Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Feb. 23.

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. Clerk Gail Hedges called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, and Tyler Bramley “Here”. Larry Baer and Dianne Brenning were absent. Also present were

Superintendent Rhodes and Chief Martin.

A motion was made by Apgar seconded by Busch to approve the amended minutes of February 9, 2022. The motion passed 4-0.

Busch made a motion seconded by Apgar to approve the bills. The motion passed 4-0. Visitors

Angela Kirby from CDS Office Technologies was present to share information on copier leases. The Village will further discuss before making a decision on a lease.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes presented the IDOT general maintenance contract in the amount of $22,000 which covers general maintenance of Village streets. A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Busch to approve the contract and resolution. The motion passed 4-0. Rhodes also requested approval to purchase a tailgate spreader in the amount of $12,715.00. Bukantos made a motion seconded by Busch to approve the purchase which was passed by a vote of 4-0. Rhodes also requested approval to purchase a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system which will allow for remote anytime monitoring via cell phone of Village systems at a purchase price of $15,000.00. Bukantos made a motion seconded by Bramley to approve the purchase. The motion passed 4-0.

Police:

New recruits Millburg and McDermand have begun training, and received their uniforms. Chief Martin and Sergeant Reardon passed SWAT training. Martin has begun researching the cost of a new squad car.

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

Busch provided ideas on how ARPA funds can be used to assist businesses who lost revenue during the pandemic. Busch and Apgar will work on drafting an application and criteria for funding.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Energy Transfer Operating LP requested approval to waive the late fee due to processing time for payment. Bukantos made a motion to approve seconded by Apgar. The motion passed 4-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

No report.

Apgar reported that Crain didn’t hire a new attorney by the court designated time. A certified letter had been sent requesting an inspection of the old IG building, but no response had been received. The Village will begin more aggressively enforcing Ordinance 8-2 as it relates to dangerous buildings to ensure safety of residents. Mayor Copelin will be meeting with Swieca to discuss the vacant gas station properties coming into town.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

The Village continues to look into the issue of street lights not working properly. Bukantos indicated he was asked about the Village sidewalk program.

Village Communication/Building, Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation: Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Apgar reported he is still searching availability and best price for a 30-yard dumpster for the Village clean-up scheduled for May 7, 2022.

New Business:

Busch discussed whether an increase in trustee and mayor compensation was in order due to increased committee activity. Currently the compensation is for attendance at board meetings only. More discussion will occur at a later date.

The meeting ended with a motion by Apgar at 8:07. p.m.

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2022/03/Minutes-2-23-2022.pdf