April 8, 2015

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes April 8, 2015 Page 3447

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the Divernon Village Hall. Village President Randy Rhodes 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: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Pam Cronister “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Also in attendance were Police Chief Barclay Harris and Superintendent Larry Rhodes. Jim Copelin arrived at 6:07 p.m.

A motion was made by Hedges to approve the minutes of March 25, 2015. Cronister seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

A motion was made by Baer to approve the executive session minutes of March 25, 2015. Brenning seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Brenning presented the Village bills with a motion that they be approved after adding a bill from Frontier Communications for $57.27. After the motion was seconded by Baer, the motion passed 5-0.

Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates was present to introduce their newest engineer, Mike Davis who will be working with the Village on storm sewer projects. Benton advised that if the Village were to begin work on a major drainage project, the site for a retention pond would require anywhere from five to twelve acres of land. Mayor Rhodes said that the legislature may be considering a capital plan and those municipalities with shovel ready projects ready to go may be able to receive funding, but nothing is an absolute at this point. Benton pointed out that a permit would be required from the railroad to install a tile under the tracks and that it would be expensive and suggested the Village not move forward on it unless they knew that the project would be funded. Benton will meet with Superintendent Rhodes on Thursday, April 16, 2015 to determine this year’s streets project.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Larry Rhodes reported that his crew has mainly been working on the streets. They have been cleaning up excess rock from last year’s street work. He suggested that less rock be used on this year’s oil and chipping.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported on an abandoned house on High School Street that some kids had broken into and done some damage. Harris is working with the owner of the property on having the house torn down. The new car radios have come in and will be installed soon.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

Cronister reported that both the water and sewer departments are still losing money. She advised that she will begin putting together an advertisement for this year’s sidewalk program.

Minutes April 8, 2015 Page 3448

Finance:

Brenning asked that everyone look over the information passed out by Treasurer Christine Nichols and have questions and comments ready by the next meeting. This report compares the Village finances from this fiscal year to the previous fiscal year. The Circle K service station on Route 104 will be putting in a request for a video gaming license at the next meeting.

Personnel:

Baer reported that even though ads have been placed in both South County Publications and the State Journal Register, the Village has thus far only received one application for part time Police Officer. Thirteen applications have been received for the public works position.

Health and Safety:

Letters will be sent out this week to residents that need to have the area around their alleys cleaned up or have trees trimmed hanging over the alley ways. Mayor Rhodes advised that he is going to check with the United States Postal Service as well as some other Villages as to whether they have any regulations regarding mailbox placement. With hours being reduced at the Post Office more people are putting up mailboxes and although there have been no problems thus far he would like to avoid any future problems.

Community Development:

Layton reported that the Village wide garage sale will be on May 2, 2015. Clean up day will be on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 6:00 a.m. until noon. She will put advertisements in the local paper as well as distribute flyers and post on social media.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Office Manager Sue Arter has been taking requests for plots in the community garden. Jo Webster has agreed to manage the garden this summer. Brenning requested that the Board pass an ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven on Village streets. Gene Brenning and Webster were also in attendance in favor of this proposed ordinance. A long discussion included what type of vehicles would be allowed and which wouldn’t. Chief Harris will look into other communities that allow low speed vehicles on their streets and report back.

New Business:

None.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk