September 23, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes September 23, 2015 Page 3476

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, September 23, 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”, Jamie Morgan “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris, Treasurer Christine Nichols and Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes.

A motion was made by Copelin and seconded by Layton to approve the corrected minutes of September 9, 2015. The motion was approved 5-0. Morgan voting present.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after correcting the payment to Animal Control Officer Matt Seck. The motion was seconded by Baer and approved 6-0.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Superintendent Jeremy Rhodes reported on a number of items. There were two water breaks on Tuesday, most likely caused when the fire hydrants were flushed. R. Rhodes said that they were on water mains that are old and in need of replacement. The same mains had two breaks last year. J. Rhodes will put together some cost estimates of replacing the water main on South Street between First Street and the railroad tracks. The old diesel pickup truck was towed to a shop in Illiopolis at a cost of $327.00. The four inch pressure reducing valve on the water main from Route 104 is leaking and in need of replacement. The valve was installed in 1989. The cost for parts, labor and training on the valve will be $1190.00. The Board advised Rhodes to have the work done. J. Rhodes was given the authority to spend up to $500.00 for materials needed without Board approval.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that the active shooter training at the school went very well. There has been some vandalism on the Village square and at the Jr. High School. Harris was advised to have his officers be more proactive in dealing with violations at the corner of State and Dodds Streets. Harris is working on getting two new part time officers in order to provide more coverage. Harris was instructed to proceed with the enforcement of the zoning violation at 821 S. First Street.

Committee Reports:

Economic Development, Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Nothing to report.

Public Utilities, Water, Sewer and Gas:

Nichols has been working with Midwest Meters and the Bank of Springfield on the purchase/lease agreement for replacing the water and gas meters. The new meter fee will bring in around $4200.00 per month. A three year agreement would require a $4510.00 per month payment while a five year agreement would be a payment of $2338.00. The total financed would

Minutes September 23, 2015 Page 3477

be $151,307.00 at 4.55% fixed interest and no penalties for early payment. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Baer to go with the five year plan. The motion carried 6-0.

Finance, Personnel, Technology, GIS:

Brenning asked about installing the new billing software. Nichols said that the new software shouldn’t be installed until all of the new meters are installed. R. Rhodes said that overtime could be authorized if needed for the installation of the meters.

Public Safety, Police, Health and Safety:

Nothing to report.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

A discussion was held concerning the pickup of limbs and branches. Currently leaf bags with stickers are picked up. Stickers may be purchased at the Village Hall. There is no charge for picking up limbs. Some households are leaving large amounts to be picked up. A motion was made by Brenning and seconded by Layton to charge $50.00 if the amount of limbs to be picked up required two employees and equipment. The motion passed 6-0.

Building Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation:

Layton reported that the area around the “Welcome to Divernon” sign had been cleaned up. She will make some suggestions on the welcome packet and give to Sue Arter to work on.

Old Business:

Brenning reported that the Lions Club has ordered the new informational sign for the Village Hall. The Village will purchase a storage case for the letters at a cost of $103.00. A motion was made by Layton to accept the bid of Thurber Excavating for $26,640.00 for the sidewalk replacement program. $576.00 will be paid from the TIF fund, a portion will be paid by residents getting new sidewalks and the remainder to come from the Infrastructure Fund. After Copelin seconded, the motion was approved 5-0-1, with Brenning voting present.

New Business:

Morgan will look into the new requirements of the State of Illinois in regards to background checks for liquor license applicants.

Motion by Morgan to adjourn at 8:21 pm.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk