Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Oct.13.

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”, Dianne Brenning and Larry Baer “Here. Tyler Bramley was absent. Also present were Chief Martin and Superintendent Rhodes.

A motion was made by Apgar seconded by Busch to approve the corrected minutes of September 24, 2021. The motion passed 4-0 with Baer voting present

Baer made a motion seconded by Brenning to approve the bills with the addition of payments to Benton and Associates in the amount of $498.00, Herman’s Garage in the amount of $1658.63, Rural Electric in the amount of $77.22, and Frontier in the amount of $77.22. The motion was seconded by Brenning and passed 5-0. Baer made a motion to approve payment for an ad in the Auburn High School yearbook in the amount of $50.00. Apgar seconded the motion which passed 5-0.

Visitors

No visitors were present.

Supervisor Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that gas rates will increase by $.50 in 2022 raising the cost to $4.40 per meter. Mike Bolash has indicated work will begin on the Village Hall roof replacement within the next couple weeks. The new mower is on back order with no projected delivery date. Rhodes provided information to the Board members on how to detect a gas leak and how to report suspected gas leaks. If a gas leak is suspected, call 217-628-3416 immediately.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the Explorer is back on the streets after maintenance was performed. The Tahoe goes in for autobody repair next week.

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

Busch reported that the American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $150,218.35, must be spent within 3-years. Discussion on how the funds should be spent took place. A decision on how to spend funds will be determined at a later date. The first payment of the 1% business district tax in the amount of $6291.00 was received. The review of building codes continues with discussions with the Village attorney. The gas station on Reichert Road is finally close to having all sign-offs. Nextsite will be involved in seeking business interests.

Connie King requested the $20.00 late charge be waived since she didn’t receive her bill until past the due date. Bukantos made a motion seconded by Baer to waive the charge. The motion passed 5-0. Circle K also requested the $20.00 late charge be waived as they too received the bill after the due date. Bukantos made a motion seconded by Apgar to waive the charge. The motion passed 5-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

A motion was made by Baer seconded by Brenning to establish bank account number 20-101 for the American Rescue Plan Act funding. The motion passed 5-0. The account is necessary in order to track the funds separately from other funds. Baer made a motion seconded by Brenning to approve payment of the annual Illinois Municipal League Risk Management dues in the amount of $39,982.66. The motion passed 5-0. IMLRA assesses and insures Village properties, equipment, assets, etc. To date, the Village has received $47,221.00 from the fee collected to cover 50% of the February gas bill to be paid by gas customers.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

A motion made by Apgar seconded by Busch to approve the amended Weapons and Firearms Restricted Ordinance. The motion passed 5-0. The amendment added the language nor any person permitted by the State of Illinois to carry a concealed weapon to the last sentence under Applicability.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Old Business:

Discussion on the UTV Ordinance took place. The discussion was tabled until Spring. New Business:

Halloween trick or treating was approved for October 30 and 31, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:20 p.m.

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/10/Minutes-10-13-2021.pdf