McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Feb. 5.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Koos called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Order at 5:02 p.m., Monday February 5, 2024.

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 Harris, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day, Interim Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

ABSENT: None.

Councilmember Andy Byars arrived at 5:10 pm.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no Public Comment.

5. PRESENTATION OF FY 24-29 PROPOSED BUDGET:

Mayor Koos temporarily suspended the Council meeting rules to facilitate an open discussion during the budget presentation.

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced Finance Director Andrew Huhn and the Town’s proposed FY2024-25 through 2028-29 Operating and Capital Investment Budget.

Mr. Huhn reviewed the current and 5-year projected financial position of all funds, including a review of all revenue and expenditure classifications.

Mr. Huhn reviewed the Town’s debt position, and the Town’s Financial Strategies related to target fund balances and debt levels.

City Manager Pamela Reece emphasized that the Town is fulfilling all financial objectives and implementing the financial strategies approved by Council. Ms. Reece described the surplus funds as a positive development, detailing how they are being allocated towards roadway and capital projects, vehicle and equipment purchases, as well as additional funding for police and fire pensions.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned the approach that was used to forecast the revenue and if the 2% increase in water and sewer rates will be sufficient in the foreseeable future. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded. Ms. Smith asked about the debt service guidelines, particularly regarding leases and how they affect the budget. Mr. Huhn responded.

Mayor Koos questioned if there are significant increases in materials comparable to those seen last year. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested clarification on debt restructuring and the current allocation of surplus funds. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn and City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Lorenz questioned the timing of the last water rate increase and expressed her concerns regarding the 2% increase in sewer rates. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy requested more information about the projected flat income taxes. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded. Mr. McCarthy asked questions regarding the debt restructuring program. Mr. Huhn responded. Mr. McCarthy expressed support for rate structure and funding plans that prioritize consideration of future capital projects.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris spoke in support of the proposed budget and asked about the Council’s role in obtaining a triple-A rating from Moody’s, as well as the potential access to federal and state funding.

Councilmember Scott Preston asked about the intended allocation of the $2 million designated for economic development. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Preston expressed support for the debt plan and asked clarifying questions about police and fire pension funding. Mr. Huhn responded. Mr. Preston highlighted the addition of full-time positions.

Councilmember Karyn Smith discussed the benefits of directing surplus funds towards pension funding instead of debt retirement.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked questions regarding the increase in travel funds for Mayor and Council, as well as financial increases for special programs. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Lorenz then asked questions regarding the Municipal Code revision, Fire Department staffing, and the current cost of the underpass project. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

6. 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 JANUARY 16, 2024:

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF JANUARY 31, 2024

C. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 21, 2023 AND TO RELEASE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM JUNE 21, 2021 AND FROM AUGUST 21, 2023: Resolution No. 6209

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FRAME RAIL REPLACEMENT AND CORROSION REPAIRS TO A 2006 PIERCE LADDER TRUCK: Resolution 6210

E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) AND A MOTOR FUEL TAX (MFT) RESOLUTION FOR THE GREGORY STREET TRAIL EXTENSION FROM ADELAIDE STREET TO PARKSIDE ROAD

F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY AMENDMENT #1 WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR WEST COLLEGE AVENUE FROM RIVIAN MOTORWAY TO WHITE OAK ROAD: Resolution No. 6211

G. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FOUNDATION (PSTF), AND THE TOWN OF NORMAL, ILLINOIS, FOR THE USE OF THE INTEGRATING COMMUNICATIONS, ASSESSMENT, AND TACTICS (ICAT) TRAINING FOUNDATION’S FACILITY: Resolution No. 6212

H. RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR MANCHESTER, MCKINLEY, MCCORMICK AND ALEXANDER COURT WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO STARK EXCAVATING, INC. AT A TOTAL COST OF $963,600

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Item E and H were removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith. Items A, B, C, D, F, and G were approved by Omnibus Vote.

7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) AND A MOTOR FUEL TAX (MFT) RESOLUTION FOR THE GREGORY STREET TRAIL EXTENSION FROM ADELAIDE STREET TO PARKSIDE ROAD: Resolution No. 6213

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Joint Funding Agreement for Construction Work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and a Motor Fuel Tas (MFT) Resolution for the Gregory Street Trail Extension from Adelaide Street to Parkside Road.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Karyn Smith suggested future funding to ensure connectivity between trails on the west side.

RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE MANCHESTER, MCKINLEY, MCCORMICK AND ALEXANDER COURT WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO STARK EXCAVATING, INC. AT A TOTAL COST OF $963,600: Resolution No. 6214

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Award the Bid for the Manchester, McKinley, McCormick and Alexander Court Watermain Improvement Project to Stark Excavating, Inc. at a Total Cost of $963,600.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification regarding the replacement of 4-inch water main pipe and whether the standards had increased. Director of Water John Burkhart responded.

GENERAL ORDERS:

There were no General Orders.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no New Business.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

COUNCIL MINUTES - 5 - FEBRUARY 5, 2024

8. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed her concerns about the budget session.

Councilmember Karyn Smith thanked community members involved in organizing the “A Night to Shine” event, providing individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience a prom event.

9. 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 McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:06 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2024.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z_2QgoEfkVC-92iAs028aXTBxSSiWPyAl-2OQh7fBGM/edit