Peoria Standard

City of El Paso Zoning Board of Appeals met Feb. 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The City of El Paso Zoning Board Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chairman, Renee Donaldson.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll call was taken with Members Mary Wilkey, Renee Donaldson, Nancy Johnson, Maureen Drake, John Landrus and Ken Faulk present.

Others present were Director of Public Service, Barry Kauther; Administrative Assistant, Sandee Kessinger, Teresa Gauger, Caitlin Goveia, Kevin Goveia, Ellen McWilliams, Jim McWilliams, Karen Wilkey, Jennie Kearney and Council member, Mary Ellen Kilpatrick.

Also present via Zoom was Kim, Rebekah Volker and Mayor, JW Price.

Discussion was on a rezoning request and possible recommendation for Scott Mool who is requesting for the Community Well at 550 W. Clay Street. The application is requesting that 550 W. Clay be rezoned to RC (Residential Multi Family) from A-2 (Residential Single Family – Older Development). Johnson made a motion to recommend rezoning 550 W Clay to RC,

Wilkey seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken of all ayes.

Discussion was on a variance request and possible recommendation for Caitilin Goveia who is requesting an area variance for the property at 800 N. Adams Street in The City of El Paso, Illinois. The request is to receive a variance to allow fowl less than 300 feet in distance from the rear and side lot lines. Under City Ordinance in Chapter 315-36 Residential A-1 District Special Use, section C (3), Setback: such a use may only be permitted where the raising, housing, pasturing, or keeping of bees, fowl or livestock is located at a distance of 300 feet or greater from the rear and side lot lines. Appearance Forms that were submitted to speak during the discussion was Caitlin & Kevin Goveia, Teresa Gauger, Jim McWilliams, Ellen McWilliams. Also permitted by Donaldson to speak was Jennie Kearney. Donaldson read a letter from Jennifer Kaufman who is a neighbor to the Goveia’s property but was unable to attend the meeting. The Board Members did discuss if recommending the variance that there be guidelines and possible yearly inspections. Wilkey made a motion to vote to make a recommendation and Drake seconded. A roll call vote was taken of:

Drake: Yes Johnson: No

Wilkey: No Faulk: Yes

Donaldson: No Landrus: Yes

Donaldson stated that with the split vote no recommendation will go to the City Council.

Discussion was on variance request and possible recommendation for Megan Perry who is requesting for Legacy Solar LLC: The application is for an area variance for the property at 51 N. Adams Street in The City of El Paso, Illinois. The request is to receive a variance to allow solar panels to be set back 20 feet 10 inches from the south property line. Under City Ordinance in Chapter 244-3 Solar Energy Code, section C(2)(c) Setbacks, the personal solar energy system (PSES) shall maintain perimeter setbacks of no less than 30 feet. Drake announced that she would abstain from the vote as this is her property. After looking at the map, Drake stated that the most recent plans that she had received were different. Donaldson moved to table the recommendation pending more current information.

Public Comments: Jennie Kearney stated that she appreciated a split vote and, in her opinion, when votes are unanimous that means that they are not getting enough information. Ellen McWilliams asked for clarification on filling out an Appearance Form to speak at a zoning meeting. Kauther explained that in past meetings all people have been allowed to talk but if you submit a form that will assure you the opportunity to talk.

Wilkey motioned to adjourn the meeting and was seconded by Landrus. The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 pm.

https://www.elpasoil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02292024-275