Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met May 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor 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 Chelsie Kidd, Trustee Lauren Young, Trustee Jeff London, Trustee Jim Ashby, Trustee Jeremy Shaw

Absent: Trustee Dave Wendt

Staff Present: Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Engineer Jeremy Buening, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli

Staff Absent: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh

Others Present: Bill Krueger, Matt Crawford, Reed Sullivan, Jessica Bagley, Addie Bagley, Shannon O’Connor

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 6, 2025 2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

3. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 30, 2025 MOTION

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

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

Yeas: 4 – Ashby, Kidd, Young, London

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Wendt

Abstain: 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.

Resident Jessica Bagley spoke regarding the cancelled Forsyth 5K race. She learned online at our website that the race will not be held this year and was extremely disappointed. She asked why this was cancelled then shared the many facts of why it is such a popular and successful race. She urged the Village to bring it back for the 2026 Forsyth Fest. The traffic light at Route 51 light at Weaver Road is still being investigated by IDOT for proper sequence.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

Sheriff Deputy Roberts had nothing significant to report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Village Engineer Buening said the Route 51 paving should be done by the third week of June. Even though 9-15 trees have been planted at the Sports and Nature Park he will check on the status of that project. Well 7 will have a walk-through tomorrow which will then generate a punch list. The bike path to grade school meeting with IDOT is yet to occur. He also said we are still waiting on the IEPA loan for the water tower painting.

Mayor Peck brought up the topic of allowing politicians in our parades so a discussion was held. He suggested that they must have political backing. A short discussion ensued that all agreed and that some guidelines need to be established so nothing offensive occurs.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING ACCESS ROAD TO COUNTY HIGHWAY 20 RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained that three bids were received for the access road to County Highway 20 project. The bids included options for asphalt or concrete. A Board discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of concrete versus asphalt. Reed Sullivan, developer of Prairie Winds) was able to contribute further details to the discussion.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to approve the acceptance of Sullivan Contractors for $1,295,894.72 as presented and Trustee Kidd seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 5 – Ashby, Kidd, Young, London, Shaw

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Wendt

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING PRAIRIE WINDS ROADS AND SEWER CONSTRUCTION SEVICES CONTRACT (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)

Village Engineer Buening explained the details of the contract services for construction assistance on the new north / south road in Prairie Winds Addition. This includes onsite field observation, administration and management of the project and contractor coordination. The plan is to have one engineer covering this project and the bike project to gain more efficiency. A brief discussion was held.

MOTION

Trustee Young made a Motion to approve the construction services contract as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 5 – Ashby, Kidd, Young, London, Shaw

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Wendt

Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee London made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

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