Illinois Valley Times

City of Oglesby Plan Commission met April 23

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

ROLL CALL: Dave Peters, Bob Mente, Jim Clinard, Kyle Videgar, Amy Arthur, Angie Partridge, Lisa Carrico, Mark Duttlinger. Attorney Pat Barry and City Clerk Becky Clinard were also present.

ABSENT: Karen Watson, Rich Greening, Ken Ficek.

Barry pointed out that in the absence of Chairman Ficek, the first matter was to appoint a chairman pro tem for the meeting.’

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Partridge, SECONDED BY Clinard to appoint Videgar pro tem chairman. AYES: Peters, Mente, Clinard, Videgar, Arthur, Partridge, Carrico, Duttlinger. MOTION CARRIED.

Kevin Lindeman, of North Central Illinois Council of Governments, then briefly addressed the board about the process of updating the comprehensive plan.  

Calvin Croy then went over the updated demographic information with the board.

1. Population:  Oglesby’s population declined slightly from 2010 to 2020, which is a regional trend both county and statewide, but still remains higher than the 1990 low. Oglesby’s population is also getting younger, declining from a median age of 39.4 in 2010 to 37.7 in 2020. It was noted that the 55-64 age group had increased, with some thinking this was because of the addition of Stough Group Housing. The state predicts that the population in both the county and state will continue to decrease, which is likely the same for Oglesby. Current statistics indicate various educational attainment levels among the population, notably an increase in the number of people holding associate and bachelor’s degrees.

2. Economic and Housing Market Trends: The median house value in Oglesby has decreased by 1%, while the trend in LaSalle County was an increase of 4%  Rents in the city also tended to trend lower than the surrounding communities, but it was noted that the additional of Stough Group senior housing could have impacted the average as those rents tend to be lower. It was acknowledged that economic improvements correlate with rising educational levels and a more active workforce, which could influence future planning.

3. Future Meetings: The group scheduled the next meeting for 6 p.m. on May 14th. There was some discussion about the previously determined second Wednesday of the month meeting date, but most agreed that the second Wednesday worked best for them. Members were given the Goals and Strategies printout and encouraged to come prepared to the next meeting discuss those items. There was an emphasis on increasing public involvement in meetings, with suggestions made to create Facebook posts directing community members to participate more actively. Participants were encouraged to engage the public and make them aware of upcoming meetings.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Partridge, SECONDED BY Duttlinger to adjourn at 6:22 p.m.  AYES: Peters, Mente, Clinard, Videgar, Arthur, Partridge, Carrico, Duttlinger. MEETING ADJOURNED.

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