Village of Forsyth Board of Trustees met March 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 Dave Wendt, Trustee Jim Ashby, Trustee Jeff London, Trustee Lauren Young
Absent: Trustee Chelsie Kidd
Staff Present: Village Administrator Jill Applebee, Village Clerk Cheryl Marty, Village Attorney Lisa Petrilli, Planning and Zoning Director Ryan Raleigh, Public Works Director Darin Fowler, Village Library Director Melanie Weigel, Village Engineer Representative Luke Kirby
Absent: Village Treasurer Rhonda Stewart
Others Present: Reed Sullivan
CONSENT AGENDA
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 17, 2026
2. APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented and Trustee London seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 5 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Ashby, 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.
None.
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. Law Enforcement Report
No law enforcement present.
2. Village Staff Reports
Mayor Peck addressed the following topics with staff: He shared that the city managers, administrators and mayors of Decatur, Forsyth and Mt. Zion recently met for lunch to discuss common topics. The discussions were positive and productive, and the group plans to meet on a quarterly basis going forward. Public Works Director Fowler confirmed that IDOT is working on fixing or replacing cameras on Route 51 so that traffic lights are better synchronized. Trustee London thanked Administrator Applebee for use of the Board room for an all-day meeting last Saturday. Trustee Young thanked Public Works Director Fowler for having the ball fields ready. Trustee Shaw said the new fences looks great and all agreed.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-10 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIN OF A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF FORSYTH AND CHICK-FIL-A, INC. (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that a representative from Chick-Fil-A was joining the meeting on the phone tonight. This ordinance supports the redevelopment of property located at 1275 N. Route 51 within the Forsyth TIF district. A brief discussion ensued by the Board.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt 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: 5 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Ashby, Young
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 1 – Kidd
Motion declared carried.
2. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-11 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VILLAGE LIQUOR CODE TO ALLOW FOR SEVEN CLASS A LICENSES (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that Krekel’s has applied for a Class A liquor license. Mayor Peck and Administrator Applebee met with Chad Krekel to confirm the benefits to his business from this possible option. Krekel is confident that this will be profitable and have a positive impact to the restaurant. A lengthy Board discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of increasing to seven Class A licenses with the Board ultimately agreeing to increase the number to seven.
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 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Ashby, Young
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 1 – Kidd
Motion declared carried.
3. ORDINANCE NUMBER 2026-12 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VILLAGE LIQUOR CODE TO ALLOW FOR THREE CLASS C LICENSES (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLBEE)
Village Administrator Applebee explained that Gas and Grub, located at 104 US Route 51, has requested a Class C liquor license. Owner Abhijit Patel said he is currently remodeling the property and desires to sell packaged alcohol from the gas station. The Board discussed this briefly. Future plans will involve the inclusion of the Burrito Truck. A Board discussion followed.
MOTION
Trustee Shaw made a Motion to approve the Ordinance as presented and Trustee Ashby seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 5 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Ashby, Young
Nays: 0 – None
Absent: 1 – Kidd
Motion declared Carried.
4. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING VETERANS MEMORIAL PROJECT SCOPE (VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR JILL APPLEBEE)
Administrator Applebee explained that staff and Trustee Wendt met with representatives Massie Massie and Associates to further define the scope of the work needed to move this project from conception to construction. The cost of the design and overseeing of the project is $24,000. The targeted 2026 timeline outlined in the agreement is as follows: construction documents completed by May, bidding done in May, contracts to be awarded in June, and construction to occur between July and September with the unveiling on Veterans Day. Public Works Director suggested that a carved wooden eagle be created with a plaque honoring TJ Jackson who has spearheaded the upkeep of the memorial for many years. A lengthy discussion followed. Trustee Shaw fully supports all Veterans but felt the total cost is too high and is not in favor of spending this large amount. Trustee Wendt has talked with the Heart of Illinois Foundation regarding sponsorships and donations, any of which would be forwarded to the Village for this project. Tonight’s consideration is only for the $24,000 design cost proposal and does not commit to any further costs at this time.
MOTION
Trustee London made a Motion to approve the $24,000 design and consultation proposal from Massie Massie and Associates and Trustee Wendt seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 4 – Wendt, London, Young, Ashby
Nays: 1 – Shaw
Absent: 1 – Kidd
Motion declared Carried.
5. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING BIKE PATH AGREEMENT AMENDMENT (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)
Village Engineer Representative Kirby explained the reasons for the amended agreement for the Maroa-Forsyth Bike Path Project. Reasons include delays with fiber optic utilities hampering production for approximately one week which caused further delays in other areas of the project. Trustee Shaw confirmed that Ameren agreed to fix their installation so he feels this additional $10,000 cost should go back to Ameren. Public Works Director Fowler agreed as well as the Trustees. All Trustees also agreed for Chastain and Associates to retrieve itemized cost details before moving forward with approval.
No Motion needed.
6. DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION REGARDING WATER TOWER AND GROUND STORAGE TANK CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (VILLAGE ENGINEER JEREMY BUENING)
Village Engineer Representative Kirby explained that Chastain and Associates is requesting the acceptance of engaging KLM to assist in the water towers and ground storage tank construction services. This is specialized work and will ensure the proper integrity of the project. The Board discussed the topic and agreed this is a beneficial choice.
MOTION
Trustee Wendt made a Motion to approve the engagement of KLM for this project and at a cost not to exceed $165,000 and Trustee Young seconded the Motion.
Upon a call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
Yeas: 5 – Wendt, Shaw, London, Young, Ashby
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 7:45 p.m.
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