November 12, 2014

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes November 12, 2014

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, November 12, 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”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris, Superintendent Larry Rhodes and Treasurer Christine Nichols. Pam Cronister was absent.

A motion was made by Baer to approve the minutes of October 22, 2014. Layton seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

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

Marlon Mayfield of Stars and Stripes Baseball was present to thank the Board for the use of MacMurray Park and would like to use it next summer also. He also asked if the Board would be willing to install a water heater in the concession stand. They had an issue with the Department of Public Health for serving food without hot water being present in the building.

Byron Given of Arthur Gallagher Inc. and Susan Jaynes of the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management each made presentations to the Board regarding risk management insurance. Gallagher’s bid was for $40,383.00 with $1000.00 deductibles. IML’s bid was for $41,251.80 with $500.00 deductibles. They were informed that the Board would discuss it and they would be notified of the decision.

Treasurer Christine Nichols brought the Board up to date on the problems with the new accounting software. She has brought up multiple problems to the company and they have been slow to respond and have refused to take care of others. There is an option to get out of the contract with a thirty day written notice. It was decided to notify Summitt of the Village’s intention to void the contract and return to the previous software supplier.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Larry Rhodes reported that he had inspected some of the recent sidewalk projects and feels that the work was unsatisfactory. This was not part of the Safe Routes to Schools project. The contractor will be contacted to correct the problems. Electrical work at the sanitary lift station has been completed.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that the new squad car is in. It is at USA Wireless having the electronics installed. Hedges questioned as to why a squad car would be at Dollar General in Auburn. Harris said occasionally an officer needs to pick something up in case of an emergency, but he will look into it. Harris received a call about an individual going through mailboxes on Reichert Road. When he was searched he had stolen mail in his possession. He was arrested and taken to the Sangamon County Jail. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident.

Minutes November 12, 2014 Page 3421

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Mayor Rhodes reported on a meeting with the Village attorney concerning a number of items. The Village will pursue a legal remedy with the resident on Kenney Street that caused damage to the sidewalks. He also reported that the legal clearance for alleyways is 16 feet wide and 15 feet high. Some trees are extending out in the alleys making it difficult for Village trucks and other utility vehicles to move up and down the alleys to work. Letters will be sent out reminding homeowners to keep their trees cut back.

Finance:

Nothing to report.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:

Copelin has completed the Village’s action plan as requested by the Sangamon County Hazard Mitigation Committee and will submit it. There are two meetings of the committee remaining. He has received complaints of two old boats sitting on Village right of way on State Street. He also pointed out that the condition of the sidewalks in front of the American Legion hall is in bad shape.

Community Development:

Layton reported on a meeting of the Christmas Committee. R. Rhodes reported that the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce was able to make contact with A.I. Gas Inc., the owners of the closed gas station to see if they were looking to sell the property. They replied that they hoped to reopen it. A couple days later A.I. had some people on the property cleaning up and mowing the grass, but they have not notified the Village of any plans of reopening. The Village has a lien on the property for unpaid utilities and mowing that will need to be paid before the station will be allowed to reopen. The Chamber also requested information from the Village concerning its ability to supply natural gas, water and sewer. They are looking for an area in the county for a small business to open. No other details on the business have been made available at this point.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Hedges supplied the Board with a draft of an update to the current zoning ordinances and has asked for their input. The building code ordinance has been given to the Village attorney for his opinion on some items.

Minutes November 12, 2014

Old Business:

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to accept the bid from the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association to supply the Village’s risk management insurance at a cost of $41,251.80. The motion passed 6-0.

New Business:

None.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:06 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk