City of Bloomington City Council met Feb. 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
This meeting was conducted under Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order 2020-07 Section 6, which was reissued and extended by Executive Order 2021-04, and 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 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 | Remote | |
| Mollie Ward | Ward 7 | Remote | |
| Jeff Crabill | Ward 8 | Remote | |
| Kim Bray | Ward 9 | Remote |
City Manager Tim Gleason reported that Camille Rodriguez, McLean County Administrator, had reported that recent inclement weather had reduced the number of COVID-19 vaccinations received by the County. The City Manager stated that the City continued to play a large role in the County’s vaccine plan as Grossinger Motors Arena continued to be used as a large scale vaccination site.
Recognition/Appointments
A. Proclamation in Memory of Judy Markowitz
Mayor Renner read the Proclamation aloud recognizing the accomplishments and work of Judy Markowitz, former Mayor of Bloomington. He expressed his appreciation for the late Mayor, pointing out that she was the only female Mayor of Bloomington to date.
B. Proclamation recognizing March 1, 2021 as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day
Mayor Renner read the Proclamation aloud.
C. Proclamation recognizing February 22, 2021 as Supermarket Employee Day
Mayor Renner read the Proclamation aloud. Beth Burke, Manager of a local Schnuck's, accepted the Proclamation and thanked Council for the recognition. She stressed the important role supermarket employees as front-line workers had played during the COVID-19 pandemic.
D. Recognition of Appointment to Housing Authority Board
Mayor Renner recognized the appointment of Torea Phillips to the Bloomington Housing Authority.
Public Comment
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment. Diane Benjamin spoke live. Christina Deutsch was recognized as having emailed public comment. Mayor Renner responded to public comment.
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 Bray made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, that the Consent Agenda, including all items listed below, be approved as presented, with the exception of Items 8.G. and 8.I.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray Motion carried.
Item 8.A. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the January 19, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 8.B. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the January 25, 2021 Regular City Council meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 8.C. Consideration and action to approve Bills and Payroll in the amount of $6,127,583.76, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 8.D. Consideration and action to approve Appointments to various Boards & Commissions, 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 2021 Ford F-550 4WD, Horton Model 623 (173") Type I All-Aluminum Modular Ambulance from Foster Coach, Sterling, IL, through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative - Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) in the amount of $274,094, as requested by the Fire Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Purchase and Pre-payment be approved.)
Item 8.F. Consideration and action to increase the current Purchase Order by $19,325 to the original contract amount of $94,325 for Traffic Line Paint and Beads with Diamond Vogel Paint, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Increase to the Purchase Order amount be approved.)
Item 8.G. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Carrillo.
Item 8.H. Consideration and action to approve the FY21 Illinois Department of Natural Resources Grant Agreement Award for the South American Phase 1 Exhibit at Miller Park Zoo, in the amount of $750,000, as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Grant Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.I. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Carrillo.
Item 8.J. Consideration and action to approve a Contract between the City of Bloomington and Republic Services, for solid waste disposal services (Bid #2021-20) for an initial two-year period beginning March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2023, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.K. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for Property Located South of Veterans Parkway and West of South Main Street, 101-103 Donnie Drive, from B-1 General Commercial District to R-3B, High-Density Multifamily Residence District, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Carrillo:
Item 8.I. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services No. 2 with Norfolk Southern Railway Company and an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) MFT Resolution, in the amount of $290,000, for the proposed Hamilton Road at-grade crossing near Commerce Parkway, as requested by the Public Works Department.
Council Member Carrillo explained that she had pulled the item so she could vote against it.
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the proposed Agreement and IDOT MFT Resolution be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Crabill, Bray
NAYES: Carrillo
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Carrillo:
Item 8.G. Consideration and action to approve a three-year Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Normal and County of McLean for the Dropbox Recycling Program, with an estimated annual cost of $65,000 to the City, as requested by the Public Works Department.
Council Member Carrillo noted Council receiving an email from the City Manager that clarified a drop-box location would be added in Bloomington. She preferred Council taking additional time to review the proposal and asked if there was an urgency in approval. Mr. Gleason responded that staff would follow Council’s direction and noted that Council Member Crabill also had a recommended amendment to discuss.
Mayor Renner asked for confirmation on Council's options and any possible implications. Mr. Gleason stated that the City had until March 2021 to finalize the item and that all involved parties had agreed to a Bloomington drop-off site.
Council Member Carrillo and Mayor Renner discussed motion amendment procedures.
Council Member Boelen noted the importance of recycling and asked if recycled materials could be accepted at the Citizen Convenience Center (CCC). Mr. Gleason asked Kevin Kothe, Public Works Director, to address Council's question. Mr. Kothe responded that the CCC was not set up for product sorting like the drop-boxes in Normal; however, recycled materials were being accepted at CCC.
Council Member Bray expressed support for the item. She then discussed motion procedures with Jeff Jurgens, Corporation Counsel. Mr. Jurgens provided additional background on the Intergovernmental Agreement.
Council Member Crabill acknowledged Council Member Carrillo's concerns and discussed motion procedures with Mr. Jurgens.
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mathy, that the Drop-Box Recycling Program Intergovernmental Agreement be approved with Section 1.3 amended to require that at least one drop-box be located in the City of Bloomington at a location to be approved by the City Manager.
Council Member Mwilambwe asked about potential locations. Mr. Gleason noted that West Bloomington was being considered, but that no final decision had been made.
Council Member Mathy noted a previous request by the Ecology Action Center to require that all apartment buildings and businesses offer recycling bins, and expressed support in the current item as an alternative.
Council Member Carrillo reiterated her interest in additional time for consideration and expressed concern for those who could not transport their recyclable materials.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Crabill, Bray
NAYES: Carrillo
Motion carried.
Regular Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 9.A. Consideration and action on a Resolution Approving the FY22 John M. Scott Health Care Grant Awards and Programmatic Agreements, in the amount of $759,000 for Category I and II Grants, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Council Member Mathy recused himself at 6:39 p.m. as he was a Member of the Community Healthcare Clinic Board of Directors.
Mr. Gleason asked Jennifer Toney, Grants Coordinator, to address Council. Mrs. Toney recognized Zack Fabos, Illinois State University Fellow, and William Bessler, Grants Specialist, who had provided administrative support to the John M. Scott Health Care
Commission ("Commission"). She introduced Holly Ambuehl, Chair of the Commission, and recognized her work on the new grants program.
Ms. Ambuehl echoed thanks to City staff and fellow Commission Members for their dedicated hard work. She discussed her background and expertise and noted that she was a voluntary Commission Chair. She provided background on the Commission, reminded the community how to access John M. Scott ("JMS") Trust documents and gave an update on the Trust today. Ms. Ambuehl discussed social determinants of health in detail and discussed ways to improve health equity and inclusion. She went through Fiscal Year ("FY") 2022 Program Grant Recommendations and discussed how grants would be provided across all age groups. She went on to compare 2019 and 2020 statistics and pointed out that the Commission had distributed $55,000 in COVID-19 relief. She stressed the importance of oral health and that the Commission was recommending a $100,000 capital grant to ensure an oral health clinic opening at Chestnut Health Systems Family Health Center in West Bloomington. The Commission was also recommending a $75,000 capital grant be awarded to
Home Sweet Home for the relocation and expansion of their Red for Life Food Co-Op and Food Farmacy programs. Ms. Ambuehl explained that, if approved, FY 2022 funds would be distributed in May 2021 and that four new Commissioners would be recruited and recommended for appointment.
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Crabill, to extend the meeting time by five minutes.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Mathy
Motion carried.
Council Member Crabill thanked staff and the Commission. He commented on the importance of oral health and to systemic racism.
Council Member Painter echoed appreciation and applauded the Commission's forward thinking. She stressed the need for additional oral clinic help.
Council Member Carrillo echoed appreciation and complimented the comprehensive approach taken by the Commission.
Council Member Bray made a motion, seconded by Council Member Painter, that the proposed Resolution be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Mathy
Motion carried.
Council Member Mathy returned to the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.B. Consideration and action on an Ordinance providing for the issuance of $3,639,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the City of Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding bonds of said City, and providing for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax sufficient for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds, as requested by the Finance Department.
Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, informed the community that Council had received an amended ordinance prior to the start of the meeting and asked that when a motion was made, the amended Ordinance be considered. She noted that the first amendment included in the amended Ordinance was to abate the levy amount of debt service of the combined refinanced issues and the second was to have US Bank pay closing costs. She noted that in effort to keep all the financial items together during the meeting, Item 9.C. (Fiscal Year ("FY") 2022 Budget Update) on the agenda would follow this item and that the Finance Director's Report would be then be moved up to immediately follow Item 9.C.
Mr. Gleason reported that through the Finance Department's diligence, the refinance of the relatively small bond would yield a large impact. He then asked Scott Rathbun, Finance Director, to address Council.
Mr. Rathbun explained that most of the City's debt was held in bonds, which had call revisions that limited the time when the City was able to refinance. He provided general definitions and described the basic methods of bond sale. He then provided a breakdown of the City's total dept by debt type totaling $77,041,583. He went on to compare Bloomington's general obligation ("GO") debt of $48,324,053, and their total debt per capita to Normal, Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, and Decatur. He noted that Bloomington fell in the middle to lower end and explained that most of the City's GO debt would end by 2029, with the exception of a few bonds, due to good debt management. He explained that the City's AA credit rating reflected well, and that good debt management translated into good credit rating, which affected interest rates. Mr. Rathbun presented the 2009 GO Bonds and the 2018 GO Notes to be refunded and highlighted the current final maturity date of 2028. He went on to discuss the request for proposal and the results. He highlighted that Busey Bank was the lowest bidder at 0.57% which had the potential cumulative net refund savings of $559,088 and pointed out that the final maturity date would then be 2027 versus 2028. He concluded his presentation with the staff recommendation that the refunding be approved and awarded to Busey Bank.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Emig, to approve the new Ordinance as amended.
Council Member Mwilambwe expressed appreciation to staff and asked when the City would reach a AAA rating. Mr. Rathbun explained that AAA status depended on multiple variables and was confident that an AA credit rating was beneficial to the City.
Council Member Mathy expressed appreciation for the presentation and compared the refinance of City bonds to the refinance of a residential mortgage.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.C. Presentation of FY2022 Budget Update, as requested by the Finance Department.
Mr. Gleason stated that the presentation was the second public discussion on the FY 2022 Budget. He then asked Mr. Rathbun to address Council.
Mr. Rathbun reiterated that the item was a continuation of the FY 2022 Budget presentation. He stated that the presentation would include the Citywide revenue and expenditure budgets with a focus on capital projects, which comprised $60 million of the $250 million total budget. He explained that funds for the capital projects were saved over multiple years and compared the FY 2021 and FY 2022 total budgets, highlighting changes from the presentation in January 2021. He discussed the FY 2020 major tax revenue summary, General Fund budget revenues and expenses, and the effects COVID-19 had on the budget. He went on to discuss the Citywide anticipated revenues and budgeted expenses and highlighted key factors on various revenue and expense line items.
Mayor Renner asked for a motion to extend discussion time.
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, to extend discussion time by 15 minutes.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
Mr. Rathbun asked Russ Waller, Director of Facilities, to discuss the Facility Department’s capital projects. Mr. Waller discussed capital improvement projects for the Arena totaling $100,000; widespread facilities projects totaling $245,000; as well as $100,000 earmarked for unforeseen major repairs.
Mr. Rathbun then asked Jay Tetzloff, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts ("PRCA"), to discuss capital projects for the PRCA Department. Mr. Tetzloff discussed each project in detail. The eight PRCA capital improvement projects discussed totaled $10,871,500. He noted that PRCA had also earmarked $50,000 for unforeseen major repairs.
Next Mr. Rathbun asked Kevin Kothe, Director of Public Works, to discuss capital projects for the Public Works Department ("PW"). He discussed each capital improvement project in detail. The projects totaled $59,890,216.
Mr. Rathbun then explained the next steps for the FY 2022 Budget schedule.
Council Member Crabill expressed appreciation for the presentation. He asked for confirmation that the City would spend almost $60 million, or 25% of the budget, to improve infrastructure. Mr. Rathbun confirmed.
Council Member Ward echoed appreciation for the presentation.
Council Member Mathy expressed appreciation for the Market Street Garage project and the combined upgrades of the Meadowbrook Subdivision rehabilitation. He expressed support for similar combined upgrades.
Finance Director's Report
Mr. Rathbun discussed the FY 2021 Major Tax Revenue Summary and highlighted various line items. He went through the FY 2021 General Fund Expenditures and noted specific adjustments for year-to-date improvements. He wrapped up with the FY 2021 Enterprise Funds Summary highlighting an increase as compared to previous years.
Council Member Boelen expressed her appreciation for Mr. Rathbun's clear and easy to understand presentation.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.D. Presentation of the City's 2020 Accomplishments, as requested by the Administration Department.
Mr. Gleason introduced the item and recognized staff for their 2020 Accomplishments.
Billy Tyus, Deputy City Manager, addressed Council. He recognized the City Manager for his excellent leadership, especially throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. He highlighted Economic Development for more than $260 million in new or continued construction including $80 million in new construction and 11 new or expanded/remodeled restaurants. He noted that Downtown Bloomington held more than 56 events in 2020 and acknowledged staff creativity in finding solutions to obstacles created by COVID-19. He informed Council that 12 new businesses had opened Downtown in 2020 resulting in a net increase in the number of businesses Downtown. He reported that Keplr Vision, a local-grown company, had expanded business by moving into the former State Farm Headquarters where they housed 100+ team members.
Mr. Tyus discussed Ferrero’s $75 million expansion to bring their first North American chocolate plant to Bloomington and the YMCA new $23 million, 70,000 sq ft. building. He went on to list multiple other large and small business developments completed during the year and was proud that the City took advantage of the closure of O’Neil Park’s Pool to begin a significant remodel. He touched on the major remodel to the Bloomington Public Library and noted that the Lutz Rd. redevelopment was almost complete and would finish $159,000 under budget. He celebrated the installation of Wayfinding signage and reported that $6.4 million had been spent repairing roads and sidewalks with $7.2 million planned for 2021.
Mr. Tyus then highlighted establishment of the City’s newly created City Services Center (aka “The Hub”), a one-stop-shop for all things City business, where providing great customer service is key in eliminating the runaround of doing business. He explained that staff had been working on the concept pre-Covid with a plan to implement it after the City’s move to the Government Center; however, the pandemic drove staff to implement it early to ensure that citizens and businesses alike could continue to be served safely during the pandemic. He explained that The Hub was comprised of staff from almost every department and that The Hub would move from the Arena to the Government Center once the new space was complete.
Mr. Tyus moved on to highlight multiple diversity and equity accomplishments throughout the year, expressing the importance to recognize all people in the community. He noted the first year of the Mentorship Program with the Jule Foundation and concluded by highlighting additional achievements in each City department.
Council Member Carrillo expressed appreciation to Mr. Tyus and his presentation that celebrated and honored staff for their achievements. She emphasized the successes endured through the pandemic.
Mayor Renner echoed her appreciation.
Council Member Mwilambwe echoed her appreciation and commended staff for ensuring services during such difficult times.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.E. Consideration and action on Council Member Carrillo's Agenda Initiative Proposal for the City's Legal Department to draft an Ordinance to provide direction and instruction to City staff, including the Police Department, on how to interact with residents and other agencies as it relates to immigration issues, as requested by the City Council.
Council Member Carrillo explained that the proposed Initiative would provide staff clear direction on what Council wanted to consider. She preferred that Council take their time to do it right and expressed interest in a presentation by the Bloomington Police Department (“BPD”) being made at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. She also stressed the importance of other community organizations being able to present.
Mayor Renner asked for clarification on procedure. Mr. Jurgens, Corporation Counsel, stated that the item was on the agenda for step 2 and that the recommended motion was to provide staff direction. He stated that a motion could be made to allow for further discussion at a future meeting if desired.
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mathy, that the item appear on an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting.
Council Member Emig suggested a specific Committee of the Whole meeting date be determined.
Council Member Carrillo amended the motion to have the item appear on the next Committee of the Whole meeting and for the Bloomington Police Department and other community partners to provide presentations.
Mayor Renner asked for clarification on the motion. Council Member Carrillo clarified her motion.
Council Member Carrillo made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mathy, that the item appear on the March 15, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting and that as part of the discussion, Council receive a presentation from the Immigration Project and the Bloomington Police Department.
Mayor Renner asked if the motion precluded other organizations. Council Member Carrillo stated that it did not.
Council Member Mathy agreed with the motion and believed that it would benefit Council and the community to hear from BPD on the impact of the procedure changes to interactions with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), as well as potential future changes. He believed BPD, the Immigration Project, and Council could come to an agreement on the path to the future expectations.
Council Member Mwilambwe agreed with Council Member Mathy. He believed it was beneficial to not limit the discussion to BPD and the Immigration Project.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.F. 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.
No amendments were recommended.
Council Member Mathy asked if Bloomington would resume outdoor dining once weather permitted. Mr. Gleason responded that staff had already begun getting requests and that they would find a way to make it happen. He further stated that he planned to have conversations with Council Members Mathy, Emig, and Carrillo about Downtown striping as a component of the Downtown outdoor dining solution.
City Manager's Discussion
City Manager Gleason thanked Mr. Tyus for his 2020 Accomplishments presentation, as well as City staff for all their work. He highlighted upcoming events in Downtown and reminded the community of the COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant Program.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Renner thanked Mr. Gleason, Mr. Tyus, Mrs. Yocum, and staff for their work. Council Member's Discussion
Council Member Mathy reminded the community that the Primary for Ward 7 was Tuesday, February 23, 2021 and encouraged citizens to get informed and vote. He also noted that if anyone needed dental help, the Community Health Care Clinic had a dental clinic available.
Council Member Carrillo echoed the comments about voting and listed poll locations. She then recommended the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights also be considered as a presenter at the Committee of the Whole meeting for her Council Initiative.
Council Member Boelen noted that Council had received many questions on re-zoning and recommended that residents register for public comment for the Planning Commission to express their concerns at the public hearing. She noted that when the item appeared before Council, typically it was ready to be presented for vote.
Council Member Emig applauded Holly Ambuehl and the continued work of the John M. Scott Committee. She echoed the comments on voting and encouraged residents to shovel snow from the sidewalks near their residence.
Council Member Mwilambwe recognized the Public Works staff for their work during the inclement weather.
Council Member Ward stated that the Federal Government would soon loosen the requirements for grants so that small businesses could apply. She encouraged small businesses to keep hanging on.
Executive Session - Cite Section
No Executive Session was had.
Adjournment
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mwilambwe, that the meeting be adjourned.
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