Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met June 25

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at Village Hall on Wednesday June 25, 2025. Mayor Craig Busch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk Rod Molnar called Roll: Mayor Caig Busch “Here” Chuck Apgar “Here,” Randy Olson “Here,” Dianne Brenning “Here,” Julie Rhodes “Here,” Gail Hedges “Here”. Also present were Chief Christian Porter and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Colton McDannald was absent and joined the meeting at 7:55pm

Trustee Apgar made a motion, seconded by Trustee Olson to approve the meeting minutes from 6.11.25. The motion passed. 5-0

It was decided that the Board meeting will be held on July 16th and July 30th. 

Trustee Brenning made a motion to approve the bills. Trustee Rhodes seconded and the motion passed 5-0.  

Visitors: Katherine Huslander, Theresa Hulslander, Theresa Bright, Amy Schuster, Leonard Emerson, Brenda Griffith

Theresa Bright was in attendance. She states that 312 S. Lincoln, Divernon, is dilapidated. The property has had two fires. The fires were decades ago and yet the property still remains in decrepit state. Though the property has had several owners nothing has been completed in the reconstruction of the building/home. She passed pictures of the dwelling showing the property is in decrepit conditions. She states that rodents are now dwelling there. She also submitted petition from residents stating they were experiencing similar issues with the property. Mayor Busch stated that he talked with the owner Tim Stewart who states that he should be completed with the property or have some work done by August the 5th 2025. Mayor Busch stated that he will be sending a letter to the current owner advising that the home needs to be in a livable state by August 5th, 2025, or we will move forward with actions in accordance with our village ordinances. Amy Schuster, Leonard Emerson, and Brenda Griffith were present to support Theresa Bright’s complaint.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys & Sidewalks:  

Superintendent Rhodes reported that half the watermain project is almost completed. Once the water quality passes the EOP test, the water will be turned on. The second half of the project will begin in the fall.

Trustee Brenning brought forward 121 E. Dodds. She states the property is being neglected along with 620 S. 3rd St. Dianne states that yard waste along with accumulated refuse on these properties. Chief Porter is to go check on the properties and speak with Mayor Busch regarding clean-up and contacting the owner.  

3rd street lift station was tabled and will be addressed at the next board meeting.

Police Department:

Christian Porter was sworn in as the new Police Chief at 6:56pm.

Following the swearing-in of Porter, his wife, Brittany participated in the official badge pinning Ceremony.

Chief Porter brought forward the need for an Air purifier for the Evidence room to aid in the smell of seized evidence. The purifier is specifically made for evidence rooms to pick out the particles of narcotics. The unit is $1,900.00. Rettberg’s will install with an estimated $1,100.00 for installation. Total cost estimated to be at $3,000.00, Porter was told to go ahead and make the purchase. 

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

The condition of the McMurray Park baseball field was discussed, and the Board acknowledged the need for improvements. Derrick Porter generously offered to assist with the field’s restoration at no cost. Trustee Olson is going to invite Mr. Porter to the next meeting to discuss.

Trustee Olson requested that the drop box installation be added to the agenda for the next meeting. 

A Liquor and gaming license request was submitted for Pic & Go. Trustee Apgar made motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Olson. Motion passed 5-0.

Public Utilities, Water, Gas and Sewer:

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Nothing to report.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Village Ordinances:

Nothing to report.

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

Trustee Apgar inquired what about what email Office Administrator Tara will be using for official correspondence moving forward. Mayor Busch brought up the need to organize digital communication, including possibly utilizing the Microsoft Teams.

Trustee Apgar made motion, seconded by Trustee Gail to approve up to $600.00 on landscaping for around the Village Hall. The Auburn football team will do the work which will begin in early July. Melissa Layton and Colton McDannald will supervise the project. Motion passed 5-0.

Mayor Busch brought forward to purchase a basketball hoop for Village. Superintendent Rhodes volunteered to donate his personal hoop for the use of the Block Party. Trustee Apgar recommended take Superintendent Rhodes hoop to the Board. The Board agreed.

Old Business:   

The Board discussed the electronics recycling program who assisted with the community cleanup efforts. It is currently unclear whether they will participate in the future. The Village participation was low; the Village is considering doing a Village Clean-up every other year.

The board discussed the final budget and sponsorship contributions for the upcoming Divy Block Party. 

Mayor Busch went over all current expenses, donations that have been received, and all donations that are currently outstanding. Mayor Busch spoke with Superintendent Rhodes to prepare the streets for the party. 

Trustee Rhodes was asked to follow up with the fire department regarding possibility of borrowing large coolers to hold water for the attendees of the Block party in case of severe heat. 

Trustee Olson suggested the use of the misting fans for the Block party to help keep attendees cool. The board agreed to explore options for rental or donation equipment. 

New Business:

The Board discussed 109 W. South. Open bids were received from Rick Flowers estimating $11,245.00 and Wiseman Construction estimating $14,600.00. Trustee Apgar motioned, Trustee Rhodes, seconded to move forward with the bid from Rick Flowers. Motion passed, 5-0 

The Board held a vote regarding the proposed UTV Ordinance 2025-009 permitting the use of side-by-side vehicles within the village. Randy made motion, second by Apgar; Apgar- “Yes”, Rhodes- “Yes”, Olson- “Yes’, Hedges- “No”, Dianne- “Present”. With three votes in favor; one vote against, the ordinance did not receive majority of the full board and therefore failed. Following the vote, Mayor Busch contacted the Village attorney for clarification. The attorney confirmed that, under statutory voting requirements, a majority of the full board is needed for passage, and as such, the ordinance did not pass. 

Trustee Olson made motion, seconded by Trustee Apgar, to proceed with the vote on a dangerous building located at 620 S. 3rd St. The motion passed 5-0.

Trustee Apgar made motion, seconded by Trustee Olson, to approve the liquor and gaming license for Pic & Go. The motion passed 5-0.

Trustee Olson made a motion, seconded by Trustee Rhodes to adjourn at 8:17pm. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

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