Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Feb. 8.

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 on Wednesday February 8, 2023. 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”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Chief Martin and Superintendent Rhodes. Tyler Bramley was absent.

A motion was made by Busch, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the minutes of January 25, 2022. The motion passed 4-0 with Baer voting present.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the bills with the addition of Americas Best in the amount of $275.68. The motion passed 5-0. Baer also made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to approve a donation to the Auburn After Prom for $50.00. The motion passed 5-0. The January 11, 2023 minutes reflect the Board approved an emergency purchase for a new water main pressure valve so as to prevent additional damage to the system. Baer indicated the cost for the new pressure valve is $10,189.79

Visitors 

Lisa Petrilli, from Sorling Northrup Attorneys, was present to discuss the pre-annexation of property on Route 104 for development. Discussion followed. Petrilli also reported that all paperwork has been received and the Village is now the owner of the two abandoned gas station properties on East Brown Street. The judge ordered the owner of the old IGA store to demolish the building within 60 days of the hearing per Petrilli. The owner has 30-days to appeal the ruling. If there is no appeal and the building is not demolished within the 60-day period, the Village can demolish and recover costs from the owner.

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the water main pressure reducing valve had been delivered and will be installed on February 16th, 2023. Rhodes requested the purchase of another SCADA unit to monitor activity in the Route 104 district. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Baer, to purchase the SCADA unit in the amount of $8333.00. The motion passed 5-0. Rhodes reported a water main break had been repaired on February 7, 2023 in the school parking lot.

Police: 

Chief Martin reported that he is in the process of upgrading equipment, and purchasing new uniforms and other essential items for the police department.

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

Busch reported the revenue generated in the business districts continues to grow. Nextsite reported they continue to work to identify businesses for the former gas stations sites which the Village now owns.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer 

Nothing to report.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, not to purchase the CD at the Illinois National Bank, but rather to approve the purchase of a new 2-year CD at the Warren-Boynton State Bank at a 4.5% rate of interest. The following persons named have the authority to open/sign on the account: Jim Copelin, Mayor; Larry Baer, Trustee - Finance Committee; Dianne Brenning, Trustee - Finance Committee; and Gail Hedges, Clerk. The motion passed 5-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Apgar reported that the Sangamon County Hazard Mitigation Plan has been completed. Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks: 

Brenning reported the plaque honoring Donald Becker, who was the Village historian, has been mounted at The Depot. Bukantos indicated he has seen that a lot of street patch work had been done.

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

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Apgar reported that 3 dumpsters will be on-site for the Village clean-up on May 6th, 2023. Notice was posted on the Divernon Community FB page of the April 29th, 2023 Village-wide yard sale.

New Business:

None.

Baer made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m. Busch made a motion to return to regular session at 7:53 p.m.

A motion was made by Apgar, seconded by Busch, to release executive session minutes dated July 13, 2022, October 12, 2022, and November 23, 2022. The motion passed 5-0.

The meeting ended with a motion by Busch at 7:54 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/02/Minutes-2-8-23.pdf