July 27, 2016

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes July 27, 2016 Page 3526

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Randy Rhodes 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: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Wayne Jones “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes and Police Chief Barclay Harris.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Baer to approve the corrected minutes of July 27, 2016. The motion passed 6-0.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Copelin to approve the executive session minutes of July 27, 2016. The motion passed 6-0.

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

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported on the leave of Public Works employee Chad McCready. Rhodes distributed a chart outlining the amount of water billed to the Village from the Otter Lake Water Commission for the past 10 years. He has been in touch with Benton and Associates concerning the sewer rate study. Hedges asked him to check the culvert at the corner of Whiting and Gorham as it is clogged with debris.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that the bill for the dog bite of the animal control officer has been received. It was for $165.00. The owner of the animal will begin payments in August. Harris reported that the State of Illinois had passed the Cannabis Act. Under the new statute someone caught with less than 10 grams of cannabis can be fined under a Village ordinance rather than facing prosecution by the State. The fine would be for at least $125.00 and could be off the person’s record within six months. The Village would have to prosecute the offense. Hedges asked if the Village’s attorney’s fees could be collected also which Harris acknowledged that they could.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Layton to approve ordinance 2016-005. The motion was approved 6-0. The ordinance is to accept the amendment to the TIF redevelopment agreement with David Catlin. Hedges and R. Rhodes will be meeting with a building inspector next week in hopes of contracting with him to approve commercial building permits. Hedges and Rhodes have been working on an ordinance that would take the responsibility of commercial permits away from Sangamon County. A draft of the ordinance was distributed. R. Rhodes gave an update on the gas station properties. The owners have secured money from the State to help with the removal of the gas tanks. The money is sitting in the Comptroller’s Office waiting to be dispersed.

Minutes July 13, 2016 Page 3527

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Baer gave an update to the latest meeting concerning the building of Hunter Lake by the City of Springfield. Representatives of CWLP will be taking samples of the discharge of the sewer plants of Divernon, Pawnee and Virden. They will be escorted by someone from the Village who will take samples at the same time which will be tested at the same facility.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

Brenning reported that the auditors have completed their work at the Village Hall and would be presenting their report at a later date.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

A discussion was held concerning the hiring of a part time employee on a temporary basis to mow and pick up yard waste until a full time employee is hired. Copelin and J. Rhodes will work together to determine which culverts in town need attention. Copelin will draft a letter for residents that will be effected. R. Rhodes reported that Thurber Construction will be beginning work on the sidewalks that were approved last year that had been put on hold.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Jones and Brenning reported that they had looked into creating a business district at the truck stop area on Route 104 which would have increased sales tax revenue. They said at this time it didn’t appear to be an option, as the cost to create a business district would be in the range of $25,000.00 and all additional sales tax would have to be used within the district.

New Business:

None.

A motion was made by Hedges to go into executive session to discuss personnel at 7:43 p.m.

The Board returned to regular session at 8:53 p.m.

The Village Attorney will be contacted to draft a contract between the Village and their Animal Control Officer.

A motion was made by Brenning to employ Bob Caldwell as a part time employee beginning immediately at the rate of $13.00 per hour. After the motion was seconded by Copelin, it was approved 6-0.

Minutes July 13, 2016 Page 3528

An ad will be run on the Divernon Community Facebook page and the INDEED website for a full time public works employee. The deadline for applications will be noon on August 9, 2016.

Motion by Brenning to adjourn at 9:02 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk

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