Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met March 22

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 22, 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”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Chief Martin and Superintendent Rhodes.

A motion was made by Bukantos, seconded by Apgar, to approve the amended minutes of March 8, 2023.

The motion passed 6-0.

Baer made a motion,seconded by Brenning, to approve the bills with the addition of Tech Lab in the amount of $157.30 and Springfield Photo Booth in the amount of $250.00. The motion passed 6-0.

Visitors

Randy Olson was present to observe.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhode reported the ICC had completed the audit of the operator qualifications and found no issues. Public works staff continue to work to improve drainage issues. The SCADA for the water system is working very well making it more efficient management of the systems. Rhodes is requesting approval of a second SCADA for the sewer system in the amount of $6702.00. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Bramley, to purchase the system for $6702.00. The motion passed 6-0. Rhodes also requested the purchase of a water tapping tool in the amount of $2883.00. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Bramley to purchase the tapping tool in the amount of $2883.00. The motion passed 6-0. Rhodes was instructed to post the 2005 Chevy truck for sale online.

Police:

Chief Martin reported digiticket is working great. Martin indicted 4 new vests are needed in the amount of $930.00 per vest. Martin will get a final for the next meeting.

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

Busch reported that Cory Craig will be conducting an on-line auction of contents of the north gas station, located at Brown and Henrietta, the end of March or first of April. The public hearing for the pre-annexation of the property on Rt. 104 west of Panhandle will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Village Hall on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Mayor Copelin reported that a new restaurant will be coming into the Snack Shack location called Shorty’s Diner. Mimi’s Kitchen is the restaurant coming into the Encounter’s location. Both will be opening in the next couple months.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the 2024 Village of Divernon appropriations. The motion passed 6-0. Baer made a motion to open a money market account at Williamsville State Bank in the amount of $250,000 with a .85% rate. Brenning seconded the motion which passed 6-0. Baer shared with the Board the family Bereavement Leave Act which has been adopted by the Board.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar shared that demolition on the old IGA has been started. Rhodes was instructed to inform the owner that is a demolition permit is required to ensure all utilities are disconnected. The owner has two weeks to demolish the building.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Apgar reported the next newsletter will be out in May.

Old Business:

Hedges was instructed to prepare a letter to Maddy’s regarding the insurance situation. Notice of the village clean-up and yard sale will be posted on social media to get the message out.

New Business:

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

Baer made a motion to go into executive session at 7:21 p.m. Baer made a motion to return to regular session at 8:06 p.m.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to hire Kellie Glick as the new Office Manager replacing Heather Rideout starting April 10th

Glick will be paid at a probationary rate for six-month with a raise following that period. Heather Rideout will receive a salary increase during the training period through May 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:06 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/04/Minutes-3-22-2023.pdf