Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met May 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 May 24, 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”, Randy Olson “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Superintendent Rhodes and Chief Martin. Craig Busch was absent.

A motion was made by Baer, seconded by Apgar, to approve the amended minutes of May 10, 2023. The motion passed 5-0.

Apgar made a motion, seconded by Baer, to approve the April 26, 2023 executive session minutes. The motion passed 5-0.

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

Lewis Burns was present to discuss whether a large building could be built on a vacant residential lot for storage of vehicles, a boat, etc. and a workshop. Ordinance 10-4-1 addresses permitted uses of property in a residential district which does not include a structure of this nature. Discussion followed, and it was suggested Mr. Burns contact Bob Brown regarding property he owns.

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported action he had taken to secure the area around the sign pole removed from the north gas station property. Rhodes shared with the Board the sidewalk issue at 609 S. 2nd St. Further review and discussion are necessary before an informed decision can be made. Rhodes also reported that public works staff have been testing gas valves and found that two need to be replaced near the school at a cost of $23,590.00. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the emergency purchase in the amount of $23,590.00. The motion passed 5-0.

Police: 

Chief Martin reported he had received reports of speeding down streets. Board members reported they have seen mini bikes and go carts ridden by minors on the streets. Martin discussed purchasing speed boxes that could be posted throughout high traffic areas that record speed and time. The recorded information could be used to better position officers to ensure safety of motorists, children, pedestrians, and bicyclists. There was a long discussion on body cams which all police departments must have by 2025. More research is needed on best quality and funding opportunities available for body and vehicle cams.

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

Copelin reported Wiseman had submitted a bid to demolish the north gas station in the amount of $15,000.00. A question was raised as to whether it would be cost effective for Village employees to remove the structure. With so many other projects for PWs staff, it was determined it better to contract for the service. Olson will contact Wiseman to discuss bid.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer 

Benton and Associates is researching pricing on the development of an Aerator System for the sewer plant. Finance, Personnel, GIS: 

Apgar made a motion, seconded by Baer, to authorize Mayor Copelin to sign the DCEO grant agreement in the amount of $200,000. Once the agreement is received via email, Copelin will sign the documents which will be returned to DCEO. The NEC Phone System for the after hours on-call is not working. An emergency purchase in the amount of $1545.00 was authorized for a new CPU with a one-year warranty.

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Mayor Copelin reported the old IGA building is still not cleaned up. Gene Crain has asked for more time and the Village agreed to give him 10-days to have everything removed or a fine will be issued. Bukantos reported that while watching The Weather Channel, he heard that Divernon Township was the lightning capital of Illinois.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks: 

Nothing to report.

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

Apgar brought up that the Village website needs to be upgraded so as to keep residents informed and to make for easier site administration. Mayor Copelin stated other applications should be researched for sharing of information among Board members.

Old Business:

Superintendent Rhodes continues to identify abandoned or derelict properties for Board action. The Village Attorney continues to review and revise policies and procedures related to ordinance violations. It was reported there is a tree in the park that is concerning which Superintendent Rhodes is aware and will take action if necessary.

New Business:

Kellie Glick was authorized to get her notary and has been bonded by the Village since she took over the role of Office Manager.

Baer made a motion to go into executive session at 8:05p.m. Baer made a motion to return to regular session at 8:38 p.m.

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

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/06/Minutes-5-24-2023-1-1.pdf