Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met April 12

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 April 12, 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 Baer, seconded by Bramley, to approve the minutes of March 22, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

Brenning made a motion, seconded by Bramley, to approve the March 22, 2023 Executive Session minutes. The motion passed 6-0.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the bills. The motion passed 6-0.

Visitors

John Howard, representing Utopian Power, presented to the Board how the use of solar power for waste water treatment would save the Village in energy costs. There was a question and answer period following the presentation.

David Catlin was present to share information on Bike Night scheduled for June 9, 2023. He also shared he is working with the Village attorney to resolve the shed in the alley issue. Catlin also presented to the board petitions supporting the passage of a Village side-by-side ordinance. Discussion followed.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported the EPA completed their evaluation of the water system and found no issues. He also reported the public works staff will begin working on laying the new playground ground cover next week.

Police:

Chief Martin reported that new uniforms and equipment have been received. New vests and carriers will be ordered soon. Martin is working to find funding to purchase body cams this year. Bramley reported that he has been informed that kids are doing donuts in the street on 4 x 4 on S. First St.

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

Busch reported that the pre-annexation public hearing had been held and there was no opposition. Busch made a motion, seconded by Baer, to approve the pre-annexation agreement and ordinance. The motion passed 6-0. Busch also reported the on-line auction viewing closes on April 19, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. All indoor items must be picked up by April 26, 2023 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All outdoor items must be removed by May 15, 2023. The Village had requested appraisals of both old gas station properties but were told because there are no comparable appraisals the appraisals couldn’t be completed.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Discussion on the use of solar power for the waste water system was discussed.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the 2024 Village of Divernon Appropriation Ordinance. The motion passed 6-0. Baer made a motion to move an additional $50,000 into the money market account at Williamsville State Bank, guaranteed by the bank, for a total of $300,000 at an .85% rate for 13-months per the recommendation of the Village auditors. Brenning seconded the motion which passed 6-0. Hedges shared that the north gas station property would be added to the IMLRA liability insurance policy until such time as the structure is demolished.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Brenning asked Rhodes to look into why there was a 25% water loss during the last billing cycle.

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

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Residents are asking when the Republic contract expires which is April 2024. Residents cannot contract with another provider as it is a violation of the current contract. Individual costs for the Village clean-up, both bulk and electronic, are the same as last year.

New Business:

Mayor Copelin presented to the Board the need for the public works building to be cleaned same as the Village Hall. The Board agreed by consensus.

Baer made a motion to go into executive session at 8:10 p.m. Brenning made a motion to return to regular session at 8:36 p.m. No action was taken.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:38 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/04/Minutes-4-12-2023.pdf