Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met July 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Jim Peck called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Absent: Trustee Jeremy Shaw

Staff Present:

Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Library Director Steven Ward, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty

Staff Absent: Village Engineer Jeremy Buening

Others Present: resident Bill Krueger

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 5, 2023

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

3. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 2023

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion.

Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

Yeas: 5 – Young, London, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: At this time, the public has the opportunity to express views or make comments to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on agenda items or any other Village issue. Comments must be limited to not more than three (3) minutes.

None.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

Deputy Hale reported an update regarding vehicles running stop signs. They have received several calls on solar panel solicitors. He said retail thefts are down. He also reported that it appears that golf cart drivers are abiding by the rules somewhat better.

2. Village Staff Reports

Mayor Peck gave kudos to Public Works Director Fowler and staff for their prompt efforts at storm damage clean up.

OLD BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2023-17 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CLASS H LIQUOR LICENSE (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee summarized the need for this amendment to the Class H liquor license. A brief discussion was held and it was decided to amend the current hotel Class H license description to include the option of providing small liquor packets to their patrons.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve Ordinance Number 2023-17 as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

Yeas: 4 – Young, London, Johnson, Wendt

Nays: 1 – Gruenewald

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING GOLF CART RULES (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee introduced the topic of golf cart rules and summarized previous Board discussion. She presented the Mt. Zion revised document to address Forsyth’s needs and asked for input. A lengthy discussion was held that included the topics of whether to allow golf carts on roads, licensing, inspection process by Sheriff’s department, and insurance coverage. It was then agreed that the revised rules will not include specific roads, that the inspection process will be held by the Sherriff’s deputies, seat belt laws will be followed and to allow what Mt. Zion policy currently allows. The implementation date will likely be in April, 2024.

No Motion needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2023-18 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF POLICE EQUIPMENT PACKAGE FOR 2023 FORD EXPLORER (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee introduced the details of the requested police equipment package. It is approximately $2,000 over budget so Board approval is needed. Mayor Peck asked if other vendors were available to consider. A brief discussion was held regarding this purchase. A longer discussion ensued about the need for an ordinance to be implemented for certain types of purchases.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve Ordinance Number 2023-18 as presented and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

Yeas: 5 – Young, London, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING SHERIFF’S CONTRACT (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained the details of the proposed contract and said this is for discussion only today. The contract is projecting an increase to $618,362 for 2024, $631,751 for 2025, $645,475 for 2026 and $659,541 for 2027. Trustee Gruenewald questioned why the Village was paying certain maintenance expenses and a discussion ensued. It was agreed to have the Sheriff’s department to come speak to the Board at the next meeting.

No motion needed.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING ELECTRICAL CHARGING STATIONS (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Trustee Gruenewald introduced the topic and the potential need for these in the Village and the long-term benefits. He felt it would be a definite draw since we are located right off the interstate. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the future need for all electronic vehicles. Trustee Wendt commented that there is an Ameren grant money available for the installation of super charging stations. Ultimately the Board agreed that Administrator Applebee would conduct further research for use in future discussions.

No motion needed.

CLOSED SESSION: Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6): The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11): Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21): Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.

CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION

A Closed Session was cancelled due to lack of updated information on various topics.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Young seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(62).pdf