Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met May 11.

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 Pro Tem Larry Baer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Clerk Gail Hedges called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, and Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also present were Superintendent Rhodes and Chief Martin. Mayor Jim Copelin was absent.

A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Busch to approve the amended minutes of April 27, 2022. The motion passed 5-0.

Brenning made a motion seconded by Apgar to approve the bills with the addition of a $279.99 payment to Visa for the special electrical box needed for the surveillance cameras in the park. The motion passed 5-0.

Visitors

John Powell was present to discuss a ticket issued for his dog killing a domestic duck. The dog had escaped from restraint and attacked the duck being kept in violation of ordinance 5-2-4. Busch made a motion seconded by Bramley to waive the ticket since Powell and the owner of the duck had worked things out. The motion passed 5-0. David Catlin was also present to request a special liquor license for Maddy’s Bike Night scheduled for June 3, 2022. Busch made a motion seconded by Bukantos to approve the license. The motion passed 5-0. Catlin also requested a liquor license for the beer tent at the Village Block Party scheduled for July 9, 2022 in the park. Busch made a motion seconded by Apgar to approve the license. The motion passed 5-0. Teresa Vonberg and Christina Caudle were present to discuss whether their trailer, damaged by an accident, could be replaced with another trailer. Per ordinance 10-3-8 B, trailers are not permitted except in a mobile home park. The ordinance does not allow for grandfathering should a trailer be removed from a permanent site. Vonberg and Caudle were referred to the Divernon Zoning Appeals Board.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes requested the purchase of an asphalt drum roller in the amount of $23,900. Bukantos made a motion seconded by Bramley to approve the purchase. The motion passed 5-0. Rhodes reported that work on the First Street water main replacement will begin next week.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that the department has been working to clean up the Village by issuing ordinance violations for tall grass, abandoned vehicles, garbage and other refuse, etc. Residents have noticed the improvement and are thankful for the Village’s efforts. Martin is addressing issues of travel trailers being used as a residence in violation of ordinance 10-6-6 B.

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

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Discussion of power washing the water tower was tabled until next meeting.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Nothing to report.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar reported the water tower and public works building were added as to the Natural Hazard Plan. Apgar also reported there is no update on the old IGA building. Clean up day was a success with three 30-foot dumpsters and one metal waste dumpster filled. The electronics recycling was also a success.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Bukantos reported that the street light at First and Wells is still out and needs to be repaired/replaced. Bukantos reported that residents have voiced concerned about the maintenance of Henrietta Street.

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

Bramley reported that AT & T had sent two telephone bills. Bramley will contact them to discuss.

Old Business:

Brenning reported she is waiting for more information from Illinois Solar. The village is researching the possibility of solar energy for Village buildings and the sewer plant. Busch mentioned the need for a couple more trees coming down Brown Street into town. Further discussion will take place at the next meeting.

New Business:

The Village received notice of a $50,000 funding opportunity through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for infrastructure improvement. Discussion of use the funds followed with a consensus of the board supporting the replacement of the water main on First Street from Kenney to Madison.

The meeting ended with a motion by Bukantos at 7:34. p.m.

https://divernonil.com/board-information/