Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Feb. 17.
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 Jeremy Shaw, Trustee Chelsie Kidd, Trustee Dave Wendt, Trustee Jim Ashby, Trustee Jeff London, Trustee Lauren Young (late)
Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Engineer Representative Luke Kirby
Absent: Village Engineer Jeremy Buening
Others Present: none
CONSENT AGENDA
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 2026
2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
3. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JANUARY 31, 2026 MOTION
Trustee London made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 5 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 1 – Young
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 law enforcement present.
2. Village Staff Reports
Mayor Peck addressed the following topics with staff: He said the fence slats on the ball diamond look great. He asked if it was possible to create car parking on the boulevard in front of the Oakland park. Public Works Director Fowler said it is possible and will generate further details for consideration. Planning and Zoning Director said the scoreboard installation is weather dependent but will be completed before the season starts. Public Works Director Fowler reported that the water tower project is scheduled to begin the first week of March starting on the south tower first, and both towers are expected to be completed by the end of May depending on weather conditions.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING LIQUOR CODE (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Village Attorney Petrilli explained the current status of liquor licenses and the criteria for each type. Currently there are five class A licenses available. She further explained the liquor ordinance details which state one must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or hold a proven green card to hold a liquor license. Trustee Wendt was concerned regarding enforcement of the requirements. Village Attorney Petrilli explained the state requirements and reporting process handle this so it is not a concern. If we have concerns we can contact the business to discuss those concerns. The Board discussed the topic.
No Motion needed.
2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-8 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VILLAGE CODE SECTIONS 111.3 AND 111.4 RELATED TO LICENSES FOR THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Much of this discussion was held in Item #1 above. Village Attorney Petrilli explained this change would make our ordinance match the State code and would also allow Diamonds & Yolk to have a license. A brief Board discussion ensued.
MOTION
Trustee London 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: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-9 AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSES FROM FIVE TO SIX (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Village Attorney Petrilli summarized the previous Board discussion points on expanding the number of licenses. A brief discussion ensued.
MOTION
Trustee London made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared Carried.
4. RESOLUTION NUMBER 1-2026 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH AND THE DECATUR AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Administrator Applebee explained that the annual agreement with the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is for $75,000. Trustee Kidd asked how to measure what is actually being generated by that agreement. A discussion was held and Trustee Wendt explained how the liaison by the DACVB works with groups coming to Decatur, Forsyth, and Mt. Zion throughout the year. A lengthy discussion ensued after which it was agreed to amend the agreement to read for one year at $75,000 or amend it to read as a 3-year agreement for a total of $225,000 payable in three payments of $75,000 each.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the agreement with Section 2 modified to read $75,000 per year for a three (3) year agreement and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared Carried.
5. RESOLUTION NUMBER 2-2026 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MAROA-FORSYTH COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that the current lease between the Village of Forsyth and Maroa-Forsyth Community Unit School District #2 for the use of Ball Diamonds 1, 4 and 5 and the associated concession areas is set to expire at the end of this term. Staff recommends renewal of the current agreement. The Board held a discussion regarding the potential economic impact of this agreement along with a concern for the need for more ballfields to accommodate the increased number of teams. Public Works Director will work out better scheduling with the high school so the youth leagues can practice earlier in the afternoon and evenings.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Resolution with modifications to Section 4 to change the date to October 1, 2026 instead of October 1, 2024 and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared Carried.
6. RESOLUTION NUMBER 3-2026 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FORSYTH YOUTH LEAGUE AND THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH (VILLAGE ATTORNEY LISA PETRILLI)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that the current agreement between the Village of Forsyth and the Forsyth Youth League is set to expire on March 31, 2025. Staff recommends renewal of the two-year agreement with no changes to the existing language. The Board briefly discussed the topic and all agreed that Diamond #4 should be included in this as well.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the renewal of the agreement between the Village of Forsyth and Forsyth Youth League with the modification to Section 1 and Section 2 to include Diamond #4 and Trustee Shaw seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared Carried.
7. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING HOTEL/MOTEL TAX FUND REQUEST FOR FUNDING (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained she has received three requests for funding from the following entities: 37th Annual Shoreline Classic for $5000, MidState Cup Soccer Tournament for $5,000 and Hardy’s Race for the Lake for $5,000. Trustee London felt a more appropriate amount for the Shoreline Classic would be $3,000 and after a discussion the Board agreed.
MOTION
Trustee London made a Motion to approve not to exceed $3,000 for the Shoreline Classic, and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
MOTION
Trustee London made a Motion to approve not to exceed $5,000 for the MidState Soccer Tournament, and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve not to exceed $5,000 for the Hardy’s Race for the Lake, and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
8. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING NEW ROAD REPAIR PATCHER (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)
Public Works Director Fowler explained that $125,000 is budgeted for the purchase of a new Road Repair Patcher to help with Village road maintenance. He described the exact equipment he feels is best to purchase and also said it performed well in test patches. He recommends purchase of he Sherwin Industries Patcher for a cost of $83,417.90. A brief Board discussion ensued.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the purchase of the road repair patcher as presented and not to exceed $83,417.90 and Trustee Kidd seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
9. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING VETERANS POND AERATOR (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)
Public Works Director Fowler explained the need for a new aerator for the Veteran’s Pond. He explained the research that was done on the product and concluded that the PondStream Scott Model DA-20 was the best choice at a total cost of $3,944.95.
No Motion was needed as the cost is under the required threshold for Board voting.
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 8:10 p.m.
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