Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met May 10

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 May10, 2023. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Clerk Gail Hedges called roll: Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present was Superintendent Rhodes. Craig Busch and Chief Martin were absent.

A motion was made by Apgar, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the amended minutes of April 26, 2023. The motion passed 5-0.

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

Mayor Copelin presented Tyler Bramley with a Certificate of Appreciation and gift for his service as a trustee. Bramley served 4-years as a trustee working on several projects. Mayor Copelin swore in Randy Olson as a new trustee, Dianne Brenning as a re-elected trustee, and Gail Hedges as the Village Clerk.

Visitors

Jay Estes was present to discuss the flooding of his basement due to heavy rain. Estes indicated the storm drain wasn’t able to handle the large run off, and water was backing up into his basement. Estes is asking the Village to look into how the matter might be corrected. Superintend Rhodes reported a clay tile running into the sewer drain had not been plugged when the drain was installed which could have contributed to the problem. Copelin requested Rhodes look further into the matter and plug the tile if necessary. Copelin stated the Village’s insurance would be contacted.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes is requesting approval to purchase a vacuum excavator for cleaning the sewer lines at a cost of $121,561.85. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to approve the purchase in the amount of $121,561.85. The motion passed 5-0. Rhodes also requested the approval to purchase a surface aerator for the sewer plant in the amount of $1463.00. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the purchase in the amount of $1463.00. The motion passed 5-0. New “STOP Golf Carts Only” signs have been posted at the new walking/golf cart path entrances in McMurray Park as cars have been using the path which is prohibited and violators will be fined. Rhodes also thanked the Board for the increase in salaries for the public works employees.

Police:

Mayor Copelin spoke with the Village Attorney about abandoned and or derelict buildings, refuse, and other ordinance violation issues. Village policies and procedures will be reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure transparency and fairness. Over the last several months there has been a concerted effort to clean-up the Village by the removal of old vehicles, mowing of tall grass and weeds, identifying abandoned or derelict buildings, etc. Police officers will continue to identifying ordinance violations and issue tickets. In an effort to increase housing by identifying abandoned buildings and remove dangerous or derelict buildings, Village staff will be identifying properties and owners will be contacted to determine intent. The recent Village clean-up was a success and already the Village is looking better.

Copelin indicated there is nothing to report on the status of the south gas station property. Copelin instructed Rhodes to contact Wiseman to move forward with demolition of the north gas station since all interior and exterior items will be removed soon. The Wiseman bid was approved on March 9, 2022.

Nutrien has asked the Village to write a letter authorizing anhydrous ammonia tanks on the property located at 1299 IL Rt. 104.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer reported the auditors will begin the audit the week of June 5, 2023. Village Office Manager Heather Rideout’s last day will be May 26, 2023. Heather’s time with the Village will be celebrated with an Open House for all Village Residents on Friday, May 26th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come and wish Heather a fond farewell.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Copelin reported a resident has requested a pedestrian crossing over the railroad tracks at Brown Street be constructed for the safety of walkers/runners. Since Brown Street is a state route, the Village will need to see what can be done.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Apgar reported the newsletter is with the printer and will go out soon.

Old Business:

Copelin reported according to the McMurray Park deed, the 40-years requirement of keeping the park property as a playground expired in 2018. The Village will be looking into how that property might be used going forward. Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the cleaning of the Public Works building twice a month at $100.00 each time. The motion passed 5-0. Apgar reported three dumpsters were filled at the Village Clean-up and $1000.00 was collected. Discussion on solar panels for the sewer plant was tabled.

New Business:

Apgar shared the Illinois Housing Development Authority has issued a notice of funding opportunity regarding the revitalization and repair of housing. The Village will begin looking into the opportunity for the next round.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:01 p.m.

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