East Central Reporter

City of Olney Board of Appeals met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The November 6, 2023, meeting of the Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Olney City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, Illinois, by David Abell.

AGENDA #2 “ROLL CALL” The following Board of Appeals members were present: Bridgett Jensen, Brad Williams, Samantha Brazil, Pat Everette, and David Abell. Kurt Ginder and Scott Jones were absent. Also present was City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi and Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2023” Mr. Everette moved to approve the minutes from September 5, 2023, seconded by Mrs. Brazil. Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Brazil, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Abell voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #4 “SWEARING IN” Mr. Abell asked that anyone wishing to testify on behalf of the items being discussed to stand and be sworn in. City Clerk Sterchi asked the individuals to stand, raise their right hands, and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Steven Mehl and Cynthia Mehl were sworn in.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC HEARING: VARIANCE REQUEST FOR VACANT LAND ON N. OHIO STREET WITH PROPERTY INDEX NUMBER 06-35-318-008” Steven Mehl had submitted a Request for Variation for vacant land on N. Ohio Street, Olney, Illinois, Property Index Number 06-35-318-008. The petitioner was requesting a variance in the requirements in Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code regarding portable buildings as accessory buildings. The granting of the variance would allow the petitioner to place an accessory building without a residence on the property.

The Board asked if any opinions had been received from the public. Mrs. Sterchi indicated that she had received a note from a nearby resident, but the note said that it was requested to be kept for private use only. Because of this, she was not certain that it could be presented in this public meeting.

AGENDA #6 “VARIANCE: VACANT LAND ON N. OHIO STREET WITH PROPERTY INDEX NUMBER 06-35-318-008” Mr. Mehl told the Board that he was interested in placing an accessory building for storage. He owned 410 N. Ohio Street, which was right across the street from the property being discussed this evening.

Mr. Abell asked how long the Mehls had owned the properties. Mr. and Mrs. Mehl replied that they bought 410 N. Ohio Street in 2007 and the other lot in 2008.

Mr. Abell asked Mr. Colwell if he saw any issues with the variance request. Mr. Colwell saw no issues.

Mr. Abell stated that the City typically did not desire to have unattached garages place sporadically around town, but he recognized that the Mehls’ situation was different as they owned property right across the street, and N. Ohio Street was also a dead end road.

Mr. Everette moved to approve the variance, as requested, for vacant land on N. Ohio Street with Property Index Number 06-35-318-008.

Mr. Abell asked for Mr. Everette to disclose reason for his motion. Mr. Everette believed that the request would be an appropriate use considering the current state of the neighborhood. Mr. Abell agreed and felt that Mr. Mehl had displayed an appropriate need for the proposed use. Mrs. Jensen added that the vacant land was an extremely small lot that would likely have no other future development.

Mrs. Jensen seconded the motion made above. Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Brazil, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Abell voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

Mr. Mehl asked if he would be able to add electricity, water, or other utilities on the vacant land. Mr. Colwell indicated so.

AGENDA #7 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public was present.

AGENDA #8 “ADJOURN” Mrs. Jensen moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Everette. Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Brazil, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Abell voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

The meeting of the Board of Appeals adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/ba%20nov%206%202023%20min.pdf