Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Feb. 6.

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 Dave Wendt, Trustee Jeremy Shaw, Trustee Jeff London, Trustee Marilyn Johnson, Trustee Lauren Young

Absent: Trustee Bob Gruenewald

Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Engineer Jeremy Buening, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli

Absent: Trustee Gruenewald

Others Present: John Kottke, Hilary and Matt Crawford, Bill Krueger, Reed Sullivan

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 16, 2024

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

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

Sheriff Deputy Casner did not have any pertinent items to report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Mayor Peck said the Board had previously discussed the Village helping the Crawfords with financing but recently learned that it is illegal to do so. He and Village Administrator Applebee met with Crawfords last night to discuss options and incentives. The intent tonight is to discuss this topic, ask questions then bring an option to the next meeting for a vote in order to meet their timeline. A lengthy discussion began regarding the degree the 90/10 split, the dollars involved, the fact that there would be no road costs to the Village and that all infrastructure costs belong to Crawfords. Finally, Mayor Peck suggested that each Board member individually share their opinions with Administrator Applebee. From there she and Mayor Peck will formulate a plan from those opinions and make a proposal to Crawfords before they leave on their trip.

Trustee Wendt thanked the Public Works staff for their efforts during the recent bad weather. Trustee London thanked Public Works Director Fowler for the tour of the water plant.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING WESTERMAN SETTLEMENT (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)

Village Attorney Petrilli provided a status update and explained the major details of the settlement. Some title work is currently being done and easement descriptions are being developed. The easement descriptions need to be submitted to the attorneys by February 29, 2024.

No motion needed.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING STRATEGIC PLAN (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Mayor Peck had directed staff to work on this topic to help the Board come to decisions more quickly on the strategic plan. Village Administrator Applebee explained she and the staff have discussed and identified what strategic needs are the priorities. The major areas identified are Roads, Path/Sidewalks, Forsyth Park, Nature Park, and Prairie Winds. She explained the detailed four phases and yearly timeline for each. She then invited Board input. A lengthy discussion followed with the Board discussing in detail each proposed phase and what they liked and disliked. Administrator Applebee will revise the plan and present it again at the next Board meeting for further discussion.

No Motion needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-1 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING FINAL PLAT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 994 US ROUTE 51, FORSYTH, ILLINOIS (PIN: 07-07-14- 351-006) (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Village Administrator Applebee explained this is final paperwork for Starbucks and that the Planning and Zoning Committee unanimously approved recommendation to move forward. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Johnson made a Motion to approve the final plat for property located at 994 US Route 51, Forsyth, IL as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-2 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE VILLAGE CODE PROVISIONS ON INSPECTION FEES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Village Administrator Applebee explained the need for increasing electrical and plumbing fees which had not been done since 2019. Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh’s research reveals that Forsyth is behind Decatur and Mt. Zion rates. The rates will increase from $45 to $60 yet will still be below other nearby community’s rates. Public Works Director Fowler said the increase was requested by our Village electricians and plumbers.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve the increase of electrical and plumbing inspection fees as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING POTENTIAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT CLARICONE & FILTER MAINTENANCE CHANGE ORDER #1 (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the change order happened due to more work in the plant needing to be done than anticipated. The change order covers the cost of additional work to sandblast and coat the interior of the Helicarb units. The net change to the contract price by this change order is an increase of $3,018.00. A short discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the change order as presented and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING FORSYTH PAVEMENT STRIPING (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the need for Chastain and Associates to be involved. The project contractors will need to know the project scope, where, how many feet, cross walk crossings, turn lanes, concrete or asphalt, etc., essentially all details involved in the project. Chastain will have to gather all this information. The information will also be input into the Village’s GIS system so these specs will not have to be made again in the future.

A short discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the contract for professional services not to exceed $29,500 and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING FORSYTH TTA MAINTENANCE CONTRACT (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained this is Phase 2 of the water tower project. This amended contract will proceed with preparation of plans and specifications for IEPA permit reviews and bidding of the project. A Board discussion was held and questions were raised regarding the financial impact if the Village chooses not to pursue an IEPA loan. Village Engineer Buening will review Chastain’s costs if the Board chooses not to use an IEPA loan then will present that information to the Board for a decision at the next meeting.

No Motion needed.

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 8:45 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(72).pdf