August 12, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes August 12, 2015 Page 3467

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Mayor Randy Rhodes called roll: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Dianne Brenning and Jamie Morgan were absent.

Minutes of July 22, 2015 were tabled until the next meeting.

Baer presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved, after the motion was seconded by Hedges, it passed 4-0.

A group of business leaders were present which included Jake Rettberg, Leonard Emerson, Stephanie McDannald, Amanda Hackwith, and Cheryl Dambacher. They explained that they are trying to get organized to help get things rolling in the Village. They are concerned with some recent developments including loss of the annual Homecoming and service station on Brown Street. A number of items discussed including the following:

How to make the Village more attractive to get people to move here.

A welcome packet for new residents and businesses.

The number of rental properties in the Village.

Lack of gas station and convenience store.

Developing properties for new homeowners.

Updating playground equipment in the park.

Developing Village property in the flood plain.

A spirited discussion was held on these and other issues. Mayor Rhodes brought the group up to date on the Villages efforts to get something done with the gas station. The group plans to remain involved and Rhodes thanked them for their concerns and efforts.

Fire Chief Rhodes presented the Board with a list of streets and alleys that need to have trees trimmed to allow fire trucks to safely to access these areas.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Jeremy Rhodes gave the Board an estimate from Badger Meters to replace the water and gas meters in the Village. A representative from Badger will attend a meeting in the future if the Board is interested. J. Rhodes, Brenning, Baer, and Treasurer Christine Nichols will meet next week to discuss the feasibility of the project. A meter fee could be instituted to offset the costs. Illinois Road Contractors will be oiling and chipping the streets on August 18, 2015. The new toddler swings have been installed in the park.

Police Report:

Chief Harris recommended hiring Matt Seck as the new animal control officer. A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Copelin to hire Seck and have him begin immediately. The motion carried 4-0. Harris brought the Board up to date on the Safe House program that was put into place several years ago. The sign entering town is old and can’t be read. The program has not been used for many years and may no longer be viable. Harris is looking into alternatives.

Minutes August 12, 2015 Page 3468

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

A discussion was held on implementing a demolition fee to insure that properties are cleaned up when they are demolished and to offset the cost of removal of utilities. A vote will be taken at the next meeting.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Baer attended the Sangamon County Mayors meeting. Discussion was held on hiring GoodEnergy to supply electricity to the communities represented by the committee. Baer recommended that the Village enter into an agreement with GoodEnergy. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Layton to approve Resolution 2015-002 entering into an agreement with GoodEnergy to provide electricy to the Village. Anyone in the Village has the option to remain with Ameren for their power. The motion passed 4-0.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

The Board received the resignation of part time public works employee, Bob Caldwell. A motion was made by Copelin to increase the salary of police officer Bill Price to $16.25 per hour retroactive to May 1, 2015. After the motion was seconded by Baer, it was approved 4-0. The Board received the Annual Treasurers Report from Nichols.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

R. Rhodes brought the Board up to date on the annual sidewalk replacement program. Two applications were received. In addition, Rhodes has a list of other areas that need to be done to bring the Village into ADA compliance. Bids will be taken until 4:30 p.m. on August 25, 2015.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Layton reported that the area around the Welcome to Divernon sign needs extensive work. She recommended that the bricks and landscaping around the sign should be removed. Baer suggested that the two pine trees should remain. Public works will remove everything but the sign and the pine trees. Layton talked to Jason Rhodes about the condition of the beams in the park pavilion. He recommended that it would be better to replace them than try to have them restored. No action was taken.

Old Business:

None.

Minutes August 12, 2015 Page 3469

New Business:

The Board received a thank you note from the Divernon Township Library for the donation for the summer reading program. The annual financial report was received from the Otter Lake Water Commission. A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Hedges to accept the bid from Arbortech Tree Experts to remove trees on Virginia Street and Tiffany Drive. The cost for both will be $2600.00. The motion was approved 4-0.

Motion by Hedges to adjourn at 8:14 pm.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk

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