Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Aug. 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 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 Jeremy Buening, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Attorney Andrew Jarmer, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh

Others Present: Maria Dent, Larry and Angie Baker, Bill Krueger, Ryan Beavers, Dave Peters, Ed Flynn, Valerie Wells, Andrew Hendrian, Rose Hupp, Adam Ibbotson

Adam Ibbotson, new Maroa/Forsyth School Superintendent, spoke briefly and introduced himself to the Board and meeting attendees.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda with corrections to the July 16, 2024 minutes as noted 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.

Village of Forsyth

Board Meeting Minutes

August 6, 2024

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 Bill Krueger, Larry Baker and Maria Dent all spoke and shared their opinions on the possibility of a cannabis dispensary in the Village.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

No report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Mayor Peck thanked Village Engineer Buening for further review of the 12” pipe needed for the Sports and Nature Park, and those efforts saved the Village $25,000. Mayor Peck also thanked the staff for their work with the WCIA Village profile, it was fantastic exposure. Trustee Gruenewald thanked the Public Works staff on several Village improvements then had a few short questions for Public Works Director Fowler

OLD BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-16 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 113 REGARDING ADULT-USE CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTS (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Mayor Peck reviewed the ordinance and summarized that two (2) public meetings were held on the topic, it was on the agenda two (2) times and input was received via social media, emails, and person to person. Each Trustee then shared their final thoughts and opinions on the topic before a vote was taken.

MOTION

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

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

Yeas: 4 – Johnson, London, Young, Shaw

Nays: 2 – Gruenewald, Wendt

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-14 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A VARIANCE RELATING TO THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS ON WEST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 105 S. ROUTE 51 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh summarized the request for the various setbacks for this property which is owned by Andrew Hendrian. While this topic has been discussed before, a brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-17 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE A VARIANCE RELATING TO SETBACK REQUIREMENTS ON EAST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 105 S. ROUTE 51 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh summarized the request for the various setbacks for this property which is owned by Andrew Hendrian. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

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

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

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

Nays: 1 – Gruenewald

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

4. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-18 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH SULLIVAN DEVELOPERS, LLC (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Item stricken from the agenda as all necessary paperwork has already been executed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-19 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH AND 12C PROPERTIES LLC SERIES 1 (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee summarized the details of the transaction between the Village and Crawfords and noted that this is more of a formality at this point. A brief Board discussion ensued regarding several points in the redevelopment agreement.

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-20 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE’S ZONING MAP TO CHANGE THE ZONING AT A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS SEC 14-17-2E PRAIRIE WINDS LT 3 FROM R1 TO C1 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh summarized the details of this zoning request on property owned by Crawfords. A brief discussion was held as this topic has been discussed previously.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-21 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AT A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS TRACT 1 IN SEC 14-17-2E PRAIRIE WINDS LT 3 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh summarized the details of the request on the property owned by Crawfords. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

4. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-22 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-11 TO ALLOW FOR A MONUMENT SIGN AT 990 NORTH ROUTE 51 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the details of the request by Five Below. A Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented also including the fact that they do have to remove the old Hometown monument sign and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 1 – Wendt

Absent: 0 – None

Motion declared carried.

5. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-23 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE’S ZONING MAP TO CHANGE THE ZONING AT 690 S. US ROUTE 51 FROM R1 TO C1 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Raleigh summarized the amendment request details made on behalf of Dollar General. The Board discussed the topic.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

6. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-24 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE TO SECTION 6.5 PARKING REQUIREMENTS AT 690 US ROUTE 51 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the request for the parking requirements to allow for 36 spots as opposed to the original 43 spots. Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

7. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-25 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE ALLOWING AN IRREGULAR BUFFER AT 690 US ROUTE 51 (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the details of the variance request to allow an irregular buffer at the property located at 690 US Route 51. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

8. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2024-26 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING SUBDIVISION PLAT AT 690 US ROUTE 51 DESCRIBED AS PART OF LOT 11 OF COLONIAL MANOR ADDITION AND PART OF LOT 6 AKERS PLACE FORSYTH OUT LOTS (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the details of the final plat approval. MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the Ordinance 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.

9. RESOLUTION NUMBER 6-2024 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF DECATUR FOR THE SUPPLY OF TREATED WATER (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained the details of a recent meeting with the City of Decatur and explained the need for emergency water backup from the Village of Forsyth. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve the Resolution 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.

10. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING FIRE HYDRANT COLORS WITHIN THE VILLAGE (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained that there are no previous written requirements so it will be our choice according to the fire department. Red is easier to spot. All Trustees agreed on red paint.

No Motion needed.

11. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING ROOF REPLACEMENT ON WELL 4 (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained the details of the needed repairs on the roof of well house #4. After reviewing the two bids received, he recommendation is to use Sullivan Contractors for this repair work. A brief Board discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the use of Sullivan Contractors bid as presented

and Trustee Shaw 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.

12. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING PAVEMENT STRIPING CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the details of this assistance on the pavement striping construction project. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the engineering proposal and not to exceed $6,250 for the observation 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.

13. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING FORSYTH BIKE PATH REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the details of this assistance on the bike path rehabilitation construction project. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve the engineering proposal and not to exceed $18,500 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.

14. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING GRAWHAWK 1ST ADDITION PAVEMENT PATCHING AND GUTTER REPAIRS CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the degree of assistance needed for the Grayhawk 1st addition pavement patching and gutter repairs construction project. A brief discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the engineering proposal and not to exceed $11,800 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.

15. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING AVALON/TALON/PRAIRIE INTERSECTION REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the degree of assistance needed for this larger project. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Gruenewald made a Motion to approve the engineering proposal and not to exceed $52,750 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.

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 8:40 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(83).pdf