Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Jan. 21.

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

Absent: Trustee Bob Gruenewald

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

Absent: Village Administrator Jill Applebee

Others Present: Darryl Dougherty, Corey Zelhart

PRESENTATION OF VILLAGE FARMLAND PRODUCTIVITY 2024 Corey Zelhart from Busey Ag Services gave a report on the 2024 productivity results on the Village farmland. Income from the 2023 crop sold in 2024 was $131,244.42. 2024 expenses were $48,931.41 which resulted in a net 2024 distribution of $90,000 to the Village of Forsyth which was up from the 2023 distribution. Considering declining commodity prices heading into 2025 the net income will likely decline. He also noted that all crop land will be planted in soybeans in 2025 instead of a mix of corn and soybeans.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 19, 2024

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

3. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 31, 2024

MOTION

Trustee Wendt 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: 5 – Johnson, London, Wendt, Young, 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 Hale reported numerous speeding tickets have been issued on Highway 20, Stevens Creek area and Hickory Point Road. He also confirmed that he and Deputy Casner are being reassigned elsewhere in Macon County and two new deputies will soon be assigned to the Village. The Board members commented on how professional and personable they both are and have always made a positive appearance within the Village.

2. Village Staff Reports

Public Works Director Fowler confirmed that the Sports and Nature Park pipe repair is still ongoing weather and workload permitting, and that winter grass has been planted. He also shared that the punch list is still being worked on for Well 7. Mayor Peck shared that Forsyth won the Mayor’s challenge for bell ringing, that we received a trophy for it and thanked all who participated. Trustee Wendt praised the Public Works department for the excellent handling of the snowstorm. Trustee Shaw inquired about how the water fund worked and Treasurer Stewart explained. Trustee Shaw thanked her also for the report showing all funds and also congratulated Library Director Weigel for all the great activity at the library.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING 4TH QUARTER INVESTMENTS (VILLAGE TREASURER RHONDA STEWART)

Village Treasurer Stewart explained the status of the 4th quarter investments. A brief discussion ensued.

No Motion needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-1 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR MINOR SUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY AT 260 E. WEAVER ROAD, FORSYTH, MACON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (PIN: 07-07-14-305-018) (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the plans for 260 E. Weaver Road by owner Darrel Dougherty. These plans received unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission. A brief discussion ensued. Owner Darrel Dougherty answered some questions from the Board.

MOTION

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-2 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A VARIANCE RELATING TO SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 260 E. WEAVER ROAD, FORSYTH, MACON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (PIN: 07-07-14- 305-018) (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the traditional setbacks that exist on this lot sits on an odd property line. The Trustees had several questions and comments which Village Attorney Petrilli answered along with Village Engineer Representative Brown.

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: 4 – Johnson, Wendt, Young, Shaw

Nays: 1 – London

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING REAPPOINTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONERS (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained that Commissioner Larry Perkins and Alternate Commissioner Colleen Brinkoetter were unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission for reappointment. These are 5-year terms and their current terms are expiring. Mayor Peck approved it once the Board agreed to the reappointments.

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 P.M.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5126/VOF/5261155/Internal_Meeting_Packet.pdf