Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Jan. 22

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at Bramley’s Celebration Hall on Wednesday January 22, 2025. 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.” Also present were Chief Mike Lavin, Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes, and Attorney Tony Schuering. Larry Baer was absent.

Apgar made a motion, seconded by Busch, to approve the amended January 8, 2025, minutes. The motion passed 5-0.

Brenning made a motion, seconded by Olson, to approve the bills for payment. The motion passed 5-0.

Visitors:

There were twenty visitors present in response to the Board request for public comments on selling part of McMurray Park to the Overland Group or developer. Several were present just to listen to the discussion. Fourteen written comments were submitted to the board. There were no hard oppositions towards bringing a Dollar General to the Village, but another location would be preferred by some. A few felt it was a better use of the property in order to bring new business to town to increase revenue, create new jobs, and provide goods for residents. It was suggested that a new park could be developed at a different location and/or the remaining McMurray property would still be used for a park. No decision was made as to whether to sell McMurray Park and Mayor Copelin thanked all those that came to the meeting. It’s important to keep residents informed and involved in important actions.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that Tom and Brenda Masters used a large quantity of water due to a leak. The water bill was over $1000.00. The Masters plan to turn the bill over to insurance, but in the meantime requested they be allowed to pay $300.00 a month until the bill is paid. The request was granted.

Police Department:

Chief Mike Lavin reported the new Durango needed an in-car radio as the radio from the Explorer, which was traded, would not fit. The lowest bid was from Kenwood for $2757.80. Olson made a motion, seconded by Apgar, to approve the purchase. The motion passed 5-0. The Ford F-150 needed a new alternator and belt. A bid was received from O’Dell’s in the amount of $540.00. Mayor Copelin approved the emergency purchase to keep the vehicle on the street. Apgar made a motion, seconded by Olson, to approve the purchase. The motion passed 5-0.

Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Busch started the discussion on Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits Ordinances to regulate direction boring within the Village, then turned it over to Attorney Tony Schuering. Schuering shared the purpose of the ordinance is to establish policies and procedures for constructing facilities on rights-of-way within the Village’s jurisdiction, which will provide public benefit consistent with the preservation of the integrity, safe usage, and visual qualities of the Village rights-of-way and the Village as a whole. Discussion followed. Superintendent Rhodes asked that the work hours be changed from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rhodes also requested to add language requiring the contractor to pay the salary of the public works staff while monitoring the contractor’s work. Attorney Schuering responded that the work hours would be changed, and that language would be added regarding payment of salary.

Busch made a motion, seconded by Olson, to approve the ordinance with the amendments. The motion passed 5-0.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer:

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning reported that the CD at the Franklin Bank was renewed and the term extended to 9 months.

Public Safety, Health & Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys & Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

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

Apgar reported that he received information on a cyber security opportunity. Apgar forwarded the information to the Village IT contractor for guidance.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

None.

Olson made a motion, seconded by Busch, to adjourn at 8:37 p.m. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2025/02/Minutes-1-22-2025.pdf