Forsyth Fast Facts

Items of interest from the June 21 and July 6 Board meetings

BOARD DECISIONS

• A unanimous vote among trustees ensured a $5,000 donation to the Special Recreation Association sponsored by the Decatur Park District (see next issue for details).
• Recent committee appointments include: Richard Maddox, Plan Commission alternate; Jeff Aubry, Tree Board; and Kathy Zimmerman and Sue Hall, Activities & Events Committee.
• Trustees authorized the Activities & Events committee to expand from six volunteers to eight. Other committees could be expanded if chairs can demonstrate a compelling need, according to Village Administrator Heather Kimmons.
• Trustees authorized Village staff to execute a supplement service agreement with American Legal Publishing Corporation for the recodification of the Village’s Code of Ordinances.
• Trustees authorized replacement of a 2000 Toro mower with a $32,505 Jacobsen mower. The price is $9,500 under the amount budgeted.
• Trustees agreed with a recommendation from Village Administrator Heather Kimmons and tabled a decision on a two-year contract to purchase energy. Kimmons continues to review four options and plans to have a recommendation for trustees at the next Board meeting, scheduled for July 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Village Hall.
• Trustees unanimously voted not to credit a homeowner $134.80 for additional charges on a water/sewer bill following an incident in which a water-powered back-up sump pump engaged during the homeowner’s extended absence.
• Sears, Mac’s Convenience Stores and Menards received special use permits to allow displays of outdoor and seasonal merchandise. 
• Trustees approved a Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to deny a petitioner’s request for a variance for a 12-inch foundation height for a home at 1210 Raptor Lane but did grant the homeowner a six-inch variance for the foundation following a second motion.
• Trustees tabled a request to reduce the bond on a construction agreement with Horve Builders for the Grayhawk Addition. Village Administrator Heather Kimmons said she will not recommend the bond reduction until improvements in the subdivision have been made. Earlier, trustee Larry Reed cited the deteriorating asphalt condition of some roads.
• Trustees authorized a bid document and advertising for repair work to Weaver Road bridge with the stipulation that the bridge cannot be closed while the Illinois Department of Transportation works on the two bridges along County Highway 20. No immediate safety issues are associated with the Weaver Road bridge. The plan is to complete the work later this year.
• Trustees considered a proposal to spend $20,000 more in LED lights to light the bike path along Hundley Road and in the area behind the Hickory Point Mall before voting unanimously to stay within the budgeted $51,000. Staff will purchase some LED lights for use on the new bike path along Hundley while standard lighting will be used for the path behind the mall.

UPCOMING

• Trustees will review the Village’s 2003 ordinance that established the rules and regulation of fireworks displays. Deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office said they will cite ordinance violators next year once the Village provides guidelines for enforcement. 
• Plans for County Highway 20 improvements will be completed by July 19, according to a report from Village Engineer Chuck Hunsinger, who said he will break down the project cost estimates into smaller divisions for priority consideration. The Public Works Committee will review the plan prior to presentation to trustees.

OTHER NEWS

• Forsyth Public Library has 323 registered participants in its summer reading program, according to Head Librarian Jean Campbell.
• A recent combination of malfunctioning air conditioners and high moisture with humidity caused the carpet to buckle in various areas at the Forsyth Public Library. Head Librarian Jean Campbell said the problem is not new, but persistent. Trustees have asked that the problem be rectified.
• Deputies from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office will begin writing citations for motorists who violate the detour signs along County Highway 20 where repairs are underway to the two bridges.