November 25, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes November 25, 2015 Page 3487

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Mayor Randy Rhodes 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, and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Jamie Morgan and Rod Molnar were absent.

A motion was made by Hedges and seconded by Copelin to approve the corrected minutes of November 11, 2015. The motion was approved 4-0. Layton voting present.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Layton to approve the corrected minutes of the special meeting of November 14, 2015. The motion was approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Brenning to approve the corrected executive minutes of November 11, 2015. The motion was approved 4-0. Layton voting present.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Hedges to approve the corrected executive minutes of November 14, 2015. The motion was approved 5-0.

Brenning presented the bills with a motion that they be approved and seconded by Baer. The motion was approved 5-0.

Visitors:

Jerod McMorris of Good Energy was in attendance to update the Board on the electric price for our new contract. The price came in at one cent less than Ameren prices. Also in late January in Peoria they will be selecting a new bidder for the contract, extending it to 36 months, as most municipalities had done. He then presented the Mayor for his signature the Aggregation Program Agreement from Homefield Energy previously approved by the Board. He went over an Amendment to the original agreement – Third Party to be voted on at the next meeting. There were two options listed for the Board to consider, a 0.001 fee to be paid to the Village or a green initiative plan for users if the Village had one. The Board decided not to do either at this time, and it can be revisited at a later time.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes reported that 273 of the new gas meters have been received so far, he is waiting on the rest. They now have the new handheld meter reading unit and received the training for it the same day.

Minutes November 25, 2015 Page 3488

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported on a visit from an Illinois Law Enforcement Standard Board representative at the office. They reviewed all the Officers training records for compliance and informed the Chief that as of January 1, 2016 all traffic citations will go up an additional $7.00. Both new officers are working out well. The Police Department will participate in the annual Toys for Tots program and flyers will go out. The reception area of the Village Hall will be available for the drop off on December 19, 2015.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Mayor gave the following updates: on the building project at former Myra’s, they were made aware of going through the County’s health department for commercial building compliance and approval. The zoning violation at 827 S First is in the hands of the attorney’s. Both of the former gas station properties are now in the hands of Exit Realty Redefined while going through the foreclosure process. Our contact wants them to reopen as soon as practical, i.e. paying off liens, getting power back to them etc. The Mayor is working closely with them on this.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

The Board held a discussion on pending water increases due in December 2015. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Brenning to increase the water rate .25 cents per 1000 gallons of water for all water rates (.10 cents Otter Lake increase to village and .15 cents operational fee for village) and the sewer charge .30 cents for minimum and .25 cents per 1000 gallons of water used, effective with the December billings. The motion was approved 5-0. The Mayor read a letter from Public Works employee David Adcock that he is retiring on January 1, 2016.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

Brenning updated the Board on the new Muni Billing Software costs, a setup fee of $1425.00, a one time training fee of $475.00 and quarterly a cost of $400.00. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Hedges to approve the costs for the Muni Billing Software package. The motion was approved 5-0.

Public Safety, Police, Health & Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public works, Streets, Alleys & Sidewalks:

Copelin reported on cost estimates from Flowers Sanitation to remove and clean up the site at 25 W. Madison. Cost will range between $2500.00 and $3000.00 depending on if the concrete has to be removed. The Mayor reported that a meeting with the county’s health department official will take place regarding this site and two others and for the Board to wait until we have this before making and decisions.

Minutes November 25, 2015 Page 3489

Building, Grounds & Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Layton reported that Christmas on the Square is going well. PW employees have installed the lights around the square and other streets and also placed the manger out by the village entrance sign. Board members are reminded to drive around town and pick their choices on house decorations for the annual lighting contest. The Board will vote at the next meeting on the winners.

Old Business:

Nothing to report.

New Business:

The last meeting in December will be changed from December 23rd to the 30th.

A motion was made by Brenning to go into executive session to discuss personnel at 7:51 p.m.

The Board returned to regular session at 8:37 p.m.

A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Copelin to approve the completed probation period of PW employees, Chad McCreary and Jason Horn. The motion was approved 5-0. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Copelin to increase the salary of McCreary to $18.00 per hour and Horn to $16.00 per hour effective with the next pay period and that no pay increase will be given at the next annual period in May unless certain new qualifications have been met as outlined by the Superintendent. The motion was approved 5-0.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:44 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk