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. 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 Superintendent Rhodes and Chief Martin.
A motion was made by Busch seconded by Bramley to approve the minutes of October 26, 2022. The motion passed 6-0.
Brenning made a motion seconded by Baer to approve the bills with the addition of the Auburn Yearbook ad in the amount of $50.00 and the UCB credit card in the amount of $718.00 for the new snow plow blade. The motion passed 6-0.
Visitors
Michael Lavin was present as a candidate for a PT police officer. The Board had a brief discussion with Lavin. Brenning made a motion seconded by Baer to hire Lavin as a new PT officer. The motion passed 6-0.
Public Works:
Superintendent Rhodes requested the purchase of two gas valves at an approximate cost of $50,000.00. Bukantos made a motion to approve the purchase up to $50,000.00 seconded by Bramley. The motion passed 6-0. Public works staff have been working to fix drainage issues including cleaning some ditches. Christmas decorations will be going up soon. There has been no update on the pending lawsuit concerning Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company’s rate increase for natural gas transportation. The cost for repair of the handicap picnic table in the park is $1048.85. The individuals responsible for the damaged will be charged for the repair.
Police:
Chief Martin reported the department will be using a newly designed police department patch after the start of the new year. Kristi Millburg has passed all training requirements except her field training which she is doing now. Kristi will become a PT officer once all training is completed. Busch asked when the UTV ordinance would be revisited. Discussion followed.
Committee Reports: Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:
Busch reported Adam Stroud had developed draft Business Incentive Program Guidelines and a Business Incentive Program Application. The Board will discuss the two documents at the next meeting. Baer made a motion to approve the revised Zoning Board Ordinance seconded by Busch. The motion passed 6-0.
Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer
Nothing to report.
Finance, Personnel, GIS:
There was a consensus of the Board to discontinue the additional fee being charged monthly to pay the citizens portion of the $600,000.00 gas bill from February 2021. The charge will be discontinued beginning with the December bill.
Minutes November 9, 2022 Page 3919 Public Safety, Health and Safety:
Mayor Copelin stated the school has a brand-new parking lot, yet people continue to park along High School St. blocking driveways and making for unsafe walking conditions. Village police officers will patrol to ensure private property is protected, and to ensure safe walking conditions. The house located at 312 S. Lincoln is still in disrepair and considered a derelict building. The Village will be seeking to remedy the situation. The dangerous property known as the old IGA property has a hearing scheduled this month. The Village is working to have the building demolished.
Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:
Nothing to report.
Village Communication/Building, Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:
Nothing to report.
Old Business:
Toni’s Gaming is asking to have the hours on the liquor and gaming licenses changed. The hours can be changed as long as they are the same as referenced in the Liquor License Ordinance.
New Business:
The keys to the Village Depot have been returned to the Village. The Village is looking for a new Village historian. Anyone interested should contact the Village Hall at 217-628-3416.
The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 7:59 p.m.
https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2022/11/Minutes-11-09-2022.pdf
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