Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met March 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

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

Absent: Trustee Bob Gruenewald, Mayor Jim Peck

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

Others Present: Michael Dougherty, Chelsea Kidd, Tom Cantwell, Dave Schaab, Matt Crawford, Bill Krueger, Jim Ashby, Dana Mann, Becky Wisher, Steve and Tina Horve

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 4, 2025

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

3. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 28, 2025

MOTION

Trustee Shaw 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, Wendt, Young, Shaw, London

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 Ziegler had nothing significant to report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Village Engineer Buening confirmed that the crosswalks will be completed once the curbing is poured. He also confirmed that he has contacted IDOT regarding the timing of the stop light at Route 51 and Weaver Road but has not received any response. Trustee Shaw complimented Public Works Director Fowler on how nice the parks are shaping up along with the progress being made on parking Lot A.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING HOPE AND MARION ROADS (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained for tonight this topic is for discussion purposes only and is looking for a consensus. She explained that since Horves are in the process of purchasing the duplexes formerly known as Hickory Point Christian Village, those private roads will become public roads along with the sidewalks. They are requesting the Village take over the maintenance of them. A lengthy Board discussion was held regarding further details and negotiating points to consider then a consensus was reached to move forward with this. No Motion needed.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING TRASH PICK UP (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained that staff spoke with GFL regarding their estimated quote of $26,500 for the annual trash pick-up. The Village has budgeted $30,000 for the project. The Trustees voiced their concerns of it being an uncapped ($2,650 per dump) cost versus the desire of residents for it to continue. The pros and cons were discussed at length.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the contract with GFL at a cost of $2,650 per dump with the estimated amount listed and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 1 – Johnson

Nays: 4 – Wendt, Young, Shaw, London

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared failed.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING DESIGN OF PRAIRIE WINDS NORTH SOUTH ROAD (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained this is a discussion to make sure all Trustees are on the same page regarding the road design. The road will be a little wider than normal but that leaves room for a turn lane. A lengthy Board discussion included details and impact on future uses and maintenance costs. The goal is to get the bid out in April. Discussion ensued regarding what is actually needed based on development promises versus doing less based confirmed development. A consensus was reached to go forward.

No Motion needed.

4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING NORTH SOUTH ROAD IN PRAIRIE WINDS (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained details of the topographic and limited boundary survey, storm water drainage design and plans, and bid assistance details, with the total overall project cost at a total of $41.600. Questions and answers were discussed with the Trustees.

MOTION

Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the quote from Chastain and Associates for the storm water drainage design and plan not to exceed $41,600 and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS

1. RESOLUTION NUMBER 5-2025 A RESOLUTION COMPLETING PHASE II DESIGN FOR BARNETT AVENUE PROJECT (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the details of the Phase II engineering Services for the Barnett Avenue improvements. Questions were answered then discussed by the Board.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve Resolution Number 5-2025 for completion of Phase II design for Barnett Avenue as presented and Trustee Johnson seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Gruenewald

Motion declared carried.

2. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING GROCERY TAX (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained this topic is for discussion only and will not need a Board vote. The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) has issued a 1% grocery tax for many years and 100% of that revenue goes directly back to the municipality. IDOR will be eliminating it effective on January 1, 2026. The Village can either pass an ordinance to implement a local 1% grocery sales tax or do nothing which would result in a loss of the tax. Staff recommends moving forward by creating an ordinance to implement a local 1% grocery sales tax. After a discussion, the Board agreed to maintain the tax.

No Motion needed.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee London made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5126/VOF/5473752/External_Meeting_Packet.pdf