East Central Reporter

City of Olney Board of Appeals met Dec. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

AGENDA #1 “CALL TO ORDER” The December 2, 2024, meeting of the Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:09 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: Kurt Ginder, Bridgett Jensen, Brad Williams, and David Abell. Scott Jones, Samantha Brazil, and Pat Everette were absent. Also present were City Clerk Kelsie Sterchi, and Code Enforcement Officer Dallas Colwell.

AGENDA #3 “APPROVE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING ON OCTOBER 7, 2024” Mr. Ginder moved to approve the minutes from October 7, 2024, seconded by Mr. Williams. Mr. Ginder, Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Williams, 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 individual to stand, raise his right hand, and “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.” Nathan Prevo was sworn in.

AGENDA #5 “PUBLIC HEARING: VARIANCE REQUEST FOR 1005 S. EAST STREET” Nathan and Kelli Prevo had submitted a Request for Variation for 1005 S. East Street, Olney, Illinois, Property Index Number 11-03-450-009. The petitioners requested a variance to allow for a 27-foot rear yard setback rather than the 35-foot rear yard setback as required in Title 17 (Zoning) of the City of Olney Municipal Code. The granting of the variance would allow the petitioner to add a covered walkway from the garage to the home.

The City Clerk had not received any comments for or against the request.

Mr. Prevo told the Board that a fire had caused damage to an existing garage and attached walkway. He was interested in again reconnecting the house to the garage while also adding new shingles for a nicer upgrade.

Mr. Colwell explained that now that the Prevos had to reconstruct following the fire, new rules prevented them from reconstructing the same as before without a variance. A separate garage, alone, would be allowable. However, attaching the home to the garage would activate setback requirements.

Mr. Abell felt that there was a need for the proposed use, believed that the variance would not negatively affect trending development in the area, and that the variance would be a relative gain to the public compared to a hardship. The Board agreed.

AGENDA #6 “VARIANCE: 1005 S. EAST STREET” Mrs. Jensen moved to approve a variance that would allow for a 27-foot rear yard setback for 1005 S. East Street, seconded by Mr. Williams. Mr. Ginder, Mrs. Jensen, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Abell voted yes. There were no opposing votes. The motion carried.

AGENDA #7 “PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS” There were no comments.

AGENDA #8 “ADJOURN” Mr. Ginder moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Jensen. A majority affirmative voice vote was received. The motion carried.

The meeting of the Board of Appeals adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

https://cms2.revize.com/revize/olneynew/ba%20Dec%202%202024%20min.pdf