McLean County Executive Committee met April 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The Executive Committee of the McLean County Board met for a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.
Members Present: Chairman John McIntyre and Members Jim Soeldner, Chuck Erickson, Susan Schafer, Laurie Wollrab, Catherine Metsker, Josh Barnett, Randall Martin and George Wendt
Members Absent: None
Other Board Members Present: None
Staff Present: Camille Rodriguez, County Administrator; Mr. Chris Spanos, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division, Cathy Dreyer Assistant County Administrator; and Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary
Department Heads/Elected Officials Present:
Others Present:
Chairman McIntyre called to order a meeting of the Executive Committee at 4:30 p.m. and asked Ms. Morlock to Call Roll. Chairman McIntyre stated all members were present and declared a quorum.
Chairman McIntyre stated the Committee would approve the April 12th minutes at the regular meeting of the Committee in May. Chairman McIntyre stated it had been determined they did not need to change the Rules so they would not need to act on the first item listed on the agenda. Chairman McIntyre asked Chris Spanos to explain why the action item was not necessary. Mr. Spanos went over the County Board rules regarding public speakers.
Ms. Wollrab asked if they could get copy of information provided by speakers. Mr. McIntyre stated he would ask each presenter to submit information to the Administration Office so it would be accessible to all members. Mr. Erickson asked him to clarify that members would be able to contact Administration for information provided. Mr. McIntyre confirmed.
Mr. McIntyre indicated that public speakers would have 5 minutes and welcomed the first presenter
Below is a list of the speakers and the times from the audio uploaded to the Mclean County website where you can find their presentation to the Committee
Tanya Blumenshine. (April 20, 2021 00:06:40 – 00:08:10)
Board Member Elizabeth Johnston. (April 20, 2021 Audio - 00:08:50 – 00:12:38)
Jacqueline Beyer (April 20, 2021 Audio - 00:13:06 – 00:18:16)
Anna Ziegler (April 20, 2021 Audio - 00:18:37 – 00:24:07)
Becky Swan. (April 20, 2021 Audio - 00:24:28 – 00:26:10)
Ms. Wollrab requested to speak. Mr. McIntyre asked for clarification on rules. Mr. Spanos stated the rules did not limit members of the Committee from speaking. Discussion regarding comment by members and presentation by members of the Executive Committee.
Member Laurie Wollrab (April 20, 2021 Audio - 00:31:02 – 00:35:59)
Mr. McIntyre thanked everyone, encouraged any groups and residents to sign up and present comments and indicated the meeting would resume on Monday, April 26th at 4:30 p.m. in the County Board Room.
Ms. Wollrab asked to get a general statement regarding the process beyond hearing comments from people and if there was going to be discussion on information presented. Mr. McIntyre confirmed there would be discussion. Ms. Schafer asked him to confirm that the only thing going to rules this month would be the number of districts and number of board members and not map recommendations. Mr. McIntyre confirmed.
Mr. Soeldner stated he attended a County Board Association meeting and several mentioned information they were going to use to assist them with this process and there might be some legislation in the general assembly regarding data that can be used.
Mr. McIntyre thanked everyone, encouraged any groups and residents to sign up and present comments and recessed the meeting to Monday, April 26th at 4:30 p.m. in the County Board Room. Meeting Recessed at 6:08 p.m.
MONDAY APRIL 26TH
Chairman McIntyre called the meeting back into session on April 26, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. and let the Members know that Members Barnett and Martin were not in attendance.
Chairman McIntyre went over rules about limits to speak more than once or more than five minutes at one meeting. He stated he had consulted with staff and wanted to allow members of the public and members of the Committee to speak multiple times if they chose to waiving rules since they were unclear in this situation. He stated that any previous would be allowed to speak an additional time at the May 3rd meeting. He asked if there was any objection. Hearing none he stated they would proceed.
He also set Rules Sub-committee meeting on Thursday, May 6th at 5:45 p.m. He stated he would get that information out to the public and media. He also let everyone know census information is on the website that might help with redistricting process. He encouraged members of the Board to speak as public speakers or talk to members of the Executive Committee. He encouraged public speakers to submit information to Administration to be included in minutes.
Below is a list of the speakers and the times from the audio uploaded to the Mclean County website where you can find their presentation to the Committee
Mr. Mike Kemp, Chief of Police in Danvers (Audio April 26, 2021 00:06:30 – 00:09:24).
Ms. Jackie Beyer (Audio April 26, 2021 00:09:48 – 00:14:41)
Ms. Sue McWhorter (Audio April 26, 2021 00:14:58 – 00:16:36)
Laurie Wollrab (Audio April 26, 2021 00:16:56 – 00:20:17)
Glenda Jackson (Audio April 26, 2021 00:21:21 – 00:26:34)
Ms. Krystle Able – sent a note indicated she did not receive link. Ms. Morlock stepped from the room to send her the information.
Karin Miller (Audio April 26, 2021 00:28:04 – 00:31:49)
Becky Swan - registered but did not join the meeting. Chairman McIntyre indicated he would check back in at the end of the meeting.
Arin Rader (Audio April 26, 2021 00:32:44 – 00:34:30)
Karla Bailey-Smith (Audio April 26, 2021 00:35:51 – 00:39:02)
Rachael Lund (Audio April 26, 2021 00:39:28 – 00:42:20)
Ms. Sarah Breeden (Audio April 26, 2021 00:42:42 – 00:44:39)
Chairman McIntyre asked if Ms. Erin Donaldson was not present. She did not join remotely and was not present in person.
Chairman McIntyre asked if Ms. Krystle Able had joined – he confirmed she had not joined the meeting.
Chairman McIntyre asked if Ms. Becky Swan had joined the meeting – he confirmed she had not joined the meeting.
Chairman McIntyre asked Ms. Morlock is anyone had called in. Ms. Morlock indicated no one else had called in and that she had gone to the office to send the link to Ms. Able and had also called her and left her a voice mail.
Chairman McIntyre encouraged members to reach out. He provided information as to the process the State was following currently by holding similar public hearings in the regions. He then provided information from the last time they had gone through the redistricting process 10 years ago. He encouraged everyone to speak and members of executive committee to review video and documents.
Chairman McIntyre indicated that after they vote on the number of members and number of districts there would be public sessions in May to hear from the public about maps and submit any map suggestions. All Board members will be voting on what we are doing at the County Board meetings.
Mr. Erickson asked him to clarify. Asked if Executive Committee will vote on number of districts on May 3rd. Chairman McIntyre indicated that on May 6th the Rules Sub Committee would have discussion and make a recommendation to the Executive Committee and then the Executive Committee will vote on the recommendation from the Rules Committee on May 10th and that will be sent to the full Board for a vote. Member Erickson asked him to clarify that the meeting on May 3rd was information only. Chairman McIntyre confirmed.
Mr. Soeldner noted that the Rules Sub-Committee would be meeting that coming Wednesday, April 28th but it was meeting on County Board Rules but not about redistricting.
Mr. Erickson asked about the deadline to submit proposals to be considered by the Rules Sub-Committee at the May 6th meeting. Discussion about deadline to get information to Administration prior to the 48-hour deadline to be the agenda posted.
Ms. Wollrab stated that she thought there was wording going to Rules about changing deadline to submit information. Chairman McIntyre indicated it would have to go to the full Board first and so it would not be in effect for the May 6th meeting. He stated that he encouraged them to get information in well in advance. Discussion about deadlines.
Ms. Wollrab asked him to clarify on only voting on districts and representatives. Chairman McIntyre confirmed and again reminded everyone that Regional Planning had posted information on the website to assist with the map portion. Chairman McIntyre indicated that by State statute we must have the process completed by July 1st. He .
Chairman McIntyre asked if there was anything else, hearing nothing; he recessed the meeting to 7:00 p.m. on May 3rd and noted that Rules Sub-Committee would be meeting at 5:45 on Thursday May 6th at 5:32 p.m.
MAY 3, 2021
(May 3, 2021 Audio – starts at 00:01:30) Mr. McIntyre reconvened meeting on May 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and asked Ms. Morlock to call the roll. All members but Member Wollrab were present. Chairman McIntyre noted that Member Wollrab was scheduled to speak so she might be running a few minutes late. Mr. McIntyre reminded speakers that they would have give minutes to speak and they are welcome to place on file with the Administration any other documents including a written copy of their speech. Mr. McIntyre stated that they were currently working on the number of districts and number of members.
Chairman noted that Ms. Wollrab joined the meeting (7:03 p.m.) Mr. McIntyre noted that they would be taking a 15-minute recess after the 15th speaker since there were 30 speakers scheduled to come before the Committee.
Thomas Whitt (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:03:56 – 00:05:58)
Jim Fraley (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 00:06:17 – 00:08:48)
Adam Heenan, Bloomington Normal Trades and Labor Assembly, the AFLCIO, Central Labor Council for this Region. (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 00:09:05 – 00:13:08)
Patrick Cortesi (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:13:38 – 00:17:58)
Member Wollrab asked to reserve her time to the end of the meeting. With no objection from the Committee, Chairman McIntyre agreed and moved her name to the end of the list.
Rachael Hile-Broad (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 - 00:19:06 – 00:22:55)
County Board Member Lea Cline (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:23:19 – 00:28:15)
Spencer Johansen, Mayor of the City of Lexington (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:28:30 – 00:30:20)
County Board Member Elizabeth Johnston (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:30:39 – 00:35:39)
Chairman McIntyre called for the next speaker AJ Biancalana – he was not present.
Chairman McIntyre called for the next speaker Gavin Cunningham – he was not present.
John Walther (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:36:57 – 00:41:49)
County Board Member Val Laymon (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:42:08 – 00:46:02)
Cara McMorris (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:46:17 – 00:51:00)
Mr. Dave Bentlin (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 00:51:38 – 00:53:14)
Chairman McIntyre asked if AJ Biancalana or Gavin Cunningham had joined the meeting. Hearing nothing, he indicated they would take a recess.
Tape silent until (01:08:08)
Avery Spranger (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:08:34 – 01:09:21)
Matt Dratt (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:09:41 – 01:14:55)
Steve Suess (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:15:15 – 01:20:25)
Kimberly Miller (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:20:56 – 01:23:11)
Chairman McIntyre called for Ms. Brenda Baker – she was not present
David Flesch (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:23:45 – 01:25:10)
Becky Hines, President of the League of Women Voters. (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:25:23 - -1:29:00)
Ms. Maureen Barnes (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:29:19 – 01:29:52)
Anna Ziegler – McLean County Farm Bureau (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:30:19 – 01:35:20)
George Gordon – ( May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:35:58 – 01:39:42)
Chairman McIntyre called for next speaker Marsha Albritton – she was not present
Jan Hood (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:40:41 – 01:42:41)
Chairman McIntyre called for Mr. Christopher Thompson – he was not present
Amanda Andres (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:43:13 – 01:44:10)
Ravi Duvvuri (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:44:23 – 01:49:41)
County Board Member Laurie Wollrab (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:49:56 – 01:51:44)
Chairman McIntyre announced again names of those who had not appeared when called before: AJ Biancalana, Gavin Cunningham, Brenda Baker, Masha Albritton and Christopher Thompson. Hearing no response, he indicated that concluded the public speaking portion.
Chairman McIntyre indicated this would conclude the public speaking portion of this process on district and member numbers which is a similar process to the one being done by the State. He explained process where they would then vote on this portion and then there would be public sessions for determination of maps in May. He addressed criticism he had heard that the process had not been open.
Chairman McIntyre asked the State’s Attorney to address law and process regarding redistricting.
Mr. Christopher Spanos, First Assistant State’s Attorney – Civil Division read statement into record. (May 3, 2021 Audio Part 1 – 01:56:18 – 02:11:05)
Mr. Erickson asked him to clarify that the process is in two parts where we first decide the number of districts and members and then in June determine maps. Chairman McIntyre confirmed. Mr. Erickson asked if 10/10 vote in May on districts and members what would happen. Mr. Spanos stated that if the Board cannot decide the redistricting process then it goes to a committee that is determined by statute and that committee will decide the plan. He stated that committee is made up of the State’s Attorney, County Clerk, the Chairs of both the Democrat and Republican parties in the County and a representative from the Attorney General’s Office.
Chairman McIntyre asked him to clarify the definition of compactness. Chairman McIntyre also asked him to confirm he would be present at the Rules meetings and the Executive and Board meetings during this process. Mr. Spanos confirmed. Mr. Spanos stated that compactness will come into play when they prepare maps and he would be ready to give a legal analysis of the map drawing phase at the meeting. Mr. McIntyre asked about diversity and when that would come into play. Mr. Spanos stated that when he looked at history for the Illinois Voting Rights Act there is some testimony about application of that statute and that Act is not about guaranteeing that you have more minorities in office it is about one person, one vote.
Chairman McIntyre indicated that the next stage in the process would be for the Rules committee to consider the public testimony and anything that has been placed on file with the administration office. He stated then they would consider recommendation at Executive Committee and full County Board. He stated that after the May County Board there would be public impact sessions on Tuesday, May 18th at 4:30 p .m. and Tuesday May 25th at 7:00 p.m. Chairman McIntyre reminded them that anyone can sign up to come and present map drawings for consideration. Mr. Barnett asked if those meetings would be special meetings of the Executive Committee. Mr. McIntyre confirmed.
Mr. Erickson again asked them to confirm what would happen if there was a 10/10 vote in May and if they would be able to move forward with the process. Mr. Spanos stated that if they could not come to an agreement on the number of districts and the number of members then they could not draw a map and so then it could go to the committee laid out by statute.
Mr. Soeldner asked him to confirm process for public comment at the Rules Committee on May 6th at 5:45 p.m. Mr. McIntyre indicated it was the same as public comment for all our other committee meetings. Mr. Soeldner asked them to confirm the Rules on speaking. Mr. Spanos stated they could submit a request 24 hours in advance of the meeting and would have 5 minutes to speak and the total time to speak would be 30 minutes.
Mr. Wendt asked legal to confirm if they did not make a decision on the number of districts then the current Rules regarding the number of districts and members would stand and then if we could not agree on the Map then that is when it would go to the committee. Mr. Spanos stated he did not interpret the statue to read that way regarding this process; that the current rules of the Board would not stand. Mr. Spanos read from the statute.
Ms. Wollrab stated that she saw Mr. Wendt point that if we could not agree to change them then it would stand as the current rules.
Chairman McIntyre stated that he thought State statute superseded our rules and ask Mr. Spanos to confirm. Mr. Spanos confirmed.
Mr. Soeldner asked if the Chairman could act to break a tie in a Committee. Chairman stated it would move forward to the Executive
Chairman McIntyre asked if there was anything further; hearing nothing he adjourned the meeting at 9:27 p.m.
https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/8165?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=pmd_pJBkwz5QUB2dJT6RjVLnOxY.bHRpM9crZbFWqoLGJp8-1630408291-0-gqNtZGzNAtCjcnBszQql
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