Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Planning & Zoning Commission met April 25.

Here is the agenda provided by the commission:

CALL TO ORDER

Planning and Zoning Chairman R. C. Campbell called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

Upon call of the roll, the following Commissioners were physically present:

Regular Commissioners: Chairman R. C. Campbell, Steve Ragan, Cathy Mitteer, Matt May

Absent: Tom Cantwell, Colleen Brinkoetter, Dan Doerfler, Vice Chair Dennis Downey, Larry Perkins

Staff Present: Director of Planning and Zoning Ryan Raleigh, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Village Engineer Representative Stephanie Brown

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: Commission Ragan made a Motion to approve the minutes of March 28, 2024 as presented and Commissioner Mitteer seconded the motion.

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

Yeas: 4- Campbell, Ragan, Mitteer, May

Nays: 0 - None

Absent: 5- Cantwell, Brinkoetter, Perkins, Doerfler, Downey

Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC HEARING #1

Request submitted by Five Below - Forsyth, IL for a request to vary the HVAC screening requirements of the Development Ordinance Section 4.6 C.(8) on the real property located at 994 US Route 51, Forsyth, IL 62535 and legally described as: PT SW SW-BEG 52.26 E SW COR N412.64 NE192.49 SE41.33 SE42.79 S355.31 SW250.02 POB & (EX HWY ROW) & (EX RD ROW) 02BK.3269/728 (PIN: 07-07-14-351-006).

Planning & Zoning Director Raleigh explained that current roof top air conditioners on the Five Below building need screens so they are not visible from any direction. The variance is asking to allow for not constructing a screen as other are businesses have air conditioning units that are visible. General discussion ensued.

MOTION: Commissioner Mitteer made a Motion to recommend approval of the variance request as presented and Commissioner May seconded the motion.

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

Yeas: 4- Campbell, Ragan, Mitteer, May

Nays: 0 - None

Absent: 5- Cantwell, Brinkoetter, Perkins, Doerfler, Downey

Motion declared carried.

Discussion Regarding Barndominiums in the Village Limits.

Planning & Zoning Director Raleigh explained that a Village resident has inquired about any necessary codes regarding the construction of a barndominium within Village limits. The resident plans to subdivide their property and is then considering this type of construction. The Village does not have any design standards in place regarding this type of construction. Planning & Zoning Director Raleigh shared some barndominium photo examples. Village Engineer representative Brown noted that some communities do have design standards but the standards are challenging to implement. Village Attorney Petrilli shared numerous problems that could arise from creating design standards, and that these standards are usually held within subdivision covenants, not within a village or town standards. After a lengthy discussion ensued, the Commissioners agreed having no standards on this topic is the best direction to continue for the Village.

No Motion needed.

OLD BUSINESS

Review and discussion of Forsyth Code of Ordinances - Ongoing Discussion Discussion was delayed due to the absence of the Village Administrator and five commissioners.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Ragan made a Motion to adjourn, Commissioner May seconded the Motion, and Chairman Campbell asked for a voice vote which was then unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/packet(1).pdf