Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Sept. 8.

Here are 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 “Here”, and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Chief Martin and Superintendent Rhodes.

A motion was made by Baer seconded by Apgar to approve the minutes of August 25, 2021. The motion passed 5-0 with Bramley voting present.

Baer made a motion to approve the bills seconded by Brenning. The motion passed 6-0. Visitors

Ben Spreen of Benton and Associates informed the Board that no bids were received for the repair of the elevated water tank. Maguire Iron submitted a quote that did not address all items called for in the proposal. Baer made a motion seconded by Brenning to invite applicants to submit quotes that address all the areas in the original proposal. The motion passed 6-0.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the oil and rock of Village streets has been completed. Police:

Chief Martin discussed the need for a WatchGuard Video for DV1 for the police Explorer. The purpose of the video is to record traffic stops. The discussion was tabled until further information is available. Discussion on digiticket was tabled until the next meeting. The police department currently uses PIPS, Police Incident Planning Systems, to record tickets and other information after the officer returns to the office. Chief Martin reported that PIPS is being installed, at no cost, on the in-car computers to allow officers to complete reports while in the field. The information will then be downloaded onto the server once the officer returns to the office.

Committee Reports: Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Mayor Copelin has been in discussion with representatives of the south gas station located on Reichert Road. The mayor reported things are moving forward. The need to review the building code ordinance was discussed.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Hunter Lake is in the news again. The Village will need to monitor discussions in order to make informed decisions on the impact on the Village.

Approval of the audit was tabled. Discussion of paying off the loan took place. It was recommended that $300,000 from the Illinois Fund and $278,000 from the sweep account be used to pay off the $578,000 loan with the Illinois Finance Authority. Baer made a motion seconded by Bramley to pay off the loan. The motion passed 6-0. To date, the Village has collected $24,712.80 from the monthly gas fee to cover the 50% to be paid by gas customers.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

The Village continues to move forward on the IGA building. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2021. Maddy’s Tavern is putting up a fence which hasn’t been permitted. The Zoning Administrator has warned the Catlin’s that a permit must be submitted and approved before the fence can be constructed. Failure to submit a permit will result in a fine.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

The Illinois Safe Routes to School program was discussed. The Village will look into applying for funding.

Village Communication/Building, Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation: The next newsletter should come out in the next couple weeks.

Old Business:

All the paperwork has been submitted for the American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $150,218.35. The application is now being reviewed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

New Business:

The September 22 meeting has been changed to Friday, September 24, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.. A motion was made by Baer to approve a resolution of censure for Joe Bukantos, seconded by Apgar. Discussion was had, and the resolution passed by a 5-1 vote with Bukantos voting no.

A motion to adjourn was made by Bramley at 7:50 p.m.

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/10/Minutes-9-08-2021.pdf