Rockford Sun

City of Carlyle Zoning Board met Jan. 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The meeting was called to order by City Administrator Andy Brackett on January 2, 2020 at 6 p.m. at Case Halstead Library located at 550 6th Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Zoning Board members present included Matt Dannaman, Wilson Lappe, Scott Rakers, Gene Jurgensmeyer, Bill Beckemeyer, and Chuck Simms. Jenny Carpenter was absent. Others present included Joe Heiligenstein, Scott Diekemper, Shannon Petrea, Don Perez, Michael Jansen, Mayor Judy Smith, Andy Brackett, and Martha Reinkensmeyer.

After reviewing the minutes from the November 21, 2019 meeting, Matt Dannaman made a motion to approve the minutes. Wilson Lappe seconded the motion.

There were no public comments.

There were no Zoning Board comments.

The third item on the agenda was the appointment of a Zoning Board Chairman. Mayor Smith stated that there is supposed to be a chairman, but for many years there has not been. She has chosen to appoint Bill Beckemeyer as the Zoning Board Chairman. No motions were made.

The fourth item on the agenda was to amend the Zoning Code to allow for regulations on cannabis businesses in B-1, B-2, and I-1 districts. Bill began by stating that the Council has asked the Zoning Board to change the code to allow the sale of cannabis. He, personally, is struggling to allow the sale of cannabis. Joe Heiligenstein stated that the Illinois Municipal League (IML) has recommended two courses of action. The first is to have an ordinance in place prohibiting any cannabis establishments from existing within the municipality. The second is to have an ordinance in place that controls and limits cannabis. The ordinance would require a special use permit. This would prevent cannabis facilities from being placed just anywhere. Businesses would have to apply for a special use permit from the Zoning Board and it would then be brought before the City Council. Joe added there is a third option that IML does not recommend. It is to do nothing. If this option is chosen, cannabis facilities could be placed anywhere within the municipality where commercial establishments are allowed. There was then a discussion as to which course of action to take. Both Bill Beckemeyer and Scott Rakers stated they were not in favor of allowing a cannabis facility in Carlyle. Scott stated that the tax money was not worth the negatives that a facility would bring. Matt stated that if it is allowed, it should be regulated. Andy added that the ordinance proposed by the City is more stringent than the state minimum and is recommended by IML. Facilities would be required to be 1500 feet from preexisting schools, churches, and daycares. They would be required to be 250 feet from any preexisting residential areas. He also stated that since Council voted to send this to the Zoning Board, he believes the Council to be in favor of allowing a cannabis facility within city limits. Gene stated that he believes dispensaries should be allowed. Chuck agreed, if it’s required to be a special use. Chuck added that he thinks we should prohibit all of the other types of cannabis businesses (cultivation centers, infusers, etc.) Gene Jurgensmeyer then made a motion to allow cannabis dispensaries in B-1, B-2, and I-1 districts as a special use. Chuck Simms seconded the motion. After roll call, the motion passed. Aye: Wilson Lappe, Gene Jurgensmeyer, Chuck Simms, and Matt Dannaman. Nay: Scott Rakers and Bill Beckemeyer.

There was no old business.

There was no new business.

With no further business to discuss, Wilson Lappe made a motion to adjourn. Gene Jurgensmeyer seconded the motion. Finding all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/carlyle/Board.nsf/Public