East Central Reporter

City of Olney Plan Commission met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The meeting of the Plan Commission was called to order at 7:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Olney City Hall, 300 S. Whittle Avenue, Olney, Illinois, with Chairperson Steve Eichhorst presiding.

AGENDA #2 “ROLL CALL” The following Plan Commission members were present: David Abell, Scott Jones, Wesley Tolliver, Vic Colwell, Pat Everette, and Steve Eichhorst. Zachary Holder, Elliot Brazil, and Vicki Lobacz were absent. Also present were Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell and City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES OF THE PLAN COMMISSION MEETING ON OCTOBER 2, 2023” Mr. Tolliver moved to approve the minutes of the Plan Commission meeting on October 2, 2023, seconded by Mr. Everette. Mr. Abell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Eichhorst voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #4 “SWEARING IN” Mr. Eichhorst asked that anyone wishing to testify on behalf of the items being discussed to stand and be sworn in. City Clerk Sterchi asked those standing to raise their right hand and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Bradley Doll was sworn in.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING OF VACANT LAND WITH PROPERTY INDEX NUMBER 06-27-400-004 FROM R-S (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMIY RESIDENCE DISTRICT)” Bradley M. Doll, pursuant to the terms of Section 17.12.040, of the City of Olney Municipal Code, submitted a Petition for Rezoning. The petitioner requested the Commission to consider changes in zoning from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to R-1 (Single Family Residence District) at vacant land in Olney, Illinois, with Property Index Number 06-27-400-004. If the request for rezoning is granted, the property would be used for a new subdivision.

No comments had been received for or against the request.

AGENDA #6 “REZONING: VACANT LAND WITH PROPERTY INDEX NUMBER 06-27-400-004 FROM R-S (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT)” Mr. Jones moved to recommend granting approval of rezoning vacant land with Property Index Number 06-27-400-004 from R-S (Single-Family Residence District) to R-1 (Single Family Residence District), seconded by Mr. Everette. Mr. Abell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Eichhorst voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #7 “PUBLIC HEARING: PRELIMINARY PLAT OF NORTHFIELD SUBDIVISION” Bradley M. Doll submitted a preliminary plat for Northfield Subdivision. No comments had been received from the public.

AGENDA #8 “PRELIMINARY PLAT: NORTHFIELD SUBDIVISION” Mr. Tolliver asked if Mr. Doll had plans for water retention. Mr. Doll replied that City Engineer Mike Bridges had advised that residential development did not need formal water retention. Mr. D. Colwell clarified that in the development of the subdivision, slopes would be adjusted and the creek would be eliminated. The configuration of the slopes would allow for each lot to retain its own water so there would be no need for a water retention pond. With that in mind, water should not be traveling from one lot to another.

Mr. Tolliver asked if sidewalks would be included. Mr. Doll indicated that his proposed covenants for the subdivision stated that each landowner must construct a sidewalk in front of the property. Even so, he knew that other current covenants directed the same , but had not been enforced. Mr. D. Colwell told the Commission that all covenants were to be enforced by the subdivision committee(s). As the inaugural member of the Northfield Subdivision Committee, Mr. Doll stated that he would be enforcing the provisions. If a landowner refused to comply, Mr. Doll asked what recourse there would be. Mr. D. Colwell explained that Mr. Doll would likely need to get a lawyer involved and possibly construct the sidewalk himself. A lien could then be placed on the property.

Mr. Tolliver recognized that it could be difficult to place a sidewalk without knowing where a driveway would be placed. Mr. Colwell agreed that driveways and potential ADA considerations could make sidewalks an issue. Even so, the City would want sidewalks placed.

Mr. Tolliver asked if utilities would run in front of the properties. Mr. Doll indicated so.

Mr. Everette asked what material would be used for the street. Mr. Doll joked that it would not be oil and chip. The streets would be made of concrete. Laterals would be placed under the roadways before paving.

Mr. Jones moved to recommend approval of the preliminary plat for Northfield Subdivision, seconded by Mr. Everette. Mr. Abell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Eichhorst voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #9 “PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING OF 203 A W. NORTH AVENUE FROM M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO C-2 (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT)” Shelley Brinkley, pursuant to the terms of Section 17.12.040 of the City of Olney Municipal Code, submitted a Petition for Rezoning. The petitioner requested the Commission to consider changes in zoning from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to C-2 (Commercial District) at 203 A. W. North Avenue, Olney, Illinois, with Property Index Number 11-03-114-006. If the request for rezoning is granted, the property would be used for a non-profit thrift store.

No comments had been received from the public.

AGENDA #10 “REZONING: 203 A W. NORTH AVENUE FROM M-1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO C-2 (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT)” This property was considered last month for rezoning from R-3 (Two-Family Residence District) to M-1 (Light Industrial District). Most of the Commission voted to recommend this rezoning. During the October 9, 2023, Council meeting, the Council had issues with rezoning to M-1 instead of C-2 (Commercial District). Overall, they were concerned with the types of M-1 establishments that could be placed in that neighborhood in the future if the thrift store went out of business. As a compromise, the Council agreed to approve the rezoning, as presented, that evening in order to not hold up development of the thrift store. This would be contingent on Ms. Brinkley immediately reapplying to rezone this same property from M-1 to C-2. Ms. Brinkley agreed and did just that.

Mr. Tolliver moved to recommend granting approval of rezoning 203 A W. North Avenue from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to C-2 (Commercial District), seconded by Mr. Everette. Mr. Abell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Eichhorst voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #11 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” No one from the public wished to speak.

AGENDA #12 “ADJOURN” Mr. Everette moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Jones. Mr. Abell, Mr. Jones, Mr. Tolliver, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Everette, and Mr. Eichhorst voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried. The Plan Commission meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/pc%20Nov%206%202023.pdf