Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Aug. 20.

Here is the agenda 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 Dave Wendt

Absent: Trustee Jeremy Shaw

On Telephone: Trustee Lauren Young

Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Attorney Andrew Jarmer, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh

Staff Absent: Village Engineer Jeremy Buening

Others Present: Bill Krueger, Jonas Ozier (Chastain & Associates representative), Ryan Beavers

MOTION: Trustee Wendt made a motion to allow Trustee Young to attend the meeting via telephone and Trustee Johnson seconded the motion.

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

Yeas: 4 – Johnson, London, Gruenewald, Wendt

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 6, 2024

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

3. TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JULY 31, 2024

MOTION

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

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

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

No report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Mayor Peck said the recent Forsyth Market was wonderful. He also thanked Library Director Weigel for getting schools more involved with the library and for also implementing the community watch program.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING AMENDING DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE FOR ADULT-USE CANNABIS DISPENSING ORGANIZATIONS (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained the timeline and special use permit for a cannabis dispensary and asked for input and questions from the Trustees. Trustee Wendt said it is important to make sure we have strong controls in place. Village Attorney Petrillli confirmed that it cannot exist in a multi-tenant building. Also discussed was the potential requirement for notifying the Village of types of surrounding businesses. Trustee Gruenewald questioned what we should know about those business owners but Village Attorney Petrilli said there is no existing statue to allow this like there is for liquor. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the special permit application and how that will be used to compare one company against another should we have multiple applicants. Also discussed was the amount of applicant fee required. $1,000 seems to be the going rate in surrounding communities. Following a discussion all Trustees agreed to change the annual fee to $3,500 instead of $1,000. Trustee Wendt discussed the required number of feet from schools, residents, and other businesses. Mayor Peck summarized the changes: change the fee to $3,500 from $1,000, and the requirement to report what types of businesses are with 1,500 feet of their establishment instead of 1,000 feet. Mayor Peck said this will next go to the Planning and Zoning Committee so no vote is needed at this time.

No Motion or vote needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. RESOLUTION NUMBER 6-2024 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MACON COUNTY MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained the general details of the hazard mitigation plan which has been approved by FEMA pending adoption by all local jurisdictions and the Macon County Board. A short discussion was held and all agreed.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt 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: 5 – Johnson, London, Gruenewald, Young, Wendt

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF A NEW WEBSITE AND APP FOR THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH (ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained that residents have requested better Village communications and that multiple issues need resolved including outdated technology. Library Director Weigel and Administrator Applebee researched other communities and gathered options to consider that meet our needs. After consideration Administrator Applebee recommended entering into a contract with Apptegy to develop a new, user friendly website and mobile app for the Village. The start-up cost is $7,000 with an annual maintenance fee of $7,370. The goal would be to align with the 160th anniversary of the Village in 2025. A brief discussion ensued and all agreed this was the best solution.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve entering into the Apptegy contract as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING PARKING LOT 1 RECONSTRUCTION RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Chastain & Associates Representative Jonas Ozier explained the details of the needed reconstruction. He explained it is over budget due to a short time frame, obtaining materials in time, pouring asphalt before winter and limited access to the park around park activities. They will also remedy the drainage problems by the concession stand area. Public Works Director Fowler further explained how the water will be collected and then where it will then be directed to. The budget was $790,000. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the bid not to exceed $846,877.94 as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Shaw

Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M.

https://forsyth-il.gov/vertical/sites/%7B18717005-44FD-438D-B0BC-B86101984F4F%7D/uploads/External_Meeting_Packet(84).pdf