Meeting Place: 257 W Lincoln, Lewistown, IL 61542
Time: 5:00 PM
Date: July 7th, 2026
1. Call to Order
Time: 5:02 PM
2. Roll Call
Roll call was taken, quorum was present.
MEMBERS:
Susie Berry (Present)
Landon Smith (Present)
Andy Steck (Present)
Matt Vogel (Absent)
David Widger (Present)
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS: None
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS: Kim Mayberry – Zoning Officer, Julie Russell – Assessments
STAFF: Halle Tindall – Fulton County Board Administrative Assistant
GUEST(S) – None
3. Call for Additions/Deletions to and Approval of the Agenda
Member Smith moved to approve the agenda, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes from June 2nd, 2026.
Member Smith moved to approve previous minutes, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes
5. Announcements, Communications and Correspondence – None
6. Public Comments – None
7. Claims/Financial Report
Member Smith moved to approve, with a second from Member Berry. Motion carried by roll call vote (4,0)
8. Zoning Office Report
Zoning Officer Kim Mayberry reported that June was a good month with no ZBA hearings, allowing time to catch up on work. There will be one ZBA hearing on July 29th for a 5-megawatt community solar facility named Haven Solar One, which will be the first project applying for a conditional use permit under the new ordinance that was approved in May. The project will be located on the west side of Route 78, right outside of Canton, in close proximity to the Buckheart Creek Solar facility.
9. Old Business
Member Smith asked if there were any updates on the “Abandoned House Ordinance” research.
Extensive discussion was held regarding the creation of a county-level abandoned or dangerous buildings ordinance. The committee expressed surprise that many counties lack ordinances addressing abandoned properties. Assessor Russell expressed that all property is always owned by someone, whether an individual, taxpayer, state, or county. Member Steck explained dangerous buildings are classified by their condition: busted windows, open doors, structural hazards that pose risks like floors collapsing or providing access for illegal activities. Assessor Russell reported that many cities including Farmington, St. David, and Canton have ordinances. The tax deed process was explained by Assessor Russell, including how properties can go through the trustee program, be purchased by tax buyers who later file for sale and error, often resulting in the process restarting. Municipalities typically budget to tear down dangerous structures, with costs ranging from $13,000 to $15,000 per house due to EPA-approved landfill requirements and brick separation. St. David budgets for two houses per year. Safety concerns were raised including squatting, fires started by occupants, stripped copper piping, and structural dangers. The committee discussed enforcement mechanisms, noting that the assessment office staff have been on every property in the county over 17 years and could help identify properties. Clear definitions would be needed so criteria are consistent.
10. New Business
Discussion/Action: Approval of “Keefer Properties Subdivision”.
Short Legal: Two lots, being a part of Outlot 2, located in the Southwest quarter of Section 2 in Township 8N, Range 4E of the Fourth Principal Meridian in Fulton County, Illinois.
Assessor Russell explained the subdivision approval process. Sarah Keefer purchased property on the south side of Route 116 and wants to split it. The subdivision plat has been reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer Kim Mayberry, IDOT, County Highway Engineer Keith Munter, the health department, school district, and Fulton County Clerk Patrick O’Brian has confirmed there are no back taxes. The subdivision complies with state Plat Act law and requires no exceptions.
Member Smith moved to send to the full board, with a second from Member Steck. Motion carried by roll call vote (4,0)
11. Executive Session – None
12. Misc. – None
13. Adjournment
Member Smith moved to adjourn at 5:22 PM, with a second from Member Widger. Motion carried by voice vote with all ayes.
