Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Sept. 27.
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 September 27, 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”, and Dianne Brenning “Here”. Larry Baer and Craig Busch were absent. Also present was Superintendent Rhodes and Police Chief Paul Carpenter.
A motion was made by Bukantos, seconded by Apgar, to approve the minutes of September 13, 2023. The motion passed 4-0.
Brenning made a motion, seconded by Olson, to approve the bills with the addition of a payment to Herman’s Garage in the amount of $231.45 for an oil change and tire rotation for the Durango. The motion passed 4-0.
Mayor Copelin swore Paul Carpenter in as the new police chief.
Visitors
None present.
Public Works:
Superintendent Rhodes reported that the water main valve at Rt. 104 has been repaired. Public works staff continue to work on replacing the water main on 1st Street between Springer and Madison Streets.
Police:
Chief Carpenter shared that a geofencing program is being set-up for clocking in and out restricting the proximity officers must be to the Village to clock in and out. This will help to keep more accurate time of actual hours worked. The issue with take home-vehicles has also been addressed. There was discussion on replacing the lock on the police department door either with a new lock or a key pad for better access control and accountability. Electric scooters and mopeds have become a nuisance and safety concern. Scooters and or mopeds have been seen blowing through crosswalks without stopping to check for traffic, riding down the middle of the street and on sidewalks all of which are unsafe. Riders under the age of 16 are, by state law, only allowed to ride electric kick scooters. The safety of our children is a major concern of Mayor Copelin and the Board.
Committee Reports:
Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:
Mayor Copelin reported the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance was contacted and information provided to assist in marketing the two gas station properties. The Village will seek to separate the 3 parcels making up the south gas station property so that interested parties can purchase an individual parcel. The parcels will be sold in part or as a whole at fair market value. Copelin reported the attorney still hasn’t gotten back to him on the question of whether a separate Planning Committee/Zoning Board is necessary in a small village.
Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer
Bukantos reported Robyn Myers is requesting a waiver of the late fee due to an error made in on-line bill pay. Myers has a record on paying on time. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to waive the
late fee in the amount of $20.00. The motion passed 4-0. Bukantos indicated he is still thinking about a policy that could assist residents with relief of excess sewer charges in the event of an uncontrollable situation i.e., running toilet.
Finance, Personnel, GIS:
Brenning reported that she and Baer will be reviewing and updating the Personnel Code as necessary. Public Safety, Health and Safety:
Olson reported that he and Mayor Copelin had identified many properties that were in violation of ordinances including tall grass and weeds, trash and other rubbish, derelict properties, dangerous building, etc. Certified letters will be sent to violators citing the violation and permitting seven days to abate. If action isn’t taken within seven days, fines will be issued. If additional time is needed to abate due to a reasonable explanation, a request can be made to the Board at the next regular meeting.
Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks:
Bukantos reported he saw trees down after the storm. Rhodes reported all was good. Brenning will meet with Chief Carpenter to further discuss parking around the square.
Village Communication/Building, Grounds & Lights, Parks, Recreation
Brenning reported planning for the Divernon 125th Year Celebration will begin soon and should be included in the next newsletter. Apgar reported that preparation of the next newsletter is underway. Community activities should be reported to Apgar for possible inclusion in the next newsletter. Apgar also mentioned brainstorming new activities that could be held such as garden/produce swap meet. The Village website continues to be updated with new information. The Village continues to search for a company to digitize Village documents for safe keeping and easy search capability.
Old Business:
None.
New Business
Craig Busch joined the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Brenning made a motion, seconded by Bukantos, to approve a $50.00 Auburn Yearbook ad. The motion passed 4-0. Rhodes reported that he was told by Fire Chief Randy Rhodes that it was the responsibility of the zoning administrator to ensure all businesses have key lock boxes giving the fire department access keys to the site in the event of a fire. Discussion followed and a review of the village ordinance shows that the Fire Protection District has the authority in this regard, Ordinance Title 4 Chapter 5. There was discussion on the responsibility of the owner of commercial property in regards to utility payments.
Olson made a motion to go into Executive Session at 7:36 p.m. Apgar made a motion to return to regular session at 8:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned with a motion from Apgar at 8:01 p.m.
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