Forsyth Village Vision News

Voters elect Johnson to be first woman mayor

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:11:00 GMT

Longtime Forsyth resident Marilyn Johnson, previously a Village trustee for 16 years, was elected Forsyth’s first woman mayor in the April 9 election, replacing retiring mayor Hap Gilbert. She defeated fellow trustee Eric Morr in the election by a vote of 476 to 428. Johnson had campaigned on a platform of being a low-key consensus builder who would encourage open dialogue and progressive thinking, noting that she will “...respect the decision of the majority, even if I disagree with it.”

Johnson had formerly served as mayor pro-tem for eight years. She will serve a four-year term as mayor. Morr, whose four-year term as trustee ends April 30, had campaigned on the concept of sustainability, pledging to keep taxes low and spend wisely.

“I’m not happy about leaving – Forsyth has a good thing going and I wanted to be a part of it,” he said in his April 15 trustee email update to Forsyth residents. “It was fun being helpful. I learned a lot. Thanks for your input over the years.”

Three residents were elected to open trustee seats on the Village Board, including incumbent Steve Hubbard (492 votes), Dave Wendt (444) and Bob Gruenewald (509). They prevailed against Sarah Woollen (399) and Jim Mathews (384) for three four-year terms.

Technology to make meetings more resident-friendly

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:09:00 GMT

On April 15, Village trustees agreed with a request from the Planning and Zoning Commission members to update the technology in the meeting room at Village Hall, dedicating $5,000 out of the FY14 budget toward the improvements.

The request was sparked by a recent training session by Mike Hoffman of Teska and Associates, who encouraged the P & Z C members to enhance the ability to share information with residents who are attending the meetings.

“We need to do all that is possible to make sure the residents that have come to our meeting have the same opportunity to review all the material that is available to the commissioners,” said P & Z C Chair Bill Busbey in a memo.

The trustees agreed, noting that the technology will also be of benefit to residents attending the Village Board meetings.

“Educating the general audience on the variables impacting the agenda discussion should make the entire meeting a more engaging experience for all,” said Village Administrator Mike Miller. “I also believe the updates could lead to an increase in residential participation in the various meetings held throughout the year.”

Union contract accepted

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:07:00 GMT

At their April 15 meeting, Village trustees approved a collective bargaining agreement between the Village and Laborers Local 159. The four-year contract applies only to full and part-time Village employees who work in one of three job classifications: public works technician, public works technician I and building inspector/water plant operator.

Village employees had first filed a petition to unionize in May 2012, and an initial proposal from the Local 159 was submitted to the Village in November. A series of meetings followed to discuss issues and terms.

“The negotiating committee believes [the contract] is fair to both parties in the agreement,” said Mike Miller, Village Administrator.

Retiring firefighter honored at April 28 open house

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:07:00 GMT

The fire department invites all Forsyth residents to an open house in honor of retiring firefighter Don Tankersley, to be held Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the fire station, located at 450 S. Smith Street.

Tankersley served 42 years as a volunteer firefighter, and 22 years as a trustee for Hickory Point Fire Protection District. He also retired as an investigator with the Illinois State Fire Marshal office and is a Forsyth resident. A presentation will be made at 3 p.m. during the open house, and refreshments will be served.

Library News

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:05:00 GMT

SHARE update a success

The April 9 go live of SHARE, a new, larger database for the Forsyth Public Library went very smoothly overall, said Library Director Rachel Miller.

“I’m sure this has been somewhat of a challenge for patrons, “ she said, “but everyone has been so patient. I think it’s gone very well. Patrons seem very pleased with the new look, new options and the access to so many more materials.”

The new SHARE database was a result of a state-mandated merging of four Illinois library systems, including the local Rolling Prairie Library System. By coincidence, the Libraryon- the-Go website offered to patrons also completed an upgrade that makes it “even easier to use than before,” Miller said, noting that library staff are eager to help patrons navigate both newly upgraded systems for searching and checking out materials.

LEGO Club meets May 9

The last chance for kids to have some LEGO building fun at the library this spring is Thursday, May 9, from 4 to 5 p.m. Drop ins are welcome, no RSVPs needed. The club will resume this fall.

Speaker to present ‘The Vietnam War and Today’s Military’

Tom Jones, author and Vietnam veteran, will be speaking at Forsyth Public Library on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. on the topic of the Vietnam war and its impact on today’s military, including the increased role of women in combat, the growth in engagement by the National Guard and the development of military technology. Jones will discuss this influence and talk about the similarities and differences between the military of the Vietnam era and today.

Vietnam artifacts on display

Several Forsyth residents have loaned Vietnam-era items to the library for display in conjunction with Decatur Public Library’s hosting of a traveling Vietnam War Memorial exhibit on May 16-19, “The Wall That Heals.” The items are featured in a glass display case in the center of the library.

Baby TALK classes

Baby TALK is held at the library each Wednesday in April from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Drop ins welcome (parent must attend).

Book clubs meet

Newcomers are welcome at each of the library-hosted book clubs. The Food for Thought Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. Forsyth’s Bookkeepers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17.

Drop in and make a craft

Kids are welcome to stop by the library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, to make a craft for Mom for Mother’s Day. All materials will be provided

Summer park and library guide coming soon

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:03:00 GMT

Planning your summer fun for the family? Activities for children and adults can be found in the annual summer guide to Forsyth park and library activities, It will be mailed to all Forsyth households in early May.

Registration for the summer reading program begins on Tuesday, May 28, and continues through Saturday, June 1, during regular library hours.

Families can also do “one-stop shopping” for both library and park summer activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at the library during ‘Pop In and Sign Up’ day. Popcorn will be served.

Community News

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Elderwatch meets May 6

Elderwatch will meet Monday, May 6, at 1 p.m. in the community room at Forsyth Public Library. Athletic training students from Millikin University will give a presentation on health and simple exercises.

Hold these dates!

The 2013 Forsyth Family Fest will be held Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15. Complete details will be available in an upcoming issue of Village Vision.

Forsyth marks 17 years as a Tree City USA

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:40:00 GMT

From left: Forsyth Public Works Director Larry Coloni; Forsyth Tree Board Chair Roger Mulholland; Judy May, Tree Board member; Reinee Hildebrandt, urban conservation program administrator for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; and Mike Unruh, Tree Board member; during Forsyth’s plaque presentation at the Tree City USA Awards Ceremony held March 26 in Springfield. The plaque was in honor of Forsyth’s 17th year of recognition as a Tree City USA, a national program recognizing communities with a demonstrated commitment to caring for and managing their public trees. As part of their annual celebration of Arbor Day on April 26, the Tree Board members and Coloni will be distributing Norway Spruce and Colorado Blue Spruce tree seedlings to first and second grade students at Maroa-Forsyth Grade School and to first through sixth grade students at Decatur Christian School in Forsyth.

Forsyth Fast Facts

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:34:00 GMT

Items of interest from Village staff and the April 15 Board meetings

Macon County Sheriff's deputies credit "excellent police work" for the swift capture of two individuals suspected of the armed robbery of the Midwest Cellular store by Hickory Point Mall on April 14. Two days later, deputies also worked quickly, this time to evacuate residents from homes on west Stevens Creek Circle following a discovery of potential hand grenades in a fire hydrant being worked on by a member of the Public Works department. The U of I bomb squad was called in to assist as a safety precaution, and it was soon determined that the grenades were only realistic toy models.
Forsyth resident John Moody has been named the new editor of Village Vision newsletter, following unanimous Board approval of Moody’s revised cost estimate for producing the newsletter twice each month. Under the terms of the new contract, the total cost of producing and printing the newsletter, less postage, will be $31,560 annually, an increase of $8,760 over the previous cost. The only other bid for producing the newsletter, at a cost of $64,320, had been received following the April 1 Board meeting. Before the vote, Trustee Bob Rasho had asked that termination provisions be included in the contract in the event the Board should choose to discontinue the newsletter.
At the April 25 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the members will hear requests for two possible new developments in the Village. The meeting is open to public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
Trustees approved a request to move forward on a single window replacement for Forsyth Public Library. Several library windows and the emergency exit doors have been leaking and causing water damage in the library for some time, possibly since the addition now housing the library was completed in 1997, according to Library Director Rachel Miller. The replacement, which will be completed by a team of B & B Glass and Quality Concrete and More, will serve as a test to determine the extent of any hidden water damage that may have resulted from the leaking and help determine the scope of work needed for repairs and replacing the other library windows. “It’s now to the point where the water is traveling inside the walls,” Miller told trustees.
Trustees opted to go with the less costly option for Elwood Street improvements and approved authorization for design work to be done for asphalt overlay to Elwood Street south of Cox Street, The overlay will extend the functionality of the street for another 25 years, according to Village Administrator Mike Miller. Village Engineer Chuck Hunsinger offered preliminary estimates of $538,000 for the asphalt overlay compared to $960,000 for full replacement with concrete, noting that asphalt had the lowest overall life cycle cost. The project’s projected total cost, as included in the 2013-14 fiscal budget, stood at $1.04 million.
After approving an amendment to the 2012-13 fiscal budget, trustees approved adoption of the 2013-14 fiscal budget. After the vote, resident Sid Audiffred spoke to trustees about his perceived need for better communication about the workings of the budget to the residents, noting that almost half the budget was categorized in a line item under “Other Expenditures.” He encouraged the Board to publish an annual report beyond posting the budget breakdowns on the Village’s website, noting that not everyone has access to the Internet. “Maybe some of these figures could be given more exposure in Village Vision or another publication,” said Trustee Bob Rasho.
Test boring for a seventh possible well site for the Village will proceed after trustee approval at the April 15 Board meeting. Layne Christensen Co. had submitted the only bid estimate in 2012 for the drilling at a cost of $21,985 and has agreed to abide by that quote after the Village delayed acting on it in 2012, said Village Engineer Chuck Hunsinger. The Village’s option to purchase the test site expires Dec. 17 of this year.

Forsyth Fast Facts

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Items of interest from Village staff and the April 1 Board meetings

A public hearing will be held May 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Village Hall concerning the proposed unified development ordinance plan prepared by Mike Hoffman of Teska and Associates. The hearing follows a March 28 review of the draft plan by the Planning and Zoning Commission. At that same meeting, Hoffman led a training session for Commission members to cover their roles and duties as well as a review of meeting procedures. During the training, he noted that it is important to document all evidence of why a variance is granted or denied. Hoffman also suggested that all meeting motions should be stated in the affirmative for clarity in voting and tracking. “You can preface the motion by saying ‘I am not in favor of this,’ but an affirmative motion makes a much clearer way to [present the matter for a vote],” he said.
A Macon County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported little recent activity requiring attention, noting that Hickory Point Mall has hired two security guards to supplement deputies’ efforts in monitoring the mall.
After reviewing cost estimates from the single individual who completed an RFP to produce the Village Vision newsletter in response to advertisements and letter requests, trustees asked Village Administrator Mike Miller to do further research and negotiation to determine if the newsletter can be produced for closer to current costs. The individual’s estimate to produce the newsletter on its current bimonthly schedule was more than three times what has been paid in the past.

New power poles for Cox

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Ameren IP has installed new power poles along Cox Street, and Comcast is moving their lines off the old poles, according to Village Engineer Chuck Hunsinger who provided trustees with a recent update on the Cox Street improvements Phase IV construction.

Hunsinger said some power poles and telephone junction boxes were interfering with the installation of a few panels of sidewalk. AT&T is moving its telephone junction boxes, and work was expected to be completed by the end of March.

No date has been given for when the contractor expects to finish his work on the project. Remaining work includes grading street shoulders, landscaping and sidewalks, Hunsinger said.

“This work should take about two weeks to complete once the ground dries,” he said.

Public Works: The unsung heroes of Forsyth

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

On Sunday, March 24, more than a foot of snow blanketed the area and shut down traffic in Forsyth – with a notable exception.

Beginning at about 2 p.m. that Sunday, and working straight through until 7 a.m. on Monday, Larry Coloni and his Public Works crew could be found on Forsyth streets, plowing and salting to remove the tons of snow resulting from one of the heaviest blizzards the area had experienced in many years. Thanks to their efforts, Forsyth streets were clear and navigable Monday morning.

“I looked out my window and realized I’d have no problem getting to work that day,” said Village Administrator Mike Miller, who noted he received a “couple of calls” that day from residents praising the clean streets.

Plowing snow is just one of hundreds of maintenance and other tasks – including the annual spring clean up, leaf and tree limb pick up, and more – that Coloni and his crew juggle behind the scenes in their ongoing efforts to keep Forsyth running smoothly.

Another of their jobs, to ensure Forsyth’s water quality, was recently recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which commended Forsyth’s water system and its compliance with the state’s fluoridation law during each month of 2012.

Coloni and his crew will be among those recognized May 19-23 as Illinois marks Public Works Week, as proclaimed by Gov. Pat Quinn. This year also marks the 53rd anniversary of National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association.

Help reduce outdoor pollution

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Please keep grass clippings off the streets, says Village Hall. Mowing season is fast approaching, and Forsyth residents are reminded to help reduce pollution by keeping litter, including grass clippings, off the streets and to use the biodegradable, disposable baggies at the Mutt Mitt stations in Forsyth Park when walking dogs.

Since 2004, Forsyth has been committed to help reduce pollution from storm water runoff through control measures set up by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Summer park and library guide coming soon

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Forsyth Public Library will be celebrating travel this summer, set to the theme of “Have Book, Will Travel!”

“No need to pack your suitcase, because an excursion to the library is a journey to events and activities for all ages,” said Rachel Miller, library director.

Registration for the summer reading program begins on Tuesday, May 28, and continues through Saturday, June 1, during regular library hours. Families can also do “one-stop shopping” for both library and park summer activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at the library during ‘Pop In and Sign Up’ day. Popcorn will be served.

New this year to the assortment of park activities is a “Senior Walk,” through Forsyth Park, held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. from June 4 through July 23. Residents are invited to enjoy the company of other older adults. Coffee will be served.

Library News

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Library goes live with SHARE

On April 9, Forsyth Public Library was scheduled to go live with SHARE, a new, larger database. After April 9, patrons are encouraged to bring their cards with them to ensure a faster checkout.

After SHARE goes live, patrons will be able to use their Forsyth library card at any of the 427 Illinois libraries in the consortium, even checking materials out in one location and returning them at another SHARE library. The new SHARE database is a result of the a state-mandated merging of four Illinois library systems, including the local Rolling Prairie Library System.

LEGO Club gets to stacking

Got LEGOs? The library does! Come join in the building fun on Thursday, April 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. Drop ins are welcome, no RSVPs needed.

Ready to get buggy?

Drop by the library anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, to make and decorate your own unique Bug Jar for catching and studying summer critters. Depending on the age of the jarmaker, this drop-in craft should take about 20-30 minutes to complete.

The Vietnam War and Today’s Military

Tom Jones, author and Vietnam veteran, will be speaking at Forsyth Public Library on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. on the topic of the Vietnam war and today’s military.

Vietnam artifacts sought

The library seeks to borrow artifacts from the Vietnam War era for exhibit at the library during April and May. The display is held in conjunction with Decatur Public Library’s hosting of a traveling Vietnam War Memorial exhibit on May 16-19, “The Wall That Heals.”

Baby TALK classes

Baby TALK is held at the library each Wednesday in April from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Drop ins welcome (parent must attend).

Spring storytimes continue

Spring storytimes for preschoolers are held at 10 a.m. each Thursday through April. Newcomers are welcome anytime.

Book clubs meet

Newcomers are welcome at each of the library-hosted book clubs. The Food for Thought Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, to discuss “Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, Bring a salad to share with the group for the salad potluck. Forsyth’s Bookkeepers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 19. The Bookkeepers will be discussing “Still Life” by Louise Penny.

Historical Society Meet and Greet

The Historical Society will host a meet and greet on Tuesday, April 23, from 6-7 p.m. at the library.