August 26, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes August 26, 2015 Page 3470

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, August 26, 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”, Jamie Morgan “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris, Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Treasurer Christine Nichols. Jim Copelin arrived at 6:34 p.m. Rod Molnar arrived at 7:20 p.m.

A motion was made by Morgan and seconded by Layton to approve the minutes of July 22, 2015. The motion was approved 4-0 with the Mayor voting. Hedges and Baer voting present.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to approve the corrected minutes of August 12, 2015. The motion was approved 4-0 with the Mayor voting. Brenning and Layton voting present.

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Layton to approve the executive session minutes of July 22, 2015. The motion passed 4-0 with the Mayor voting. Hedges and Baer voting present.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after adding a bill to the general fund for petty cash for $223.91. The motion was seconded by Baer and approved 6-0.

Amy Patton of Patton and Associates was in attendance to present the Board with the annual audit.

Representatives of Midwest Badger Meters were present to make a presentation to the Board for updating the water and gas meters in the Village. The current meters are old and a new system would allow readings to be collected electronically which would in turn require less man power. Currently it takes about three weeks of man power to read meters. The Board advised that they would discuss and get back with them at a later date.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes asked the Board for some direction as to what to do with the old truck. Should he take bids on it or does the Board want to get it repaired. Baer will talk to Mike Crain about the possibility of repairs. Rhodes presented the Board with a draft of a form that will be required to have buildings demolished with the necessary fees. Some language will need to be added and voted on at the next meeting. Streets have been oiled and chipped. His crew is currently working on painting crosswalks and parking spaces. Copelin suggested that Rhodes have his crew begin working on the trees that need to be trimmed that are blocking alleys.

Police Report:

Chief Harris presented the Board with a copy of the permit that golf carts are required to have to be on Village streets. He also passed out a list of current permit holders. Harris will check with Stanley Steemer to get a bid on having the carpets cleaned in the Village Hall.

Minutes August 26, 2015 Page 3471

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Mayor Rhodes updated the Board on a number of items he has been working on with the Village Attorney. This included the following:

An abandoned house and trailer on Lewis Street.

An abandoned trailer on Madison Street.

The Village’s attempt to acquire the properties on State Street where houses have been demolished.

An update on the abandoned gas stations on Brown Street.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Baer reported on a meeting he had with Brenning, J. Rhodes, and Nichols on how to pay for the new meter system. After a long discussion, a motion was made by Baer and seconded by Brenning to institute a meter fee on all properties having gas or water. The fee will be $5.00 per month and placed in a new fund for Utility Repair and Replacement. The motion carried 6-0.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

Nothing to report.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Mayor Rhodes opened the only bid received for the annual sidewalk replacement program. The bid from Vanhuss Construction for $45,320.00 was rejected.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Copelin reported that a number of letters for properties that required cleanup had recently been mailed.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Layton inspected the area around the Welcome to Divernon Sign. She said that the posts go through the raised area and into the ground so that the landscaping can be removed. She also reported that the quarterly Newsletter will be mailed out next week. She also mentioned that Divernon was the only town around without some type of signs supporting their schools and athletes. She will work on getting something in place for the Village. Morgan mentioned that the gentleman that has been using MacMurray Park had let the field get overgrown and that if he wanted to use the field that he should keep it looking good. Layton will contact Mr. Mayfield.

Old Business:

None.

Minutes August 26, 2015 Page 3472

New Business:

None

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:45 pm.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk