September 11, 2013

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes September 11, 2013

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance, Clerk Rod Molnar called roll: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Pam Cronister “Here”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris and Superintendent Larry Rhodes. Derek Hedges was absent.

A motion was made by Layton to approve the minutes of August 28, 2013. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Brenning voting present.

A motion was made by Cronister to approve the executive session minutes of August 28, 2013. After being seconded by Copelin, the motion passed 4-0. Brenning voting present.

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

Superintendent Report:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that the IEPA had recently performed an audit on the wastewater treatment plant. The Village will be receiving a report. He also reported on a water line break at the corner of Springer and Second Streets. Jeremy Rhodes is attending a water conference for three days this week. The Fire Department will be flushing hydrants on September 21 and 22, 2013.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that the McCrady benefit went well. Officer Neil Brown is attending Juvenile Officer School this week. Harris will be attending a class on conceal carry on October 1, 2013.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Brenning to accept the bid of Carter Tree Service for removal of a tree near Dodds and Lincoln Streets. The tree will need to be removed for sidewalk replacement and has recently caused problems with falling limbs. The total cost for tree and stump removal will be $1500.00. The motion was approved 5-0.

Finance:

Brenning reported that Interim Treasurer Christine Nichols has pointed out a number of problems with the accounting software purchased from Banyon Inc. Hedges will contact Nichols to get specifics and contact Banyon. Mayor Rhodes reported that the TIF reports for the Comptroller’s office are nearly complete.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Minutes September 11, 2013

Health and Safety:

Chief Harris will contact the owner of the old grocery store property about the continued cleanup of that parcel.

Community Development:

Layton is preparing the next edition of the Village Newsletter. She would like articles by the next Village Board meeting. The newsletter will go out around the first of October. She has been contacting businesses about interest in locating in the TIF district. She is working with Sue Arter on a letter welcoming new residents to the Village. There is nothing new to report from the Sangamon County Health Department on the abandoned properties on State Street.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Mayor Rhodes noted that the Welcome to Divernon sign needs some attention. The posts need to be replaced and the sign repainted. Layton has information on when the sign was installed and look into it.

Old Business:

Water rates will need to be addressed at the next meeting as the Village will receive a rate increase from the Otter Lake Water Commission on November 1. Molnar will look into gaming permit fees. The Village has received three applications for part time police officer. Harris will look into them.

New Business:

Mayor Rhodes signed a proclamation declaring September 19, 2013 as “Drive 4 Pledges Day” to encourage motorists not to text and drive.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:04 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk