Sangamon Sun

Sangamon County Board Regional Planning Commission Met March 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER.

Secretary Eric Hansen called the video conference via Zoom to order at 9:32 AM.

Secretary Hansen stated that we were saddened to hear of the passing of our Chairman Ken Springs on February 12, 2021.

Ken was born April 11, 1935 in St. Louis, MO. He led an inspirational life especially demonstrated by his quest to obtain a college degree. With 11 kids at home, Ken worked full-time and took night classes for 10 years at Southern Illinois University to obtain his degree. Another 3 kids joined the pack along the way. Ken and his wife Barbara raised their 14 kids in a loving home filled with laughter.

Ken’s 53-year professional career included starting several new industrial factories for corporations as well as creating his own businesses in Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Ken was appointed to the Regional Planning Commission in June, 2008 and served until his passing in 2021. He gladly accepted officer positions serving as Chairman from July 2014-2015 and July 2020 until his death of February of 2021. In the role of Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission, he also served on the Springfield Area Transportation Study (SATS) Policy Committee. He also served the Commission as a member of the Land Subdivision Committee from 2010 until 2021. Ken took these roles very seriously, but especially enjoyed the Land Subdivision Committee where he meticulously reviewed every plan that was submitted.

Secretary Hansen then asked for a moment of silence in memory of Chairman Springs.

2. ROLL CALL.

Mary Jane Niemann called the roll.

3. MINUTES OF MEETING.

Secretary Hansen asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the December 16, 2020 Regional Planning Commission meeting. There were none. The minutes were accepted as mailed.

4. MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE POLICY BOARD.

There was no meeting of the Executive Policy Board.

5. REPORT OF OFFICERS.

There was no report of officers.

6. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

A. CONDOLENCES TO THE SPRINGS FAMILY – Molly Berns offered her condolences to the Springs family. She noted that Ken was an appointee of the County to the Regional Planning Commission. When he came up for reappointments, he always sent a wonderful letter to Chairman Van Meter requesting that he be reappointed and agreed to serve. Those letters included how much he enjoyed working with the SSCRPC staff, particularly the Land Subdivision staff. He always showed up early before meetings and would talk to the staff. Staff will miss him and his wicked sense of humor.

B. BACK IN THE OFFICE – Berns stated that the staff had resumed working normal hours in the SSCRPC office on March 1.

7. CORRESPONDENCE.

There was no correspondence.

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS / COMMENTS.

There was no one who wished to address the Commission.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS.

Land Subdivision Committee (LSC) – There was one project to be acted upon by the Regional Planning Commission this month:

Sloan Crossing

Preliminary Plan

Description: Part of the SW 1/4, Section 35, T16N, R6W – Located north of Old Jacksonville Road, south of Old Salem Lane, and west of Bradfordton Road

Joe Zeibert noted that this development consists of approximately 66 lots on 59 acres located west of Bradfordton Road, south of Old Salem Lane and north of Old Jacksonville Road. This development was previously reviewed as a Location & Sketch Map and this body recommended approval of the development providing two stubs streets to the west. That plan was approved by the City Council. The Preliminary Plan deals with the phasing, drainage and utility coordination to serve the development.

This plan will consist of three phases and have single-family and duplex lots.

The majority of the discussion at the Land Subdivision Committee meeting dealt with the water service provider. Currently, the Curran Gardner Water District and CWLP water are available to the serve the site. Zeibert stated that an agreement was reached between the two water districts in 2008. As the City of Springfield expanded into the Curran Gardner Water District, it was agreed that all property annexed to the City of Springfield before 2008 would be served by the City of Springfield and those properties annexed after 2008 would be served by the Curran Gardner Water District. Zeibert stated that it has been brought to our attention that the agreement has expired and the City of Springfield legal counsel is looking into the issue. Therefore, since both water providers are available, the Land Subdivision Committee recommended that the owner show both water extensions on the plan in order to allow the Preliminary Plan to proceed. The water determination would need to be made before the construction plans can be approved by the Office of Public Works.

Zeibert noted that the Land Subdivision Committee recommended approval of the Preliminary Plan with Mike Johnson of CWLP voting present.

Gregg Humphrey moved to recommend approval of Sloan Crossing – Preliminary Plan. Vice Chairman Greg Kruger seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously via a roll call vote.

NOTE: Commissioner Larry Hamlin contacted the office following the meeting to state that he was on the call, but was muted. He requested that the minutes reflect that had he not had technical difficulties, he would have voted “yes” on the Sloan Crossing Land Subdivision project.

For informational purposes, Zeibert summarized a project reviewed by the Land Subdivision Committee at their March 4, 2021 meeting that does not require action by the Regional Planning Commission:

Klemm’s North Reserve – Phase 2 – Final Plat

Zeibert noted that this development consists of Lots 9 and 10 of the second and final phase of this development located south of Foxhall Lane and Panther Creek Drive, north of The Reserve. A permit was needed to clarify a wetland. The Land Subdivision Committee recommended approval of the final plat and Zeibert stated that a permit has been obtained.

10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

There was no unfinished business.

11. NEW BUSINESS.

There was no new business.

12. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS.

There were no special announcements and presentations.

13. ADJOURNMENT.

Secretary Hansen noted that the next Regional Planning Commission meeting will be held on April 21, 2021.

https://co.sangamon.il.us/Portals/0/Departments/Regional%20Planning%20Commission/Docs/RPC_Meetings/Minutes/2021/PCMIN%20-%2003%2017%2021%20final.pdf?ver=BK06GmloQ7PomARzMALbCw%3d%3d