Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met June 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at the American Legion Hall on Wednesday June 14, 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”, Randy Olson “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Superintendent Rhodes and Interim Chief Reardon.

A motion was made by Baer, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the minutes of May 24, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

Olson made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to approve the June 7, 2023 special meeting minutes. The motion passed 6-0.

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

Visitors

Sangamon County Elected Officials Jim Allmon, Coroner, Andy Goleman, Auditor and Dan Wright, States Attorney provided a brief description of the duties of their respective offices.

Present were 50+ persons to comment, show support and learn more about the termination of Jason Martin, former police chief. Some were also present in support of Mayor Jim Copelin. Those present sought transparency, they wanted to know the specifics as to why he was terminated. As was explained by Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, this is a personnel matter handled in executive session and by law cannot be disclosed until the minutes are released by the Board.

Mayor Copelin swore in Craig Busch as a re-elected trustee.

Public Works:

Nothing to report.

Police:

Interim Chief Reardon reported card readers have been found on the pumps at Circle K and stated everyone should be aware.

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

Nothing to report. Mayor Copelin stated that he was under a NDA which didn’t allow him to answer questions regarding the vacant gas station properties.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer reported the audit went well and we should get the final report in August. Baer mentioned that aggregation opt out notices went out. If residents want to stay with Energy Harbor, the energy company the Village has contracted with to provide electricity, nothing needs to be done. If residents want to change back to Ameren or find an alternative provider on their own, the post card to opt out must be sent. If residents choose to go back to Ameren, they will have to stay with Ameren for a year and a half. The Energy Harbor agreement for electricity with the Village is for the period February 2023 through December 2024.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

The asbestos inspection was completed on the north gas station property clearing the way for demolition.

Demolition should begin within the next several weeks as Wiseman is ready to begin. Remediation for leaching will begin after demolition is completed.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Busch made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to approve the bid from Walker’s Sandblasting and Painting in the amount of $6075.00. Walker will power wash and paint the pavilion on the Village square. The motion passed 6-0. Walker is ready to begin work immediately.

Old Business:

Demolition and clean-up of the old IGA continues. The steel frame and concrete slab remain.

New Business:

Mayor Jim Copelin addressed some of the questions or concerns raised by the visitors. Copelin indicated he couldn’t get into specifics, but spoke of the discussions he’s had with Martin over the years regarding plans, and goals and objectives of the police department. Also mentioned was the meeting where he informed Martin of the intent to terminate and how it ended with hugs and tears. Mayor Copelin allowed each Board member to offer comments as the Board was involved in the decision to termination Martin, Hedges reported that Khushi Shah, a college intern, has requested permission to go door-to-door selling educational books for all ages. Shah also requested the solicitation fee be adjusted to make it more affordable since this is an internship. Hedges reviewed some of the high school text books and found them to be very instructional. The cost of the books ranges from $50 - $500. Olson made a motion, seconded by Baer, to approve Shah to solicit for a few weeks requiring the application fee of $25 be paid and waiving the daily $100 fee. The motion passed 6-0.

The meeting ended with a motion by Olson at 8:49 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/06/Minutes-6-14-2023-1.pdf