Board Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2007
Minutes Board Meeting
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The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday August 8, 2007 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Wade Carter called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. After all in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Clerk called roll call: Mayor Wade Carter, “Here”, Gretchen Henson “Here”, Randy Rhodes “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Tom Burke “Here”, Betty Carter “Here”, John Caudle “Here”. Also present were Superintendent Larry Rhodes, Police Chief Jamie Lomelino, Treasurer, Lucille Hundley.
The minutes of the regular Board meeting on July 25, 2007 were presented. After reviewing and any correction made a motion to approve was made by T. Burke and second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 6-0.
The monthly bills were presented for approval. After additions and any corrections were made a motion to approve the bills made by B. Carter. Second by R. Rhodes. Motion passed 6-0.
Mayor Carter recognized visitor Dennis Ross with the Otter Lake Water Commission. D. Ross stated a letter had been sent to the Mayor regarding the changes in the rules at the campgrounds at Otter Lake. The Otter Lake Water Commission is going to be in charge of the campgrounds. Some of the changes will affect the buying and selling of the campground lots. B. Carter questioned if leases will be available. D. Ross stated the funds from the leases help pay for the upkeep of the campground. Anyone that has questions regarding this matter can contact the Otter Lake Water Commission.
Supervisor (L. Rhodes):
Supervisor Rhodes reported there are 3 vehicles and 1 squad car ready for auction. Mayor Carter suggested an ad to be placed for bids. These items are to be sold “As Is”.
Supervisor Rhodes reported K. Williams of Martin Engineering has sent the new plans for the UCB development to IDOT in April.. These plans are for the hydraulics and second entrance. Copies have been sent to Benton and Associates. Supervisor Rhodes will be checking with the Department of Transportation regarding the placement of the utilities under the roadway.
Supervisor Rhodes is working on the Public Awareness pamphlets for the Gas Department. Supervisor Rhodes stated that Jann Belford is working with him to get the information together. J. Belford will be working at home on this project.
R. Rhodes reported that there have been complaints regarding the branch pick up and why it has been discontinued. Supervisor Rhodes explained the branches were picked up free of charge after the ice storm because of the volume, branches can still be picked up for a fee. Small loads are $20.00 and large loads are $50.00. Supervisor Rhodes stated the Sewer Plant area is full and the Public Works employees will be working on the street projects. A lack of manpower at this time makes it difficult to continue the branch pick-up. J. Bukantos suggested a part-time employee to help with the current needs. Suggestions were made to hire a new full-time employee for the Public Works Department. T. Burke suggested a new employee should be required to complete the proper training and certifications necessary for this position. Supervisor Rhodes stated a full time employee needs to be considered. Mayor Carter would like supervisor Rhodes to check into the qualifications necessary for this position.
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Police (J. Lomelino):
Chief Lomelino reported that James Gerberding has passed his State Certification test and is certified for part time. J. Gerberding will be graduating on August 9th. Chief Lomelino will begin riding with Gerberding for training. R. Pearce is riding in his own vehicle and will continue to receive additional training.
Chief Lomelino reported the PIPS contract renewal is due at the end of August for the amount of $1200.00 per year. The installation of the county software will be in Dec. or Jan. of 2008. These fees are a necessary cost to receive further updates for the program. Chief Lomelino will be checking into these fees, and also if the system can still be reinstated used if the fees are not paid this time.
Chief Lomelino reported that Chatham Fire Department has purchased the equipment necessary to make name badges for all officers at a cost of $4.00 each. Chief Lomelino will be checking into having badges,per the Boards request, made for all Village employees and Village Board members.
Chief Lomelino reported that he has spoken to IDOT regarding school speed zones. IDOT surveyed Brown Street for possible school zone. Chief Lomelino will contact Benton and Assoc. for zones with in the Village.
Chief Lomelino presented a map of the street sign placement in the village and recommendations for additional sign placement. J. Bukantos questioned if the stop signs on State Street have been causing any traffic problems. Chief Lomelino will also be checking on the crosswalk to be repainted. Superintendent Rhodes suggested checking with the Village Engineers.
Chief Lomelino reported on a meeting with School Superintendent K. Garrett and the Chief of Police in Auburn regarding the first response for emergencies. B. Carter suggested a inter-agency agreement to be put into place.
T. Burke questioned the August Police schedule and the coverage for the day shift. J. Bukantos questioned the changes that occur on the schedule. Chief Lomelino reported that with the part-time officers starting the schedule should improve.
Treasures Report
Hundley presented the Treasurer's report and related documents.
She also reported that since beginning use of the Sweep Account, all interest earned has been credited to the Water, Sewer and Gas funds only but feels the General fund should be receiving an appropriate distribution of the interest. Upon recommendation of the Auditor, Hundley requested Board action to correct this error in interest distribution. Motion made to split the interest in the Sweep Account each month among the General, ,Water, Sewer, and Gas Funds based on the percentage of each total fund in the account by B. Carter. Second J. Bukantos. Motion passed 6-0.
Hundley also reported that the waterline replacement CD matures on August 26 and asked if it should be removed. It was suggested that the Treasurer check for the best rate to reinvest the funds.
Committee Reports
Building,Grounds and Lights and Technology ( R. Rhodes):
R. Rhodes reported the sidewalk at the baseball field is completed.
R. Rhodes presented a vote on street light placement on Corn Silk. B. Carter questioned the placement of a light in the middle of the block. Motion made to receive bids for placement of a light on Corn Silk on the west side of the road in the middle of the block and the north side of Madison street from
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AmerenCips by R. Rhodes. Second by T. Burke. Motion passed 6-0.
R. Rhodes presented a street sign project for future discussion.
Finance (B. Carter):
B. Carter is working on the Village Ordinances to get them ready to codify. B. Carter presented a investment policy that should be made an Ordinance.
Personnel/Human Resources ( G. Henson):
G. Henson presented an updated job description for review.
R. Rhodes questioned the sick time available during a probationary period for full time Police officers. B. Carter suggested continuing the one year probation with six month for sick time accrual. Mayor Carter and Chief Lomelino will check the personal code regarding this matter.
Health & Safety (T. Burke):
T. Burke questioned if any information regarding the property at Kenney and First street has been received. Mayor Carter has not heard from R. Rutherford on this matter.
Mayor Carter reported S. Darling with Illini Bank questioned what needs to be done for driveway and entrance replacement. Mayor Carter informed that the ADA standards should be followed.
Public Works,Streets,Alleys and Utilities (J. Bukantos):
J. Bukantos presented an estimate from Langhiem Concrete for replacement of the curbing on the west side of the square. Motion made to replace curbing on the west side of the Village square at a cost of $8299.00 by J. Bukantos. Second T. Burke. Motion passed 6-0.
J. Bukantos questioned the money available for the sidewalk program at a cost of $6.00 per foot for the homeowner. The application deadline is August 17th. The Board will discuss at the next Board meeting to determine what can be done. Mayor Carter suggested looking into grants for future work.
Community Development (J. Caudle):
J. Caudle presented the TIF membership fees. Motion to pay the TIF membership at a cost of $375.00 per year by T. Burke. Second J. Bukantos. Motion passed 6-0.
J. Caudle presented a letter from the Township Library suggesting placement of planters on each corner of the square. The library is willing to maintain these planters.
Old Business
Motion made for a memorial for Bob Bramley at a cost of $300.00 by R. Rhodes. Second T. Burke. Motion passed 6-0.
New Business
Motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel at 9:27 P.M. By B. Carter.
Open Meeting Continuation
Motion to adjourn at 10:26 by R. Rhodes.
Wade Carter
Village President
Tracey Oldridge
Village Clerk