Town of Normal City Council Met March 1.
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 7:02 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.
Mayor Chris Koos made the following statement:
Due to recent changes in the Open Meetings Act, I felt compelled to make the following statement that the Governor has issued a disaster declaration related to the public health concerns caused by the statewide COVID-19 pandemic.
As Mayor, I have determined that an in-person meeting is not practical or prudent because of the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus stemming from an indoor gathering, and that the remote meeting is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the council, staff, and general public.
Mayor Koos asked to Amend the Agenda to move New Business to the beginning of the meeting. There was no objection by Council.
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 February 15, 2021:
B. Report To Receive And File Town Of Normal Expenditures For Payment As Of February 24, 2021:
C. Motion To Accept A Proposal For Auditing Services By Lauterbach & Amen, Llp For An Additional Two-Year Term:
D. Resolution Approving An Amendment To The Community Development Block Grant Program’s 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan & 2020-2021 Action Plan:
E. Resolution To Accept Bids And Award A Contract To J.G. Stewart Contractors, Inc. For The 2021 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Improvements – 50/50 Sidewalk & Ada Ramps Project In The Amount Of $523,338.90:
F. Resolution To Award The Bid For Water Main And Service Line Materials To Water Products Co, Bloomington, Il: Resolution No. 5845:
G. Resolution To Accept The Bid And Approve A Contract With Northern Illinois Fence, Inc. In The Amount Of $245,066 For The Maxwell Park Oslad Grant Project Fencing:
H. Resolution To Accept Bids And Award A Contract To Stark Excavating, Inc. For The Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (Mft Project 20-00269-00-Br) In The Amount Of
$982,644.20 And Approval Of A Supplemental Resolution To Appropriate $180,000 Of Motor Fuel Tax (Mft) Funds For The Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (Mft Project 20- 00269-00-Br):
I. Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of A Local Public Agency Agreement For Federal Participation With The Illinois Department Of Transportation (Idot) To Use
$1,080,000 In Federal Urban Surface Transportation (Stu) Program Funds For Phase I And Ii Design Services For W. College Avenue From Rivian Motorway To White Oak Road:
J. Resolution To Appropriate $1,730,000 Of Motor Fuel Tax (Mft) Funds For The Resurfacing Of Various Streets For The 2021 Mft Street Resurfacing Project And Authorize The Town Engineer To Sign The Idot General Maintenance Form:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items A and F were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
Items B, C, D, E, G, H, I, and J were removed from the Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
Report To Receive And File Town Of Normal Expenditures For Payment As Of February 24, 2021:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Report to Receive and File Town of Normal Expenditures for Payment as of February 24, 2021.
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on a Corporate Council Expense and a Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund.
City Manager Pam Reece responded, providing details on the structure of the fund and its uses.
Motion To Accept A Proposal For Auditing Services By Lauterbach & Amen, Llp For An Additional Two-Year Term:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Motion to Accept a Proposal for Auditing Services by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP for an Additional Two-Year Term.
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on the expiration of current contract. City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Mr. Nord moved to Table the item for 90 days.
Corporation Counsel Brian Day stated a Motion can be made to be Tabled until the next Meeting or to Postpone Indefinitely.
Mr. Nord made a Motion to Table until the next Meeting.
Motion failed due to lack of a Second.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on quote for audit versus single audit, and reasoning to extend services for two additional years.
Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded. Ms. Smith noted her agreement to Approve the Motion.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy requested clarification regarding the use of an auditor for 5-7 years. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz noted her support for the Motion. Ms. Lorenz reiterated this is for a total 7-year contact and stated changing auditors too often causes unnecessary cost to tax payers.
Councilmember Stan Nord noted the Town’s Budget process is award winning, thus it should be in consistent format for another auditor to easily intercede. Mr. Nord made a Motion to Amend the contract to one year. Motion failed to lack of a Second.
Councilmember Karyn Smith indicated no matter how well the Town’s auditing information is put together there are measures a new firm must take which adds to the cost of hiring a new audit firm. Ms. Smith also noted there are no indications the Town should pursue more than a financial audit.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy emphasized the Town has no questionable practices or red flags to indicate an issue.
Resolution Approving An Amendment To The Community Development Block Grant Program’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan & 2020-2021 Action Plan: Resolution No. 5846:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Program’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan & 2020-2021 Action Plan.
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on indigent housing needs. Mr. Nord also asked why Normal Township was not administering the program and Mid Central Community Action was. City Manager Pam Reece and Associate Planner Taylor Long responded.
Resolution To Accept Bids And Award A Contract To J.G. Stewart Contractors, Inc. For The 2021 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Improvements – 50/50 Sidewalk & Ada Ramps Project In The Amount Of $523,338.90: Resolution No. 5847:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to J.G. Stewart Contractors, Inc. for the 2021 Miscellaneous Sidewalk Improvements – 50/50 Sidewalk & ADA Ramps Project in the Amount of $523,338.90.
AYES: Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on which sidewalks would be completed. City Manager Pam Reece and Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on collaboration with Connect Transit to determine priorities for ADA compliant sidewalks and bus stops. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy reiterated sidewalks are a priority with the Town and Connect Transit to provide accessible bus stops as part of the “Better Bus Stops” campaign. Mr. McCarthy asked for clarification on whether all the funds would be going towards sidewalks and whether other sidewalks may be completed which are not listed yet as part of this program. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on which bus stops and sidewalks would be completed with this contract versus an upcoming proposal for a Landmark Drive Sidewalk Project, City Manager Pam Reece and Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Resolution To Accept The Bid And Approve A Contract With Northern Illinois Fence, Inc. In The Amount Of $245,066 For The Maxwell Park Oslad Grant Project Fencing: Resolution No. 5848:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution to Accept the Bid and Approve a Contract with Northern Illinois Fence, Inc. in the Amount of $245,066 for the Maxwell Park OSLAD Grant Project Fencing.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Smith, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on why the Town is replacing the fencing. City Manager Pam Reece and Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification on the timing of when the grant work needs to be completed for current proposal versus being able to take a different course of action, and if the fencing could be used elsewhere in the Town. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy noted this resolution is regarding a park, which is a valuable asset to the community. Mr. McCarthy indicated Town Staff went through the proper bid process, securing the lowest price available through the blind process. Mr. McCarthy then stated Council’s role is policy, cautioning that it is not their role to dictate how operations are run. Mr. McCarthy also stated this is a matching Grant opportunity which brings money into the community.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on the bid process, quality of selected vendor, continue cost of the project, and who would be responsible if there is an issue with the project. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery and City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated this is a matching grant in which the Town has to meet their obligation or lose the funds. Mr. McCarthy reiterated Staff and Council’s roles and implored Councilmembers to not undermine the Town’s procurement policy and the public’s confidence.
Councilmember Karyn Smith discussed cost controls, fixed price bids, and staff oversight of the project. Ms. Smith asked if the Town withholds payment until work is completed to specifications. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery responded.
Resolution To Accept Bids And Award A Contract To Stark Excavating, Inc. For The Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (Mft Project 20-00269-00-Br) In The Amount Of $982,644.20 And Approval Of A Supplemental Resolution To Appropriate $180,000 Of Motor Fuel Tax (Mft) Funds For The Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (Mft Project 20-00269-00-Br): Resolution No. 5849:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to Stark Excavating, Inc. for the Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (MFT Project 20-00269-00-BR) in the Amount of $982,644.20 and Approval of a Supplemental Resolution to Appropriate $180,000 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for the Towanda Avenue Bridge Repair Project (MFT Project 20-00269-00-BR).
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on whether other projects lost funding due to this project being over budget. Mr. Nord discussed contacting the vendor to determine reasons for costs increase and the potential impact of cost increases on future bids. Town Engineer Ryan Otto and City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith discussed expenses on a similar project completed by the City of Bloomington. Ms. Smith requested clarification on the amount of paving that would occur on this project. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of A Local Public Agency Agreement For Federal Participation With The Illinois Department Of Transportation (Idot) To Use $1,080,000 In Federal Urban Surface Transportation (Stu) Program Funds For Phase I And Ii Design Services For W. College Avenue From Rivian Motorway To White Oak Road: Resolution No. 5850:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to use $1,080,000 in Federal Urban Surface Transportation (STU) Program Funds for Phase I and II Design Services for W. College Avenue from Rivian Motorway to White Oak Road.
AYES: Cummings, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on design expense, and amenities. Town Engineer Ryan Otto and Town Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy requested clarification on what the investment in engineering design for current and projected use of the road does to improve functionality and useful life of the road, and how much Grant money the Town is excepting for this project. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification to whether the number of lanes is increasing other than turn lanes, what is included in the design phase, and what the Resolution includes. Town Engineer Ryan Otto and City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord indicated that he is supportive of repairs to College Avenue but is not supportive of redesigning it.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated she feels Councilmember Nord is steering away from the use of grant funds, and from complete engineering and design work on the project. Ms. Lorenz noted the taxpayers deserve well designed infrastructure.
Resolution To Appropriate $1,730,000 Of Motor Fuel Tax (Mft) Funds For The Resurfacing Of Various Streets For The 2021 Mft Street Resurfacing Project And Authorize The Town Engineer To Sign The Idot General Maintenance Form: Resolution No. 5851:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution to Appropriate $1,730,000 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds for the Resurfacing of Various Streets for the 2021 MFT Street Resurfacing Project and Authorize the Town Engineer to Sign the IDOT General Maintenance Form.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on whether grant funds can be used for resurfacing roads and how it is determined which roads are going to be resurfaced. City Manager Pam Reece and Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked about the status of resurfacing in the Savannah Green area. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy noted work on College Avenue is not being delayed, indicating the behind-the-scenes work of engineering and design is being done.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF NORMAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22: Ordinance No. 5861:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approve the Ordinance Adopting the Operating and Capital Investment Budget for the Town of Normal for Fiscal Year 2021-22.
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on debt reallocation, funding for the Underpass Project, funding for the Water Main Extension on College Avenue, and the Cost-of-Living Adjustment and residency of employees. City Manager Pam Reece and Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith spoke regarding the Metro Zone and development, employee expenses, revenues, retiring debt early, demographics and infrastructures, and bond information regarding Town of Normal investments.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke regarding developing infrastructure, defraying future water costs, debt funds use, and increasing roadway investments.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz spoke regarding water costs, investing in the future regarding water and roads and thanked the Finance and Administration team for their outlook and guidance.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on road funding and development of water service. City Manager Pam Reece, Town Engineer Ryan Otto, and Mayor Chris Koos responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke regarding potential projects with the Economic Development Council, assisting Normal residents, and thanked Finance and department heads for their diligent work on the budget.
Mayor Chris Koos reiterated many Councilmember’s compliments of Town staff’s commitment to provide high quality service while encountering tough issues year in and out. Mayor Koos thanked all staff for their work throughout the budgeting process.
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING A LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM: Resolution No. 5852:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approve the Resolution Approving a Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
AYES: Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pam Reece provided background on the Program and introduced Director of Water John Burkhart.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked for clarification on who residence should call with questions regarding the program. City Manager Pam Reece and Director of Water John Burkhart responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy asked for clarification on who is eligible for the program. Director of Water John Burkhart responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on whether the program would replace all known lead lines this year. Director of Water John Burkhart responded.
NEW BUSINESS:
9. PRESENTATION BY MCLEAN COUNTY ON THE MENTAL HEALTH ACTION PLAN
City Manager Pam Reece introduced County Administrator Camille Rodriguez and County Board Chairman John McIntyre.
Chairman John McIntyre provided a background on the Mental Health Action Plan and the advisory groups created to assist. Mr. McIntyre discussed the development of needs and objectives, listing crisis response, housing, youth services, building and funding, and recruitment of practitioners as some of those. Administrator Camille spoke regarding youth mental health and the creation of a drop-in youth center.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked if the Action Plan has noticed a diversion of people to treatment, if the addition of counselors at schools would replace resource officers, and whether Police are made aware they could be interacting with a resident having a mental illness or disability when responding to calls for service.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested clarification on the breakdown of a sales tax contribution. Mrs. Lorenz requested regular updates from the Behavior Health Coordinating Council.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy commented on other services McLean County offers, such as tele-psychology, the FUSE program, and other wrap around services.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings noted an addition was built on to the existing County facility to address the needs of mental, behavioral, and medical health, indicating it was not an addition of another jail.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on the use of a sales tax related to what geographical areas are covered, sharing services with the VA Clinic, and reiterated a yearly update would be beneficial.
Councilmember Scott Preston commented on how much valuable work is being done. 10. 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.
11. CONCERNS:
There were no Concerns.
12. 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 Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Koos. NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Chris Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 11:06 p.m., Monday, March 1, 2021.
https://www.normal.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3921
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