Town of Normal Town Council met May 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Order at 7:00 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 Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy and Councilmembers 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: Mayor Chris Koos.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy made the following statements:
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 Pro Tem, 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, an welfare of the council, staff, and general public.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy 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.
Emily Petri, Bloomington resident, and Staff Attorney of Prairie State Legal Services, spoke in support of continuing the Town of Normal’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to provide legal assistance on housing discrimination issues to moderate and low-income residents for fair housing.
Raymond Lai, Executive Director of McLean County Regional Planning Commission, spoke regarding a regional housing initiative in support of the CDBG program.
Mike Romagnoli, Executive Director at Community Health Care Clinic in Normal, spoke in support of CDBG Program as a potential fund recipient.
5. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy read aloud the items to be considered by the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2021:
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF APRIL 28, 2021:
C. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BY ITS AGENT, ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE 105TH DISTRICT, DAN BRADY AND WITH THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY ITS AGENT, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE RODNEY DAVIS:
D. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO H.J. EPPEL & CO, INC., FOR THE 2021 GENERAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,119,265.70:
E. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE BID REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORD F-550 TRUCK EQUIPPED WITH A PERKINS 8- YARD SATELLITE REFUSE BODY FROM KEY EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY COMPANY FOR $86,140:
F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE TOWN OF NORMAL’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTION PLAN FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2021-2022: Resolution No. 5866:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: McCarthy, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items A and F were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
Items B, C, D, and E 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 APRIL 28, 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 April 28, 2021.
AYES: Cummings, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on an I & T expense for Zen City Service. City Manager Pam Reece and Director of Communications Cathy Oloffson responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked whether this expense would be categorized as digital analytics. City Manager Pam Reece responded.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, BY ITS AGENT, ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE 105TH DISTRICT, DAN BRADY AND WITH THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY ITS AGENT, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE RODNEY DAVIS: Resolution No. 5867:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement with the Illinois House of Representatives, by its Agent, Illinois State Representative 105th District, Dan Brady and with the U.S. House of Representatives by its Agent, U.S. Representative Rodney Davis
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Cummings, McCarthy.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on the site’s property tax status. City Manager Pam Reece and Corporation Counsel Brian Day responded.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy directed Councilmember Nord to speak only to the terms of the lease, as the action before Council is only approval of the lease.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified this lease agreement is not associated with any individual campaign but provides citizens access to their elected officials. Ms. Smith noted this as a valuable resource for citizens.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz echoed Ms. Smith’s comments regarding this lease pertaining to the property at 104 West North Street not 102 West North Street.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification regarding reporting of revenue in TIF reporting and indicated he is not supportive due to not having his voice heard on his property tax concern. City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked Mr. Nord to clarify his concerns with the terms of the lease.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy commented the taxability of the property is not established by the lease.
Councilmember Stan Nord replied that his concern is related to the taxability of the space.
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord made a Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair.
AYES: Lorenz, Cummings, McCarthy.
NAYS: Nord, Smith, Preston.
Motion declared failed.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO H.J. EPPEL & CO, INC., FOR THE 2021 GENERAL STREET RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,119,265.70: Resolution No. 5868:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approve the Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to H.J. Eppel & Co, Inc., for the 2021 General Street Resurfacing Project in the Amount of $1,119,265.70.
AYES: Lorenz, Preston, Cummings, Nord, Smith, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification on the process of street resurfacing projects, and whether the list of resurfacing streets changed. City Manager Pam Reece and Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
RESOLUTION WAIVING THE BID REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORD F-550 TRUCK EQUIPPED WITH A PERKINS 8-YARD SATELLITE REFUSE BODY FROM KEY EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY COMPANY FOR $86,140: Resolution No. 5869:
MOTION:
Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve the Resolution Waiving the Bid Requirements and Authorizing the Purchase of a Ford F-550 Truck Equipped with a Perkins 8-Yard Satellite Refuse Body from Key Equipment & Supply Company for $86,140.
AYES: Preston, Cummings, Smith, Lorenz, McCarthy.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings requested clarification on cost and time savings. City Manager Pam Reece and Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith noted lifting 55-gallon containers also addresses safety regarding wear and tear on employees and requested clarification on the life expectancy of this equipment. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord raised a concern about the increased truck weight on the trails and parks and its potential to harm trail infrastructure. Mr. Nord inquired about po trailer and renting a truck for a year. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery, and City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz reminded Council to leave the details of how to operate to staff and what and why to Council/Board of Directors.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy echoed Mrs. Lorenz comments and noted he is confident in staff’s recommendation who currently works in the field and has researched and investigated this item for two years.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on the price of the equipment now versus two years ago and the option to lease the equipment. Director of Parks and Recreation Doug Damery and City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord made a Motion to table until the next meeting. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested a call the question and encouraged a productive meeting without animosity.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. RESOLUTION REAPPROVING THE PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN FOR GREYSTONE FIELDS SUBDIVISION (PARKSIDE ROAD): Resolution No. 5870:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approve the Resolution Reapproving the Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Greystone Fields Subdivision (Parkside Road).
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification on why there are two Motions regarding the same subdivision, the price range of the new houses, and if there is more land which can be developed. City Manager Pam Reece and Building Commissioner Greg Troemel responded.
8. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT FOR GREYSTONE FIELDS SUBDIVISION 2ND ADDITION (PARKSIDE ROAD): Resolution No. 5871:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approve the Resolution Conditionally Approving the Final Plat for Greystone Fields Subdivision 2nd Addition (Parkside Road).
AYES: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
9. ORDINANCE ABATING THE LEVY OF THE 2020 PROPERTY TAX FOR RIVIAN AUTOMOTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 2016 ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT: Ordinance No. 5865:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve an Ordinance Abating the Levy of the 2020 Property Tax for Rivian Automotive in Accordance with the 2016 Economic Incentive Agreement.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Cummings, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested some discussion and reassurance that Rivian has met their obligations. City Manager Pam Reece and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Bloomington Normal Patrick Hoban responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified this was agreement established in 2016 for a five year abatement and requested clarification on the amount of construction jobs Rivian has created beyond jobs within the plant. Senior Manager of Plant Communications and Policy at Rivian Zach Dietmeier responded.
10. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING AN AMENDED SITE PLAN FOR RIVIAN (100 N. RIVIAN MOTORWAY): Resolution No. 5872:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council
Approve the Resolution Conditionally Approving an Amended Site Plan for Rivian (100 N. Rivian Motorway).
AYES: Smith, Lorenz, Preston, Cummings, Nord, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord spoke regarding the new road entrance to Rivian on College Avenue included in the site plan. He noted provisions included in the College Avenue design study that allow for road access to Rivian and inquired if Rivian would be assessed the cost of the portion of the study that pertains to that entrance. City Manager Pam Reece and Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked whether the Town of Normal is in the habit of billing businesses adjacent to a public road the cost of improving the road. Ms. Smith also asked for the distance between the two entrances at Rivian. Town Engineer Ryan Otto responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed disapproval for discussing potentially assessing a fee to Rivian for road access to their business, given the positive affect Rivian has had on the community.
11. ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – RIVIAN (419 N. RIVIAN MOTORWAY AND SURROUNDING 380 ACRES): Ordinance No. 5866:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve an Ordinance Annexing Property in the Town of Normal – Rivian (419 N. Rivian Motorway and Surrounding 380 Acres).
AYES: Lorenz, Preston, Cummings, Nord, Smith, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy commented how the Council, Town, and residents are excited to see what is happening with Rivian.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz lauded the Planning Commission process on this item. She noted that Rivian’s participation in the process, and ability to make modifications where suggested, makes the company a good partner with the Town.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on whether any other entity would have interest or legal authority in annexing this property, noting that she is aware Normal is able to annex the property because it is contiguous to Town property. Additionally, she asked staff to clarify who would service the property without the annexation, and asked staff to confirm that this parcel is not subject to a previous tax abatement agreement with Rivian. City Manager Pam Reece and Corporation Counsel Brian Day responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston echoed previous commentors regarding Rivian being a game changer for the Town and the region, and how Rivian is drawing employees to this community.
Councilmember Stan Nord requested clarification on an annexation agreement versus an annexation, sewer tap on fee, and water service. City Manager Pam Reece responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed her opinion that this action would help grow the community.
Councilmember Stan Nord noted that Normal is not the only municipality who can provide services to this parcel and expressed concerns about what is being asked of the taxpayers with this action. He expressed his reservation in approving an annexation without the availability of a plan, and specifics of the ultimate cost to taxpayers. Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy responded.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings clarified that the business is already in the Town of Normal, and the annexation would allow the company the continuity of fostering future growth within the Town limits.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified this is annexing empty land, there has been nothing brought to the Council about what might happen with the site in the future. Ms. Smith is in favor of annexing this land to allow this business an opportunity for growth in the future within the Town of Normal.
Councilmember Scott Preston echoed Ms. Cummings and Ms. Smith’s comments regarding economic growth, encouraging jobs and businesses to locate in the Town of Normal benefiting the entire community.
12. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL (419 N. RIVIAN MOTORWAY AND SURROUNDING 320 ACRES): Ordinance No. 5867:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approve an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal (419 N. Rivian Motorway and Surrounding 320 Acres).
AYES: Preston, Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith noted in response to citizen input Rivian opted to request rezoning only 320 acres of this 380 acres site.
13. NEW BUSINESS:
There was no New Business.
14. 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.
15. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Scott Preston spoke regarding the end of ISU’s academic year and congratulated graduates and President Larry Dietz.
Councilmember Karyn Smith spoke regarding SOAR registration opening and Marcfirst program opportunities.
Councilmember Stan Nord spoke regarding diverse Council prospective, letting voices be heard, being able to disagree, and congratulated those elected to Council four more years.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz spoke regarding following procedural rules, being a board operating in policy and direction, respecting staff, procedures, and processes, and being business friendly. Mrs. Lorenz disliked the tone of the meeting and requested addressing it in an upcoming work session. Mrs. Lorenz also encouraged citizens to become informed on the County Board actions regarding redistricting the maps that make up the County Board.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy spoke regarding Bloomington City Council following their rules regarding the commission process. Mr. McCarthy noted there is a process in place to ensure open, fair, and transparent opportunity for everyone to speak. Mr. McCarthy also noted the many positive items occurring in the community such as the development of Greystone Fields and Rivian. He also noted continued development at Rivian and within our community.
16. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tem McCarthy 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: Cummings, Nord, Smith, Lorenz, Preston, McCarthy.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:09 p.m., Monday, May 3, 2021.
https://www.normal.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4022
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