Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Jan. 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 January 24, 2024. 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 was Chief Paul Carpenter and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Gail Hedges was absent. 

A motion was made by Bukantos, seconded by Busch, to approve the minutes of January 10,2024. The  motion passed 5-0 with Baer voting present.  

Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the bills with the addition of $544.00 for stamps. The motion passed 6-0. 

Visitors: 

Robert Fair, Community Outreach Manager with Sangamon County Habitat for Humanity was present to share information on two services launched in October 2023. Large items for pickup and disposal available for residents 6 times per year. Items for donation can also be picked up. Fair left pamphlets on both programs at the Village Hall. Residents can call 217-787-7209 for more information or to schedule. Information was shared on Facebook in October. Mayor Copelin asked Fair about possibilities for home construction in Divernon. Further discussion is needed. 

Public Works: 

Superintendent Rhodes reported that Public Works was busy due to the weather. February 15th is set for a meeting with the water main project contractor. The Village attorney is verifying insurance coverage. Copelin reported that he had researched fiber installation. Standard practice is to use existing easements, and surveying would be completed before any work begins. Any variation would be addressed following completion of the survey.

Police: 

Chief Carpenter reported that the K-9 training is progressing well. Discussion was held on winter  uniforms.  

Committee Reports:  

Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits: 

Copelin presented a resolution labeling the property at 100 N. Henrietta Street as surplus which is the next step to allow for sale and development of the property. The notice must be posted for 30 days, after which the property can be sold. Discussion was held. Baer mad a motion, seconded by Olson to approve Resolution 2024-001 authorizing the sale of the surplus property at 100 N. Henrietta Street. The motion passed 6-0. 

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer 

The Village received a letter from Trista Coleman regarding utilities payments. Copelin presented the letter to the board. Ms. Coleman proposed a payment plan and that the balance will be paid by the May 4th billing cycle. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Olson, to accept the proposed payment plan and waive the late fees as long as the balance is paid off by the May 4th billing cycle. The motion passed 6-0. 

Finance, Personnel, GIS: 

Baer reported that after reviewing the State law regarding paid leave, the policy changes required were misinterpreted. Discussion was held on employee personal days for full time and part time employees. Current policy is that full time employees receive 5 days of personal time per year and part time employees receive 1 hour of personal time per 40 hours worked. Baer made a motion to amend the Personnel Policy to reflect 3 personal days per year for full time and 1 hour per 40 hours  worked for part time. The motion failed due to lack of a second.  

Baer reported that a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2024 appropriations was shared by the Village Treasurer. This is an annual occurrence to ensure that appropriations align with actual expenses. It was reported that the General Fund will need to be increased by $25,000 and the Gas Fund will need increased by $20,000. These are due to increased professional fees and capital expenditures. Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, for an emergency vote (due to this report being due February 1 to the State) to approve Ordinance 2024-001amending the fiscal year 2024 appropriations. The motion passed 6-0.  

Brenning reported that emergency action may be needed following Village receipt of the gas rates on February 5th due to the extreme cold weather. Should there be a rate increase of 10% or more per therm, Brenning is proposing the Village consider some relief for residents. More discussion is  needed. Baer reported that the State will be conducting an audit of the MFT account for 2021. The Treasurer will be coming in to prepare. Copelin presented a credit card use approval for $648.26 for public works. As this expense is covered in the appropriations the approval is just for use of the credit card to make the purchase and no additional action was needed.  

Public Safety, Health and Safety: 

Apgar reported that the 2023 annual report for the Sangamon County Hazard Mitigation Plan Workgroup has been published and is linked on the Village website. 

Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks: 

No report 

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

Apgar reported that the newsletter will be heading to print following this meeting. Busch reported that Rod Molnar was approached to be the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Block Party, and he has accepted. The theme is still in the works, and a notice announcing Molnar as Grand Marshal will be drafted. Copelin asked Chief Carpenter to look into safe e-commerce sites. 

Old Business:  

Apgar made a motion, seconded by Olson, to approve Ordinance 2024-002 to amend Title 4 of the Village Code by adding Chapter 8 – Residential and Commercial Yard Waste Collection and Disposal System. The motion passed 6-0.  

Apgar reported that Cleetons and BLH computers are both lined up for the clean up day. 

New Business: 

Copelin reported that South County Publication has requested the Village lump all its ads for the year  into one purchase. The proposal is: Graduation ad $37.50, Football ad $39.00, Basketball ad $39.00 and Christmas ad $52.00. Baer made a motion, seconded by Brenning, to approve the ads. The motion passed 6-0. 

Brenning reported that the Village has received an inquiry from Designer Landscaping on annual maintenance. It was discussed that additional quotes should be sought.  

Baer made a motion at 7:57 p.m. to enter Executive Session. Olson made a motion to return to regular session at 8:10 p.m.  

Baer made a motion, seconded by Bukantos, to provide Heather Rideout a travel and lodging stipend of $100 for each night required for Village business. The motion passed 6-0. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. with a motion from Baer.  

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2024/02/Minutes-1-24-24.pdf