depth inspection. The motion passed 6-0. Rhodes also reported that street work will begin this week.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that additional certified letters were mailed to residents with ordinance violations. Martin is researching the availability of funding through the American Rescue Plan for police vehicle equipment (AEDs). The police pick-up truck needs new tires at a cost of $609.68.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Busch reported the playground step had been repaired. He also reported that we are waiting for information on the two new business districts from the attorney.

Public Utilities, Water, Gas & Sewer:

Bill Albers is moving after 22 years and is requesting a refund of his deposit. Records must be researched to determine the amount of the deposit paid.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer reminded new trustees they must participate in new member training available on-line through the Illinois Municipal League. Baer presented several scenarios for paying the $600,000 gas bill incurred during the month of February. Apgar made a motion for the Village to pay $300,000 and the remaining balance be paid by residents at a slight monthly rate increase, to be reviewed annually at time of appropriation, over a three-year period or until the full amount is paid. Baer seconded the motion which passed 5-1 with Bukantos voting against. Bukantos made a motion to table the rate increase which failed due to lack of a second. Baer made a motion to transfer $55,000 from the police fund to the general fund in order to close fiscal year 2020 books. Brenning seconded the motion which passed 5-1 with Bukantos voting present. The 2021 Village appropriations was presented which will be voted on next meeting. An interview will be conducted with a firm that does accounting for smaller communities on Friday. A treasurer vacancy notice was posted in the Auburn Citizen and the State Journal Register that comes down Sunday May 30, 2021.

Public Safety, Health and Safety

Busch reported that the mosquito spraying is going well. Most residents are happy with the service.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys & Sidewalk:

Nothing to report.

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

Busch is looking for ways to help cover some of the costs of the block party. The May newsletter will go out shortly.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Bramley to approve the liquor and gaming license for the Corner Bar and Circle K. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Bukantos to adjourn at 8:37 p.m.

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/06/Minutes-5-26-2021.pdf