March 27, 2013

Board Meeting Minutes

March 27

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, March 27, 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”, Larry Baer “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance was Superintendent Larry Rhodes. Jim Copelin and Derek Hedges were absent.

A motion was made by Baer to approve the minutes of March 13, 2013. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Layton voting present.

A motion was made by Cronister to approve the executive session minutes of March 13, 2013. Brenning seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Layton voting present.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved. After Baer seconded the motion, it was approved 4-0.

Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates was in attendance to address the Board on a few items. Lot 49 in High Acres II is being divided between the property owners of lots 48 and 50. The Village has an easement for a drainage ditch through the lot that will need to be re-drawn. Benton updated the Board on the Safe Routes To Schools sidewalk project. Preliminary work has begun, but the actual construction will not be able to begin until the summer of 2014. John Calise has set up a meeting with Village Employees on April 8, 2013 to review water usage in the Village as well as the water rate structure.

Superintendent Report:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the railroad had removed some of the safety handrails installed by the Village. They felt that they were too close to the rails. He also reported that his crew has worked on the field at MacMurray Park. He had been requested to make the infield larger, but wanted to discuss it with the Board before proceeding.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister reported that the consultant hired by the Citizen’s Efficiency Commission had negotiated a rate for all of the villages involved in the aggregation issue and that everyone had agreed to accept the rate. It will be a savings of roughly 23% for residential and small businesses customers.

Finance:

Brenning and Baer have completed the annual Appropriation Ordinance. It will be presented at a future meeting for passage.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:

A follow up is needed on the condition of the old grocery store property.

Community Development:

Layton reported that the annual village wide garage sale has been scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2013. The annual clean up day will be Saturday, May 11, 2013. Clean up items will be accepted from residential customers only. The Village will begin using Glen Brunk for office supplies. Layton informed the Board that the flower pots on the square will be planted and watered this year by the Girl Scouts.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Mayor Rhodes reported that the Corner Bar has received approval from the Illinois Gaming Commission to install gaming devices.

New Business:

None.

A motion was made by Cronister to go into executive session at 8:11 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.

The Board returned to regular session at 8:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Brenning to use the law firm of Kathleen Field Orr and Associates for any TIF related work in the Village.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:31 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk