July 10, 2013

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes July 10, 2013

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Randy Rhodes “Here”, 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, Treasurer Angela Bristow and Superintendent Larry Rhodes.

A motion was made by Layton to approve the minutes of June 26, 2013. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Baer and Brenning voting present.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved. After Hedges seconded the motion, it was approved 6-0.

Matt Peterson was present. He would like to build a garage on the vacant property at 115 N. First Street. He was informed that his plans meet the zoning regulations and setbacks. It does not require Board approval and will only need the approval of the zoning commissioner.

Jennifer Tinsley and Cheryl Lewis were present to discuss the property at 312 Lincoln Street. The home had fire damage several years ago and is in need of repair. The Village had sent several letters asking that the property be cleaned up. The most recent letter included a fine of up to $750.00. Tinsley and Lewis requested that the fine be waived and that they were getting bids to have the home torn down. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Copelin to set the fine at $350.00 and it is to be paid within two weeks. The motion passed 6-0. The Board would like an update on the property at the next meeting.

Superintendent Report:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that Benton and Associates is attempting to have the water tower inspected sometime in August. Rhodes and his crew have been working on the streets.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that he has officers lined up to work during the homecoming. Harris has talked with the owner of the old grocery store property on the square. He has received a fine and will begin cleaning up the property.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister is still looking at the water rate proposal passed out at the last meeting by Hedges. A motion was made by Cronister and seconded by Copelin to approve Resolution number 2013-004 requesting Ameren to install a street light on Cornsilk Lane. The motion was approved 6-0. The engineers are working on the Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk program. They will need a legal description of the school property. A motion was made by Copelin and seconded by Cronister to approve Utility Ordinance 2013-004. The ordinance will change late fees to $20.00 and set the reconnection fee for gas service at $50.00 and water also at $50.00. The motion was approved 6-0. It will take effect on August 1, 2013.

Minutes July 10, 2013

Finance:

A motion was made by Layton to go into executive session at 7:53 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.

The Board returned to open session at 8:48. p.m.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:

Copelin reported on the continuing cleanup of properties. He said that most people are complying with the letters. Layton reported that the Sangamon County Health Department would be looking at the abandoned properties at 333 and 609 State Street on either June 11 or 12, 2013

Community Development:

Layton reported that she had received positive feedback on the last Village Newsletter.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Hedges has received a bid on the direct deposit module from Banyon Inc., but does not want to make a decision on it at this point. A request was made by Kathy Izzard to have a recognition sign be placed at the entrance to the Village for her daughter. Lexie recently won the National Jr. Olympic trampoline championship. Hedges will check with DOT on regulations, cost, and who is responsible for payment.

Old Business:

Cronister is going to look into sample ordinances requiring fences around swimming pools. The Village currently doesn’t require them.

New Business:

Copies of the codified ordinances received from Sterling Codifiers were passed out to Board members to look over. If there are no objections, they will be approved at the next meeting.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Brenning to increase the salary of Officer William Price by 88 cents per hour as he has completed his one year anniversary. The motion was approved 6-0. This will bring his annual increase to one dollar per hour.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 9:18 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk