Town of Normal Council met May 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Koos called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to order at 7:09 p.m..
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: The Meeting was conducted virtually. There were no persons physically present in Council Chambers.
REMOTE: 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, 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:
Given the circumstances necessitated by the COVID – 19 crisis, and in accordance with a mandate of social distancing, public comment was made available virtually through the use of Zoom Meeting.
There was no Public Comment.
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 APRIL 20, 2020:
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF APRIL 29, 2020:
MOTION:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items A and B were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
There were No Items Removed from the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. ORDINANCE ABATING THE TOWN AND LIBRARY LEVY OF THE 2019 PROPERTY TAX FOR RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 2016 ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT: Ordinance No. 5826:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Adopt an Ordinance Abating the Town and Library Levy of the 2019 Property Tax for Rivian Automotive in Accordance with the 2016 Economic Incentive Agreement.
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Several Councilmembers expressed their ongoing support and gratitude towards Rivian, indicating Rivian is a good community partner. Councilmembers further expressed their thanks to Rivian for declining to collect the rebate dollars.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on the involved taxing bodies. City Manager, Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on Rivian employment obligations under the Incentive Agreement. City Manager, Pamela Reece responded the employment criteria do not include labor contractors. Economic Development Council CEO,
Patrick Hoban noted Rivian has not only met but exceeded the employment criteria requirements.
8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE TOWN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE MUNICIPAL INSURANCE COOPERATIVE AGENCY (MICA) INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR PLAN YEAR 2020-21 BEGINNING ON MAY 1, 2020: Resolution No. 5769:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approve a Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of the Town’s Participation in the Municipal Insurance Cooperative Agency (MICA) Insurance Program for Plan Year 2020-21 Beginning on May 1, 2020.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on program advantages and premium charges. Finance Director, Andrew Huhn responded.
9. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE LOW BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT TO AMERICAN LITHO OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN FOR THE PRINTING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S FALL, WINTER, AND SPRING, AND SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDES IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,675: Resolution No. 5770:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approve a Resolution Accepting the Low Bid and Awarding a Contract to American Litho of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Printing of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall, Winter and Spring, and Summer Activity Guides in the Amount of $31,675.
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on potential program cancellations and the use of local vendors. Parks and Recreation Director, Doug Damery responded, noting there were no local bids submitted.
Councilmember Stan Nord suggested a notice be sent to local vendors so they might have to opportunity to submit a bid. Mayor Koos stated the bid window has closed and bidders have publicly shown their pricing. Mayor Koos noted such actions could open the Town to potential litigation and goes against the Town Purchasing Policy.
10. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO EXECUTE A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH KONE, INC. FOR ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR A FIXED ANNUAL COST OF $27,850: Resolution No. 5771:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve a Resolution Authorizing Staff to Execute a Three-Year Contract with KONE Inc. for Elevator Maintenance Services for a Fixed Annual Cost of $27,850.
AYES: Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
11. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO ROWE CONSTRUCTION, A DIVISION OF UNITED CONTRACTORS MIDWEST, INC, FOR THE BELT AVENUE BRIDGE RESURFACING IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,529.42: Resolution No. 5772:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approve a Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to Rowe Construction, A Division of United Contractors Midwest Inc. for the Belt Avenue Bridge Resurfacing in the Amount of $46,529.42.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
12. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOERR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2020 SANITARY SEWER LINING CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $452,149.80: Resolution No. 5773:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approve a Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Hoerr Construction Inc. for the 2020 Sanitary Sewer Lining Contract in the Amount of $452,149.80.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked for clarification on the cost estimate versus the project bid. Public Works Director, Wayne Aldrich responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord indicated that he would like any savings between the project estimate and project bid amounts be transferred into Town reserve account. City Manager Pamela Reece noted the Sewer Fund is a very different funds than the General Fund, indicating project savings remain in the appropriate fund for future infrastructure investment.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated that he is happy to see savings found, noting there is never a shortage of water and sewer projects and more projects can be funded with the savings, which will proactively address aging infrastructure.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on the percentage of completed projects in the 5-year Sewer Master Plan. Public Works Director, Wayne Aldrich responded, indicating the sewer lining project is about 60% complete and the sewer televising and rating will be completed within 3 to 4 years, rather than the original 5 year estimate.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated that moving capital funds into operational funds has consequences. Mrs. Lorenz indicated by taking funds out of capital you shortchange the ability to pay as you go for large capital projects, which could cause a need to borrow money or cause the Town to not be able to respond to an emergency.
13. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR THE IDEN SUBDIVISION BY EXPEDITED PROCESS, APPROVING AN EASEMENT VACATION, AND ACCEPTING AN EASEMENT DEDICATION (105-111 W. LOCUST): Resolution No. 5774:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Final Plat for the Iden Subdivision by Expedited Process, Approving an Easement Vacation, and Accepting an Easement Dedication (105-111 W. Locust).
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
14. MOTION TO INITIATE A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO SEC. 15.9-17 C-1 MULTI-USE OFFICE PARK (ONE NORMAL PLAZA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT):
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Accept a Motion to Initiate a Zoning Text Amendment Pertaining to SEC. 15.9-17 C-1 Multi-Use Office Park (One Normal Plaza Planned Unit Development).
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos opened the discussion by indicating that updates to Planned Unit Developments are common in an effort to make them more relevant in the market.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated he has concerns over the optics, noting the item should go through the Planning Commission and he feels a step is being skipped.
City Manager, Pamela Reece stated the proposed amendment is a common step in Zoning Code modification, noting staff time used to collect input is not unique. Ms. Reece also stated this step is what initiates the item into the public process.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz noted this proposed action does not circumvent anything, indicating this is the beginning of the process.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy recalled this process is precisely what lead to an evolved Code, allowing the ability to stimulate potential opportunity and evolve processes.
Town Planner, Mercy Davison noted this is not an uncommon route for staff to take to the public process. Ms. Davison also noted that within the Comprehensive Plan, One Normal Plaza was identified as an area that warranted further investigation into its potential.
Councilmember Stan Nord indicated he has concerns over pedestrian safety if development leads to increased traffic. Town Planner, Mercy Davison responded. Mr. Nord also indicated he believes this action should fall to the Planning Commission, not to the Council, noting he would not support the item.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings stated this is not a new conversation, indicating as a resident of that area, she looks forward to building up the One Normal Plaza and improving its utilization.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated that for clarity of process he would like to reiterate that by Council taking the action to initiate the proposed amendment it does not circumvent the Planning Commission, but begins the process of bringing it to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified this action provides a road map of what “could” happen in the area, but nothing is a forgone conclusion, noting that all actions would have to come before the proper commission for final approvals.
15. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Scott Preston said a special thank you to a neighbor that provided him with an ISU mask.
City Manager, Pamela Reece recognized the Town employees, who recently held a Baby Item Drive in support of the Baby Fold, providing a variety of supplies and monetary donations.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated he would like to recommend the Town work with Representative Dan Brady on a regional opening plan and allow our business and community to reopen.
Councilmember Karyn Smith stated her understanding for the impatience expressed by Mr. Nord but noted it is important to act as a united front. Ms. Smith stated testing is key. Ms. Smith also indicated larger participation as a region is important for businesses to succeed.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated rapid testing and contact tracing resources will be a challenge for a community of our size. Mr. McCarthy noted it will be a hard task to balance the need of the economy versus safety. Mr. McCarthy also noted the Children’s Discovery Museum’s Steam Bags have been a big hit with the community.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. Ms. Cummings also stated there are populations within the community that will be hit hardest if the opening is not done right, noting many essential workers do not have insurance.
Ms. Cummings stated it will be important to think of the health and welfare of everyone, not just a few.
16. 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 Cummings, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:36 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2020.
https://www.normal.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3640
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