Forsyth Fast Facts

Items of interest from the July 19 Board meeting

BOARD DECISIONS

• Three deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office are completing training for state certification to conduct bike patrols. The patrols will resume later this summer when residents can expect to see the deputies on the bike trails and in other Village areas. 
• Menards has the best video surveillance system in the county, according to the state’s attorney’s office, as reported by deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies credited the Forsyth business with providing information that has helped apprehend thieves.
• County Highway 20 improvement plans are scheduled to be completed no later than July 23, according to a report from Village Engineer Chuck Hunsinger. A cost estimate will be ready Aug. 23.
• Trustees voted unanimously in support of a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) recommendation to allow a variance for upgraded lighting in Hickory Point Mall parking lot. ZBA member Bud Wise presented the members’ recomendation in the absence of chairman Dick Dubs, whose resignation was announced that same evening.
• Halverson Construction was awarded a contract of $173,650 for repairs to the Weaver Road bridge following a unanimous trustee vote. Work will begin on the Weaver Road bridge once the county completes bridge work east of Hundley Road and opens that road to traffic.
• Trustees approved a temporary outdoor display permit for Circle K to allow a bottled water display next to the entrance.
• Trustees amended an ordinance governing outdoor merchandise displays and advertising. The amendment allows permits to be reviewed and granted by the Village administrator instead of coming to trustees for a vote.
• An amendment to the Activities & Events Committee charter, effective July 6, allows for the addition of two new members and brings the total members to nine, including chair and trustee Marilyn Johnson. The Parks & Recreation Committee has requested to add two alternates and Mayor Hap Gilbert said he is considering the same for the Economic Development Committee, which he chairs. The addition of alternates does not raise the number of members required to meet a quorum.
• Budget funds capped at $3,000 will be used to contract with a company specializing in solving uneven sidewalk hazards. Public Works Director Larry Coloni said the firm’s four-man crew will work one day beginning in the Christopher Drive area. More remedial sidewalk work could be planned and funded through next year’s budget, he said.

TABLED

• A decision about purchasing energy for the Village was tabled until the mayor, Village administrator and Village treasurer can analyze and evaluate the bids. Village Administrator Heather Kimmons said there is no urgency for a decision. The goal is to negotiate the best contract possible for the Village, she said.

UPCOMING

• The annual Illinois Municipal League conference will be held in Chicago Sept. 23-25. Registration forms must be submitted by Aug. 12. All trustees are eligible to attend.
• Should the Village allow the sale of package liquor at Forsyth gas stations? Trustees will decide after Village Administrator Heather Kimmons investigates ordinances in other communities to determine options that would allow for a restrictive class of liquor licenses.