City of Bloomington City Council met June 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
This meeting was conducted under Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order 2020-07, Section 6 implemented in response to COVID-19, which suspended in-person attendance under the Open Meeting Act, 5 ILCS 120.
The City Council convened in Regular Session both in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers and virtually via zoom conferencing at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2020. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tari Renner.
Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tari Renner | Mayor | Remote | |
| Jamie Mathy | Ward 1 | Remote | |
| Donna Boelen | Ward 2 | Remote | 6:29 PM |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Ward 3 | Remote | |
| Julie Emig | Ward 4 | Remote | 6:06 PM |
| Joni Painter | Ward 5 | Remote | |
| Jennifer Jazmin Carrillo | Ward 6 | Remote | |
| Scott Black | Ward 7 | Remote | |
| Jeff Crabill | Ward 8 | Remote | |
| Kim Bray | Ward 9 | Remote |
City Manager, Tim Gleason, informed Council that Council Members Emig and Boelen were experiencing technical difficulties and that Information Services’ staff were working to solve their issues.
Mr. Gleason moved onto his COVID-19 update where he covered the following: (1) The COVID-19 testing center at the McLean County Fairgrounds was still open; (2) Temporary Outdoor Dining and Service permits had been well received and were busy throughout the community. He mentioned that two businesses had potentially violated permitted hours of operation and that they may appear before the Liquor Commission in the future; (3) Staff had seen higher than anticipated tax returns during COVID and discussed a few possible explanations; (4) He reminded the community that Item 11.F, if approved by the State, could make a minimum of $700,000 of COVID-19 related community aid available to residences and businesses; and (5) He complimented Downtown businesses' creativity with outdoor dining during Phase 3 and promised more to come.
City Manager's Discussion
Mr. Gleason reminded the community to complete the 2020 Census. He noted McLean County continued to rank the highest for completion in Illinois counties and pointed out that Community Development had created a virtual public workshop for the Preservation Plan to continue public outreach in light of COVID-19. The workshop would be available through June 22, 2020.
Council Member Emig joined the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Mr. Gleason continued by explaining increased traffic on East Oakland Ave. due to major sidewalk work in Westside infrastructure improvements. In light of increased community awareness and unrest, he reminded Council and the public that his priority was to ensure the community stay informed. He explained the primary communication resource used by the City during COVID-19 was through the Bloomington Police Department’s (BPD) Facebook page. He stated that BPD and Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) were the best in the business and encouraged passionate and engaged groups to look for ways to build upon their existing efforts.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Renner recognized the tumultuous time in the community and nation. He noted multiple protests and rallies held in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis and was honored to be a part of several peaceful demonstrations. He addressed some of the recent non-peaceful demonstrations and stressed that Bloomington’s main priority was public safety. He explained that over the weekend, with encouragement from former President Barack Obama, he had pledged to reevaluate practices to ensure fair treatment for all. He explained multiple ways BPD worked toward that goal, including the implementation of officer-worn body cameras, de-escalation training, diversification of the Police/Fire forces, and continued outreach to at-risk youth organizations and mentorship programs. He expressed his belief in bolstering preventative programs.
Council Member's Discussion
Council Member Mathy agreed with the points the Mayor made. He recognized the Parks and Recreation Department for cleanup of the area in front of the Law and Justice Center post-rally and reminded the community to complete the 2020 Census. He noted that each resident who didn’t get counted in the census could cost the City $17,000 in grant funds over 10 years. He encouraged the community to vote on a local and national level and expressed his support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Council Member Mwilambwe stated that the murder of George Floyd was tragic and explained the incident had caused a movement to refocus the country on policies and procedures within Police departments. He expressed gratitude of the local leaders that had participated in providing forums for open discussions and for BPD in providing a safe atmosphere for the community to gather for the demonstrations. He thanked BPD for their quick response to the non-peaceful demonstrations and encouraged the momentum to make Bloomington better for future generations.
Council Member Emig agreed with the comments stated by her fellow Council Members. She charged the Public Safety and Community Relations Board (PSCRB) to lead a conversation in which they make policy recommendations to Council, encouraging the continuation of studying policies and procedures. She mentioned Campaign Zero, which was a resource tool for historical and recommended practices for police roles within the community and echoed the importance of voting and the Census. She commended the community’s and nation’s youth for speaking out about their future plans and read a quote from a young individual who believed current systems promoted structural racism that called for change.
Council Member Painter believed the conversation was past due for the country and hoped the momentum for change would continue. She noted her appreciation that the community continued to have hard conversations in an effort to improve.
Council Member Carrillo expressed her feelings about George Floyd's murder. She echoed appreciation of local youth who had spoken out and addressed comments she had previously made, regarding de-funding police. She asked Council and the community to consider the current justice system and if it could be reformed or radically re-imagined. She explained that she was part of a group that believed we could live in a world where police were not needed. She finished by discussing a Black Lives Matter meeting she had recently participated in which African Americans were asked to provide their "asks" of Council and the community. She looked forward to sharing those “asks” with Council in the near future.
Council Member Black expressed his support for Black Lives Matter and noted America was best when everyone had a seat at the table and was able to participate. He explained he would not speak about his views on racial issues, but instead wanted to focus on turning passion into action.
Council Member Crabill echoed support of Black Lives Matter. He stated institutional racism had been around for 400 years and that action was need then and now. He pledged to use his seat on the City Council to help institute changes in the community and law enforcement. He pledged to advocate for the solutions proposed by the black community and work with others to make them happen.
Council Member Bray expressed her condolences to George Floyd's family and others who have experienced similar situations. She stated her support of the peaceful protests and Black Lives Matter. She stated racism, the destructive forces that drive it, and necessary consequences must be addressed. She believed citizens were working as a unit to make progress was best and that it was the City's role to listen and work with the community to make things better. She promised to continue listening to the community's voices and committed to working with City staff, community leaders and organizations for the betterment of the community.
Council Member Boelen joined the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Public Comment
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment and Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, stated that no individuals had registered to speak. She then read a list of the individuals who had emailed public comment: (1) Chris Hermann; (2) Lindsay Wasowhich; (3) Patrick Mahoney; and (4) Eric Penn. Mrs. Yocum then took time to remind the public how to register to speak live at meetings.
Recognition/Appointments
A. Recognition of the Appointment of Robert Castillo to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Mayor Renner announced the appointment.
Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled by Council from the Consent Agenda for discussion are listed and voted on separately.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Crabill, that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented, except Item 11.H.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray Motion carried.
Item 11.A. Consideration and action to approve Bills and Payroll in the amount of $6,586,550.60, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 11.B. Consideration and action to approve the termination of the Management Agreement with VenuWorks for the onsite management of the Grossinger Motors Arena, as requested by the Legal Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Termination Agreement be approved.)
Item 11.C. Consideration and action to approve a Compliance Commitment Agreement to address the violations addressed in Violation Notice W-2020-50004 from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, for Lime Sludge Release to Money Creek, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 11.D. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Western Waterproofing Company Inc. for repairs to the Police Parking Garage, in the amount of $280,327.70 (Bid #2020-24), as requested by the Facilities Department and the Police Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 11.E. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Stark Excavating Inc. for the Sunset Road Water Main Replacement Project (Bid # 2020-58), in the amount $628,316, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 11.F. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the City of Bloomington 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and on a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of the 2020 Annual Action Plan Program Application to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, as requested by the Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolutions be approved.)
Item 11.G. Consideration and action to approve an Ordinance Approving the Vacation of a Portion of a Utility Easement in Mr. Quick Subdivision, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Item 11.H. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Mathy.
Item 11.I. Consideration and action on the Application of Lil Beaver Brewery, LLC, d/b/a Lil Beaver Brewery, located at 16 Currency Dr., Unit 2, requesting to redefine their approved area for consumption with a permanent extension of premise to allow an Outdoor Service and Consumption Area, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed License be approved contingent upon compliance with all Executive Orders relating to public gatherings, and all building, health, and safety codes.)
Item 11.J. Consideration and action on the Application of ARJA Enterprises, d/b/a Las Margaritas Mexican Bar N Grill, to be located at 3805 Bally Bunion Road, requesting a Class RAS (Restaurant, All Types of Alcohol, and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed License be approved contingent upon compliance with all Executive Orders relating to public gatherings, and all building, health, and safety codes.)
Item 11.K. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer of Lot 14 in Peoria Pointe, from Robert A. and Julie Dobski, to the petitioner, Rose Harms, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer be approved.)
Item 11.L. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Agreement, Supplemental Agreement, and Temporary Easement for Septic System so that Jeremy Sutton can lease the Lake Bloomington Lease of Lot 5, Block 22, in Camp Potawatomie, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lake Lease Agreement, Supplemental Agreement, and Temporary Easement be approved.)
Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
Item 11.H. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Suspending Section 26(d) of Chapter 6 of the Bloomington City Code to Allow Possession of Open Alcohol on Public Property in Specified Portions of Downtown Bloomington During the Brats and Bags Fundraising Tournament, held by the Bloomington Normal Sunrise Rotary, scheduled to take place on Friday, August 7, 2020, and consideration and action to Grant a Class LB (Limited Beer and Wine Only) Liquor License to the Organization for the date of the event, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Council Member Mathy recused himself as he was a member of the Bloomington Normal Sunrise Rotary.
Council Member Black recommended that Council follow the advice of the McLean County Health Department closely and asked if COVID-19 continued to be an issue up to the time of the event, how staff would proceed. Mrs. Yocum responded that the Liquor Commission had approved the proposed motion that was before Council and pointed out that the proposed motion included language making the event contingent upon compliance of all Executive Orders, as well as building, health, and safety codes.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the proposed Ordinance be approved and the proposed License be approved, contingent upon the organization’s compliance with all Executive Orders relating to public gatherings, and all building, health, and safety codes.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Mathy
Motion carried.
Regular Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 12.A. Consideration and potential action regarding Ordinance 2020-18, An Ordinance Declaring A Local Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Virus & Enacting Various Emergency Measures, as requested by the Legal Department.
Mr. Gleason reminded Council this item was a standard placeholder for any potential updates to the Emergency Order, but that no updates were needed at that time.
Council Member Black thanked Mr. Gleason and staff for the quick turnaround time for the temporary outdoor dining registrations and mentioned that he had received a lot of positive feedback.
The following item was presented:
Item 12.B. Consideration and direction on extending the hours of operation for parking enforcement in downtown Bloomington, as requested by the City Council.
Council Member Mathy explained that parking enforcement Downtown ended at 4:30 p.m. with 90-minute free parking. He provided an example demonstrating why this timing is problematic and proposed enforcement hours instead end at 6:30 p.m. to allow patrons of retail businesses an increased opportunity to park. He reminded Council that the parking garages Downtown are free after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as free on weekends. He believed adjusted hours would create a better balance for residents and retail businesses. He provided additional perspective by comparing the number of people who lived Downtown in 2005, 180 people, to the now more than 1,000 residents.
Council Member Painter asked Council Member Mathy if Downtown business owners had been notified of the potential changes and if they’d expressed interest in the change. She mentioned that she had not received any complaints related to parking hours, but instead had received complaints of parking attendants hovering near businesses. She was in favor of the Initiative if Downtown business owners wanted it. Council Member Mathy responded that a Downtown Development survey was still circulating and that it included questions regarding parking. He stated that the members of the Downtown Business Owners Facebook group were supportive of the change, but that they were still reaching out to more business owners.
Mayor Renner thought that all of Council should review the results of the mentioned survey and explained that the current vote was only to place the Initiative on a future meeting agenda.
Council Member Carrillo suggested that they Council wait until the results of the survey were compiled before a formal presentation and vote were to be taken. She expressed her support and suggested a sunset clause in order to revisit the effects of the changes. She also cautioned that visitors who travel alone may not want to use the parking garages.
Council Member Mathy responded to Council Member Carrillo that he was open to a six-month trial run of the updated hours and reminded Council that LED lighting had been added to garages to address safety. He went on to suggest the demolition of the current parking garages and that they be rebuilt as more convenient, attractive and safer spaces for residents and visitors.
Mayor Renner asked Russ Waller, Facilities Director, to address Council. Mr. Waller explained that staff were working on plans for the parking garages, which included new facilities. He stated that in the meantime, the structures may need additional lifesaving repairs soon. He also suggested inexpensive aesthetic touches that could be added to them such as repainting, painting murals, and additional types of lighting to brighten the spaces.
Council Member Emig agreed a trial run would be beneficial and expressed interest in viewing the survey data. She then asked for clarification from Council Member Mathy if the parking requirements would be in favor of residents or businesses. Council Member Mathy responded that currently, parking was in favor of the residents, as were the proposed changed hours, and that the parking hour changes would better balanced it for both residents and business patrons.
Council Member Black made a motion, seconded by Council Member Painter, that City staff be directed to draft an Ordinance extending downtown parking enforcement to 6:30 p.m. for a time period of six months and to place it on a future agenda for formal consideration.
Council Member Black asked the approximate timeline on when Council could expect a proposed ordinance for Aldermanic Initiative changes. Mr. Gleason responded that the parking attendants were in a labor union and the Downtown survey lead by Melissa Hon would have to appear before the Transportation Commission before appearing before Council. He stated that staff would have documents for review by the June 22, 2020 regular City Council meeting.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray Motion carried.
Executive Session - Cite Section
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried (viva voce).
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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