Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Oct. 3.

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 Bob Gruenewald, Trustee Marilyn Johnson, Trustee Dave Wendt, Trustee Jeremy Shaw, Trustee Jeff London

Staff Present:

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

Others Present: Residents John Kottke, Jennifer, Nora and Gwen Panganiban, Jon Kidd, Bill Krueger, New Era Sign owner

PRESENTATION BY PLACER.IA

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

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: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

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.

John Kidd, Forsyth resident and softball coach, shared his reaction and comments regarding the softball nets being taken down without his knowledge and the negative impact it had on players. Jennifer Panganiban spoke on behalf of her children and others regarding the impact the miscommunication errors had on them.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

Sheriff Deputy Hale had nothing of significance to report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Trustee Gruenewald had a question on the engineer’s report regarding the bid for moving dirt for the Sports & Nature Park pond. A short discussion followed with Mayor Peck confirming that discussions with Chastain & Associates will continue in an effort to lower the bid. Trustee Gruenewald shared comments regarding getting some commercial signs repaired along Route 51 as well as some concerns regarding the lights on the pickleball courts. Mayor Peck appreciated Public Works Director Fowler’s efforts and his staff’s efforts regarding the removal of the softball nets in spite of all the miscommunication.

Public Works Director Fowler has a budget line item to add infield dirt to all the infields and asked for Board direction. A short discussion was held.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING GOLF CART RULES (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)

No discussion because Village Attorney Petrilli is still finalizing the document. This topic will be ready for approval and discussion at the next meeting.

No motion needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2023-27 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE OF 7.4C. AND SPECIAL USE UNDER 7.4C.(2)(B)(VII) TO CONVERT PORTION OF POLE SIGN FROM EXISTING STATIC SIGN TO DIGITAL MESSAGE CENTER AT 109 LUCILE AVENUE (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee introduced the Ordinance details regarding the conversion of the sign at McDonald’s property. She also confirmed that the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved the recommendation of this. The request is to convert the static sign to a digital sign. New Era Sign owner spoke briefly to the Board and a short Board discussion followed.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2023-28 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE OF 7.4C AND SPECIAL USE UNDER 7.4C.(2)(b)(VII) TO CONVERT PORTION OF POLE SIGN FROM EXISTING STATIC SIGN TO DIGITAL MESSAGE CENTER AT 1345 KOESTER ROAD (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Mayor Peck said this is very similar to the previous ordinance and asked for Board input. Administrator Applebee also confirmed that the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved recommendation of this. A short discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2023-29 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING MINOR SUBDIVISION AND FINAL PLAT FOR PROPERTY ON WEST WEAVER ROAD DESCRIBED AS A PART OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (N/E ¼) OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE ¼) OF SECTION SIXTEEN (16) TOWNSHIP SEVENTEEN (17) NORTH, RANGE TWO (2) EAST OF THE THIRD (3RD) PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, MACON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (PINs: 07-07-16-400-026, 07- 07-16-400-027) (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained the general details of splitting the two lots into one large lot. She also confirmed that the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved the recommendation of this. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding some change items. Ultimately Village Attorney Petrilli Lisa said the changes are minor but the Board may move ahead and approve on the condition that the wording will be changed as discussed.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-29 on the condition that the changes required by Chastain on September 9, 2023 are made, the Owners’ Affidavit is added, and the School District Certificate is corrected and changed to Warrensburg Latham CUSD #11 is added and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

4. RESOLUTION NUMBER 16-2023 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE FOR LABOR FOR BANK REHABILITATION PROJECT AT VETERAN’S PARK POND (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)

Village Attorney Petrilli explained that this Resolution was drawn solely to ensure that all details are completely clear. Public Works Director confirmed that the quote does not include rip rap and that the Village can obtain it cheaper elsewhere.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the Resolution as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING NON-PORTABLE BOOSTER PUMP (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained the need for a new pump as the old one has failed. Decatur Industrial Electric quoted a new booster pump at $18,546.15 with a 12–14-week lead time. A brief discussion followed.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve the purchase of the booster pump as presented and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

6. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING ESTIMATED TAX LEVY (TREASURER RHONDA STEWART)

Village Treasurer Stewart explained the need to set the annual tax levy. Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion that the dollar amount should remain the same at $437,369 for our tax levy and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

7. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Trustee Gruenewald shared that the current disc golf tournament director has stepped down. He and Administrator Applebee are searching for a new director and have two candidates to consider for next year. He then described backgrounds for each candidate and a suggested revised prize schedule. Lengthy discussion ensued. Trustee Gruenewald recommended choosing Nate Heinold due to his overall experience. Board discussion ensued then agreed with his recommendation. They also agreed to increase the prize structure to $6,000 for the director and $4,000 for the amateur prizes.

No motion needed.

8. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING PURCHASE OF SEWER CAMERA (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained the need to purchase a sewer camera and outlined the benefits and cost savings it could provide. He ultimately recommended accepting the Brown Equipment quote for $14,856.10 that provides a lifetime warranty. A short discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the purchase of a sewer camera as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 6 – Young, Gruenewald, Johnson, Wendt, Shaw, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

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)(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.

Closed session was cancelled per Administrator Applebee.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(66).pdf