Fulton County Zoning & Community Development
Kimberly J. Mayberry, Zoning Enforcement Officer/Floodplain Administrator
Julie A. Russell, CIAO-S, Supervisor of Assessments & Zoning/Plat Act Officer
257 W. Lincoln
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-0902
Email: zoning@fultonco.org
Committee: Zoning Board of Appeals
Meeting Place: Fulton County Board Office, 257 W. Lincoln St., Lewistown, IL 61542
Time: 5:00pm
Date: March 26th, 2025
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 5:00pm by Chairman Phillips
2. Roll Call
Bob Ackerman – Present Sally Jo Clark – Present Cathy Eathington – Absent
Mat Fletcher – Absent Jason Myetich – Present Bill Phillips – Present
Damon Roberson – Present
Fulton County Board Members: None
Elected & Appointed Officials: Julie Russell, Supervisor of Assessments & Zoning, Kim Mayberry, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Guest(s): Ian Cardosi, Buckheart Creek Solar 1, LLC Construction Manager
3. Call for Additions/Deletions to and Approval of Agenda – No Change
Motion to Approve: Roberson
Second: Clark
VOICE VOTE: All Ayes – Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Yes Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Absent
Mat Fletcher –Absent Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips – Yes
Damon Roberson – Yes
4. Approval of Previous Minutes – February 26th, 2025
Motion to Approve February 26th, 2025 Minutes: Ackerman
Second: Roberson
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Yes Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Absent
Mat Fletcher –Absent Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips – Yes
Damon Roberson – Yes
5. Public Remarks – None
6. New Business
a. Discussion/Action: Issuance of Commercial Solar Energy Facility Building Permit to Buckheart Creek Solar 1, LLC.
Ian Cardosi was sworn in by Chairman Phillips. Chairman Phillips asked Ian to go through the application. Ian stated that everything was taken care of and they are wanting to start construction as soon as possible. Chairman Phillips confirmed that the application had been reviewed by Julie Russell, Supervisor of Assessment and Zoning, and Kim Mayberry, Zoning Enforcement Officer. To which Julie replied yes, and it was reviewed by the States Attorney. She gave a brief update on the solar checklists that have been created to help ease the process for all involved. Chairman Phillips then asked the board if they had any questions for Ian, Julie, or Kim. Member Ackerman stated that he was comfortable with moving ahead if all the required boxes are checked. Member Clark agreed. Chairman Phillips asked if there was any further discussion, there was none. Chairman Phillips suggested the finding of fact to be:
We have testimony that all the conditions required by our County Zoning have been reviewed by the staff and met by the applicant.
Motion to Approve the Finding of Fact: Roberson
Second: Clark
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Yes Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Absent
Mat Fletcher –Absent Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips – Yes
Damon Roberson – Yes
Motion to Issue the Construction Permit to Buckheart Creek Solar 1, LLC: Roberson
Second: Clark
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Yes Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Absent
Mat Fletcher –Absent Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips – Yes
Damon Roberson – Yes
Chairman Phillips asked Kim, Fulton County Zoning Officer, when the building permit would be issued. Kim stated it would be issued the next day. Ian asked how the permit would be delivered, the response was by email. Ian then asked if he was to notify the County of when construction would start. Julie stated we have the Notice to Proceed, so just give us an email heads up that you are beginning construction and you will need to notify us when it’s complete. Chairman Phillips reminded Ian that the County has a provision that allows an inspector to come to the site. Ian just asked if we do that to please set up a time to do so in advance so arrangements can be made to abide by the safety regulations. Ian extended the offer to the Board Members and staff to visit the site as well. Chairman Phillips asked if they would be starting in the next few weeks. Ian said yes, pending the weather. Surveyors would be starting in the next few weeks after the permit is issued. Julie reminded Ian that the County needs to be notified when construction is completed and when the solar facility is turned on (producing power), and the as-built plat/survey should be turned in to her office. Chairman Phillips asked the anticipated completion date for the construction period. Ian stated he would love to say four months. But in reality, with the contractors and weather it may be longer.
b. Discussion/Action: Issuance of Commercial Solar Energy Facility Building Permit to Canton Banner Solar, LLC
Julie stated we reached out to Canton Banner Solar Project Coordinator, Stephanie Sienkowski. We have been experiencing email issues with one of the contractors. They have everything other than the road use agreement done. They need to do a survey along with soil boring test to determine the weight limits for the Banner Bypass Road. They are hoping to have that ready by the end of April. They will be requesting to grant the construction permit under the condition that it will not be issued util they submit the signed road use agreement with Banner Township. Chairman Phillips stated that seems reasonable, with agreement from the ZBA members. Julie informed the board that our outside counsel, Andrew Keyt, with Heyl Royster, also agreed with granting issuance of the permit with the condition of providing the signed road use agreement.
7. Old Business – Pleasantville Solar Tour, April 25th, 2025 at 9:00am. Only four members will be allowed to attend at one time.
The Solar Facility checklists were passed out for review by the ZBA members.
8. Other – None
9. Executive Session – None
10. Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn: Clark
Second: Ackerman
All Ayes; Meeting Adjourned at 5:26 p.m.
