Peoria Standard

City of Minonk City Council met Sept. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Judicial Committee met on August 30, 2023 at 4:30 p.m., in the council chambers at City Hall.

Present: Chairman D. White, Alderperson Sharp, Alderperson Bredeman, Attorney Day, Office Manager Passage,

Chairman D. White called the meeting to order at 4:31 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Kiersten Sheets 624 W. Streitmatter Rd, Edelstein addressed the committee. She stated that she use to be a resident of Chillicothe and she served the community on the Zoning Board and Park District. She also stated her mom lives in Chillicothe. She clarified that she does not put in solar and is not interested in ground mounted solar. She stated that she is here to help with information regarding solar. Chairman White thanked her for her input and explained that the Plan Commission will be discussing the ground mounted solar at their September 5 meeting and then they will make a recommendation to the judicial committee for review.

PURPOSE

Property - 1127 Walnut - Business - Attorney Day presented the definition of home occupation from the city code along with a picture of a trailer that was parked in front of the property. He reported that he did talk with Chief Cooper regarding the situation. After discussion, the consensus of the committee was to have the attorney send a certified letter to the property owner explaining the home occupation language as the language explains there will be no exterior display or material.

Update - Bike Trail Ordinance - Attorney Day presented a draft of an ordinance amending the city code regarding bicycles and play vehicles. He added the appropriate definitions and language prohibiting motorized bicycles and vehicles from a multi-purpose pedestrian bike trail. A discussion ensued, the committee directed the city attorney to add a definition for scooters and moped head to the draft of the ordinance. The consensus of the committee was to present the ordinance for approval at the September 11 council meeting.

Update - Zoning Classifications/Definitions - Chairman White stated that there are several levels to this agenda item. He stated some are: message establishments, short term rentals, poultry slaughtering, motorcycle sales, storage facilities and a new one barndominums. He stated that he will work with the Office Manager and for the next meeting have an outline of potential changes to discuss. He also advised the committee that the Northwoods Church that owns 615 Truitt has inquired about rezoning the property back to C2. The C2 Zoning was the zoning of the property before they purchased it. He advised the reason they want to rezoning is because most businesses will not fit under the R1 Zoning and they would like to place it for sale. It was the consensus of the committee that there was nothing in the code to prohibit them from petitioning to rezone the property. They would have to follow the same steps as they did to change the zoning when they purchased the property.

Ordinance - Ground Mounted Solar Other Zoning Districts – Chairman White explained that the plan commission held the public hearing and the recommendation from the plan commission was to not present the ordinance to prohibit ground mounted solar other zoning districts. He announced that the Plan Commission advised they will be meeting on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss this topic. After that meeting they will give a recommendation to the Judicial Committee of some guidelines regarding ground mounted solar for the committee to consider.

Review - Resolution Regarding Solar Energy Systems - Attorney Day explained that the city passed a resolution prohibiting ground mounted solar with a target date of a decision as July 24, 2023. He recommended that another resolution be presented to council extending that target date. A discussion was held regarding extending the target date for ground mounted solar. The consensus of the committee was to have the attorney draft another resolution extending the date until December 11, 2023 and bring the resolution to council for approval at the September 11 council meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Nothing

SUMMARY

Council Agenda Item - Resolution – Regarding Solar Energy

Ordinance - Bicycles and Play Vehicles

Chairperson - Action –

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

 https://cityofminonk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MINONK-CITY-COUNCIL-MINUTES-090523.pdf