Macon Reporter

Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Aug. 5.

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

Absent: Trustee Chelsie Kidd

Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh, Village Engineer Representative Luke Kirby

Staff Absent: Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Village Engineer Jeremy Buening

Others Present: Bill Krueger, Randy Phipps

CONSENT AGENDA

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 15, 2025

2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

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 – Ashby, London, Wendt, Shaw, Young

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

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.

Randy Phipps from Decatur Moves gave a brief presentation on the program and how it works. It currently covers Decatur, Forsyth and Mt. Zion but will soon expand to all of Macon County.

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

1. Law Enforcement Report

No report.

2. Village Staff Reports

Mayor Peck commented that the Sports and Nature Park is looking much better and learned that fertilizing and seeding will be done next week. It will also be sprayed for weeds. He said there is a meeting tomorrow for the last payment on Well 7. The bike path to the grade school is to start next Monday (11th). The Prairie Winds road project is progressing. He also noted a correction to the last minutes that the bike path maintenance that will be out for bid this month and will be done this fall. Village road maintenance will occur in September and/or October. The water tower bid going out soon. The status of Moon St. improvements is unknown at this time. Trustee Wendt commented that the edging and weed removal being done along Weaver Road looks good. Trustee Shaw had a question on the BLH cost in the warrants. Administrator Applebee will get the answer from Village Treasurer Stewart when she returns from vacation.

OLD BUSINESS

1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING POTENTIAL NEW HOTEL OPPORTUNITY (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the details of the incentive package for a new hotel within the Village. Staff met with Mr. Patel who believes the original projections overstate the potential tax revenue his property would generate. Mr. Patel requested a revision of the estimated total market value from $13 million to $9 million. A lengthy Board discussion ensued regarding the options available for consideration. After this discussion it was agreed that Proposal #3 is the best option for the Village. Staff will share that decision with Mr. Patel for further consideration.

No Motion needed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2025-17 AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A MUNICIPAL CANNABIS RETAILERS’ OCCUPATION TAX (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Village Administrator Applebee explained that we are eligible to apply for the Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax. This tax allows municipalities to impose a local tax of up to 3% on the retail sale of adult-use cannabis. The Trustees held a discussion then agreed to approve this tax implementation.

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 – Ashby, London, Wendt, Shaw, Young

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

2. RESOLUTION NUMBER 8-2025 A RESOLUTION AMENDING REVISED UNIFORM PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR VILLAGE OF FORSYTH EMPLOYEES TO ADD RETURN TO WORK POLICY (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained that the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association requires its member municipalities to adopt a Return-to-Work Program. The goal of the program is to minimize the impact of work-related injuries for both the employee and the organization by facilitating a safe and timely return to the workplace. A brief Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

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

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Page 6 of 82

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

3. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING HOTEL MOTEL GRANT (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Village Administrator explained that only one $2,500 funding request has been received for the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, which was from Lake Decatur Fall Frenzy Bass Tournament. A short Board discussion ensued.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the funding request as presented and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion.

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

Yeas: 4 – Ashby, Wendt, Shaw, Young

Nays: 1 – London

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING FOOD TRUCKS (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee presented the details of the current rules for Itinerant Merchants/Food Trucks along with the application form. Currently there is no limit to the number of food trucks allowed to operate at one time. The Board then discussed the pros and cons while concluding it is in the best interest of the Village to leave it as unlimited.

Administrator Applebee will share that decision with the gentleman who has a container concept.

No Motion needed.

5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING POTENTIAL SALE OF VILLAGE OWNED PROPERTY (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained that residents of 576 Jacobs Way have expressed interest in purchasing additional land located behind their property so they may install a residential swimming pool. During the Board discussion Trustee Wendt noted that the Village is not allowed to sell any Rails to Trails property that was given to us for free from the federal government. Village Attorney Petrilli quickly researched the topic and agreed that the Village is not allowed to do so. That decision and information will then be shared with these residents.

No Motion needed.

6. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING NAMING OF NEW ROAD (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)

Administrator Applebee explained as development continues in the Prairie Winds subdivision, a new north-south street will be constructed east of the gym. This road requires an official street name for identifying address, mapping, and emergency service purposes. The Board and staff contributed names for consideration. After discussing the topic, the Board agreed on the name of Champions Way. A resolution will be presented for voting at the next meeting.

No Motion needed.

7. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING LIBRARY SIDING (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained the details of the bids received for the library building updates which include metal siding, new fascia and gutters, and the addition of an exit door from the employee office area with a connecting sidewalk. After reviewing with the staff, he recommends accepting the bid of $298,100 from Building Systems of Illinois, Inc. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed with the recommendation.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to accept the $298,100 bid from Building Systems of Illinois, Inc. as presented and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

8. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING BASEBALL FENCE (PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR RYAN RALEIGH)

Planning and Zoning Director Raleigh explained that the bidding process for the replacement of fencing on Baseball Fields 1 and 2 has been completed. The project scope includes the following: installation of black vinyl-coated chain-link fabric, top rails, mid rails, fittings, gate, and hardware to replace all exiting materials; and the option of installation of a yellow top cap on the outfield fence. Bids from General Fence and Fence Peoria were received. Staff recommends accepting the General Fence bid of $68,897. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed with the recommendation.

MOTION

Trustee Young made a Motion to accept the $69,897 bid from General Fence as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

9. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING CHLORINE GAS SAFETY SYSTEM (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained that in recent years many updates have been made to the chlorine gas system. He now recommends upgrading the safety system. Only one quote was received, which was from Sidener Environmental Services for $30,352. Only one bid was received because this is their original system so other systems would not work properly with it. After a brief discussion, the Board agreed with his recommendation.

MOTION

Trustee London made a Motion to accept the $30,352 bid from Sidener Environmental Services as presented and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

10. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING ROUGH CUT MOWER (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)

Public Works Director Fowler explained that they recently had the opportunity to have a new heavy brush mower demonstrated for the Public Works staff. They were impressed with its performance and felt that it would be beneficial for many areas of the Village including the Sports and Nature Park. The Board discussed and asked questions then agreed with his recommendation to purchase this new Ventrac mower at a price of $45,878.40.

MOTION

Trustee Wendt made a Motion to purchase the Ventrac mower at a cost of $45,878.40 and Trustee London seconded the Motion.

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

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

Nays: 0 – None

Absent: 1 – Kidd

Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee London seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

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