McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals met Nov. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair, James Finnigan called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. ROLL CALL: Secretary Philip Dick called the roll and noted the presence of a quorum as follows: James Finnigan, Rick Dean, Julia Turner, Drake Zimmerman, Michael Kuritz, alternate member Ruth Novosad and alternate member Ryan Scritchlow. Members Brian Bangert and Mary Beth Taylor were absent. Also present were Darrell Mitchell, Zoning Enforcement Officer, and Trevor Sierra, Assistant State’s Attorney.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion was made by Dean/Kuritz to approve the minutes from the October 1, 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
The roll call vote was seven members for the motion to approve, none opposed and Members Bangert and Taylor were absent.
4. APPEARANCE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: No one came forward to speak on matters not on the agenda.
5. REGULAR AGENDA:
Case SU-19-12, application of Patricia Braid, in case SU-19-12 on parcel 27-17-200- 023. She is requesting a special use to allow a cemetery with cremation in the A- Agriculture District on property in Funks Grove Township at 7800 E 600 North Rd., McLean, IL.
Secretary Dick called the case, provided exhibits to the board and submitted a staff report for review. He indicated the seven standards for a special use are met, provided dead animals on-site that are not immediately cremated shall be stored in refrigerator or freezer units, and provided compliance with the following two stipulations before a permit is issued for the proposed facility: 1) a ROSS Registration approval is obtained from IEPA, and 2) the applicant shall obtain a sign-off from the County Health Department.
Patricia Braid, 601 Windsor Way, Heyworth, IL appeared to give testimony and was sworn. Ms. Braid indicated that she is proposing to purchase the components of the proposed cremation facility from Richard Christianson who has operated Christianson’s Companion Cremations in DeWitt County since 2006. Ms. Braid indicated that she plans to install these components on the subject property. She indicated that her family has lived in the area since 1824. She indicated that the smell of the facility smells like heat and soot.
John Rehtmeyer, 7173 E 600 North Rd., McLean, IL appeared to ask questions. He asked if there would be a fence around the property and what security would be provided.
Ms. Braid indicated that the cremation units would be located behind the block building on the property and that she would not provide a fence around the units. She indicated that she would like to install security cameras.
Trish Tilton, 6381 E 535 North Rd., McLean, IL appeared to ask questions. Ms. Tilton asked if there would be an office on the site and if people would drop off dead animals at the property.
Ms. Braid indicated that there would not be an office on the site. She indicated that the office would be at her home in Heyworth. Ms. Braid indicated that people would not be allowed to drop off dead animals on the property.
Amanda Minter, 7093 E 600 North Rd., McLean, IL appeared to ask a question. Ms. Minter asked if there would be a back-up generator.
Ms. Braid indicated that there would not be one. She indicated that there would be a diesel powered refrigeration unit that could be used if there is a loss of electricity.
Amanda Minter, 7093 E 600 North Rd., McLean, IL appeared to give testimony and was sworn. Ms. Minter provided an exhibit for review by the ZBA which was labeled Objector’s Exhibit 1. Ms. Minter discussed the issues and points of the exhibit. Ms. Minter indicated that she thinks this is not a good place for the proposed facility since it is within 1⁄2 mile from 20 residences. Ms. Minter indicated that she is concerned that her small child and other children going to and from school may see the dead animals on the site.
The board reviewed and discussed the seven standards and found them met.
Motion was made by Kuritz/Scritchlow to approve case SU-19-12 with the three stipulations recommended in the staff report.
The roll call vote was seven members for the motion to recommend approval, none opposed and Members Bangert and Taylor were absent.
6. ADJOURNMENT:
The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7003
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