Coal City Planning & Zoning Board met Feb. 2

Feb 28, 2026

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Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call Meeting to Order

The meeting of the Coal City Planning and Zoning Board was called to order on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:02 PM. Chairwoman Maria Lewis noted they were two minutes late starting the meeting.

Roll call was taken with the following members present: Walt Mahaffay, Jason Peters, Brad Littleton, Amanda Burns, Cody Krug, and Maria Lewis. Jill Breneman was absent and excused due to illness.

Approval of Minutes

Lewis asked if there were any corrections or additions needed to the December 8, 2025 minutes.

Motion to approve the December 8, 2025 minutes was made by Peters and seconded by Littleton. The motion carried with all members voting yes.

Public Comment

Lewis noted there was no one present for public comment, though she mentioned that there might be public interest at future meetings once information about upcoming projects becomes available.

Consideration of Map Amendment for Phillips/Togliatti Annexation

Fritz, village administrator, presented information regarding the proposed map amendment for the Phillips/Togliatti annexation. He displayed a map showing the location of the 80- acre parcel, which is adjacent to the south of existing industrial property in the southwest part of the village. The property is known as the Phillips/Togliatti farm and has no relationship to current Trustee Dave Togliatti.

Fritz explained that according to code requirements, the land would receive RS1 zoning at the time of annexation, but since it’s immediately adjacent to the existing industrial park, it makes sense for this portion to be zoned industrial as well. He noted that this 80-acre parcel would likely be part of a future TIF #2 development, along with other property to the west side of Carbon Hill Road.

Fritz clarified that the public hearing for this map amendment has been scheduled for the next Planning & Zoning Board meeting on February 16, 2026. Lewis also reminded Fritz that February is map amendment season and they would need to prepare for that process soon.

Board members discussed the location and relationship of this property to existing industrial zones.

Lewis mentioned the need to deliver accurate information to the public for any potential development to avoid misinformation.

Discussion Regarding Utilization of Battery Storage

Lewis opened discussion about the need to protect the community regarding battery storage facilities, noting that state law now allows these facilities to be located as close as 150 feet from residential areas, which she considered inadequate given the fire hazards associated with lithium batteries. She referenced the Morris lithium battery fire as an example of the dangers.

Lewis explained that while the state law limits local control, municipalities still have authority over berming, landscaping, and fencing requirements. She had provided a document from another community that had already addressed these issues as a starting point for developing Coal City’s regulations.

Lewis volunteered herself to serve on a committee to develop appropriate regulations for battery storage facilities and asked for additional volunteers. Burns volunteered to serve on the committee as well. Lewis also requested the inclusion of the fire department in this process due to safety concerns.

Discussion followed regarding the safety hazards of lithium batteries in fires, with particular concern that firefighters have limited ability to combat lithium battery fires, which require special suppression techniques. Board members discussed the possibility of requiring compartmentalization in battery storage facilities to contain potential fires.

Lewis also noted concerns about companies taking advantage of consumers through battery storage schemes, particularly in connection with solar installations, where consumers may unknowingly sign away their solar benefits.

Several creative approaches to solar installations were discussed, including placing panels over roads instead of farmland, but the primary focus remained on developing appropriate safety requirements for battery storage facilities within the village.

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn was made by Burns and seconded by Mahaffay. The motion carried with all members voting aye. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.

https://coalcity-il.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PZ-Board-Minutes-02-02-2026-Web.pdf