September 10, 2014

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes September 10, 2014

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Layton 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: Melissa Layton “Here”, Pam Cronister “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Superintendent Larry Rhodes, Police Chief Barclay Harris, and Treasurer Christine Nichols. Derek Hedges were absent. Randy Rhodes arrived at 7:24 p.m.

A motion was made by Baer to approve the minutes of August 27, 2014. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Layton voting present.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after adding a bill from P.T. Cody for mowing for the amount of $800.00. After Baer seconded the motion, it was approved 4-0.

Amy Patton of Patton and Associates was in attendance to present to the Board the annual audit. It was a clean audit, and Patton left the Board with some recommendations. She suggested that gaming revenues should be set aside for capital purchases. She recommended that minor increases should be made to water and sewer rates annually instead of waiting until a large increase is needed. She also advised that the Board couldn’t control insurance costs but needed to be aware that health insurance rates would be increasing rapidly. Treasurer Nichols said that she and Mayor Rhodes had gone through the audit earlier in the week and were pleased.

Nichols also gave the Board an update on the new billing and accounting software. She said that there had been several issues, but most had been addressed, and that if a couple other problems were worked out that things would be running smoothly.

Superintendents report:

Larry Rhodes reported that Walker Sandblasting had examined the damage to the water tower and would be making a bid on the repairs. Rhodes also said that two storm tiles had collapsed on Wells Street between 2nd and 3rd streets. The Village has entered into a contract for road salt for this winter.

Police report:

Chief Harris reported that the owner of the old grocery store had been down to mow his property, but has been refusing to pick up his certified mail from the Village. The Village may have to get the Sangamon County Department of Public Health involved to get the property cleaned up. Part Time Officer Sean Chrissy had resigned to take a full time job at another department. One of the overhead garage doors on the police garage needs to be replaced.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister reported that she had been looking into whether or not the Village needed to change its policy on utility deposits and recommended that no change was needed. Lindsay Enloe of Utility Safety and Design has been looking at the Village’s gas rate system and is waiting for a copy of the newest audit before making any recommendations. Molnar will send him a copy of the new audit. An update was given on the Safe Routes to Schools project. She also gave the

Minutes September 10, 2014

Board a draft of a letter that will be sent to John Powell regarding the replacement cost of the sidewalk along side of his property.

Finance:

Nothing to report.

Personnel:

Baer reported that a representative from R.W. Troxell will be at the next meeting to make a bid on employee health insurance.

Health and Safety:

A motion was made by Copelin and seconded by Brenning to pass ordinance 2014-008. It is an amendment to the animal control ordinance requiring residents to clean up after their animals. The motion passed 5-0. Copelin also gave an update on the requirements of the Sangamon County Hazard Mitigation Committee.

Community Development:

Layton reported that Hedges had agreed to take over the issue of looking over the requirements of building codes in the zoning ordinance. She and Baer will be meeting soon regarding the annual Christmas lighting contest. She also reported that the American Legion Auxiliary will not be holding the annual Halloween party this year.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

None.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 7:38 p.m.

Melissa Layton Rodney Molnar

Mayor Pro Tem Village Clerk

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