City of Bloomington City Council met June 24.
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 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 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 | Absent | |
| Donna Boelen | Ward 2 | Remote | |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Ward 3 | Remote | |
| Julie Emig | Ward 4 | Remote | |
| Joni Painter | Ward 5 | Remote | |
| Jennifer Jazmin Carrillo | Ward 6 | Remote | 7:31 PM |
| Scott Black | Ward 7 | Remote | |
| Jeff Crabill | Ward 8 | Remote | |
| Kim Bray | Ward 9 | Remote |
Tim Gleason, City Manager, informed Council and the community that the State of Illinois was scheduled to enter Phase 4 of reopening on Friday, June 26, 2020. He explained that staff were evaluating impacts to municipal operations and that plan would be communicated soon. He announced that temporary outdoor dining permits had the opportunity to be extended through August 31, 2020. He commented on the positive community feedback received about the areas and highlighted the importance of American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in the areas. He moved on to discuss City finances and stated that the City was trending better than projected. He ended by reminding Council and the community that Finance Director, Scott Rathbun, would provide more detail into City finances in his Finance Director's Report at the end of the meeting.
Mayor Renner thanked Mr. Gleason and noted his appreciation for extending the use of outdoor dining and service areas through August.
Recognition/Appointments
There were no recognitions or appointments presented.
Public Comment
Mayor Renner opened the floor for public comment. One person, John Reed, had registered and addressed Council. City Clerk, Leslie Yocum, added that one other individual, Justin Boyd, had emailed public comment that was provided to Council before the meeting.
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 Carrillo, that the Consent Agenda, including all items listed below except Items 8.H., 8.I., and 8.O., be approved as presented.
Item 8.A. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the May 11, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 8.B. Consideration and action to approve Bills and Payroll in the amount of $8,583,262.18, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 8.C. Consideration and action to approve Appointments to the John M. Scott Health Care Commission, as requested by the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Appointments be approved.)
Item 8.D. Consideration and action to approve Dean Messinger to the Police Pension Board, as requested by the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Appointment be approved.)
Item 8.E. Consideration and action to approve the Purchase of a Toro 5900 16' park mower from MTI Distributing Inc., in the amount of $78,620.24, utilizing the IL State Contract #18-416CMS-BOSS4-P-621 (exp. 3/1/2021), as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Purchase be approved.)
Item 8.F. Consideration and action to approve the Annual Software Licensing Maintenance and Support Payment with Tyler Technologies, for various MUNIS modules of the City's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, in the amount of $197,832.59, as requested by the Information Services Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Renewal be approved.)
Item 8.G. Consideration and action to approve an Annual Regional Service Agreement with the McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) for Regional Planning Services in the amount of $54,000.00 for the fiscal year July 1 2020 through June 30 2021, as requested by the Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.H. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Emig.
Item 8.I. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Carrillo.
Item 8.J. Consideration and action to approve a Supplemental Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code and Preliminary/Construction Engineering Services Agreement Supplement for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Fox Creek Road Bridge and Road Improvements Project, in the amount of $175,000, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Supplemental Resolution and Agreement Supplement be approved.)
Item 8.K. Consideration and action on a Resolution Approving Acceptance of a Grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority's Single-Family Rehab Program in the amount of $444,000, as requested by the Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.L. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Purchase Agreement with the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and Terminating its Lake Lease, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance and Purchase Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.M. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving an Application Submitted by CIP, LLC and JODI Bloomington MF, LLC Requesting Approval of a Site Plan and Special Use Permit for a Multiple-Family Residence in the B-2 Local Commercial District for the Property at 3216 Gerig Drive, as requested by the Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Item 8.N. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving the Final Plat of Club Carwash Subdivision for the Property at 2702 E. Oakland Ave. and Acceptance of the Pedestrian Easement, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Item 8.O. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Mwilambwe.
Item 8.P. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer of Lot 21 in Block 3 in Camp Kickapoo, from Joseph and Patricia Solberg, to the petitioners, Timothy and Stephanie Wolfe, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer be approved.)
Item 8.Q. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer of Lot 5 in Block 1 in Camp Iroquois, from the Estate of Doris Jane Schweinberg to the petitioners, Ryan and Heidi White, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer be approved.)
Item 8.R. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement for Lot 7 in Block 1 in Camp Iroquois, from Janet Alikonis, to the petitioners, Gregory and Lisa Benoit, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.S. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement for Lot 3 in Block 19 in Camp Potawatomie, from Pinder Hudson, to the petitioners, Thomas E. Herr, Trustee of the Thomas M. Herr Trust (UTA 05/08/2020), and Serena M. Herr, Trustee of the Serena M. Herr Trust (UTA 05/08/2020), as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement be approved.)
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
Item 8.H. Consideration and action to approve a four-year Intergovernmental Agreement with the Ecology Action Center (EAC) for the coordination of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program, related services, and Facility Feasibility Study Program, in the amount of $27,000 per year, as requested by the Public Works Department.
Council Member Emig recused herself at 7:39 p.m. as she is an active Board Member of the Ecology Action Center.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Crabill, that the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
RECUSED: Emig
Motion carried.
Item 8.I. Consideration and action to approve a Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code and a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for the land acquisition portion of Hamilton Road, Bunn to Commerce, in the amount of $500,000, as requested by the Public Works Department.
Council Member Carrillo expressed she was not supportive of the item and wanted the opportunity to vote on the item individually.
Council Member Emig returned at 7:40 p.m.
Council Member Boelen stated that she had heard some negative discussion around the project and that she wanted to address the concerns she’d heard. She explained that the project was federally funded, similar to the Colton sewer repair project, and expressed her belief that many economic development opportunities for local businesses would result once the project was complete.
Mayor Renner pointed out that Connect Transit strongly supported the development and went on to explain that the development would reduce traffic, increase economic development opportunities, and create sustainability benefits for the community. He explained that the project had been in the planning stages for about a decade and once completed, would mostly benefit low- and middle-income households.
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Painter, that the proposed Resolution for Improvement and Agreement be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Black, Crabill, Bray
NAYES: Carrillo
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
Item 8.O. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for the Expansion of a Place of Worship in the R-1C Single Family Residential District for the Property at 401 W. Union Street, as requested by the Community Development Department.
Council Member Mwilambwe recused himself at 7:42 p.m.
Mrs. Yocum explained that Council Member Mwilambwe had recused himself as he is a member of the applicant’s place of worship.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the proposed Ordinance be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Mwilambwe
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
Council Member Mwilambwe returned at 7:43 p.m.
Public Hearing
A. Public hearing for amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan, as requested by the Community Development Department.
Mayor Renner opened the Public Hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Jennifer Toney, Grant Coordinator, stated that the proposed amendments were to the Citizen Participation Plan. She explained that the changes would include the ability to utilize funding available through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for COVID- 19. She described additional changes including: (1) the ability to hold virtual public hearings; (2) a reduction in public comment time from 30 days to 5 days; and (3) a reduction in the time required to provide notice to the public of Plan changes from 2 weeks to 5 days.
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Crabill, that the Public Hearing be open to receive comments on the amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment. Mrs. Yocum explained that no individuals had registered to speak live or emailed public comment.
Mayor Renner closed the Public Hearing at 7:46 p.m.
B. Public Hearing on a Resolution Committing Local Funds, and the City of Bloomington's Rebuild Illinois Grant Application for Phase 2 of the Locust/Colton Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project, as requested by the Public Works Department and the Administration Department.
Mayor Renner opened the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Kevin Kothe, Public Works Director, addressed Council. He stated that the City would be applying for the Rebuild Illinois Grant Program (RIGP) to aid in funding Phase 2 of the Locust and Colton St. Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project (Locust/Colton Project). He explained that the RIGP was a new program created to aid local governments for vital public infrastructure projects and that it was very competitive. He described the Locust/Colton Project as a multi-phase project and noted that the City had completed Phase 1 of 9 phases. He provided a brief history of project funding and highlighted the repairs, upgrades, and curb-to-curb resurfacing for portions of the streets that were part of Phase 2.
Mr. Kothe stated that the RIGP allocated up to a $5 million dollar project limit and walked through the total construction cost. He went on to list multiple benefits of the project, explained its necessity, and presented an illustration that compared a combined sewer system to a separated sewer system. He finished by highlighting updates to the grant application under the Minority Plan.
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment. Mrs. Yocum explained that no individuals had registered to speak live or had emailed public comments.
Mayor Renner expressed interest in the City adopting a standard minority inclusion policy similar to the one presented. He pointed out that adopting a standard policy would eliminate one having to be added to each project individually.
Council Member Carrillo thanked Mr. Kothe for his presentation and for the updated language added to the proposal.
Mayor Renner reiterated his interest in a standard City policy.
Council Member Crabill expressed the same sentiments as Council Member Carrillo. He also expressed interest in a standard City policy that benefited all minorities.
Mr. Gleason informed Council that the language updates that Mr. Kothe stated were part of standard grant application requirements, but stated that staff was remiss to not have highlighted the minority component.
Council Member Emig thanked Mr. Kothe for the presentation and noted that the National Institutes of Heal (NIH) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend the separation of sewers, as they are beneficial to the environment.
Mayor Renner closed the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m.
City Manager Gleason pulled Item 10.D. from being considered on the Regular Agenda.
Regular Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 10.A. Consideration and action to approve a Resolution Committing Local Funds and the City of Bloomington's Rebuild Illinois Grant Application for Phase 2 of the Locust/Colton Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project, as requested by the Public Works Department and the Administration Department.
Mr. Kothe stated that the presentation from Item 9.B. covered all explanations and that he had no additional comments. He welcomed additional questions from Council.
Council had no additional questions or comments.
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, that the proposed Resolution and Grant Application be approved.
Mrs. Yocum confirmed with Council Members Carrillo and Boelen that the motion included the updated language presented during the public hearing in Item 9.B. They both confirmed.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 10.B. Consideration and potential action regarding Ordinance 2020-18, An Ordinance Declaring A Local Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Virus & Enacting Various Emergency Measures, including consideration of an Ordinance Amending the Local Emergency Declaration Ordinance, Ordinance 2020-18, to Modify Section 2(H) Regarding the Moratorium on Interest, Fines and Penalties, as requested by the Legal Department.
City Manager Gleason reminded Council that the item was an Aldermanic Initiative by Council Member Mathy. He went on to explain that the amendment if approved would continue to postpone food and beverage taxes, utilities payments, and administrative court fines, with the addition of hotel, motel and entertainment taxes for non-operating establishments. He explained that the first motion would implement a 90-day payment deadline after entering Phase 4 of Reopen Illinois, and that the alternate motion would implement a 90-day deadline after entering Phase 5 of Restore Illinois.
Council Member Boelen expressed support of the amendment that implemented a 90- day moratorium on interest, fines and penalties after entering Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Crabill, that the proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2020-18 to Modify Section 2(H) Regarding the Moratorium on Interest, Fines and Penalties be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 10.C. Consideration and action to ratify the Machinist Lodge 1000 Contract, as requested by the Human Resources Department and the Public Works Department.
Mr. Gleason stated that Lodge 1000 was a Union located in the Water Division of the Public Works Department, and that the item was another win-win situation for all involved. He went on to explain that Lodge 1000 was one of the last Unions to accept the Sick-Leave Buy Back (SLBB) Program and that the terms were the same as those for ASFME 699. He explained that employees would signal their intent to retire by October 31, 2020 and retire by April 30, 2021. Mr. Gleason explained that the item was a three-year contract which increased by 2.5% for the first year, increased by 3% on May 1, 2021 for the second year, and then increased by 2% on May 1, 2022 for the third year with a two-tiered signing bonus.
Mayor Renner expressed his appreciation of the savings generated by negotiations being done in-house and in a respectful manner.
Council Member Boelen expressed appreciation of the accelerated payments and then asked for clarification on how payments would be made. Mr. Gleason responded accordingly. Council Member Boelen followed up by asking how the City could budget for the accelerated payments regarding pensions. Mr. Gleason explained procedure he had in mind. Council Member Boelen then asked how a retirement health savings account affected accelerated payments. Mr. Gleason stated that health savings account funds were separate and would not affect accelerated payments with IMRF.
Council Member Bray made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, that the proposed Contract be ratified.
Council Member Crabill asked how many employees would be eligible for the SLBB Program. Mr. Gleason responded that 30-40 employees would be eligible, but that he anticipated far less.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Black, Crabill, Bray
ABSENT: Mathy
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from consideration by City Manager Gleason:
Item 10.D. Presentation on Jamie Mathy's Aldermanic Initiative Proposal to bring back the Downtown Task Force Report, as requested by the Administration Department.
Mr. Gleason stated that the item was Council Member Mathy's Aldermanic Initiative and in light of his absence, the item would be placed on the July 13, 2020 City Council meeting.
Finance Director's Report
Mr. Gleason asked Scott Rathbun, Finance Director, to address Council. Mr. Rathbun stated that a more comprehensive review of the budget would be presented at the July Committee of the Whole, including the effects from COVID-19. He also pointed out that the FY21 projections would also be discussed.
He went on to explain that revenue from sales taxes would not be received from April's retail sales until July, at which point staff would present the impact of a full month of COVID-19 quarantine. He stated that no material impacts had occurred in the Enterprise Funds since the last update and compared major tax revenues against the budget while highlighting significant variances. He also compared pre-COVID budget projections against COVID projected impacts, and current estimates along with variances within the General Fund. He noted, overall, that the City had been negatively impacted by COVID, but that it was not as severe as anticipated. He finished by highlighting that City expenses were approximately $800,000 under-budget and provided a few examples.
City Manager's Discussion
Mr. Gleason clarified the comments he made regarding the staff-recommended motion for Regular Agenda Item 10.B., motioned by Council Member Boelen. He confirmed that the 90-day timeline would begin after entering Phase 4 of the State's Reopen Illinois Plan. He explained the technical issue behind the connection to YouTube for the June 22, 2020 City Council Meeting, and provided reasoning for tonight's rescheduled meeting.
Mr. Gleason reminded the public to complete the 2020 Census and emphasized the Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Grab n' Go Outdoor Market. He then recognized and welcomed seven new City employees that were hired in May 2020. He also provided an update to Council Member Mathy's Aldermanic Initiative for Downtown Parking and pointed out that the temporary changes being discussed would not require Council action, a code change, or an amendment to the union contract for the operating hours of parking enforcement staff. He wrapped up by saying that the City would offer one 2-hour overtime slot each day for a 90-day trial run.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Renner stated that the City’s general role, beyond public safety, was economic development, which included business development, retention, and attraction to foster community wealth and employment. He explained that if an individual had concerns about practices of a specific business, the City's Human Relations Commission could receive the complaint, which could initiate an investigation resulting in a fact-based hearing.
Council Member's Discussion
Council Member Boelen shared that a new property manager for the low-income housing area on S. Main Street endeavored to turn the neighborhood into a community. She celebrated his initiative and expressed her belief in improving one neighborhood at a time to improve the quality of life.
Council Member Emig recognized the Pulse Memorial that she attended and recognized an event hosted by Jazz Upfront that celebrated music. She mentioned that United Way Town Hall Meetings were held on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. and explained how to attend.
Council Member Carrillo briefly addressed a few rumors and then commended staff for the transformation of Downtown with the addition of expanded outdoor dining and expressed interest it continuing beyond COVID-19. She mentioned attending the Pulse Memorial and expressed how powerful it was. She highlighted a Juneteenth event held by the local Black Lives Matter organization and read few of the demands released by the group. She reminded the public that the City had begun accepting applications for the COVID-19 assistance grant, as well as pointed out she had an upcoming virtual community Council meeting coming up.
Council Member Crabill suggested that the Human Relations Commission present at a Committee of the Whole Meeting to briefly explain their role, and explain procedures used to help improve the community. He provided information on his upcoming virtual town hall meeting and reminded listeners that the community bulk waste collection would begin on July 6th. He asked Mr. Gleason when Council would resume in-person meetings. Mr. Gleason responded that staff was working out the details of open meetings during Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan.
Executive Session - Cite Section
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried (viva voce).
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
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