Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Oct. 26.

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

A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Baer to approve the minutes of October 12, 2022. The motion passed 5-0, with Bramley voting present.

A motion was made by Baer seconded by Busch to approve the executive minutes of October 12, 2022. The motion passed 5-0, with Bramley voting present.

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

Lisa Powell was present to address the Board with concerns about the local youth and the factors that contribute to the delinquency of minors in the community. Powell hopes that more communication and cooperation can help combat the problems youth in the community face with substance abuse.

Ryan McCrady with the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance was present to share with the Board some potential growth opportunities that the Village could see in the near future. McCrady shared that the approval of the Emberclear generation station has opened up the possibility for local development. Discussion was held on the potential benefits of entering into pre-annexation agreements. The Board expressed an interest in exploring growth potentials and supporting local business development.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes submitted documentation for pre-approval of credit card purchases for the public works department. A motion was made by Baer seconded by Brenning to approve the purchases. The motion passed 6-0. Discussion on the street sweeper was tabled.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that Sergeant Reardon has been doing more research on medical supplies and has identified a local vendor that may be able to adequately meet the Village’s needs. Martin reported that the Department had responded to a vehicular incident near Glenarm. Officer Porter was the responding Officer and continues to provide good work for the Village. The cellphones through FirstNet have been activated and are being delivered. The Department is looking at options for cases to protect the phones from damage. Mayor Copelin reported that more vandalism had taken place at the park, and the camera system was again useful in identifying the perpetrators. The identified parties will be held financially responsible and expected to complete community service.

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

Discussion was held on adopted building codes. Further discussion will be held after more research. Busch reported that the first request for business district funds was received from Toni’s Gaming Inc. in the North

Business District requesting reimbursement for costs involved in remodeling and business expansion. Discussion was held on the process’s needed to provide business development incentives. No action was taken at this time.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Discussion was held on benefits and vacation time provided for full and part time employees, how the classifications are tracked, and the benefits provided to employees still in a probationary status. Further review of the personnel policies will be conducted. Baer reported that he and Brenning had reviewed the PayCheck payroll vendor proposal with the Treasure and are preparing to offer a recommendation to the Board at the next meeting.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar reported that the Village Attorney has a hearing scheduled for November 11th on the property located at 250 1st Street, the old IGA building. If the motion proposed to the court is granted the Village can act on demolition. Apgar reported that the Weather Hazards Task Force meeting scheduled for 10/27/2022 was canceled. Bukantos expressed a concern about the traffic levels at the State and Kenny intersection, and proposed the Village consider adding a stop sign. Chief Martin brought attention to a grant opportunity for signage.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

No old business

New Business:

A request was received from Auburn School District for the Village to participate in the yearbook with an advertisement. No action was taken at this time.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:25 p.m. p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2022/11/Minutes-10-26-2022.pdf