Board Meeting Minutes
May 13The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday May 13, 2009 at the Divernon Village Hall. Mayor Wade Carter called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. After all in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the Clerk called roll call: Randy Rhodes “Here”, Tom Burke “Here”, Betty Carter “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”. Also present Police Chief Eric Kirbach, Superintendent Larry Rhodes and Treasurer Lucille Hundley. Not Present John Caudle.
The minutes for the April 22th meeting were presented. After any corrections or additions were made a motion to approve was made by T. Burke. Second by B. Carter. Motion passed 4-0.
The bills were presented for approval. After additions and corrections were made, motion to approve bills by T. Burke. Second by R. Rhodes. Motion passed 4-0.
Mayor Carter then swore in Tracey Oldridge as Clerk. Clerk Oldridge swore in the Mayor Wade Carter, Trustees Randy Rieke, Michelle Bennett and Melissa Layton. Board members Betty Carter and Tom Burke left the meeting and the new members were seated.
Mayor Carter recognized visitor Zoning Administrator Jeremy Rhodes on behalf of Pete and Nancy Crawford, requesting a variance on the property at 709 South 1st Street. The Crawford’s are planning to place a manufactured home on the lot. Motion to approve the variance for the placement of the home at 709 S. 1st. St. by R. Rhodes. Second by R. Rieke. Motion passed 5-0.
Mike McEvers from Benton and Associates presented the projections for the MFT street maintenance projects for summer of 09. Estimated cost of the project is $41,888.00. This amount may exceed available funds. Additional funds may be available from the Road and Bridge Fund. Motion to accept the estimate for the street maintenance by J. Bukantos. Second by M. Layton. Motion passed 5-0.
Motion to approve Resolution for road work by R. Rhodes. Second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 5-0.
Jane Hubbard and Louise Purdon were present to discuss the weight limit for the yard waste bags. At the present time the limit is 10 lbs. per bag. R. Rhodes questioned the limit that was set. Superintendent Rhodes stated the limit was set by a past Board. The policy states, if the bag must be able to be picked up with one hand, if it is necessary to use 2 hands the bags will not to be picked up by village employees. Superintendent Rhodes suggested reconsidering this policy. J. Bukantos questioned if this has been a problem in the past. Suggestion was made to raise the limit to 25 lbs. Mayor Carter to have new committee member for Health and Safety look into this matter.
Cathy Hayworth was present to address the ditch that is causing erosion at 13 Gorham Dr. The ditch has become unsafe to mow and has started to cause damage to the property and suggested to have a culvert placed. Superintendent Rhodes will look into the matter to determine what can be done to resolve this issue.
Supervisor (L. Rhodes):
J. Bukantos questioned the progress on the water tower project. Superintendent Rhodes stated the engineers from Benton and Assoc. have looking into the project and are waiting to hear if monies will become available through the federal stimulus package.
M. Layton stated a ditch on South Street needs to be addressed due to the standing water.
Police:
Chief Kirbach reported the UCB bank robber has been apprehended.
There has been a dog bite complaint causing bodily injury. An Ordinance violation notice will be sent to the owner and the Board will take action at the next Board meeting.
A complaint has been filed against officer Strimell. The complainant stated they are being harassed due to multiple tickets issued by the officer. The issue will be sent to court and an outcome to be determined.
Treasurer (L. Hundley):
The monthly Treasurer’s report was presented.
Treasurer Hundley explained the report to the newly seated Board members.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds and Lights (R. Rhodes):
R. Rhodes presented a bid from Rettberg’s for updating the electrical system at the Village square for the amount of $7544.00.The Board will table this item for discussion at the next Board meeting.
Finance
Mayor Carter stated the FY 10 Appropriation Ordinance and Budget will be done with the assistance from B. Carter.
Motion to retain Bill Gregurich to proceed with the FY 09 audit by J. Bukantos. Second by M. Layton. Motion passed 5-0.
Personnel/Human Resources
Mayor Carter stated Personnel Code Revisions need to be addressed regarding sick time availability.
Health & Safety
Mayor Carter presented a complaint on the homeowners at 821 and 827 So. First Street. There is debris left in the back yard. Chief Kirbach will address this issue.
The property at 209 E. Dodd Street needs to be mowed. This property has been vacated. A letter will be sent. 306 Lincoln has a dumpster on village property and needs to be addressed.
Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Utilities (J. Bukantos):
J. Bukantos presented a bid for replacement of the sidewalk in front of the new garage from Chuck Bland Builders for the amount of $1132.00. J. Bukantos suggested to also complete the sidewalk south of the garage at 315 S. State for the amount of $1488.00. Bids were also presented for additional work to be done in the Village. Discussion was held regarding the cost and available funds. Motion to approve bid from Charles Bland Builders for replacement of 105 ft. of sidewalk at the cost of $2620.00 by J. Bukantos. Second by M. Bennett. Motion passed 5-0.
Community Development (J. Caudle):
Nothing to report.
Old Business
Nothing to report.
New Business
Bonita Ralston has requested to take pictures of the current Board. Mayor Carter will have the office manager look in to the cost.
Lincoln land All-star Classic Basketball requesting a donation for an ad to be placed. The cost of a ¼ page is $15.00. Motion to purchase ad for $15.00 by R. Rhodes. Second by M. Bennett. Motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Carter presented signup sheet for the work duty at the Village wide clean up on Saturday May 16th.
Mayor Carter stated he has not determined the committee assignments and will get back with the new Board members. Mayor Carter appointed R. Rhodes to be the Mayor Pro-Tem.
Motion to adjourn by M. Layton at 9:24 p.m.
Wade Carter Tracey Oldridge
Village President Village Clerk