Fulton County Board Committee Minutes
Fulton County Board Office, 257 West Lincoln Street, Lewistown, IL 61542
Committee: Community Development, Zoning & 200th Anniversary
Meeting Place: 257 W Lincoln, Lewistown, IL
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Date: July 5, 2023
1. Call to Order
Time: 5:30pm
Members:
Laura Kessel (present/xxxxxx)
BJ McCullum (xxxxxx/absent)
Ryan Sloan (present/xxxxxx)
Lauren Southwood (present/xxxxxx)
David Widger (present/xxxxxx)
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS: None
ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS: Janice Emmons – Planning and Zoning Director, Julie Russell- Supervisor of Assessment
STAFF: Cindy Simpson – Fulton County Board Administrative Assistant
Guests: None
2. Roll Call
Roll call was taken, quorum was present
3. Call for Additions/Deletions to and Approval of the Agenda
Member Southwood moved to approve the agenda with a second from Member Sloan. Motion carried by voice vote with all voting ayes.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes – June 6, 2023
Member Southwood moved to approve the minutes from June 6, 2023 with a second from Member Sloan. Motion carried by voice vote with all voting ayes.
5. Announcements, Communications and Correspondence – None
6. Public Comments – None
7. Claims/Financial Report
Member Widger moved to approve the claims with a second from Member Southwood. Motion carried by voice vote with all voting ayes.
8. Zoning Office Report
Zoning Officer Emmons reported an issue with her county gas card. The Fulton County Coroner’s gas cards and the Zoning Office cards have the same number. Zoning Officer Emmons will meet with the Coroner Rhodes to determine the gas charges from the previous months.
Emmons is concerned with the heavy rains and the potential flooding along the Spoon River. If flooding occurs, Emmons will being working on flood plains management and would entail detailed work with FEMA.
The Zoning Office received $7,056.00 in revenue during the month of June. Twenty-two new construction permits were received and 14 initial construction inspections were performed. There were four final construction inspections performed, and 10 act affidavits signed. There were approximately 180 consultations over the phone regarding zoning issues.
COMPLAINTS
Three complaints are under investigation: A modular home installed near Vermont without a permit, a property owner built a rather large deck behind their home in Monterey without a permit, and a machine shed was constructed and renovated into a dwelling without a permit. Two individuals in Monterey got permits after being cited for not having a building permit.
At this time, all complains have been addressed except for the modular home near Vermont. The notice has been returned in the mail. Finding the correct address is becoming a problem for this violation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted to table the rezoning for Dollar General in Avon at this time. Dollar General has not completed the recording of the parcel transfer from Steve Eathington to Dollar General Corp. This information was not conveyed to the committee until the last minute. Since there are a number of issues needing addressed, the ZBA will hold a special meeting at the Board Office on July 5, 2023 to determine the rezoning compliance.
9. New Business – None
10. Old Business
a. Discussion/Action: Resolution: Rezoning-Dollar General Avon Rezone parcel #09-08-28-100-014 from AC to B.
Zoning officer Emmons stated the Avon Dollar General rezoning has been approved by, the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 5, 2023.
Emmons stated due to the extensive time and expense incurred on behalf of departments in the courthouse, the Zoning department and the Zoning Board or Appeals, the ZBA voted to have State’s Attorney Jochums pursue fines, and sanctions against Dollar General Corporation to recoup funds in the best interest of Fulton County. The facility construction was completed before having a county permit and the Dollar General Corporation just received control of the parcel in question. The Dollar General has been operating since April 4, 2023 and construction of the building started in 2022. Dollar General gave the impression the facility constructed was in the Village of Avon city limits and this is not true.
Member Sloan moved to approve to send the Dollar General rezoning to the Zoning Board of Appeals for approval with a second from Member Widger. Motion carried by voice vote with all voting ayes.
b. Discussion/Action: 200th Anniversary Planning
Member Kessel discussed the band is scheduled from 5:00pm – 9:00pm September 3, 2023.
Member Kessel is working with Nathan Taylor for additional acoustic groups to perform throughout the afternoon at the 200th celebration.
The Unique Twist and Twist Crew will be at the event doing balloon art.
Fulton County Board Administrative Assistant Cindy Simpson reported there are five sponsorships currently; State Farm, Orwig Auto body, Walmart, Midcentury and Navigator.
Member Kessel discussed the approved funds of $25,000.00 for the 200th celebration. The intent is to use the donations received to fund the event.
Member Kessel suggested all members of the committee promote the event and post flyers.
Member Kessel stated the Canton Chamber has been a great help in providing mailing lists and materials.
11. Executive Session- None
12. Misc. – None
13. Adjournment
Time: 5:55pm
Member Southwood moved to adjourn at 5:55pm with a second from Member Sloan. Motion carried by voice vote with all voting ayes.
