Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met April 24

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 26, 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 Bukantos, to approve the minutes of April 12, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

Busch made a motion, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the April 12, 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

David Catlin was present to report he is putting a TIF application together for the Maddy’s expansion.

Discussion followed. Catlin was instructed to complete the application and submit to the Economic Development Committee. Randy Olson was present to observe as an incoming trustee.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that he had spoken to Gene Crain informing him the old IGA building site must be cleaned up as soon possible. Rhodes stated that Rebuild Illinois funds could be used to purchase land. Discussion followed. Bukantos stated when the sidewalk replacement plan is developed, the sidewalk by the township building should be included.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the department continues to issue ordinance violations in an effort to clean up the village. Martin is also looking into equipment to assist the police department in identifying speed violations.

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

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Bukantos reported there were two requests for waiver of the utility late fee. Joannie Hammond requested the fee be waived due to her husband’s health issue which caused the delay in receiving his pay check.

Emily Stenemeyer moved out of her apartment without paying and the utility deposit will not cover the account balance. The new owner of the apartment complex, Tammi Little, paid the balance of the account and asked that the late fee be waived. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Bramley, to approve both waivers. The motion passed 6-0.Minutes 

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to move funds between accounts in order to balance all Village accounts. This is an annual occurrence. Notation will be made as to the reason the transfers are necessary.

The motion passed 6-0. Baer stated that Kellie Glick be added to the meter account and bonded under our RMA insurance. Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the Certified Estimate of Revenue for FY’ 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar made a motion, seconded by Busch, to adopt the Sangamon County Multi- Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The motion passed 6-0. Busch noted that Republic had notified residents of the change in the garbage pick-up day to Wednesday of each week. There was a discussion of nuisances as described in Ordinance 4-2-1 through 4-2-13.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Brenning asked that the Village consider a parking ordinance for around the Village square.

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

Apgar reported the next newsletter will be issued after May 10, 2023 in order to include the newly elected board members.

Old Business:

Busch reported that $9,836 had been collected through the on-line auction of items in the old gas station on Henrietta St. After commission, the Village will have $6385.20 remaining. There was discussion on the best option for the walking/golf cart path through MacMurray Park. After discussion, it was decided to put in a temporary path.

New Business:

Hedges reported she is looking into applying for a grant to cover costs for a Route 66 themed mural to be painted on a building wall. Bukantos suggested the Village purchase their own garbage truck. More discussion is needed.

Busch made a motion to go into executive session at 8:01 p.m. Baer made a motion to return to regular session at 8:38 p.m.

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to give the following employee increases: Jeremy Rhodes - $1.86 per hour, Craig Cox - $1.04 per hour, Darrin Copelin - $3.62 per hour, Jeff Allen - $1.00 per hour, Jason Martin - $70.00 per month, Kenny Reardon - $.75 per hour, Christian Porter - $.75 per hour, and Heather White $1.00 per hour. The motion passed 5-1 with Bukantos voting no.

The meeting ended with a motion by Bramley at 8:40 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/05/Minutes-4-26-2023.pdf