Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Aug. 23.

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 August 23, 2023. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Trustee Chuck Apgar called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Randy Olson “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”, and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Interim Chief Reardon and Superintendent Rhodes. Village Clerk Hedges were absent.

A motion was made by Baer, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the amended minutes of August 9, 2023. The motion passed 6-0.

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

Lana Bottoms and Jason Tomlin from Lucky Lana’s were present. Due to difficulties with their current lease, they are looking to relocate within the Village and wanted to get confirmation that the Board would support their new applications before they started the process. The Board shared their support and desire to keep local businesses in town, and directed Ms. Bottom toward the business resources available.

John Larson was present to show support for Paul Carpenter.

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the annual road maintenance was set for Friday and Monday. Apgar stated that he would share the map online, and work with Kellie to send an alert Sunday or Monday reminding residents to clear the affected streets.

Police: 

Interim Chief Reardon reported that the fees the Village was charged in association with the LERMS system were actually for the cellular connectivity of the devices, through the County. LERMS has no fees for the access the Village uses. The costs will still be incurred with the new software. The oddities in the number of devices billed is due to the way the bill is written. Reardon has started collecting body camera quotes. Current quotes from Motorola have been received, and he expects to also get quotes from Axon and Americall. Reardon also shared information with the Board on the parking ordinances and sidewalks.

Committee Reports: 

Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits: 

No Report

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer 

Craig Busch has submitted a request for a water bill credit due to plumbing issues and kids leaving hoses running. The adjustment will be handled according to standard policy.

Finance, Personnel, GIS: 

Apgar asked about a late charge on the Comcast bill from July. Baer reported that the check was delayed in the mail and Comcast refused to waive the fee.

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Olson reported that the Pool Fill policy revision can be reviewed and voted on at the next meeting. Rhodes shared that he has received some bids for LED stop signs and speed signs.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks: 

No Report.

Village Communication/Building, Grounds & Lights, Parks, Recreation 

Apgar reported that he has been in communication with Comcast about a new contract. The proposed 2- year agreement would lower the bill by $10.00 per month and increase speed. This will be put on the next agenda for a vote.

Old Business:

There was no old business.

New Business

Apgar reported that following the previous meetings discussions about vehicle repairs, the Village should make sure we are tracking maintenance expenses by vehicle to aid in budgeting and replacement planning. Mayor Copelin asked Busch to check on the status of the mosquito spraying. It was reported that a large number of peddlers have been in town. Permits are required, and the Police have had discussions with several. Copelin also shared the templet ordinance violation letter with the Board. Brenning reported that Divernon turns 125 in 2025.

A motion was made by Baer to go into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m. Olson made a motion to return to regular session at 8:41 p.m. Baer made a motion, seconded by Olson to appoint Paul Carpenter to the posi tion of Police Chief at rate of $31.25 per hour. The motion passed 5-1 with Bukantos voting no.

The meeting was adjourned with a motion from Baer at 8:45 p.m.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2023/09/Minutes-8-23-23-1.pdf