City of Bloomington City Council Met Jan. 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council convened in regular session virtually via Zoom conferencing with the City Manager, Tim Gleason, and City Clerk, Leslie Yocum, in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. 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 | |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Ward 3 | Remote | |
| Julie Emig | Ward 4 | Remote | |
| Joni Painter | Ward 5 | Remote | |
| Jennifer Jazmin Carrillo | Ward 6 | Absent | |
| Mollie Ward | Ward 7 | Remote | |
| Jeff Crabill | Ward 8 | Absent | |
| Kim Bray | Ward 9 | Remote |
Tim Gleason, City Manager, informed the community that the City had partnered with the McLean County Health Department and their Emergency Management Agency to facilitate community vaccination clinics for the next six months at Grossinger Motors Arena. He noted that the Bloomington Fire Department had received the first injection of the COVID-19 vaccination and stated that McLean County Health Department would be in charge of communicating vaccination clinic information. He explained that citizens should call the McLean County Health Department if they had COVID-19 questions that could not be answered on the County’s website. Mr. Gleason then updated Council on the current number of positive employee COVID-19 cases and assured Council that staff would continue to monitor Governor Pritzker's announcements on mitigations.
Mayor Renner asked about the potential outcome of Governor Pritzker's upcoming announcement and whether staff believed mitigations would be relaxed. Mr. Gleason explained that staff were cautiously optimistic that mitigations may relax, but warned that they may also result in no change.
Recognition/Appointments
No recognitions or appointments were made.
Public Comment
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment and the following individuals spoke live: (1) Kevin Lopez (2) Maria Alvarez; and (3) Sandra Rosales. Both Blanca Pintor and Adrian Rosales had registered to speak live, but were not present in the meeting. The following individuals emailed public comment prior to the meeting start: (1) Sarah Greenberg; (2) Gabriel Gudding; (3) James Stangel; (4) Jessica Headle; (5) Erica Larkin; (6) Krystal Able; and (7) David Peters.
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 Mathy, that the Consent Agenda, including all items listed below, be approved as presented with the exception of 8.I. and 8.K.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Bray
Motion carried.
Item 8.A. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the November 23, 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 $17,868,581.70, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 8.C. Consideration and action to approve Appointment to the Cultural Commission, as requested by the Administration Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Appointment be approved.)
Item 8.D. Consideration and action to approve an Annual Service Maintenance Agreement for Daktronics Video Equipment at the Arena for a three (3) year period, as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.E. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Brenntag Mid-South, Inc., for the Purchase of Cationic and Anionic Polymer, in the amount of $76,500, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.F. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Amount of $75,757.67 to the Sunset Road Water Main Replacement Construction Contract Between the City of Bloomington and Stark Excavating, Inc., as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution and Change Order be approved.)
Item 8.G. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing Waiving the Technical Bidding Requirements and Extending the Audit Services Contract with Baker Tilly, LLP Through Audit Year 2023, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.H. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing Waiving the Technical Bidding Requirements and Approving an Agreement with InfoSend, Inc., for Use of Its Utility Bill Print Services, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.I. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Mayor Renner.
Item 8.J. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for Property Located at 806 S. Morris Avenue and 829 W. Elm Street from B-2 Local Commercial District to R-2 Mixed Residence District, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Item 8.K. was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Ward.
Item 8.L. Consideration and action on the Application from Braize, LLC, d/b/a Braize, to be located at 1406 E. Empire St., who is requesting to a Class RBS (Restaurant, Beer and Wine Only, and Sunday Sales) liquor license, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed License be approved, contingent upon compliance with all building, health, and safety codes.)
Items Pulled from the Consent Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 8.I. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for Property Located South of General Electric Road and West of Towanda Barnes Road, Approximately 6.06 Acres in the Hawthorne Commercial Subdivision, from B-1 General Commercial District to R-2 Mixed Residence District and R-3A Multiple-Family Residence District, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Mayor Renner explained the item was pulled at the developer's request and would appear on the January 25, 2021 Council meeting.
The following item was presented:
Item 8.K. Consideration and action on the Application from Green Top Grocery Cooperative, d/b/a Green Top Grocery, located at 921 E. Washington St., who is requesting a change in classification from a Class PBS (Package, Beer and Wine Only, and Sunday Sales) to a Class PAS (Package, All Types of Alcohol, and Sunday Sales) liquor license, as requested by the City Clerk Department.
Council Members Mathy and Ward recused themselves due to a conflict of interest.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Painter, that the proposed License be approved, contingent upon compliance with 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, Bray
RECUSED: Mathy, Ward
Motion carried.
Regular Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 9.A. Presentation and discussion on Connect Transit's activities and operations, as requested by the Administration Department.
Mr. Gleason asked Billy Tyus, Deputy City Manager, to introduce the item. Mr. Tyus explained that he had served as the City's ex-officio member on the Connect Transit Board since October of 2020. He introduced the item and the representatives of Connect Transit.
Ryan Whitehouse, Connect Transit Board Chair, addressed Council and thanked board members for their service. He discussed the operating budget for fiscal year ("FY") 2021 and provided a breakdown of revenue sources. He noted that the City of Bloomington contributed $840,520 to Connect Transit’s FY 2021 budget. He highlighted implemented
COVID-19 policies and procedures and explained that fares had been suspended since March 2020. He stated that fares would remain suspended through March of 2021. He explained that $18 million in grant funding had been awarded to Connect Transit in 2020 and talked in detail about the breakdown of said funding. He updated Council on the Better Bus Stops Campaign noting that Connect Transit was on track to be 100% compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") by 2024. He discussed the Connect Transit Work Group recommendations and the implementation of One Rate for All ($1.25) regardless of service type, the expansion of the Connect Mobility Service to Town (Normal) and City (Bloomington) limits, and the Better Bus Stop Campaign. He ended by discussing Connect’s search for a new General Manager, the 2021 route review process, and next steps for the development of the Downtown Transfer Station.
Mayor Renner thanked Mr. Whitehouse, Connect Transit Board, and staff for their service. He noted the importance of a Downtown Transfer Station and how it impacted mobilizing the City’s workforce.
Council Member Bray echoed appreciation and asked what role the City would have in the final site selection process for the Downtown Transfer Station. Mr. Whitehouse explained planned processes noting that once the final three locations had been announced, stakeholders, including the City, would be able to provide feedback. He pointed out that ultimately the Connect Transit Board would make the final decision.
Council Member Bray asked City staff about procedure for future discussions. Mayor Renner stated that while City staff were in constant communication, the Connect Transit Board made the final decision. Mr. Gleason confirmed and answered Council Member Bray questions on internal discussions.
Council Member Boelen also expressed concern with City involvement and asked clarifying questions on the self-sufficiency of the solar energy system associated to Connect buses. Mr. Whitehouse responded that solar energy would power the Downtown Transfer Station, bus power charging stations, as well as day-to-day operations with the opportunity to sell surplus energy back to the grid. Council Member Boelen expressed appreciation for the Better Bus Stop Campaign and the opportunity for community involvement. She then asked how a new general manager could affect planned projects. Mr. Whitehouse responded that the general manager reported to the Connect Transit Board and he was confident that projects, such as the Better Bus Stop Campaign, would continue. Council Member Boelen then asked additional details about studies completed on demographics. Mr. Whitehouse responded that Connect Transit worked with the McLean County Regional Planning Commission to determine the areas where the transit system would be most utilized.
Council Member Mwilambwe echoed appreciation to the Connect Transit Board and staff. He asked questions regarding funds received for the Downtown Transfer Center and Mr. Whitehouse responded according. Council Member Mwilambwe then asked how the City and community could be involved in the general manager selection. Mr. Whitehouse responded that the elected bodies would have input, but that Connect Transit would rely on Harris Rand Lusk, the firm selected to aid in the search, for actual strategy plans.
Judy Buchanon, Connect Transit Board Secretary, encouraged the public to complete the Connect Transit General Manager Recruitment survey, which was available online.
Deb Presley, Connect Transit Board Member, echoed encouragement for the survey.
Council Member Emig thanked Connect Transit Board members and staff for their service. She noted appreciation for the online survey and asked if there were other ways Connect Transit encouraged participation in the survey. Mr. Whitehouse listed the various ways Connect Transit encouraged participation and that stated that Harris Rand Lusk would provide additional ideas.
Mayor Renner suggested a survey strictly from riders.
Council Member Boelen asked if Connect Transit considered ride share options verses electronic transit systems. Mr. Whitehouse explained that transit systems must follow strict guidelines that ride share systems do not. He noted that the implementation of ride share systems also do not qualify for grant funding programs like public transit systems do.
Mayor Renner commented on accessibility and future economic opportunities with the new Downtown Transfer Center.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.B. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing the City's Participation in the Welcoming Network Operated by Welcoming America, as requested by the City Council.
Council Member Boelen introduced the item and highlighted the importance of the Welcoming America resolution. She commented on a meeting she had with the Welcoming America's Midwest Regional Manager where she had addressed the concerns of Council and public comments. She noted that the Welcoming America model did not discriminate between documented and undocumented immigrants and stressed that the model consisted of a lengthy process. She read the mission for the City's Human Relations Commission and noted that it aligned with the Welcoming America model. She then listed multiple examples of civic engagement from the City and how the City could provide information and services to the public. She stressed that the quality of the process determined the quality of the Welcoming City. She explained that the City would use resources made available by the Welcoming America model to apply to the areas that needed improvement.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the proposed Resolution be approved as presented.
Council Member Mathy thanked Council Member Boelen and expressed his support in the item. He noted that the City had immigrants from all over the world. He explained that the Welcoming America model did not prevent the Welcoming City model, but expressed his belief that they would work well together.
Council Member Mwilambwe discussed various obstacles for immigrants and expressed support in the item. He suggested utilizing Bloomington 101 to teach immigrants about Bloomington and the creation of a welcome center where they could interact and learn of different services offered by the City.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.C. Consideration and potential action regarding an Ordinance Amending the Local Emergency Ordinance, Ordinance 2020-18, to Modify Section 2(Q) to Allow the Continued Proration of the City's Liquor License Fees, as requested by the Legal Department.
Mr. Gleason explained that the amendment would allow the City to prorate liquor license fees for establishments that closed due to the State of Illinois COVID-19 restrictions. He pointed out that the proration would be made available for closures in 2020 and 2021. He noted that the previous ordinance limited establishments to a one-time proration for 2020 and explained the need to broaden the scope of the ordinance. Mr. Gleason stated the deadline for applicant submissions for closures in 2020 would be March 1, 2021 and for closures in 2021 it would be January 31, 2022. He clarified that in order for an establishment to qualify, they must have been closed and not provided any services.
Council Member Mathy asked for clarification on the qualification that establishments must have been completely closed and not offering curbside pickup. Mr. Gleason confirmed the establishments must have been completely closed. Council Member Mathy asked for an approximate number of establishments the change would affect. Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, responded that she did not have an exact number, but that the previous proration yielded higher than anticipated participation. She also noted that establishments could apply for each closure they incurred and that the fee would be prorated based on the number of days closed. She clarified that businesses could apply multiple times under the proposed Ordinance, whereas the previous ordinance had only allowed an establishment to apply once.
Council Member Bray made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mwilambwe, that the proposed Ordinance be approved as presented.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Bray
Motion carried.
City Manager's Discussion
Mr. Gleason noted recent bad weather and an ice storm that had caused multiple downed trees and power outages. He recognized staff from the Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Departments for all their efforts in clearing roads and downed trees quickly. He then acknowledged Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and thanked the Police Department for their service.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Renner thanked City staff for their quick and diligent work to clear the roads. He noted his plans to give his State of the City Address at the January Committee of the Whole meeting on January 18, 2021. He ended by commenting on recent events that had occurred at the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C.
Council Member's Discussion
Council Member Mathy thanked the Public Works Department and Forestry Division for their services in clearing roads and trees. He also thanked all the citizens who had helped their neighbors.
Council Member Emig echoed appreciation to Public Works, Forestry, and citizens for their service. She expanded on Mayor Renner's comments on recent national events by reading a quote by Ibram Kendi that encouraged the nation to right the wrongs.
Council Member Mwilambwe also commented on recent national events. He stressed that words are extremely powerful and encouraged the community to use the events as a teachable moment and grow from them. He also echoed appreciation to Public Works and Forestry.
Council Member Painter echoed appreciation to Public Works and Forestry and condemned recent events in D.C. She encouraged the community to commit to non-violence and to being a beacon of hope for others.
Council Member Ward also commented on the recent D.C. events. She stressed that the nation should learn from it.
Council Member Boelen thanked Council Member Ward for her recent participation in the local vigil event that had been held.
Executive Session - Cite Section
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried (viva voce).
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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