Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Dec. 14.

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

A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Busch to approve the minutes of November 23, 2022. The motion passed 4-0 with Bramley voting present. Apgar made a motion seconded by Busch to approve the November 23, 2022 Executive Session minutes. The motion passed 4-0 with Bramley voting present.

Brenning made a motion seconded by Apgar to approve the bills with the addition of Flower’s for $764.69 and Dirken in the amount of $616.00. The motion passed 5-0.

Visitors

Sam Hudson and Connie Lemar were present to discuss issues with maintaining the ditch along Brown St. in front of their house. Discussion followed.

Jason Rhodes was also present requesting an update on the old IGA building. Rhodes and Steve Moffit are interested in purchasing the property if an agreed upon price can be reached with the owner.

Randy Olson was present asking about the Energy Harbor contract with the Village. The Village has a contract with Energy Harbor to lock in a rate for two years as was stated in the letter sent out to all users. Residents have until December to opt out of the Energy Harbor contract and either go with Ameren Illinois or find another alternative energy provider.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that two gas valves have been upgraded. Public Works staff have been busy repairing two water main breaks. The Village is still accepting applications for a vacant public works position.

Police:

Chief Martin requested approval for Michael Lavin to be hired as a fourth FT police officer. Apgar made a motion seconded by Busch to hire Lavin as a FT officer at $22.00 an hour. The motion passed 5-0. Martin is still researching for best prices for body cams that are compatible with the Watchguard X300 systems in all police vehicles. Martin reported that the travel trailer located at 25 W. Madison St. has been removed.

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

Apgar presented the business district grant polices and application. Discussion followed. Apgar made a motion seconded by Busch to approved the polices and the application. The motion passed 5-0. Mayor Copelin reported the Village had made an offer on the two gas station properties on E. Brown St. which has been accepted. Watch for activity in the area over the next several months.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Bukantos presented a request for waiver of late fee from Patrick Fuchs. The payment was late due to a delay on the banks end. Bukantos made a motion to approve the waiver seconded by Bramley. The motion passed 5-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning reported health insurance policies for 2023 had been researched. Brenning made a motion seconded by Bukantos to approve the Health Alliance policy at a monthly premium rate of $5.035.46 per month and an annual increase of the individual out-of-pocket deductible of $1000.00 (total 2023 individual out-of- pocket deductible will be $2500.00). Benefits will remain the same as in 2022. The motion passed 5-0. Brenning also reported that the Village owed UGM an additional $85,000.00 for gas due to an error in reporting by Panhandle over the last few months. Brenning reported the annual IMRF rate for 2023 will be 7.77% which is a reduction from 2022. The $.10 annual gas rate increase was discussed.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

The house located at 312 S. Lincoln still remains unfinished. Bulldog Construction has until December 23, 2022 to complete the repairs or be fined.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

Brenning made a motion to purchase a plaque to be posted at the Depot honoring Donald Becker at a cost up to $250.00. The motion was seconded by Bramley, and passed 5-0. Brenning indicated there is a need for a weather siren in the south end of town. Research will be done on the purchase of a siren and the best location to benefit the most residents. Discussion was held on making a $250.00 donation to the June Peden-Stade family. A vote will take place at the next board meeting.

The meeting ended with a motion by Apgar at 7:44 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2022/12/Minutes-12-14-2022.pdf