Board Meeting Minutes
March 10The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday March 10, 2010, at the Divernon Village Hall. Acting Mayor Randy Rhodes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. After all in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Clerk called roll call: Acting Mayor Randy Rhodes “Here”, Melissa Layton “Here”, Kelly Horn “Here”, Tom Burke “Here”, Randy Rieke “Here”, and Michelle Bennett “Here”. Also present Police Chief Eric Kirbach, Superintendent Larry Rhodes and Treasurer Lucille Hundley. Joe Bukantos arriving late.
The minutes for the February 24th regular meeting were presented. After any additions or corrections were made a motion to approve was made by T. Burke. Second by M. Bennett. Motion passed 5-0.
The bills were presented for approval. After additions and corrections were made, motion to approve bills by R. Rieke. Second by T. Burke. Motion passed 6-0.
Acting Mayor Rhodes recognized visitors Kevin Wingo. K. Wingo is requesting use of the Village Square for a concession stand for 10 weeks. A peddler’s license will need to be purchased. He will begin serving April 2 thru June 6th on Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s on the East side of the square.
Chris Dowson presented plans for grain drying and storage units for the property on the east side of the highway. This area is not part of the present TIF District. Clerk Oldridge will check to see what the area is zoned at the present time. If the Board decides to have the property zoned industrial there will need to be a variance done prior to any building permits issued. Discussion was held on the usage of natural gas and cost involved. Suggestion was made to C. Dowson to look into grants from the Illinois Dept. of Economic Opportunity for any monies available for costs of upgrading the area.
Reggie Benton of Benton and Associates presented a pre-application for loan assistance for the drinking water facilities. The revolving loan program is funded through the Clean Water Act. The Village will qualify for the principal forgiveness. At the present time the Capital Bill has not released funds for the Federal Stimulus package. Discussion was held regarding the water tower and the need to have repairs done within a year. There has already been an extension filed on the work. Reggie stated the work was recommended to be completed within a year. Applying for the money through the loan program should not present any problems with extending the work to be completed. Motion to submit the IEPA Pre-loan Application for the Water Tower project at a cost of $300,000.00 by M. Bennett. Second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 5-1. K. Horn voting present.
Acting Mayor R. Rhodes presented the Capital Improvement plan from 2005 for the Village. To update the plan for future development it was suggested to have a committee to determine needs for the Village. After the plan is determined get back together with Reggie Benton to finalize a plan.
Supervisor (L. Rhodes):
Supervisor Rhodes stated the Village needs to get more rock.
Police:
Chief Kirbach stated Officer Allen will be graduating on April 9th.
Treasurer (L. Hundley):
Presented the monthly Treasurer’s report. Treasurer Hundley reported the information was sent to the IEMA for review regarding the discrepancy on the flood buy out. More information will be available at the next Board meeting.
Committee Reports
Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Utilities (J. Bukantos):
Noting to report.
Finance (R. Rieke):
R. Rieke is continuing the search for a new accountant.
Personnel/Human Resources (K. Horn):
K. Horn has submitted the Drug and Alcohol testing reports.
Health & Safety (M. Bennett):
M. Bennett stated that Sangamon County Health Department needs to check on the store property at 1st and Dodd. There are open doors and are causing health hazards.
The property at 209 E. Dodd has been sold to a new loan company. Per Sangamon County, they cannot proceed further due to the property being sealed off. The Village would have to have an attorney force a foreclosure to have liens taken care of. M. Bennett will gather information necessary for the attorney.
K. Horn questioned when the Village could contact the Fire Marshall on the property at 1st and Dodd.
M. Bennett contacted Flowers Sanitation regarding the upcoming contract with the Village. Flowers Sanitation stated they will have no new changes. T. Burke suggested having no surcharges added to the contract.
Flowers Sanitation and Allied Waste have submitted bids for the upcoming Village wide clean up.
Building, Grounds and Lights (T. Burke):
T. Burke presented the bid from Designer Landscaping. The new contract is the same as last year. Motion to approve contract with Designer Landscaping for the year 2010 by T. Burke. Second by M. Layton. Motion passed 6-0.
Carter Tree Service submitted a bid to remove 3 trees at the property at 1st and Springer for a cost of $750.00. Motion to accept bid for $750.00 from Carter Tree Service and have a lien placed on the property for cost of removal by T. Burke. Second by M. Bennett. Motion passed 6-0.
The Girls Scouts are requesting use of the Village Square for an Easter Egg Hunt on March 27 from 11-4.
The area between the Village Police Garage and the Village Hall is in need of concrete. Due to the area still settling there will be rock placed for the present time.
Community Development (M. Layton):
M. Layton stated the Village Wide Clean is tentatively scheduled for May 1st and May 8th. Further discussion will held at the next Board meeting.
M. Layton presented information regarding loans for rural development.
K. Horn stated he is continuing to work on the grant for the school sidewalks. A committee has been put together to discuss a plan for the project.
Peggy Jones would like the Community Garden tilled, they will be marking lots on 4-1-10.
Old Business
Nothing to report.
New Business
Nothing to report.
Motion to adjourn by K. Horn at 9:22 p.m.
Randy Rhodes Tracey Oldridge
Acting Mayor Village Clerk