Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met July 16.

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

Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Engineer Representative Stephanie Brown, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh

Others Present: Michael Scott, Justin Reed, Mike Cassell, Mary Cassell, Donnette Beckett, John Kottke, Andrew Hendrian, Larry Baker, Angie Baker, Michael Morthland, Michael Sass, Judy Sass, Deanna Wagner, Jack Wagner

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 2, 2024

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF JULY 11, 2024

3. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

4. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 30, 2024

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

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.

Residents Larry Baker, Diana Wagner and Michael Sass all spoke to the Board and shared their opinions regarding the potential cannabis dispensary.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

Sheriff Deputy Casner-Clark gave an update on the Forsyth Park car break-ins and said an investigation is ongoing.

2. Village Staff Reports

Village Engineer Representative Brown confirmed that the sample color pattern for Route 51 medians is in process and we should receive the sample very soon.

OLD BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-14 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE RELATING TO SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 105 S. ROUTE 51 (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee summarized previous discussions on the topic. Illini Supply is fine as long as the fence does not block their sign or building. Andrew Hendrian, owner, summarized the details of his request. A lengthy Board discussion ensued regarding the details and the current legalities of the ordinance restrictions. Village Attorney Petrilli will need to research an additional legal question so no vote was taken and the topic tabled until the next Board meeting.

No Motion or vote was needed.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING POSSIBLE CANNABIS DISPENSARY (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Village Administrator Applebee introduced the topic then Mayor Peck summarized how this request came to be. Several dispensaries have approached the Village with interest in establishing a dispensary here. The Board then held two public meetings to hear input from residents. Mayor Peck said tonight’s discussion is focused only on getting a consensus from the Board of whether to move forward or not on this topic. At that point, each Trustee explained their point of view, why and how they arrived at that conclusion then confirmed their decision on whether to move forward or not. Once concluded it was apparent that there was a consensus as London, Johnson, Shaw, and Young all agreed to move forward on the topic, with Gruenewald and Wendt declining forward movement. Mayor Peck noted that while he was not needed to vote, his vote would have been in the negative. He then directed Village Attorney Petrilli to redraft the ordinance regarding sale of cannabis and present it at the next meeting for a formal vote.

No Motion or vote was held.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING SPORTS AND NATURE PARK FIELD TILE REROUTE CHANGE ORDER (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Chastain Engineer Representative Brown explained details of the change order. At the last meeting, the Board agreed to increase the tile size to 12” at a cost of $295,600.00, and the change order reflects that decision. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING APPOINTMENT OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONER (VILLAGE LIBRARY DIRECTOR MELANIE WEIGEL)

Library Director Weigel explained that the Library Commission has an open seat and recommends approval of the appointment of Chris Kopeika to this position. She feels she is a great addition and Kopeika has a great deal of enthusiasm for this opportunity. Village Attorney Petrelli said a voice vote was all that was needed and all agreed to appoint Kopeka to the position.

No Motion or formal vote required.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING RESURFACING OF PARK PLAYGROUND (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUEING)

Village Engineer Representative Brown explained the bid from GameTime for playground resurfacing was $112,926.77 which is under the budgeted $115,112.05. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to award the bid to GameTime as presented and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING AVALON / TALON / PRAIRIE RECONSTRUCTION BID AWARD (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Representative Brown explained the bid received from Dunn Company for this work. Their bid was $529,389.00 which is under the budgeted $650,000.00 amount. Public Works Director confirmed that the current base will be removed and a new base will be installed and will properly support new asphalt. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to award the bid to Dunn Company as presented and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING GRAYHAWK RECONSTRUCTION BID AWARD (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Representative Brown said one bid was received and that was from Dunn Company. That bid was for $139,680.25 while the budget was planned for $230,00.00. Chastain & Associates recommended approval of the bid to Dunn Company. Public Works Director Fowler explained further details regarding the construction. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to award the bid to Dunn Company as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING MALL BIKE PATH RECONSTRUCTION BID AWARD (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Representative Brown said one bid was received and that was from Dunn Company. That bid was for $272,002.00 while the budget was planned for $340,00.00. Chastain & Associates recommended approval of the bid to Dunn Company. Brown commented that as the project develops there may be an opportunity for future savings but that is yet to be determined. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to award the bid to Dunn Company as presented and Trustee Gruenewald seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

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

Village Engineer Representative Brown said one bid was received and that was from Varsity Striping & Construction Company. That bid was $37,530.00 while the budget was planned for $170,00.00. Chastain & Associates recommended approval of the bid to Varsity Striping & Construction company. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to award the bid to Varsity Striping & Construction Company as presented and Trustee Gruenewald seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

7. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING BARNETT AVENUE SUPPLEMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Representative Brown explained the details of the necessary engineering required for the Barnett Avenue improvements. Due to an additional IDOT requirement for a preliminary environmental site assessment Chastain & Associates is submitting a supplement to their original agreement at a cost of $12,400 for this expense. A brief discussion followed.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the supplement as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

A quick discussion regarding concerns that the stoplights along Route 51 during the construction are not timed correctly. Village Engineer Representative Brown confirmed she will be in contact with IDOT on this topic.

Mayor Peck then thanked the Trustees for their efforts and considerations of tonight’s tough decision on cannabis. He appreciated that all of them were informed on the topic.

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 8:30 P.M.

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