October 14, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 3478

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Derek Hedges called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Mayor Randy Rhodes arrived and called roll: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris, and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes. Jim Copelin and Jamie Morgan were absent.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Hedges to approve the minutes of September 23, 2015. The motion was approved 4-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved. The motion was seconded by Baer and approved 4-0.

Visitors:

William Adams was present and offered the Board some suggestions that included getting a more updated website and possibly a Facebook page for the Village. He also wanted to know what the trick or treat hours would be. Trick or treating will be allowed on October 30th and 31st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes reported that there had been another water break. He continues to work on an estimate for replacing the water main causing the problems. New water and gas meters have been ordered. Rhodes expects delivery in five to six weeks. The new work truck has arrived and been put into service. Molnar will check with the Illinois Municipal League to determine the procedure for selling the old truck.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that all of his officers, both full and part time have recently received taser training.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Mayor Rhodes presented a letter received from City, Water, Light and Power informing the Board of the City of Springfield’s intent to proceed with building Hunter Lake. Baer reported that Mark Petrelli of R.W. Troxell has informed him that rates for employee health insurance will increase by 6% on December 1. Petrelli is looking at other options for the Village.

Minutes October 14, 2015 Page 3479

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

Treasurer Christine Nichols sent the Board a balance sheet. She pointed out that the Village’s cash balance is unusually low because of not receiving payments from the State of Illinois for sales tax, income tax and motor fuel tax. Brenning suggested that the sidewalk program be put on hold until the balances return to normal. R. Rhodes will contact the contractor and ask that the construction be delayed at this time.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

A discussion was held concerning the gas use by Dowson’s Grain elevator. The elevator didn’t use as much as expected last month and the Village purchased more than was needed. The excess gas was put into storage and will be used this month. The Board would like for Ron Killian to be more involved in the gas purchases in the future.

The Board interviewed Paul Morgan and Courtney Palazzollo for the position of part time Police Officer. Palazzollo has her degree in criminal justice from Southern Illinois University and has worked for the Village of Leland Grove. Morgan is currently the Chief of Police in Thayer Illinois. A motion was made by Baer and seconded by Brenning to hire Morgan and Palazzollo beginning October 15, 2015 at the rate of $11.00 per hour. The motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 7:50 pm.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk