Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Aug. 13

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, August 13, 2025. Village President Craig Busch called the meeting to order at “6:30 p.m.” reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  Clerk Rod Molnar called roll:  Craig Busch, “Here,” Chuck Apgar “Here,” Randy Olson “Here,” Dianne Brenning “Here,” Julie Rhodes “Here,” and Colton McDannald “Here”, Gail Hedges “Here”. Also present were Police Chief Christian Porter, Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes, Attorney Tony Schuering and Deputy Clerk Tara Kerouac.

A motion was made by Trustee Apgar and seconded by Trustee Hedges to call the Public Hearing portion of the meeting to order. The motion passed 6-0.

There were no public comments.

A motion was made by Trustee Apgar and seconded by Trustee Olson to close the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. The motion passed 6-0.

Trustee Hedges made a motion, seconded by Trustee McDannald, to approve the amended July 16, 2025, minutes. The motion passed 6-0.

Trustee Olson made a motion seconded by Trustee McDannald to approve the amended July 30, 2025 minutes. The motion passed 5-0-1. Trustee Rhodes voting present. 

Trustee Brenning made a motion to approve the bills. Trustee Hedges seconded and the motion passed 6-0.  

Visitors: Sarah Jones, Ben Gailbraith, and Tyler McElroy.

Sarah Jones requested a donation to Auburn High School for after Prom Celebrations. The Board approved donation of $500.00. Trustee Hedges made motion, seconded by Trustee Brenning. Motion passed 5-1. Trustee Apgar voting no. 

Ben Galbraith addressed the Board regarding the property located at 200 S. First Street. There is a house on the property directly behind the bar on the same parcel of land.  He would like to split it into two parcels. Attorney Schuering will contact Mr. Galbraith to see if it is feasible.

Tyler McElroy asked and was given a payment plan to pay down his gas and water bill. He will pay an additional $150.00 per month as well as his current bill until the overdue payment is paid off.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes would like the Board to take a look at the yard waste program. He believes picking up every Monday is excessive. In addition, many residents are not paying for their yard waste removal. A discussion was had, some ideas put forward, but no action taken. Crosswalks have been painted as school is starting soon. A public zoning hearing is schedule for August 27, 2025 for the property at 927 S. 1st Street. Flowers will begin destruction of the house on South Street next week.

Police Department:                                 

New officer Brandon Hipsher was in attendance to introduce himself to the Board. He said he looks forward to serving the Village. He will begin training at the academy next week and graduate on December 3, 2025. Chief Porter reports the Flock camera system will be in place early next year.

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Trustee Brenning reported the final numbers from the auditors will be received soon and the Board will vote to approve the Annual Treasures Report at the next meeting.

Village Communication:

Nothing to report.

Village Grounds:

Ameren requested insurance information and which poles would be affected by the banners the Village would like to hang. The information was forwarded and we should have an answer soon.

Village Ordinances:

Trustee Olson and Trustee Hedges will meet to go over the Village Ordinances, make suggestions for changes and present to the Board and Attorney.

Old Business:   

Trustee Apgar and Trustee Rhodes collected estimates for IT services from LRS, Womack and Complete Computer Solutions to go along with the current contract from Avron. The estimates that were provided differ greatly. More information will be collected. No action was taken.

A motion was made by Trustee McDannald to approve Ordinance 2025-012 concerning the Local Government Acceptance of Credit Cards Act. Trustee Apgar seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

Mayor Busch reported he met with the owners of the property at 312 S. Lincoln Street and toured the property. The property has water, sewer and electricity and will have natural gas service by the next Board meeting. There has been significant improvements to the property.

New Business:

A motion was made by Trustee Apgar and seconded by Trustee Hedges to approve Resolution 2015-014. The resolution is an agreement with the Sangamon County Health Department to provide animal control services to the Village. The motion passed 6-0.

A short discussion was had concerning the request to split the parcel housing located at 200 S. First Street. The consensus of the Board was to take no action.

Office Manager Tara Kerouac reported Dirk Rettberg has purchased the property from Rhett McCrady on 139 Henrietta Street and would like the dangerous building sign removed. Flowers will begin demolition of the house on South Street. Attorney Scheuring stated as the issue warranting the posting has been remediated, the sign can be removed.

A motion was made by Trustee Olson to go into executive session at 8:27 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing executive session minutes. Trustee Apgar seconded, and the motion passed 6-0.

The Board returned to regular session at 9:00 p.m.

A motion was made Trustee Apgar and seconded by Trustee Mcdannald to approve the executive session minutes of June 4, 2025, June 11, 2025, July 16, 2025, July 22, 2025 and July 30, 2025. The motion passed 4-0-2. Trustee Hedges and Trustee Rhodes voting present.

A motion was made by Trustee Apgar and seconded by Trustee Olson to release the executive session minutes of January 24, 2024, December 18, 2024, and March 12, 2025. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Trustee Hedges and seconded by Trustee Apgar to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. The motion passed on a voice vote.

https://media.websitecdn.net/sites/219/2025/08/8-13-25-minutes.docx