Town of Normal City Council met June 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Chris Koos called the regular meeting of the Normal Town Council to order at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2019.
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons physically
PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Chemberly
Cummings, Stan Nord, Karyn Smith, Kathleen Lorenz, and Scott Preston. Also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, 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:
Mary Wuhrmann, Normal Resident, spoke about concerns with the elimination of transit routes and rate increases. Ms. Wuhrmann would like to see the Olive transit route reinstated and the Connect Transit Board Representative for Normal appointed immediately.
Sharon Knight, Normal Resident, spoke about her appreciation of the infrastructure improvements going on in her neighborhood. Ms. Knight indicated she feels these improvements will provide improved quality of water and quality of service to her area.
Craig Stimpert stated he was encouraged to see changes to the public comment policy but feels the proposed amendment doesn’t go far enough. Mr. Stimpert stated more work needs to be done on the policy.
Tom Powers, Normal Resident, stated that he recently moved back to Normal. Mr. Powers indicated the sense of neighborhood, kind people and the many activities available is what brought him back. Mr. Powers then stated that cutting back on the availability of transit takes away the availability of those activities from people without access or funds.
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 MAY 20, 2019:
B. APPROVAL OF TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF MAY 29, 2019:
C. MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDED HARMON ARTS GRANT AWARDS:
D. A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AT MEETINGS OF THE NORMAL TOWN COUNCIL AND OTHER TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL PLANNING SERVICES WITH THE MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION:
F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A JOHN DEERE 2019 MODEL 85G EXCAVATOR FROM MARTIN EQUIPMENT OF GOODFIELD, IL IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,000: Resolution No. 5679:
G. RESOLUTION WAIVNG THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO ADDITIONAL CARDIAC MONITOR/DEFIBRILLATORS FROM ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,780.32: Resolution No. 5680:
H. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH CULY CONTRACTING, LLC FOR THE 2019 MANHOLE REHABILITATION AND REPLACEMENT CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,940: Resolution No. 5681:
I. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE RIDGEMONT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO GEORGE GILDNER INC., AT A TOTAL COST OF $891,570, INCLUDING ADDITIVE ALTERNATES #1 AND #2, PLUS UP TO A POTENTIAL $15,000 BONUS FOR EARLY COMPLETION:
J. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF THE O’REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES, LLC SUBDIVISION (1315 S. MAIN): Resolution No. 5682:
Mayor Koos excused himself from voting on any expenses he incurred while performing his duties as Mayor.
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Item A, F, G, H, and J were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
Items B, C, D, E, and I were removed from the Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF MAY 29, 2019:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of Town of Normal Expenditures for Payment as of May 29, 2019.
AYES: Cummings, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos. NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned Connect Transit funding calculations, stating she can’t get it to reconcile with the approved Town Operating Budget. Ms. Smith also questioned whether the Town had received the approved Connect Transit budget as required per the Intergovernmental Agreement. Ms. Smith went on to question the Town’s options to potentially reject the next proposed Connect Transit budget.
City Manager, Pamela Reece reviewed the budget calculations, indicating payments are for not only operating capital, but also the Wheels to Work program. Ms. Reece went on to review how funding amounts are determined.
Corporation Counsel, Brian Day reviewed provisions of the Intergovernmental Agreement related to the ability for a municipality to opt out of the Connect Transit budget. Mr. Day also reviewed what constitutes a major change in service, indicating current provisions allow for route reduction. Mr. Day then stated that one route reduction doesn’t constitute a major change.
City Manager, Pamela Reece stated that Connect Transit has been invited to speak at an upcoming Council Meeting. Ms. Reece discussed the decision to eliminate the Olive Route, indicating it was a data-driven decision. Ms. Reece reviewed some of the data that lead to the decision.
Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned which months the data was collected and if there were concessions made for elderly or disable patrons to board.
Mayor Koos indicated that further discussion on Connect Transit should be withheld until representatives are present to address concerns.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned payments for the ImagineAir exhibit at the Children’s Discovery Museum. City Manager, Pamela Reece stated those funds will be reimbursed by the CDM Foundation. Ms. Reece then reviewed how Town operating funds and Foundation funds are received and allocated for museum expenses.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned payments for Property Taxes, specifically those payments pertaining to rental properties. Mr. Nord indicated he would like to see a policy for renting taxpayer assets.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned funding items for McLean County Regional Planning. City Manager, Pamela Reece explained the expense is related to the Community Assessment of Needs process which is a mandated process we go through for the Community Development Block Grant program, which is outside the scope of our regular, ongoing service agreement with McLean County Regional Planning.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned the interest payments on Bonds. Mr. Nord indicated interest is not being reflected against the Uptown improvements. City Manager, Pamela Reece stated the interest in not missing from any calculations. Ms. Reece explained the line item simply reflects where the check was cut from, and how the check payment was processed. Ms. Reece further stated the Town follows very strict bond guidelines and that bond funds are audited every year. Ms. Reece further stated the bond funding and interest is reflected in the budget.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz encouraged new Councilmembers to plan for the annual Trends and Analysis Report that will be presented in the fall by the Finance Department. Ms. Lorenz indicated that report provides detailed information on how the financials work.
MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDED HARMON ARTS GRANT AWARDS: MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve a Motion to Approve Recommended Harmon Arts Grant Awards.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned whether traditional media outlets were used to promote the grant and encouraged staff to connect with a larger number of people through other outlets.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned where grant funds come from and asked for clarification on whether the vote is for approval of the funding amount or on the organizations receiving the funds. Mayor Koos stated the funds are a budgeted item and clarified the vote is on the organizations selected to receive the funds. Mayor Koos further clarified this is an application process open to all arts organizations.
City Manager, Pamela Reece stated grant applications are available under separate cover for review by the Council. Ms. Reece further stated applications are reviewed by a committee to identify criteria that would determine an eligible grant.
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AT MEETINGS OF THE NORMAL TOWN COUNCIL AND OTHER TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Resolution No. 5683:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve a Resolution Amending the Rules for Public Comments at Meetings of the Normal Town Council and other Town Boards and Commissions.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Nord, the Council Approve an Amendment to a Resolution Amending the Rules for Public Comments at Meetings of the Normal Town Council and other Town Boards and Commissions.
AYES: Smith, Preston, Nord.
NAYS: Lorenz, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos. Motion declared failed.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified her understanding of the proposed item. City Manager, Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked what the rationale was behind selecting 15 minutes prior to a Council Meeting for speakers to sign up. Mayor Koos indicated it was an administrative choice. Ms. Smith then moved to Amend item 2 of the proposed Resolution to reflect any person wishing to present public comment at any meeting must register one minute before the beginning of the scheduled meeting, rather than the proposed 15 minutes prior.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings asked what the impact would be to a later time limit. City Manager, Pamela Reece responded that staff is sometimes conducting other Town business prior to 7:00 pm, such as Liquor Commission that could cause administrative issues.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated there is an improvement being made and suggested we try it as proposed and see how it works. If it’s determined that changes still need to be made, we can do so at a later time.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned whether the recording of public commenters could be done while the meeting was going on. Mr. Nord further stated that he would prefer the citizens have the advantage of having longer to sign up to speak. City Manager, Pamela Reece reiterated there will be situations where staff and Council may already be involved in a meeting prior to the start time of a Council Meeting.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated he feels we are “splitting hairs” in not wanting to allow staff 15 minutes of administrative time to prepare for the meeting. Mr. McCarthy further stated he doesn’t feel we are disadvantaging the public from being able to access Council.
Councilmember Preston stated that he would be fine supporting a shorter time frame to allow speakers to sign up.
MOTION TO STRIKE:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Nord, the Council Approve a Motion to Strike an Item from an Amendment to a Resolution Amending the Rules for Public Comments at Meetings of the Normal Town Council and other Town Boards and Commissions.
AYES: Nord, Smith.
NAYS: Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos. Motion declared failed.
Councilmember Karyn Smith moved to strike item 1 of the proposed Resolution, which would remove the requirement that all public comments must be germane to the meeting agenda. Ms. Smith explained that based on being denied the opportunity to speak at a prior meeting, she feels there should not be a limitation on public comments.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated he feels the public should be allowed to comment openly and indicated that if the people want to talk then we should let them talk.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated that he takes exception with statements that the public is being denied input. Mr. McCarthy further stated that Council makes themselves available through multiple methods of contact to the community.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated there are multiple ways to approach the Council and that being approachable and providing adequate public input is something that Council strives to do.
City Manager, Pamela Reece clarified the Town’s current policy as written and the new policy being proposed both comply with the Open Meetings Act.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL PLANNING SERVICES WITH THE MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: Resolution No. 5684:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement for Technical Planning Services with the McLean County Regional Planning Commission.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned there are several reports available and asked where they could be located. City Manager, Pamela Reece responded the reports could be located on the McLean County Regional Planning website and explained where they are located on the site.
Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned McLean County Regional Planning fund expenditures, indicating she would like to see funds directed to ADA compliant bus stops.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated he would like to see McLean County Regional Planning involved in discussions on the future transportation needs of the community.
City Manager Pamela Reece stated that McLean County Regional Planning recently hosted the Center for Automotive Research for a discussion on what mobility looks like in the future. Ms. Reece also noted that McLean County Regional Planning has a close relationship with Connect Transit and will continue to work closely with them on future planning.
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR THE RIDGEMONT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT TO GEORGE GILDNER INC., AT A TOTAL COST OF $891,570, INCLUDING ADDITIVE ALTERNATES #1 AND #2, PLUS UP TO A POTENTIAL $15,000 BONUS FOR EARLY COMPLETION: Resolution No. 5685:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve a Resolution Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for the Ridgemont Water Main Replacement Project to George Gildner Inc., at a Total Cost of $891,570, Including Additive Alternates #1 and #2, Plus up to a Potential $15,000 Bonus for Early Completion:
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on the project relating to penalties for delays or early completion incentives. Water Director, John Burkart explained the bid structure with alternates and how that affects incentives and penalties for the contractor.
GENERAL ORDERS:
There were no General Orders.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
There was no New Business.
8. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz wished Councilmember Scott Preston a Happy Birthday and thanked the citizens for an ongoing discussion on transit issues and looks forward to the visit from Connect Transit to Council.
Councilmember Stan Nord thanked those individuals who addressed Council.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated it is important that people who are passionate about the Connect Transit issues know they are being heard and noted he would like to see the Connect Transit visit happen in time for the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy thanked those who addressed the Council, specifically the individual that spoke about the infrastructure improvement project, noting we don’t usually hear anyone speak positively about those types of projects.
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 Smith, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
https://www.normal.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3325
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