Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met Feb. 3
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
TELEPHONE: Trustee Jeff London
Absent: Trustee Lauren Young (arrived late)
Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Attorney Andrew Jarmer, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh, Village Engineer Jeremy Buening, Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart, Public Works Director Darin Fowler
Absent: Village Library Director Melanie Weigel
Others Present: Andrew Hendrian, Andrew Hanes (Busey Bank), Erik Mitchell
MOTION: Trustee Wendt made a Motion to allow Trustee London to participate via telephone tonight as he is unable to attend due to an out-of-state work assignment.
Yeas: 4 – Wendt, Shaw, Ashby, Kidd
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 1 – Young
Motion declared carried.
PRESENTATION: BUSEY FARM REPORT
Busey Farm Manager Andrew Hanes provided a verbal summary of the Village of Forsyth Farm productivity for 2025.This included income, revenues, and profitability. He also discussed probable future farm improvement projects. A brief discussion ensued by the Board.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2026
2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented 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
Abstain: 0 – None
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: Village Engineer Buening confirmed the status of the Barnett Avenue pavement improvements is that the right of way issue is being negotiated. Mayor Peck asked to consider pushing this project out another year to avoid conflict with the construction of the new Chick-fil-A. Village Engineer Buening agreed it was worth exploring and all Trustees agreed if it does not impact funding.
Public Works Director Fowler shared that the Veteran’s pond aerator needs replaced at an estimated $12,000. But he said it was possible that the cost could only run $6000-$7000 but will review the budget and bring more information to the next Board meeting. He explained the details of the problem.
Trustee Wendt brought up the topic of the inconsistent operation of the traffic light at Weaver Road and Route 51. Weaver Road is the only road that has no camera. Public Works Director confirmed that traffic does not pull up far enough to activate the light timer. After further discussion he said he will put in a request for this and several other changes with IDOT.
Public Works Director Fowler replied to Trustee Kidd’s question of when Field 3 improvements will be completed. The fence will be done before the season begins, and the dugouts will be done afterward.
Administrator Applebee asked the Board to spread the word regarding unwanted door to door solicitors in the Village and instructed them to tell residents to check the Village Facebook page for all solicitors authorized by the Village.
OLD BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING DISC GOLF REDESIGN PROPOSAL (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DARIN FOWLER)
Public Works Director Fowler explained details of the golf redesign proposal. LedgeStone Disc Golf wants to upgrade and expand our course so they can be used as a qualifier for the Peoria tournament which is the largest in the U.S. This is an aggressive plan and would involve a lot of work by staff but the Village would not go over budget to accomplish it. He went on to share details of the proposal along with the potential economic benefits it would bring to the Village. A lengthy Board discussion ensued with a conclusion by the Board to move forward with the design plan. Design work is already completed and installation work will occur from January through May with the grand opening scheduled for June, 2026.
MOTION
Trustee Ashby made a Motion to approve the LedgeStone disc course redesign proposal not to exceed $80,000 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.
NEW BUSINESS
1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-5 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH AND 12 C PROPERTIES, LLC SERIES 1 AND MATTHEW W. CRAWFORD (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained the topic background. This Ordinance makes three important clarifications while leaving all other terms of the original agreement in place: establishes project completion deadline of July 31, 2026, what constitutes project completion, and that the $184,684 principal and accrued interest will be forgiven upon project completion or July 31, 2026, whichever occurs first. A brief Board discussion ensued.
MOTION
Trustee Shaw 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.
2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-6 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION TIF GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE FORSYTH TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRCIT (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that this program was established in 2018, and in 2022 the amount was reviewed and increased. Every year we receive more requests and she anticipates that trend to continue. She suggests increasing it to $200,000 annually and still retaining a $25,000 limit to each project along with maintaining the associated criteria. Mayor Peck agreed and the Board discussed the topic confirming that this program is reviewed annually. TIF Illinois preapproves these requests along with confirming the availability of the funds.
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: 6 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Kidd, Young, Ashby
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion declared carried.
3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-7 AN ORDINANCE ADDING TERRITORY TO ENTERPRISE ZONE AND APPROVING THE AMENDMENT OF THE ENACTING ORDINANCE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (AMENDMENT 11) VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained the details of this request by the Decatur-Macon County Enterprise Zone Board to amend the enterprise zone. As in the past approval of this amendment benefits all parties in the agreement, so a short discussion was held and the amendment agreed upon by the Trustees.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented 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.
4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING POTENTIAL TIF ASSISTANCE FOR WHISTLING PINES TOWNHOME AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that this topic is intended to provide the Board with early awareness and to request Board direction regarding a potential TIF assistance request associated with a proposed multifamily townhome development within the Village by Sullivan Developers, LLC. The project includes 8 four-unit townhome buildings, clubhouse, green space, with 32 total townhome units at a total project cost of $7,520,000. She further explained details of the financial TIF request. Village Attorney Petrilli is currently reviewing for any legal issues and will soon report her findings to Administrator Applebee. A lengthy Board discussion ensued with the main concern being with the amount of up-front money requested along with the negotiated share for the Village. The Board instructed Administrator Applebee to clarify any liabilities on this topic then renegotiate once she has received updated legal information.
No Motion needed.
5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ANDREW HENDRIAN TIF GRANT REQUEST (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that Andrew Hendrian is requesting this $25,000 grant for the purpose of making the following improvements to his property at Route 51 and County Highway 20: parking lot improvements, new exterior signage, and additional exterior enhancements if budget allows. This was previously approved by TIF Illinois. The total project cost is estimated to be $55,000 – $75,000. A brief discussion ensued.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the $25,000 TIF grant to Andrew Hendrian for as presented 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. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING DIAMONDS & YOLK TIF GRANT REQUEST (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that Diamonds and Yolk is requesting this $25,000 grant for the purpose of making the following improvements to their newly purchased restaurant in Forsyth: exterior signage, exterior improvements, wayfinding and identification for patrons, and overall commercial presentation along the corridor. Total approximate cost for the improvements is estimated at $60,000. Staff recommends approving the grant. A brief Board discussion followed.
MOTION
Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the $25,000 TIF grant to Diamonds & Yolk presented 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.
7. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDIN J FOUR INC. TIF GRANT REQUEST (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that Four, Inc. is requesting this $25,000 grant for the purpose of making the following improvements to their new location in Forsyth: replacement and installation of new exterior signage, speaker post and audio equipment upgrades, drive-thru and parking-related signage and associated exterior improvements. Total approximate cost for the improvements is estimated at $42,000. Staff recommends approving the $21,000 grant. A brief Board discussion followed.
MOTION
Trustee Kidd made a Motion to approve the $21,000 TIF grant to Four, Inc. 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.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Wendt made the Motion to adjourn and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion. All Board members agreed by voice vote, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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