McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Koos called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Order at 7:01 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2023.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Chemberly Haris, Andy Byars and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Eric Hanson, Corporation Counsel Brian Day, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

ABSENT: None.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Jimmy Holmes, Illinois State University student, spoke in support of the proposed 12- hour advanced notice ordinance.

Angela Dedicatoria, Illinois State University student, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Meagan James, Illinois State University student, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Paige Hofstetter, Illinois State University student, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Grant Chassy, former Illinois State University Student Government Vice President, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Michael Holfelner, Normal resident, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Elizabeth Megli, Representative of Sami, First Site, and Young America, spoke in opposition to the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Matthew Tozcko, spoke in support of the 12-hour advanced notice ordinance.

Jessica Travis, General Manager of Beauty Brands, spoke against the amended Shoppes at College Hills final development plan.

Mikayla Webb, Beauty Brands employee, spoke against the amended Shoppes at College Hills final development plan.

Andrew Woodburn, Beauty Brands employee, spoke against the amended Shoppes at College Hills final development plan.

5. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

Mayor Koos read aloud the items to be considered by the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 16, 2023

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2023

C. RESOLUTION REQUESTING PERMISSION TO CLOSE A PORTION ON U.S. HIGHWAY 51 FOR THE ANNUAL JAYCEES CHRISTMAS PARADE: Resolution No. 6187

D. RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE OSAGE STREET WATERMAIN EXTENSION PROJECT TO GEORGE GILDNER, INC. AT A TOTAL COST OF $136,320: Resolution No. 6188

E. RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR INSTALLATION OF AUTO FLUSHING DEVICES TO GEORGE GILDNER, INC. AT A TOTAL COST OF $85,735: Resolution No. 6189

F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE POLICE SHOOTING RANGE FACILITY WITH THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON: Resolution No. 6190

G. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BID PROCESS AND ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH SECURITAS FOR UPTOWN SECURITY SERVICES AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6191

H. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN OF NORMAL TRAFFIC CODE REGARDING “TIME LIMIT” PARKING (SEC. 23, DIVISION 5 – PARKING RULES): Ordinance No. 5958

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE SHOPPES AT COLLEGE HILLS PUD (RAISING CANE’S 311A S. VETERANS PARKWAY): Resolution No. 6192

MOTION:

Councilmember Harris moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Final Development Plan for the Shoppes at College Hills PUD (Raising Cane’s, 311 A S. Veterans Parkway).

AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Scott Preston asked for clarification on the traffic study. Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto stated that the study was conducted while ISU students were not in session and that there was only a 0.5% change.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned why information was not disclosed to the existing business. Town Planner Mercy Davison and City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Lorenz raised her concerns about the area’s traffic and pedestrian safety.

Councilmember Andy Byars stated that the Town’s role is to facilitate a fair process and not selectively choose businesses.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned the possibility of replacing the current stop signs with traffic lights, as well as the availability of alternative access that would enable people to bypass the three-way stop intersection. Director of Public Works and Engineering responded. Ms. Smith asked what the rationale was for modifying the parking requirements. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.

8. ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR ADULT-USE CANNABIS AT 1730 BRADFORD LANE (AYR WELLNESS): Ordinance No. 5959

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for Adult-Use Cannabis at 1730 Bradford Lane (Ayr Wellness).

AYES: Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Harris, Koos.

NAYS: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Andy Byars stated that decisions resulting from the applicant's completion of the established process should be respected and supported. Mr. Byars noted that there has been limited citizen input opposing the special-use permit.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy echoed Mr. Byars’ comments, adding that the qualifications for these businesses have been modified to comply with a more stringent policy, which the business currently meets.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked for clarification on the distance setback requirements. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded. Ms. Lorenz expressed her concerns about increased traffic in the area and asked if a traffic study had been conducted. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

9. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PREPARATION OF THE 2023 PROPERTY TAX LEVY ORDINANCE:

MOTION TO AMEND:

Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Motion to Amend the Motion to prepare the 2023 property tax levy at an amount not to exceed $250,000 to the General Fund.

AYES: Lorenz, Byars.

NAYS: Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Harris, Koos.

Motion declared failed.

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Authorize the Preparation of the 2023 Property Tax Levy Ordinance.

AYES: McCarthy, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.

NAYS: Preston, Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item, recommending a levy that incorporates a policy. Ms. Reece stated the levy will incorporate a policy allocating $500,000 to the General Fund, supporting operations and the Town’s capital fund. Ms. Reece further clarified that the levy aims to achieve 100% funding for public safety pensions and provide 50% funding for nonpublic safety pensions (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) and Social Security obligations.

City Manager Pamela Reece also noted that the levy would increase 6.8% over last year which puts the Town within the Truth and Taxation requirements.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris emphasized that tonight is about approving the preparation of the tax levy, not the actual tax levy itself. Ms. Harris highlighted that although there is an increase, the tax rate is expected to decrease.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy commended staff for their efforts and expressed support for pension funding and restoring the general fund while still providing a break to taxpayers.

Councilmember Scott Preston expressed that the growth in Equalized Assessed Value is a result of a strong local economy. Mr. Preston voiced his concerns about allocating $500,000 to the general fund.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz spoke in support of pension funding obligations and questioned the rationale behind the $500,000 allocation to the general fund. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

City Manager Pamela Reece noted that the agenda refers to the preparation of the 2022 property tax levy, but it should be corrected to 2023 property tax levy.

Councilmember Karyn Smith asked about the addition of new properties to the tax rolls in 2024. City Manager Pamela Reece responded that the anticipated Equalized Assessed Value town-wide is expected to increase by approximately 18%.

Councilmember Andy Byars reiterated that despite the 6% increase, homeowners are expected to experience some relief. Mr. Byars asked about the calculations used to determine the potential tax impact on an average homeowner in the upcoming year. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn provided an explanation of the analysis used.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz Motioned to Amend the Motion to Prepare the Levy at an Amount not to exceed $250,000 to the General Fund.

NEW BUSINESS:

10. AN ORDINANCE ADDING DIVISION 19 TO CHAPTER 25 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL TENANT NOTIFICATION: Ordinance No. 5960

MOTION:

Councilmember Harris moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Adding Division 19 to Chapter 25 of the Municipal Code Regarding Residential Tenant Notification.

AYES: McCarthy, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.

NAYS: Lorenz, Preston.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris thanked public commenters for speaking on the topic and spoke in support of the proposed ordinance and stated that she believes there shouldn’t have been a compromise from the original 24-hour notice proposal.

Councilmember Karyn Smith stated that the Town has engaged in meetings with both ISU students and the major leasing companies to reach a compromise. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked if the smaller leasing companies were included in discussions. Building Commissioner Greg Troemel responded. Ms. Lorenz expressed her concerns about the process taken to create the proposed ordinance.

Mayor Koos responded to comments made by Councilmember Lorenz, noting that the ISU government has requested this for three years, and town staff has dedicated almost a year to working on the proposal.

City Manager Pamela Reece clarified the process that was used to prepare the proposed ordinance.

Councilmember Andy Byars expressed a preference for a shorter time frame but acknowledged and appreciated the compromise to a 12-hour notice ordinance. Mr. Byars asked for clarification on the definition of emergency in relation to the ordinance. Corporation Counsel Brian Day responded. Mr. Day also addressed comments made earlier by Councilmember Lorenz.

Councilmember Scott Preston expressed his concerns about the proposed ordinance, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance that ensures tenant security while also addressing the needs of leasing companies.

Councilmember Karyn Smith expressed her view that the proposed ordinance should encourage leasing companies to prioritize their current tenants over potential ones. Ms. Smith added that it should aim to level the playing field for all leasing companies.

Mayor Koos clarified that a notice shorter than the 12-hours that would be required by this ordinance is permitted with the consent of the tenant.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke in support of the proposed ordinance as it contributes to providing basic privacy rights to tenants.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated that she would like to see some data on the complaints pertaining to the matter noting she is curious about how widespread the problem is.

Mayor Koos called for a short 5 minute break at 9:16 p.m.

11. ORDINANCE REPLACING DIVISION 9 OF CHAPTER 8 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES: Ordinance No. 5961

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Replacing Division 9 of Chapter 8 of the Municipal Code Concerning the Regulation of Small Wireless Facilities.

AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece provided background information on the ordinance and stated that the proposed ordinance modifies the current requirements for wireless installation. Ms. Reece also shared the concerns of a utility company regarding the proposed ordinance.

Mayor Koos spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance, stating that it allows the Town local authority to decide how the community is going to look in the public realm and ensuring safety and proper installation.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned what kind of collaboration and notification on the proposed changes was given to the utility companies. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

12. PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

13. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Karyn Smith mentioned that the Local Veterans Organizations will be hosting a Veterans Day Service on November 11th. Ms. Smith congratulated the Normal High School bands on being selected to appear in the 2025 London New Year’s Day parade. Ms. Smith added that leaf collection has started and that residents can view the leaf collection time in their area by using the interactive map on the Town’s website.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy congratulated Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Ladeen Finley, for her role in the Facilities Department’s achievement of the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building Advanced Honor Certification.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz provided an overview of the housing crisis and reviewed statistics and industry standards.

14. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Koos called for a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Byars, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.

AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:36 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2023.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4819