Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met July 10

Here are the minutes provided by board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at the Village Hall on Wednesday July 10, 2024. 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,” and Dianne Brenning “Here,” and, Larry Baer “Here.” Also present were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Officer Porter arrived late due to a call.

A motion was made by Busch, seconded by Bukantos, to approve the minutes of June 26, 2024. The motion passed 6-0.

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

Visitors:

David Catlin was present to request approval of special event one-day liquor license for the Divernon Block Party on July 13, 2024. Bukantos made a motion, seconded by Busch, to approve the liquor license. The motion passed 6-0. Mayor Jim Copelin introduced the Bramley family in recognition of Bramley Funeral Home’s 100 Years of Outstanding Achievement. Copelin presented the family with a plaque after reading the congratulatory statement.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the OSHA final report was received with no findings cited. Copelin praised Rhodes for getting all issues resolved prior to the release of the report. The new water main project is complete, and water samples have been tested and passed. The new water main still must be tied into the water main system. Olson asked if the contractor was aware of the issues with the joints prior to the start of the project, and Rhode responded they did. Rhodes stated that the pipes used in the recent water main project will not be used for other projects being completed by public works staff because of the problems with the joints.

Police:

Baer reported that the police response to the recent robbery in Hi Acres was within minutes of receiving the call. Back up from Pawnee and Auburn arrived shortly after. Officer Porter reported the alleged robber was apprehended and taken into custody. The Divernon K-9 team was requested to conduct a search for illegal drugs. Drugs were found and submitted as evidence. Mayor Copelin complimented the Divernon Police Department not only on the recent robbery, but on the day-to-day efforts to keep the community safe. Apgar reported a truck has been parked on the street near the fire station for several weeks with a flat tire. Copelin asked that the police investigate whether the truck is abandoned, and if so, the owner should be contacted, and the vehicle removed.

Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Apgar reported the RDMS grant application is finished and will be submitted no later than July 22, 2024. Apgar made a motion, seconded by Baer, to approve the application in the amount of $736,750.00 for improvements to the South Business District corridor. The motion passed 6-0. The improvements include lighting and a sound system in the park, sidewalks and curbs around the square, and the street around the square.

Busch reported that everything is ready for the July 13, 2024, Divernon Block Party. Tables and chairs will be set up Friday evening, the four corners around the square will be barricaded the morning of the block party, and vendors and musicians are confirmed. Busch also said the new playground equipment delivery has been delayed until July 17, 2024.

Samshir Singh was invited to share with the Board plans for the new gas station to be constructed at 100 N. Henrietta St. The station will be 5000 sq. ft. and be similar to the station in Farmersville. There will be a small truck stop for semi parking. The total project cost is estimated to be $2.5 million. There was discussion on the use of TIF and the process for applying. Singh understood the process and will develop the TIF application.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer:

Busch asked about the problem with MuniBilling, the utility application. Copelin reported that the application has a glitch that is causing costs to be doubled. The Village is working with the vendor who is responsible for fixing the issue. At the time of the board meeting the problem had not been fixed.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning asked if the Village planned to be a Bronze Star sponsor in support of the American Legion Golf Outing in September. The decision was tabled until the next meeting. Baer reported that the accounting contractor used by the Village is going out of business as of December 31, 2024. Two of the three partners are retiring, but the third partner will form a new company and is interested in continuing fiscal services to the Village. Further discussion will continue.

Public Safety, Health & Safety:

Copelin reported that only one of the residents receiving a letter citing an ordinance violation is taking care of the issue. One other person has applied for a demo permit to remove a structure. More ordinance violations have been identified and letters will go out soon.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks:

Mayor Copelin stated that electric scooters, motor bikes and minibikes have become a safety issue for residents, particularly because of underage drivers and reckless driving. Electric scooter drivers must have a valid driver’s license, liability insurance, wear protective eye gear or have a windshield, and have headlights and taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Electric kick scooters do not require special licensing, wearing of head gear, or liability insurance. Moped drivers must follow traffic signals and be registered, have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance, and the moped must have a back license plate. Electric bikes do not require registration or liability insurance, but drivers must be 16 years of age or older. Minibikes are not street legal in Illinois. Copelin instructed police officers to continue to crack down on violators to ensure the safety of our residents. 

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

Apgar said he finally spoke with someone about getting .gov for all Village offices and elected officials. A subscription is needed to convert to .gov and three were reviewed. Apgar made a motion, seconded by Olson, to convert existing email accounts to the P1gcc subscription at a cost of $3.29 per month per user. The motion passed 6-0.

Old Business:

Nothing to report.

New Business:

Nothing to report.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. with a motion from Baer.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2024/07/Minutes-7-10-24.pdf