April 22, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes April 22, 2015

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Layton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Melissa Layton “Here”, Pam Cronister “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris and Superintendent Larry Rhodes. Randy Rhodes was absent.

A motion was made by Hedges to approve the minutes of April 8, 2015. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved, after a second by Baer, the motion passed 5-0.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Larry Rhodes reported that he and Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates had toured the village streets to put together the streets program for this year. An associate from Benton’s will make a formal proposal in the near future. The annual sidewalk program will have to be paid for from another fund other than motor fuel tax this year, as the State of Illinois has proposed cutting MFT funds in half. There was a major water break east of I55 on the easement of Dowson’s Grain property. The line has been shut down until a determination can be made as to best make repairs.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that in his absence, his officers have been busy. He asked for and received permission to order a new computer for the Tahoe.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister reported that she had put an article in the latest edition of the Auburn Citizen and Divernon News regarding this year’s sidewalk program. Office Manager Sue Arter is taking applications until May 7, 2015. A utility rate increase was discussed and was tabled until the next board meeting.

Finance:

Brenning reported that the Village’s share into IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) has increased from 10.62% to 11.54%. The employee contribution will remain at 4.5%. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to authorize Treasurer Christine Nichols to transfer up to $25,000.00 into the water and sewer funds from the gas fund. The motion was approved 5-0. Nichols has notified Brenning that she expects the auditors to be in soon for the annual audit.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Minutes April 22, 2015

Health and Safety:

Copelin has a list of residences that he will give to Arter to send out this week regarding properties that need to be cleaned up. He and Harris will be looking at alleys this week that need to be cleaned up also.

Community Development:

Layton asked for and received permission to buy a new sign at a cost of $14.00 advertising the Village wide garage sale. Ads will be put in South County Publications for both the garage sale and clean-up day.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Hedges supplied copies of the proposed Zoning Ordinance changes to the Board and to Zoning Administrator Jeremy Rhodes. The ordinance is to be reviewed and voted on at the next meeting. Pawnee Lumber will give an estimate on a fence to be put around the historic equipment across from the train depot. Hedges will supply them with measurements.

Old Business:

A motion was made by Hedges for an amendment to Building Code Ordinance 2015-001. After a second by Copelin, the motion passed 5-0. There was a lengthy discussion concerning the proposed ordinance to allow golf carts on Village streets. Brenning asked all Board Members if they were in favor of an ordinance allowing golf carts on Village streets, no one objected. Items discussed included when and where they could be used, fees, violations and enforcement. Brenning will draft an ordinance and present it at the next meeting.

New Business:

A motion was made by Copelin and seconded by Baer to approve the request for a gaming license for the Circle K service station on Route 104. The motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Cronister to go into executive session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.

The Board returned to regular session at 7:47 p.m.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Cronister to approve an overall 3% raise for employees and increase the Village’s share into IMRF by .92%. The motion was approved 5-0.

Motion by Cronister to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.

Melissa Layton Rodney Molnar

Mayor Pro Tem Village Clerk