Village of Heyworth Board of Trustees met Jan. 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Location of Meeting: Village Hall-108 S. Buchanan St., Heyworth, IL 61745
Meeting Called To Order by Mayor Moore at 6:30pm.
Roll Call: A Quorum of the Village Board was present during the following roll call of Trustees taken by the Village Clerk:
Trustees
Trustee Lauterberg P
Trustee Strunk P
Trustee Bertrand P
Trustee Mowery P
Trustee Girdler P
Trustee Sheppard A
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE GIVEN BY: Mayor Moore
REPORT FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Moore let the board know he will be attending a McLean County Mayor’s Association meeting next week. Mayor Moore would like to move action item 7.13 to be voted on under the mayor’s report. 2026-01 (Mowery, Lauterberg) Resolution approving a Special Event Permit and Noise Permit for the Little Embry-Rainey VFW Post 1559 for use of public property of the Village of Heyworth on October 4, 2026. 5-yes. 0- no. [Motion Carried]
REPORT FROM CLERK – STACY SHOEMAKER:
No report.
REPORT FROM OFFICE MANAGER-STACY SHOEMAKER:
Stacy Shoemaker updated the board on the water bill envelope sorter. We have been having problems with it, so we have had them down to run bills. They will be here for the February bills and will be bringing a new board for the machine hoping it will resolve the problem.
REPORT FROM INTERIM CHIEF JONES:
Chief Jones discussed with the board that Officer Tapke is wanting to retire.
REPORT FROM CODE COMPLIANCE-DAVE SHAFER:
David Shafer reported that David Witt has started reviewing areas where our codes need improvement, I expect we will have recommendations in a few months.
REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS -DAVID SHAFER:
David Shafer reported:
Water:
Reported in 2025, we treated and pumped 76.308 million gallons of drinking water which is a 15.7% increase from 2024 pumpage.
Sewer:
Reported in 2025 we treated 94.112 million gallons of sewage; this was a decrease of 6.8% form 2024. Reported the sunscreen on the dosing tank failed due to weather and has been removed. A replacement has been ordered and should arrive next week.
Reported the new permanent lids have been installed on 2 manholes at he sewer plant to replace failing wooden plant lids.
Reported working with a homeowner on a sewer blockage, the blockage was in their lateral. Reported the motor repair/replacements have been completed for the 3 aerators with problems, they just need to be refloated and reinstalled.
Centennial Park:
Reported the Eagle Scout Project of benches and fishing line disposal stations appear near complete. MFT& Streets:
Reported staff have been through town and completed a final round of leaf collection yesterday. Reported pot patching is the next priority for public works after the upcoming storm.
Reported the replacement street signs have been ordered for a number of intersections around town. Reported the Christmas decorations will be coming down soon.
Equipment & Staffing:
Reported we will need to have an executive session tonight.
Reported we have interviews that are scheduled for the Parks and Facilities Superintendent next week. Reported we have started advertising for the Public Works Superintendent position.
REPORT FROM ENGINEER-DAVID SHAFER:
David Shafer reported receiving and reviewing the surveying for the RR property north of North Street. Will be sending it back to the surveyor with some comments.
Reported the Zoning hearing held on January 5th for the property west of Prairie Meadows Drive for Tabeling Development is an action on tonight’s agenda.
Reported IDOT returned review comments for the PDR, they are generally minor and should be addressed shortly by CMT.
Reported Stark was the low bid for the Arrowhead Storm Sewer Project and was below estimate. Assuming an award, contracts would be in place by 2/1/26, work could begin at the contractor’s prerogative. Regardless of start date all work is to be completed by 8/1/26.
REPORT FROM TREASURER & BUDGET OFFICER-MICHELLE FITZGERALD:
Michelle Fitzgerald reported on the fraud situation with three accounts at First State Bank. The new accounts are open and new check stock has been received. The accounting system has been updated. Reported submitting the request for reimbursement in the amount of $17,078.69 on January 20th for the ITEP Grant. Reported submitting the quarterly reports and a request for reimbursement for the Rebuild Illinois Grant (DCEO). Reported the interest in Illinois Funds for December is $3,489.03, total 2025 YTD interest is $44,310.42. Reported reviewing the budget in preparation for next year. Department heads are working their five-year budgets. Reported the first electronic billing was received, the bill was for $549.80. We budgeted $3,000 for this service so we should be well within budget.
Reported still working to get ClearGov up and running.
REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATOR-GEOFF DODDS:
Geoff Dodds reported that the owner of Heyworth Supermarket is requesting an extension to complete the roof project awarded last year that he has until March 31st of 2026 to complete. Recommending extending it out. Reported Tabeling Group wanted to pass along appreciation for the TIF Agreement approved at the last meeting. Reported that we were also informed that there may be an additional two acres sold to an existing business at the Groots Farm Subdivision in the near future.
Reported on the agenda tonight are the zoning text amendments to approve the new C1, C2, and C3 zoning districts and uses, the special use application for the Residential PUD Plan, and the Zoning map amendment to rezone property from C-Commercial to C2-Commercial provided the zoning text amendments are approved and from Commercial PUD to Residential PUD and R1 Single-Family.
Reported after further review of the Scharf Annexation, we discovered some issues with their current annexation agreement that we intend to follow up on with them, as well as present in the EDP committee for consideration in a potential new agreement.
Reported we had our annual all-employee training on Friday, January 16th and we have all-employee training and cyber security training tomorrow, January 23rd.
Reported we anticipate a joint meeting with the Fire District Board either in January or February. Reported the first collection of the electronic recycling program was held on Saturday and we have heard some positive feedback from community members.
Geoff Dodds reviewed the action items on the agenda for tonight and requested that the ordinance for the flood plan be tabled.
Reported on the items that will be on the next regularly scheduled board meeting agenda.
REPORT FROM ATTORNEY-GEOFF DODDS:
No report.
REPORT FROM ATTORNEY-GEOFF DODDS:
No report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
STREETS & PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE-TRUSTEE LAUTERBERG:
No report.
PARKS & INFRASTUCTURE-TRUSTEE MOWERY:
Trustee Mowery reported he would like to get with the legion about the 4th of July.
Reported the benches look good that the Eagle Scout completed.
ED&P-TRUSTEE SHEPPARD:
Absent.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
ACTION ITEMS:
ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & MOTIONS: 7.1-7.14
Motion (Girdler, Strunk) to approve the Bill Claim Sheet. All aye. [Motion Carried]
Findings of Fact-Zoning Text Amendment:
1. The general purposes and intent of this title shall be adhered to if the zoning text amendment is approved. Agree with recommendation from ZBA. 5-yes. 0-no.
2. There will be uniformity and coherence with the remaining provisions of this title if the zoning text amendment is approved.
Meets standards per ZBA. 5-yes. 0-no.
3. The zoning text amendment is in the public interest.
Agree with the public interest is ok. 5-yes. 0-no.
Approve the Standards of Review have been met, motion by Trustee Girdler, seconded by Trustee Lauterberg. 5-yes. 0-no.
2026-02 (Lauterberg, Bertrand) Ordinance approving Zoning Text Amendments to various sections of the Village of Heyworth Zoning Code. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
Findings of Fact-Zoning Map Amendment:
1. The suitability of the subject property for uses authorized by the existing zoning.
Standard was met. 5-yes. 0-no.
2. The length of time the property has remained vacant as zoned considered in the context of land development in the area.
Standard was met. 5-yes. 0-no.
3. The suitability of the subject property for uses authorized by the proposed zoning.
Suitability has been met. 5-yes. 0-no.
4. Compatibility with the existing land uses of nearby property.
Standard was met. 5-yes. 0-no.
5. Compatibility with existing zoning districts of nearby property.
Standard was met. 5-yes.0-no.
6. The trend of development, if any, in the general area of the property in question, including changes, if any, which have taken place since the day the property in question was placed in its present zoning. Standard was met. 5-yes. 0-no.
7. Relative gain or hardship to the public as contrasted and compared to the hardship or gain of the individual property owner resulting from the approval or denial of the proposed zoning map amendment. No evidence of hardship. 5-yes. 0-no.
8. The adoption of such amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the interest of the applicant. Adoption is in the public interest. 5-yes. 0-no.
Approve the Standards of Review have been met, motion by Trustee Lauterberg, seconded by Trustee Girdler. 5-yes. 0-no.
2026-03 (Lauterberg, Strunk) Ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment from Commercial Planned Unit Development Zoning to R1 Single-Family Residence for parts of parcel numbers 35-04-206-006 and 35-04-206- 005 and from C-Commercial Zoning to C2-Commercial and from Commercial Planned Unit Development to Residential Planned Unit Development for parts of parcel numbers 35-04-206-005 and 35-04-206-001 in the Prairie Meadows Subdivision in the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
Findings of Fact-Special Use
1. The subject property is suitable for the proposed special use.
Yes, the property is. 5-yes. 0-no.
2. The proposed special use is allowed in the zoning district and is compatible with the use of nearby properties.
Use is allowed. 5-yes. 0-no.
3. The proposed special use will not substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. Agree with the ZBA. 5-yes. 0-no.
4. The proposed special use will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially increase the danger of fire, or otherwise endanger the public health, safety or welfare in the neighborhood.
Will not impair. 5-yes. 0-no.
5. The proposed special use would fit the trend of development, if any, in the general area of the property in question, including changes, if any, which have taken place since the day the property in question was placed in its present zoning classification.
It fits the trend. 5-yes, 0-no.
6. The general purpose and intent of the Zoning Code will be adhered to should the special use be granted. Project complies with the R3 Code. 5-yes. 0-no.
Approve the Standards of Review have been met, motion by Trustee Lauterberg, seconded by Trustee Girdler. 5-yes. 0-no.
2026-04 (Lauterberg, Strunk) Ordinance approving a Special Use Permit for a Residential Planned Unit Development for parts of parcel numbers 35-04-206-005 and 35-04-206-001 in the Prairie Meadows Subdivision in the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-05 (Bertrand, Lauterberg) Ordinance amending the job description for the Village Treasurer position of the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
Discussion on the bid amount that was submitted.
2026-02 (Lauterberg, Mowery) Resolution awarding the “Arrowhead Storm Sewer Project” to Stark Excavating for the amount of $292,250.00. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-03 (Girdler, Bertrand) Resolution approving a proposal from Mavidea for Information Technology Services for the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-04 (Girdler, Strunk) Resolution approving a proposal from LOCiS for accounting and utility billing software for the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-05 (Lauterberg, Strunk) Resolution approving a proposal from First State Bank & Trust for Positive Pay Banking Services for the Village of Heyworth. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-06 (Girdler, Bertrand) Resolution approving a Police Law Institute Membership proposal for the Village of Heyworth Police Department. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
Discussion on the contract and this year’s 4th of July.
2026-07 (Mowery, Lauterberg) Resolution approving a three0year contract with Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. for pyrotechnic displays for the Village of Heyworth 4th of July Celebrations. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried] 2026-08 (Girdler, Mowery) Resolution approving a Special Event Permit and Noise Permit for the Guardians of the Children for April 19, 2026, or April 26, 2026, in the Village of Heyworth. 4-yes. 1-abstain (Lauterberg, due to this is bikers club). 0-no. [Motion Carried]
2026-09 (Strunk, Girdler) Resolution approving an agreement with A&A Attractions for the 2026 Hey Days Celebration in the Village of Heyworth. 4-yes. 1-present (Mowery) 0-no. [Motion Carried]
Break: 7:48pm
Reconvene: 7:54pm
Motion (Girdler, Lauterberg) to enter executive session at 7:55p.m. for appointment, employment, compensation discipline performance or dismissal of an employee and land acquisition. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried] Entered back into regular session at 9:08pm.
Present: Trustee Girdler, Trustee Strunk, Trustee Mowery, Trustee Bertrand, Trustee Lauterberg. All present.
2026-06 (Girdler, Lauterberg) Ordinance amending the Wage and Compensation Ordinance for Municipal Employees and Appointed Officers, Village of Heyworth, McLean County, Illinois. 5-yes. 0-no. [Motion Carried]
New Business:
None.
Set schedule of meetings: Village Board Meeting February 5th at 6:30pm.
Informational Topics:
ADJOURNMENT: Motion: (Lauterberg, Mowery) All aye. [Motion Carried] 9:11pm
https://cms8.revize.com/revize/heyworthil/Minutes/Regular%20Meeting%20Minutes%201.22.26.pdf?t=202602060935130&t=202602060935130
