Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met March 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 March 8, 2023. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Clerk Gail Hedges called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present was Chief Martin. Joe Bukantos and Superintendent Rhodes were absent.

A motion was made by Busch, seconded by Apgar, to approve the amended minutes of February 22, 2023.

The motion passed 5-0.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the bills. The motion passed 5-0.

Visitors

John Masten was present to discuss the mosquito abatement contract. After discussion, Busch made a motion, seconded by Bramley, to approve a $5610.00 contract which includes 12 applications plus an application immediately preceding the Village Block Party. The motion passed 5-.0.

Joe Bukantos arrived at 6:38 p.m.

Public Works:

Mayor Copelin reported the water main issue in the school parking lot had been resolved. Busch reported the jelly bean ground cover for under the playground equipment in the park had been ordered. Public Works staff continue to clean drainage ditches.

Police:

Chief Martin brought up for discussion a special UTV event ordinance that would only be allowed for special events. Discussion followed.

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

Mayor Copelin reported that the Village has an estimate from Kienzler Appraisal Services for up to $2500.00 for the appraisal of both properties. Apgar made the motion, seconded by Busch, to approve up to $2500.00 for the appraisals. The motion passed 6-0. Discussion followed on next steps for readying the properties to sell. Mayor Copelin brought up discussion on the antique shop and car wash properties.

Mayor Copelin stated these properties are both commercial and must remain commercial in accordance with the Village zoning ordinance. He further stated it is not in the best interest of the Village to reduce our commercial footprint.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Bramley, to approve the Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Transportation Agreement for three years. The motion passed 6-0. Busch reported the Nutrien pre-annexation agreement was drafted. A public hearing will be held in April.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Mayor Copelin stated the State of Illinois has passed the expanded Family Bereavement Leave Act which will be incorporated into the Village Personnel Code.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

The 60-day timeframe for demolition of the old IGA is March 18, 2023. If the building has not been demolished by that time, the Village will have it demolished and recover the cost from the current owner.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Busch reported kids’ games have been booked for the Village Block Party scheduled for July 8, 2023.

Old Business:

Discussion continued on the golf cart/walking path along the McMurray Ball Park property. Bukantos indicated he has some white pines that are available to the Village.

New Business:

Mayor Copelin instructed Hedges to contact the Village Attorney to determine if we have actionable steps regarding Maddy’s cancellation of insurance.

The meeting ended with a motion by Busch at 7:32 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/03/Minutes-3-8-2023.pdf