Sangamon County

The meeting addressed the approval of the previous month's minutes without corrections. Key discussions involved committee reports, specifically the Land Subdivision Committee's review of the Sloan Crossing development, which required unanimous approval for variances related to stub streets and access points, despite initial committee recommendation for denial due to unmet conditions, with the final vote recommending approval with two stub streets to the west. Information was also presented regarding a separate matter concerning the partial vacation of an easement for a pool installation at Centennial Park Place—4th Addition, where the committee recommended approval with conditions that the disturbed area be returned to its original state. New business focused on actions as the Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, including a review and subsequent recommendation for approval of the Enterprise Zone expansion request for Cyclone Labs, LLC, which involves constructing a craft grow cannabis facility and solar array, projecting significant economic impact and job creation.

The meeting commenced with the Chairman calling the meeting to order. Key discussions included the acceptance of the June 21, 2017, Regional Planning Commission meeting minutes and the report of officers, with the Chairman expressing pleasure in serving for the 2017-2018 term. The Executive Director's report featured a presentation by a summer intern on 'Factors Affecting Local Sales Tax Revenue,' which Commissioner Joe McMenamin requested a copy of for the city's Budget Director. Under committee reports, the Land Subdivision Committee's review of the Sherwood Subdivision matter (a request to vacate a portion of a plat to allow for a two-car garage extension) was summarized for informational purposes, as it did not require Planning Commission action. New Business involved the necessary appointment of members to standing committees for the new program year, specifically the Land Subdivision Committee, which was approved unanimously, while also noting an upcoming vacancy related to a representative leaving her post.

The meeting included a review of bill requisitions. Under Old Business, there were no updates on the SCCDS Monthly Report and Furniture consoles, and no update on the EMS Report. Progress was noted on the PSAP2 initiative, with testing scheduled to commence the following week. There was no new business to discuss and no purchase orders requiring approval.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of the minutes from the October 19, 2016 Regional Planning Commission and Executive Policy Board meetings. The Executive Policy Board's actions were reviewed, notably the approval of the SSCRPC's proposed FY2017 budget despite challenges related to varying fiscal years and Grant Accountability and Transparency Act requirements. It was reported that Executive Director Norm Sims agreed to extend his tenure for at least one year following requests from the Mayor and County Board Chairman, which included a 5% salary increase. The decision was made to continue Regional Planning Commission meetings regularly for transparency. The Executive Director's report highlighted the launch of the new SSCRPC website and updates on staff presentations to external groups. A 3D population model of Sangamon County was presented, utilizing GIS data. The Committee Reports section summarized actions from the Land Subdivision Committee's November 3, 2016 meeting, including the approval of final plats for Cobblestone Estates and West Iles Business Center, and a large-scale development plan for the latter. Significant discussion focused on the Timber Creek development's revised plan, specifically regarding the denial of a request to eliminate required sidewalks intended to meet recreational space requirements, and the required inclusion of a storm shelter based on City code.

The meeting covered several Old Business items, including an update on the project addressing chemical information availability for first responders at the Sangamon County Dispatch Center. The committee unanimously approved 12 changes to the Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for Menard County, resulting in a new plan dated for the current meeting. The group noted that 145 Tier 2 Reports have been filed, achieving 100% compliance for the planning district, and identified three municipalities that still need to file reports concerning Chlorine storage. Further discussion included an update on the Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Grant applications and reports from the Winnebago County LEPC Conference, which involved a comprehensive tabletop exercise scenario involving a hazardous materials transport accident. Under New Business, discussions addressed the recent Ammonium Nitrate explosion in West, TX, noting that the local planning district does not store this material. The committee also reviewed plant safety concerns regarding Anhydrous Ammonia storage at Brandt Consolidated in Williamsville and planned for a future tabletop exercise there. The schedule for future meetings was unanimously approved, and updates were provided regarding a fundraising walk for ALS.