Meeting Place: Fulton County Board Office, 257 W. Lincoln St., Lewistown, IL 61542
Time: 5:00pm
Date: October 2nd, 2024
1. Call To Order
Meeting called to order at 5:00pm by Chairman Phillips
2. Roll Call
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Present Cathy Eathington – Present
Mat Fletcher – Present Jason Myetich – Present Bill Phillips – Present
Damon Roberson – Absent
Fulton County Board Members: Laura Hepp Kessel, Vice Chair Fulton County Board
Elected & Appointed Officials: Justin Jochums, Fulton County State’s Attorney
Kim Mayberry, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Guest(s): Sabrina Fleischman (Pleasantville Solar Park LLC Project Manager)
3. Call for Additions/Deletions to and Approval of Agenda – No Change
Motion to Approve: Fletcher
Second: Eathington
VOICE VOTE: All Ayes – Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
4. Approval of Previous Minutes – None
5. Public Remarks – None
6. New Business
a. Discussion/Action: Public Hearing To Request A Variance Of Section 9.A.2 Of The Fulton County Zoning Ordinance In Respect To Height Regulations In The AC District. Parcel #08-07-25-400-007
Chairman Phillips asked if there was representative present.
Steve Lehman identified himself and was sworn in. He requested to know how to proceed since this was the first ZBA hearing he had ever attended. Chairman Phillips briefly explained the procedures. Mr. Lehman went on to propose the construction of an 80ft self-supporting tower at Giant Goose Ranch. The height is to get over the trees for the line-of-sight microwave type equipment. With the regular 2-way communication the extra height is needed to achieve the range required for the design and intended use.
Chairman Phillips inquired what types of equipment will be involved. Mr. Lehman responded that it is commercial microwave data equipment, 2-way radio, and security cameras in the future.
Chairman Phillips invited the public to comment. There were no comments from the public.
Chairman Phillips opened for questions from the board members. Member Fletcher asked about the exact location for the project and if there were any safety concerns that neighbors might be worried about. Mr. Lehman explained the location and that it is not close to the parcel boundaries and most neighbors won’t even be able to see the tower. It is centered near the middle of the property.
Member Clark asked if it could fall on the campers. Mr. Lehman explained that it would not fall on campers because they are outside the zone.
Member Fletcher asked about the engineering related to the foundation design. Mr. Lehman said for this tower they will follow the engineering specs of the manufacturer Rohn Power Communications out of Peoria, IL. The base will be 10x10x4 with a self-supporting tower. Member Fletcher asked if there were any FAA concerns with the airport nearby. Mr. Lehman stated the tower is well below the height of concern.
Chairman Phillips presented the finding of facts:
The tower is need by the applicant with no objections from adjacent property owners or campers.
And there is testimony that the engineering has been completed by national standards.
Motion to Approve the Finding of Facts: Clark
Second: Eathington
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
Chairman Phillips suggested to approve the Finding of Facts and Variance for the 80ft Communication Tower.
Motion to Grant the Variance: Fletcher
Second: Myetich
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
b. Discussion/Action: Public Hearing To Request A Variance Of Section 6.A.3 Of The Fulton County Zoning Ordinance In Respect To Accessory Building Side & Front Yard Regulations In The AC District. Parcel #13-13-10-203-012
Chairman Phillips asked if there was representative present. Hallie DeCapp identified herself and was sworn in. She explained that the need for the variance is to construct a building on the side of her property but it will be within 5ft of the property line. Chairman Phillips confirmed where the building would sit. Member Fletcher clarified that it would be both front and side yard setback variances. Ms. DeCapp and Chairman Phillips discussed the proximity of the proposed building to the road.
Public Comment was opened by Chairman Phillips, to which no one responded. Public comment was closed and opened it for the board members questions.
Member Fletcher wanted to view a map to get his bearings on the location of the property.
Chairman Phillips proposed the Finding of Facts:
There are no objectors, no safety concerns for traffic, and it appears to be the best use of the property by the owner.
Motion to Approve the Finding of Facts: Eathington
Second: Clark
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
Motion to Approve the Front and Side Yard Variance: Eathington
Second: Clark
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
c. Discussion/Action: Issuance of Commercial Solar Energy Facility Building Permit to Pleasantville Solar Park, LLC.
Chairman Phillips requested Sabrina Fleischman, Pleasantville Solar Park LLC Project Manager, to provide any additional information on this subject. Sabrina introduced the contractors that were present in the audience. She confirmed with the board that they had all materials that were provided. Chairman Philips introduced Futon County States Attorney Justin Jochums and mentioned that there is an ongoing agreement with Fulton County Emergency Management and Pleaseantville Solar Park LLC. He explained the affidavits that were brought in earlier that day to clarify the two construction companies involved agree that the responsibility of the fencing and vegetation barriers will be part of their work. Chairman Phillips inquired how soon they would see contractors on site and if there were any anticipated problems in meeting the two year deadline. The response was that workers would arrive as soon as next week and there were no anticipated issues with meeting the deadline. Member Fletcher asked why the ZBA is approving the permit when that has not been prior practice. Chairman Phillips explained that the County Board passed an ordinance that states a final permit for a commercial solar will be approved by the ZBA. Discussion followed of all requirements and documentation of them being met. Mr. Jochums explained the affidavit addresses the things that may need slight adjustments as the project progresses. The exact placement of fencing and vegetative screening will be decided closer to the end of the project and only one permit would be issued per the Fulton County Ordinance. Member Myetich asked about other permits that would be need to acquired before the issuance of the zoning permit. Member Fletcher stated Kimley-Horn did a nice job with the decommissioning agreement and was very close to the real cost. He suggested using that as an example for future developing projects. Fulton County Board Member, Laura Hepp Kessel mentioned that she attended a meeting in Ipava held for first responders, fire district, EMS, EMA and Pleasantville Solar Park LLC. She was impressed with the example they have set as the first large commercial solar project in Fulton County. Member Fletcher asked if there were any expectations to receive updated plans as the project progresses. PSPLLC responded that they will submit updated plans as the project progresses.
Motion to Approve the issuance of a Building Permit to Pleasantville Solar Park LLC: Clark
Second: Fletcher
RCV: Motion Passed
Bob Ackerman – Absent Sally Jo Clark – Yes Cathy Eathington – Yes
Mat Fletcher – Yes Jason Myetich – Yes Bill Phillips –Yes
Damon Roberson – Absent
7. Old Business – None
8. Other – None
9. Executive Session – None
10. Adjournment
Motion to Adjourn: Eathington
Second: Clark
All Ayes; Meeting Adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
