August 9, 2017

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes August 9, 2017 Page 3590

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Jim Copelin “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here, Daryl Spelman “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris, Treasurer Christine Nichols and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes.

A motion was made by Jones and seconded by Layton to approve the minutes of July 26, 2017. The motion passed 5-0. Hedges voting present.

Brenning presented the bills with a motion that they be approved. Baer seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.

Visitors:

Sarah Busch was in attendance to ask that cover plates be put on electrical outlets in the park. J. Rhodes said that he would take care of it. He said that it is an ongoing problem, and in the future just to notify him is she sees one that needs replaced.

Mike McEvers of Benton and Associates was in attendance to present an MFT supplemental program for sidewalk repairs. Some of the Board members had questions concerning what MFT funds could be used for and McEvers was able to answer those questions. He also reported to the Board about a new program the State of Illinois was implementing called GATA. It would require municipalities to register to receive any grant funds from the state. It may also include MFT funds. He left some information for the Board to look into.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes received permission to purchase a new aerator for the sewer treatment plant at a cost of $1395.99. The new sewer pumps are due to arrive on Friday. Rhodes estimates a day to install them. The flatbed truck has been repaired. The EPA permit for the water line project still has not been received.

Police:

Chief Harris reported that three more arrests have been made under the Village’s new cannabis ordinance. Harris has been doing some bicycle patrols at night and has not seen any children out past curfew. His officers have been busy with calls.

Committee Reports:

Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Hedges has not received any new information regarding the core samples submitted to EPA from the gas station property. There is a resident that has begun building a garage on an old existing foundation. The structure does not meet the setbacks in the current zoning ordinance. Hedges will look more into the situation.

Minutes August 9, 2017 Page 3591

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Jones passed out copies of letters that will be sent to customers on budget billing that have fallen into arrears. Office manager Sue Covi has notified those customers by phone that they would be receiving them. For those who have a large bill, hardships will be handled on a case by case basis. Covi will adjust budget billing every four to six months to keep residents from falling behind and to build up a surplus prior to the winter heating season. Stephanie Kaylor was expected to attend the meeting in regards her water bill but wasn’t present. Mayor Copelin will contact her. Copelin plans to see that shut offs on unpaid accounts are addressed in a more timely fashion.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Brenning reported that Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates informed her that the Village would not be eligible for grants under IDOT’s Enhancement Program. She also reported that the TIF and MFT funds would both be moved to Town and Country Bank. Originally, MFT was going to be moved to Bank of Springfield. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to pass resolution 2017-003. The resolution will move MFT and TIF funds to Town and Country Bank, assign authorized signers of the account, and authorize Treasurer Nichols to discuss matters with the bank regarding these two accounts. The motion carried 6-0.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Layton reported that the Village Newsletter is in the works. County Clerk Don Gray will have staff at the Village Hall on September 13, 2017 from 11:00-1:00 for residents wanting to take care of county business. An electronics recycling program will be held at the Village Hall on September 9, 2017 from 9:00-2:00. More information is available at www.divernonil.com.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to accept the Supplemental Municipal Estimate of Maintenance Costs of MFT funds prepared by Benton and Associates. The motion carried 6-0. A motion was made by Brenning to approve a Supplemental Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code. This will allow for the use of MFT funds for the repair of sidewalks at a cost of $18,500.00. Layton seconded and the motion passed 6-0.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Spelman reported that he has received bids from Craig Ladage to replace the door on the Police Department. Molnar will check to see if TIF funds can be used for the repairs. Illinois Risk Management has advised against replacing the sliding board in the park with one purchased at a big box store.

Old Business:

Nichols reported to the Board on the status of the Village’s TIF program including repayments to the Village’s general fund and well as those to United Community Bank.

Minutes August 9, 2017 Page 3592

New Business:

Public works employee Craig Cox has completed his probationary period, and has also received his gas operator’s license. A motion was made by Hedges to give Cox a $1.00 per hour increase for completing his probation and $3.00 per hour for becoming a licensed gas operator. Layton seconded and the motion was approved 6-0.

Motion by Jones to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.

Jim Copelin Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk

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