Sangamon Sun

Village of Chatham Planning Commission met June 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Commissioner Johnson calls the hearing concerning zoning changes requested within an annexation agreement with the Janet Marcia Jones Currie Trust to order and ask if anyone would like to give a statement.

•          Christine Westerlund, President of the Board of Trustees of the Chatham Public Library, stated that on behalf of the Chatham Public Library, she supports this annexation. She stated that the library has had some interesting issues with Springfield regarding the de-annexing of property around the lake from the library boundaries which led to a decrease in funds. She stated that this annexation will also be in the best interest of the Chatham Public Library.

•          Chief Schumer, on behalf of the Chatham Fire Protection District (CFPD), stated his support for the annexation. This annexation is critical to the future development of the property owned by the CFPD that is currently outside the village. This parcel is currently designed to house the second fire station. Without this annexation, the development will not occur because the CFPD believes that their parcel must be annexed into Chatham before a fire station will be constructed on the property. Chief Schumer also stated that their next step is to request annexation of their property once this annexation is complete.

•          Mayor Kimsey stated that there has been a lot of coordination with the Chatham library, CFPD and the schools. It was a concerted effort by all government units in Chatham to get to this point and we are definitely in support of these annexations.

With no further comments, Commissioner Johnson closes the hearing. 

Special Planning Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 7, 2018 - 6:00 PM

Chatham Municipal Hall

Attendance

Chairman Jones – Absent

Commissioner Daugherty -- Present

Commissioner Detmers – Present

Commissioner Funderburg – Absent

Commissioner Hay - Absent

Commissioner Johnson - Present

Commissioner Law - Present

Commissioner Sturgeon -- Present

Commissioner Waller - Present

Call to Order and Public Comment

Commissioner Johnson called the meeting to order and asked if there were any public comments. Trustee Fountain stated his appreciation for those serving on the planning commission.

Recommendations to Village Board on Annexation of Property to the Village

Village Manager McCarthy gave an overview on the parcels that are proposed for annexation to the Village. There are five parcels being considered. All the parcels are part of the Janet Marcia Jones Currie Trust. With the passage of recent legislation, the Village was able to annex property across Lake Springfield. The Village has already annexed the intermediate and junior high schools. A couple of these parcels are located adjacent from school property.

Village Manager McCarthy stated that the trust is requesting a P1 zoning on all properties. With the exception of a cell tower located on one parcel and a farm with animals on another parcel, there are no other improvements on these properties. Within the annexation agreement, the trust is requesting that these improvements be grandfathered. If the parcel with the animals is sold to anyone outside the family, the exception for allowing animals is rescinded.

Village Manager McCarthy also stated that he would like to see the future comprehensive plan to include a type of zoning that would allow farm animals for large lots.

Commissioner Daugherty asked if this would impact others in the village from wanting farm animals on their property. Village Manager McCarthy explained that this only applies to the property because it is part of the annexation agreement.

Commissioner Johnson asked for a motion on the recommended zoning of the proposed annexed parcels to the Village. Commissioner Waller made a motion and seconded by Commissioner Detmers to recommend P1 zoning for the proposed annexed parcels. The motion was approved unanimously.

Closing and Adjournment

Commissioner Law stated his appreciation to serve on the commission. Commissioner Law has served on the Planning Commission for many, many years.

A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Sturgeon and seconded by Commissioner Waller. By a voice vote, the motion was approved.

https://www.boarddocs.com/il/chatham/Board.nsf/Public