December 29, 2014

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes December 29, 2014

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Monday, December 29, 2014, at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Randy Rhodes 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: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Pam Cronister “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Melissa Layton arrived at 6:05 p.m. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris and Superintendent Larry Rhodes.

A motion was made by Baer to approve the minutes of December 10, 2014. Copelin seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Brenning to approve the executive session minutes of December 10, 2014. The motion was passed 4-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved. After Baer seconded the motion, it was approved 5-0.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Larry Rhodes thanked the Board for the gift cards he and his employees received for Christmas. He reported that the Village had received a chlorine exempt status for the sewage treatment plant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Rhodes also reported that one of the pumps at the lift station for the treatment plant on 3rd Street was not working because of an electrical problem. This is one of the original pumps installed in 1976. An electrician is scheduled to inspect the problem. Baer asked who L. Rhodes would like to come to board meetings in his absence in the future. Jeremy Rhodes will come in Larry’s place.

Police Report:

Chief Harris thanked the Board for the gift cards he and his officers received for Christmas. He reported a problem with graffiti at a business on the square.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister reported that she had contacted Langheim Construction about the sidewalk work done at 1st and Brown Streets. The problems with the work have been corrected and Langheim will send the Village a corrected invoice for the work. The Board then discussed natural gas prices. The engineering firm of Utility Safety and Design had done a review of the Village’s gas rates. The Village’s profit margin had not been increased since the 1990’s and with all other expenses increasing there were some years that the gas department was losing money. The following motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Cronister. Gas rates will be increased by 20 cents per unit beginning with the next billing cycle, and an additional 30 cents with the May 2015 billing cycle and another 30 cents with the August 2015 billing cycle. The three dollar meter fee for those customers on the gas line extension north of Glenarm will be raised to five dollars with the next billing cycle. The motion was approved 6-0.

.

Minutes December 29, 2014

Finance:

Nothing to report.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Community Development:

Layton reported that Christmas on the Square was huge success. Enough donations were received to cover expenses. Several people have already volunteered to participate in next year’s event.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Hedges will be meeting with Zoning Administrator Jeremy Rhodes on Friday, January 2, 2015 to consider changes to the zoning ordinance.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

None.

A motion was made by Layton to go into executive session to discuss personnel at 6:42 p.m.

The Board returned to regular session at 7:43 p.m.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Baer to make the following change to the personnel code 1-7-14 P 2 (ii) beginning January 1, 2015. Upon retirement of a full-time employee, unused accumulated sick leave up to 240 days will be used towards the IMRF retirement package. All remaining accumulated sick leave time, no compensation shall be paid for accrued time. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to employ Josh Hayes as a full time Police Officer beginning January 12, 2014 at the rate of $13.00 per hour. The motion was approved 6-0.

Motion by Baer to adjourn at 7:49 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk