December 10, 2014

Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes December 10, 2014

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 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”, Jim Copelin “Here”, Larry Baer “Here”, Derek Hedges “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here”. Pam Cronister was absent. Also in attendance was Police Chief Barclay Harris.

A motion was made by Layton to approve the corrected minutes of November 26, 2014. Copelin seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

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

Marlon Mayfield of Stars and Stripes baseball was in attendance to ask permission to schedule baseball games at MacMurray Park next summer. He was told to schedule them at the Village Hall.

Supervisors Reports:

Public Works:

Larry Rhodes was not in attendance. Baer asked about having a backup cover for L. Rhodes at the meetings when he is on vacation. Mayor Rhodes will check with Larry to see who he would like to attend when he is absent. Brenning noted that the trees at the “Welcome to Divernon” sign had become so large that they were blocking the sign. She asked Designer Landscapes to give a bid on replacing the trees.

Police Report:

Chief Harris reported that the new squad car has been put into service. Harris and Baer interviewed one applicant for the position of police officer. He will be asked to attend the first meeting in January to be interviewed by the entire Board.

Committee Reports:

Streets, Alleys, and Utilities:

R. Rhodes updated the Board on the work done on the sidewalks at the corner of First and Brown Streets. He and Cronister inspected the work and feel that it is unsatisfactory. Cronister was going to contact the contractor. A recommendation was received from Lindsay Enloe of Utilities Safety and Design regarding natural gas rates. Gas rates have not been increased in many years and Enloe pointed out that there are years where the gas department is not bringing in enough revenue to meet expenses. The Board tabled this item until January.

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Finance:

Nothing to report.

Personnel:

Nothing to report.

Minutes December 10, 2014

Health and Safety:

Copelin reported that there is one meeting remaining of the Sangamon County Hazard Mitigation Committee. The committee had questions regarding an earlier program of distributing weather radios by the Village. That program was completed some time ago. There could be grant money available in the future to help with flooding.

Community Development:

Layton reported that Christmas on the Square is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 13, 2014. Winners were selected for the annual Christmas lights contest.

Building Grounds and Lights:

Hedges reported that Summitt Inc. has received the letter from the Village notifying them of the Village’s intent to end the contract. The contract required a 30 day written notice. There has been no response from Summitt. Banyon is now being used for the accounting and billing software. Zoning Administrator Jeremy Rhodes will be asked to attend the next meeting to get his input on Hedges’ update to the zoning ordinances.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Copelin to approve liquor license renewals for Mac’s Convenience Stores, The Corner Bar, and Myra’s Homestyle Restaurant. The motion was approved 5-0.

A motion was made by Layton to go into executive session at 7:05 p.m. to discuss personnel. After the motion was seconded by Baer it passed 5-0.

The Board returned to regular session at 7:46 p.m.

A motion was made by Layton and seconded by Baer to give each of the employees’ gift cards as a Christmas bonus. Full time employees will receive a $100.00 card and part time employees will get a $50.00 card. The motion was approved 5-0.

The regular meeting of the Village Board scheduled for December 24, 2014 was cancelled due to falling on Christmas Eve. There is a special meeting scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by Layton to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.

Randy Rhodes Rodney Molnar

Village President Village Clerk