Board Meeting Minutes
Date August 13, 2008
The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday August 13 ,2008 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”, Randy Rhodes “Here”, Tom Burke “Here”, John Caudle ”Here”, Betty Carter “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”. Also present were Superintendent Larry Rhodes, Treasurer Lucille Hundley and Administrative Assistant Jan Bowsher. Not Present Gretchen Henson.
The minutes for the July 23, 2008 meeting were presented. After any corrections or additions were made a motion to approve was made by T. Burke. Second by J. Caudle. Motion passed 5-0.
The bills were presented for approval. After additions and corrections were made, motion to approve bills by B. Carter. Second by T. Burke. Motion passed 5-0 .
Mayor Carter recognized visitor Karel Dunlap of 100 E. Dodd Street. K. Dunlap was questioning a letter received for the cleanup of the Village right of way. K. Dunlap was concerned that the Village is requesting that all the area be completely cleaned and trees removed. After discussion was held it was explained that the letter intended to see that the trees be trimmed in order for the stop sign to be in clear view and the sidewalk area passable for pedestrians. J. Bukantos stated the area is a concern for public safety. Mayor Carter will be looking into other areas that need to be addressed.
Mike Ralston was present to discuss concerns of the vehicles that are parked illegally and the police addressing all issues. J. Bowsher stated they have addressed number of violators and there are numerous others that the Police are working on. M. Ralston feels that this has been a problem with the Police in the past. J. Bukantos stated the Police Department is following up on complaints and the issues are being addressed. Mayor Carter stated the changes have occurred since the schools have consolidated and the amount of out of town traffic has increased. M. Ralston questioned the application for Police Chief from G. Rogers. M. Ralston feels there should be special consideration for the application since the applicant is a resident of Divernon. T. Burke explained that the application was received after the deadline for applicants. The choices have been made for possible candidates for the position and they are to be interviewed and considered prior to G. Rogers. If no other applicant is considered then the Board will look into G. Rogers’s application. M. Ralston feels the applicants do not have the experience and that G. Rogers has 30 years experience and is a resident of Divernon and should be considered. Coy Ralston questioned who would be making the decision of whom to hire. Mayor Carter explained that the Board makes that determination.
Bonnie Ralston requested parking signs or lines placed in front of her business. Supervisor Rhodes stated the area is gravel and lines will not work but suggested signs to be placed. Supervisor Rhodes will check area to determine best course of action.
Ed Stade questioned the issues of yard cleanup. J. Bowsher stated violations are being addressed and will take any additional complaints.
Supervisor (L. Rhodes):
Supervisor Rhodes stated that he has contacted Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates regarding the water tank inspection and should receive information next week.
Letters in regards to the purchase of gas were received from UMG.
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No further information has been received from the IEPA for the permits for water and waste water.
Supervisor Rhodes will have the oil and rock rescheduled for the near future. The original dates were cancelled due to the Homecoming event.
Police:
Administrative Assistant Bowsher reported that officer Gerberding qualified at range on July 24th, 2008.
The Department is working on the recent thefts and burglaries.
Updates have been completed with all department training certifications for 2008 with the Illinois Law Enforcements Training and Standards Board.
B. Carter stated only one payment has been received for the fines for the recent dog bite. B. Carter suggested a $50.00 per month payment. J. Bowsher will follow up on this issue.
Treasurer (L. Hundley):
Hundley passed out the monthly Treasurer's report.
Treasurer Hundley reported that Bill Gregerich has been working on the audit and should be available at the September 24th Board Meeting.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds and Lights (R. Rhodes):
R. Rhodes reported the roof on the Village garage will be done as soon as possible per Mike Bolash.
R. Rhodes questioned if the generator to be purchased for the new garage should be done now or wait. Suggestions were made to check into the cost. The plans for the garage will be available soon.
R. Rhodes suggested the Village consider new legal representation.
Finance (B. Carter):
Nothing to report.
Personnel/Human Resources (G. Henson)
Nothing to report.
Health & Safety (T. Burke):
Nothing to report.
Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Utilities (J. Bukantos):
J. Bukantos questioned the fees for limb pick up.
J. Bukantos stated there has been no word from Langhiem Concrete for the Sidewalk Program.
Mayor Carter has received the franchise agreement from Comcast and will present to the Board at the next Board meeting.
Community Development (J. Caudle):
J. Caudle presented the Resolution for the Sangamon County Multi-jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan which needs to be approved before September 1. Once the resolution is approved the
grants will become available. Motion to approve Resolution to accept the S.C.M.N.H.M.P. by J. Caudle. Second by T. Burke Motion passed 5-0.
J. Caudle suggested a donation to the Girl Scouts for the work on the planters at the Village square. Motion to donate $50.00 to the Girl Scouts by J. Bukantos. Second by B. Carter. Motion passed 5-0.
J. Bukantos suggested plastic covers for the garbage barrels around the Village square. J. Caudle will look into the suggestion.
Old Business
Mayor Carter stated the water rate increase must be passed as a resolution by October 1.
Discussion was held on the late fees and reconnection fee for the utilities. The Board tabled for future discussion.
New Business
Mayor Carter stated Joan McCrady is requesting a donation for an ad to be placed in the Divernon News for the football season. Motion to donate $39.00 to the Divernon News for ad by R. Rhodes. Second by B. Carter. Motion passed 5-0.
Motion to adjourn for Executive Session at 8:36pm.
Open Meeting Continuation
Motion to hire Eric Kirbach as Chief of Police with the starting salary of $40,000.00 to begin employment on September 1st by R. Rhodes. Second by B. Carter. Motion passed 5-0.
Motion to adjourn at 9:34 P.M. by R. Rhodes
Wade Carter Tracey Oldridge
Village President Village Clerk