Board Meeting Minutes
March 25The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday March 25, 2009 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 Carter “Here”, Randy Rhodes “Here”, Tom Burke “Here”, Betty Carter “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”. Also present Police Chief Eric Kirbach and Superintendent Larry Rhodes. Not present John Caudle.
The minutes for the March 11th 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 B. Carter. Second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 4-0.
Mayor Carter recognized visitors Ed and David Stade regarding letter to the homeowner at 200 W. South St. T. Burke stated no progress has been made prior to this meeting and a letter will be sent. T. Burke will send out the letter to the homeowner.
Reggie Benton of Benton and Assoc. presented to the Board an engineering agreement for the waterline and water tower projects. The agreement detailed the line item cost for the engineering expenses for each project. Motion to accept agreement for engineering services from Benton and Assoc. by J. Bukantos. Second by R. Rhodes. Motion passed 4-0.
J. Bukantos questioned R. Benton regarding community grants available to the Village for projects such as sidewalk replacement. J. Bukantos contacted Steve Gilbreth at Benton and Assoc., who is knowledgeable in the criteria for such grants.
Jack Lewis was present representing the Mason’s requesting a building permit for a new building to be built in the UCB development which is zoned business. Motion to approve building permit for the Mason’s and waive permit fees by T. Burke. Second by B. Carter. Motion passed 4-0.
Coy Ralston was present with questions regarding the TIF district and reimbursements. Explanation was given regarding reimbursements. Detailed information must be presented to the Board prior to any approval for reimbursements.
Supervisor (L. Rhodes):
Supervisor Rhodes presented the contract from Panhandle Eastern for transportation of natural gas to be signed by the Mayor.
L. Rhodes presented a bid for an automatic injection odorizer for the gas system at a cost of $32,000.00. This new system will replace the current system and eliminate the need to add odorant manually. Motion to accept bid and order new odorizer for the gas department from USDI for the amount of $32,000.00 by B. Carter. Second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 4-0.
L. Rhodes stated the need to hire part time help for the summer and to start soon. L. Rhodes suggested to rehire Larry Belford. Motion to approve L. Rhodes to hire L. Belford as a return hire by B. Carter. Second by J. Bukantos. Motion passed 4-0.
Police:
Police Chief E. Kirbach attended a meeting with the Sangamon County Sherriff’s office in regards to the new StarCom radio communication system that will go into effect in 2013. Cost for 1 radio will be $3600.00. The County will provide the department with 1 radio at no cost. The department will need to purchase 1 radio. The user fees will be $32.00 per month.
Treasurer (L. Hundley):
The monthly treasurer’s report was presented.
Committee Reports
Building, Grounds and Lights (R. Rhodes):
R. Rhodes presented a bid from Designer Landscaping for the landscaping work that they previously completed last year. Motion to accept bid form Designer Landscaping for the year 2009 by R. Rhodes. Second by T. Burke. Motion passed 4-0.
Finance (B. Carter):
B. Carter reported on resolving the issue of the Flood Mitigation account. Village Attorney Cap O’keefe contacted Rusty Tanton of IEMA, and the issue should be resolved in FY09.
B. Carter stated the FY10 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance needs to be addressed. Suggestion was made to start prior to the seating of the new Board and to assist the new finance chair person with the Ordinances after they take office.
Personnel/Human Resources (B. Carter):
The personnel evaluation are to be discussed at the next Board meeting.
Health & Safety (T. Burke):
T. Burke attended the recycling meeting for Sangamon County recently. The next meeting is set for June 18th. B. Carter expressed concern with the cost involved in the village wide clean up day due to the balance on hand in the General Fund, and suggested an alternative solution should be discussed. Last year’s cleanup cost $4,018.00 and could possibly be 25% more this year.
T. Burke contacted the homeowner at 200 W. South street regarding the garage and suggested to show progress prior to the March 25th Board meeting. No progress has been seen at the time of the meeting and a letter will be sent giving the homeowner 30 days to comply. If no response the Sangamon Department of Public Health will be notified.
Public Works, Streets, Alleys, and Utilities (J. Bukantos):
J. Bukantos discussed the letter from Benton and Assoc. regarding grants for projects including sidewalk replacement. J. Bukantos to follow up on this matter.
Community Development (J. Caudle):
Nothing to report.
Designs and applications were presented to the Board for the community garden project from Peggy Jones. The Village will get the ground tilled for the project. Anyone interested in a plot should contact Peggy Jones.
Old Business
Mayor Carter stated progress is moving forward with the Federal Stimulas Package and suggested contacting Senator Bomke and Representative Brauer.
John Shimkus will be at the Village hall on April 1st. holding a help desk for the public.
New Business:
T. Burke stated the Girl Scouts are requesting a donation for an Easter egg hunt to be held on Saturday April 4th at 1:00 p.m. Motion to donate to the Girl Scouts $50.00 to defray the cost of the Easter egg hunt by B. Carter. Second by R. Rhodes. Motion passed 4-0.
Motion to go into Executive session by T. Burke
Open Meeting Continuation
Motion to approve to retain Steve Strimell as a full time officer after his probation period has expired by T. Burke. Second by R. Rhodes. Motion passed 4-0.
Motion to adjourn by R. Rhodes at 9:04 p.m.
Wade Carter Tracey Oldridge
Village President Village Clerk