Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Nov. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Jim Peck called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

Upon a call of the roll, the following members were physically present: Mayor Jim Peck, Trustee Marilyn Johnson, Trustee Lauren Young, Trustee Jeff London, Trustee Bob Gruenewald, Trustee Dave Wendt, Trustee Jeremy Shaw

Staff Present:

Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Forsyth Library Director Steven Ward, Financial Administrative Assistant Glenda Hoffman, Administrative Assistant Kim Taylor

Others Present: Alex Rhoda, Busey Farm Manager

NEW BUSINESS

1. BUSEY FARM REPORT (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Alex Rhoda, Busey Bank farm manager, gave an update on the Village’s farmland finances for 2021 and 2022. He also discussed 2022 harvest yields and plans for 2023. A short discussion was held with several questions from Trustees.

2. STRATEGIC PLAN DISCUSSION (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee introduced the discussion to be held on the strategic plan and its revisions that have been implemented to date. She explained the process that she and Library Director Steven Ward used to create this document. Once the plan is finalized it will be put on the website and published for public consumption. She asked Trustees to review the document at their leisure and share input with her. She then asked for discussion on the community center, ballfields, possible purchase of more land, and the sports and nature park. She requested the Board to discuss these four topics and prioritize them along with general timelines.

Mayor Peck said we already have a general timeline for the sports and nature park which aligns with funding that’s currently lined up. He feels this should be #1 priority and the other Board members agreed.

A general discussion was held regarding future options that would bring tourism into the Village.

Trustee Wendt said that additional land purchases are not as important to him and all others agreed that this should be the last priority.

A lengthy discussion was held regarding the Village ballfields. Maroa High School is offering to move the ball fields up to their property. Discussion followed regarding the potential costs and impact that option would have on the Village. The topic of installing turf in our current fields was also discussed.

The next discussion focused on a community center and how to pay for it especially since prices have soared. There is a need to find out if a referendum for funding is needed and Administrator Applebee will look into this. That answer will affect the project timeline.

Mayor Peck summarized that he felt the priorities were the sports and nature park, ballfields, community center, and land purchases and all Board members agreed. A short discussion ensued about who should be in the decision-making process for the sports and nature park and community center plans, either all board members or should it be committees. No clear decision was made.

A general discussion ensued with Administrator Applebee confirming that this is a five year plan and will be reviewed likely on a quarterly basis to confirm the Village is adhering to its plan. She will also get cost estimates for two different ball fields and also the cost to add a fourth diamond, etc. along with other options. Lastly she directed the Trustees to review the strategic plan and provide her with any feedback as soon as possible.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Gruenewald seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(50).pdf