Grundy Reporter

Grundy County Land Use Committee met April 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. Call to Order 

Call to order at 4:30pm

Attendee Name	Title	Status	Arrived
Eric Rasmusson	Board Member	Present
Joshua Harris	Board Member	Present
Jerald White	Chair	Present
Georgette Vota	Board Member	Present
James Riley	Vice Chair	Present
Nathanael Greene	Board Member	Late	4:35 PM
Jeff Wynn	Board Member	Present
Mary Kucharz	County Administrator	Present
Drew Muffler	Chairman	Present
Heidi Miller	Land Use Director	Present
Alec Macdonald	Director of Development	Present
Harold Vota	Board Member	Present
Ken Briley	Sheriff	Present

Public attendees:

Dr. Sharma

Dean Rankovich

Cindy Rice

Judd Holman

Micke Poppelwell

Jim Seerup, Coal City Fire

Justin Seabright

Greg Erhman

Christina Ramierez

Ben Vancura

John Novander

John Riley

II. Public Portion 

There was nothing in Public Portion.

III. Approval of Minutes 

1. Land Use Committee/ - Regular Meeting - Mar 26, 2025 4:30 PM Minutes were accepted from March 26, 2025 as stated.

RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: James Riley, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jeff Wynn, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, White, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn

IV. Land Use Department 

A. Official Business 

1. Petition 25-ZBA-004 Map Amendment A-Agricultural to AR-Agricultural Residential - Huerta

Miller read summary for Petition 25-ZBA-004 Map Amendment A-Agricultural to AR-Agricultural Residential - Huerta. Vota asked about 1 road cut. Miller clarified there will be easement to back lot. Motion 6-0 move to full board.

RESULT: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2025 6:00 PM  MOVER: Georgette Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Joshua Harris, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, White, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn

2. 11654 : Petition 25-ZBA-006 Special Use for a Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility - Dr. Sharma

Miller read summary for Petition 25-ZBA-006 Special Use for a Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility. Dean Rankovich, Cindy Rice, Judd Holman, Mickey Poppelwell, and Greg Erhman oppose with concerns of safety, property values and wrong place for this facility. Jim Seerup from the Coal City Fire Department was concerned with the possible number of calls. Justin Seabright spoke to support the possible patients want to seek help and reduction of crime. Christina Ramierez provides services to ECS, clients are already detoxed and ready for this program. Ben Vancura and John Novander spoke of opposition. Sherriff Ken Briley had concerns of the location being close to nuclear station, clients wanting to leave, and potential crime. John Riley spoke the comp plan for Grundy County does not state the need for a rehab facility. Dr, Sharma spoke that the property values do not decrease, there are not violent incidences, enhances lives. Vota asked on number of beds, Sharma stated the law says he can have 16, he chooses no more than 14 at this location. Vota asked how many clients are from Grundy. ECS had 22 last year. Vota asked if this facility could only be Grundy County residents. This is Dr. Sharmas intention. Rasmusson asked how clients get referred. Dr. Sharma stated that some are from website however, the clients go through a 2-3 day extensive interview process, they are already detoxed and had psychological evaluations and that have to pass. Rasmusson asked what kind of area locations are the other clinics in. Dr. Sharma stated both business and residential. Rasmusson asked about security. Dr. Sharma stated that there is live 24/7monitoring, staff ;on call 47/7 within 15-20 minutes of location, staff is trained in conflict resolution, in case. Also Will County sent in a support letter. Rasmusson asked what is in it for Grundy. Dr. Sharma, said he pays property taxes for the business and hop of decreasing addicts and contribute to community. Rasmusson asked what the inside would look like. Dr. Sharma explained what the plans were like that were submitted in the packet. Vota asked if sex offenders allowed. Dr. Sharma stated that no sex offenders, or violent offenders allowed. They have to get background check performed and can be rejected. Riley asked if Dr. Sharma is wanting another facility here, he does not. Riley asked average stay, it is 28 days. Riley follow up program, yes, they can have monthly alumni meeting.

Motion to approve positively to full County Board. Voted no 6-0 - Moves to full board with negative recommendation.

RESULT: REJECTED [0 TO 6]  MOVER: Joshua Harris, Board Member SECONDER: Nathanael Greene, Board Member NAYS: Rasmusson, Harris, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn EXCUSED: White

3. Official Comprehensive Plan Vendor Selection

Macdonald stated Chastain has been selected for the Comprehensive Plan.

RESULT: REFERRED TO COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 5/13/2025 6:00 PM  MOVER: James Riley, Vice Chair SECONDER: Georgette Vota, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn EXCUSED: White

4. Approval of New Site Plan for Morris Sand and Gravel 24-ZBA-001

Macdonald stated the adjustment of site plan for Morris Sand and Gravel, will be approved, no need to forward to County Board.

RESULT: APPROVED [6 TO 0]  MOVER: Georgette Vota, Board Member SECONDER: Joshua Harris, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn RECUSED: White

5. Petition 25-ZBA-001 Gore Road Community Energy Initiative -Solar Farm Need motion to table to May 28, 2025. Motion passes 6-0.

RESULT: TABLED [6 TO 0] Next: 5/28/2025 4:30 PM  MOVER: Joshua Harris, Board Member SECONDER: Jeff Wynn, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn RECUSED: White

B. New/Old Business 

There was no new or old business to discuss.

C. Monthly Report 

Miller stated Senator Balkema will give out special certificates to the Trashformation winners. Shred and Ewaste events were not very productive and slow. Promo gifts went to local libraries for Earth Day and in May seeds for Mother's Day will be handed out. BEES information went out to the local Fire Departments. March-October Paint recycling event.

D. Future Agenda Items 

There are no future agenda items.

E. Claims 

Signed and approved. Motion by Josh Harris second by James Riley. Passed

V. Development Director 

Macdonald reported 2 updates for the Advancing Grundy and Grundy Expansion Project. Upcoming solar projects.

VI. Budget Reporting 

VII. Special Assignment Reports 

A. Kendall Grundy Farm Bureau 

Rasmusson stated communication with farm bureau to confirm Grundy is an AG supporting community. Set to bring forth support a resolution.

B. Heritage Corridor-G Vota 

Vota stated at the last meeting was concerned on grants, after discussing all ok.

VIII. Executive Session 

No executive session.

IX. Action Taken as a Result of Executive Session 

No actions.

X. Adjournment 

1. Motion to adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 5:53pm.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]  MOVER: James Riley, Vice Chair SECONDER: Nathanael Greene, Board Member AYES: Rasmusson, Harris, White, Vota, Riley, Greene, Wynn

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