Town of Normal Town Council met March 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Koos called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Order at 7:05 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Chemberly Cummings, Stan Nord, Karyn Smith, Scott Preston, and Kathleen Lorenz, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Eric Hanson, Corporation Counsel Brian Day, and Chief Deputy Clerk Amber Bostwick.
ABSENT: Town Clerk Angie Huonker.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT:
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 PUBLIC HEARING OF FEBRUARY 21,2022. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2022:
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF MARCH 2, 2022:
C. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF A ZONING MAP:
D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY PYROTECHNICS PRODUCTIONS, LLC OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI FOR THE ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items A and B were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
Items C and D were removed from the Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF A ZONING MAP: Ordinance No. 5903:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing the Annual Publication of a Zoning Map.
AYES: Smith, Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked what triggers the zoning map to be updated. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Nord also asked when the sanitary sewer tap on map is updated. City Manager Pamela Reece explained that map is updated when Council modifies the sanitary sewer tap on district.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy issued a Point of Order stating that the conversation is getting off topic.
Councilmember Stan Nord motioned to make an amendment that any zoning related, or land use maps get updated at the same time as the zoning map.
Corporation Counsel Brian Day explained that this amendment would go against the Open Meetings Act since any motion to amend the item would have to be germane to the item or it has to be placed on a future agenda.
Mayor Koos echoed Mr. Days comments stating that Mr. Nord can request to bring this forward at a future meeting.
Building Commissioner Greg Troemel clarified that the sewer tap on map is a fee map that has nothing to do with zoning or land use.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH GATEWAY PYROTECHNICS PRODUCTIONS, LLC OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI FOR THE ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY: Resolution No. 5967:
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a One-Year Agreement with Gateway Pyrotechnics Productions, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri for the Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display.
AYES: Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if the money that wasn’t spent last year on this has been reallocated to something else. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF NORMAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-23: Ordinance No. 5904:
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approval the Ordinance Adopting the Operating and Capital Investment Budget for the Town of Normal for Fiscal Year 2022-23.
AYES: McCarthy, Smith, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: Preston, Lorenz, Nord.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece gave a brief overview of the Operating and Capital Investment Budget stating that it looks different than it has in the past, aiming for user friendliness. Ms. Reece also highlighted that it meets financial goals, invests more in capital projects than in recent years, and is paying off a significant amount of debt.
Mayor Koos echoed Ms. Reece’s comments highlighting that it will be reducing debt and increasing capital expenditures to benefit the citizens of the Town of Normal.
Councilmember Stan Nord voiced concerns over the spending increase specifically hiring new staff and the financing of town vehicles. Mr. Nord believes that the spending is going towards amenities and not towards fixing existing infrastructure.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on the funding included in the budget provided from American Rescue Plan and other grants specifically asking if there is clear delineation of the money. City Manager Pamela Reece and Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified that two-thirds of the budget increase come from the ARPA funds and grants. Ms. Smith also noted that additional staffing is factored in for this budget.
City Manager Pamela Reece explained that the Town budgets as if we are fully staffed and currently to date, we are $3 million under budget for staff.
Councilmember Karyn Smith confirmed that some staffing in not being restored even to pre-recession numbers and believes that during the current growth mode, it is time to do more with proper resources.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated that in reference to growth mode, it is important to distinguish that the local economy can be in growth mode, but that is no the same as the Town itself being in growth mode. Mr. Preston expressed that we have earned additional tax revenue which offers the Town an opportunity to offer a relief to taxpayers amid rising COLA costs.
Mayor Koos replied to Mr. Preston’s comments stating that he would like to hear his ideas on what programs, projects, and debt relief services that he would like to reduce to accomplish what he is suggesting.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz echoed Mr. Preston’s comments and spoke on the importance of taking environmental factors into account and would like to discuss with Council in a strategic planning session, different approaches for adding staff.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings asked how long Council has to respond to the budget and discuss what Council feels should be in the budget. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Cummings believes that issues regarding the budget should be brought up well before the night of the Council meeting.
Councilmember Stan Nord issued a Point of Order stating that comments should be made towards the merit of what we are discussing.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings stated a call to action to her colleagues to discuss exactly what they would like to cut from the budget to satisfy the needs that people have. Ms. Cummings also stressed that there is much to celebrate with this budget stating that there are many communities that have been operating in a deficit, but this is not the case for the Town of Normal.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz clarified that her sentiments expressed tonight are not last minute.
Councilmember Scott Preston said that he is also confused about Ms. Cummings comments regarding concerns being last minute.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy expressed his excitement for this budget stating that it responds to the population asking for more investment in community infrastructure. Mr. McCarthy stated that the growth in the community increases the demand for services in its government which increases funding and staff.
Councilmember Stan Nord believes it is Council’s role to question the process and believes the best time to pay down debt is when you have excess revenue and since the Town has survived with its current staffing, he doesn’t feel the need to increase staffing all at once.
City Manager Pamela Reece responded to concerns over increased staffing and explained that positions are driven by demand and needs noting that every time a position is vacated, the position is evaluated. Ms. Reece also explained that the Town cannot pay off debt just because we have revenue, but bonds can only be paid off when callable.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy agreed that the Council’s role is questioning but also to provide guidelines and boundaries and not to second guess staffing needs.
Mayor Koos stated that there are things in the Budget that he doesn’t agree with but stressed the importance of looking at the budget holistically and approving the budget does not lock it in, but Council can make changes as needed. Mayor Koos also mentioned that a strategic retreat is being scheduled for later this spring.
8. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION 7 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE- WATER RATES: Ordinance No. 5905:
MOTION TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION 7 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE – WATER RATE, TO INCREASE RATES BY 1% FOR 180 DAYS THEN INCREASE RATES BY 2% AFTER 180 DAYS:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember Nord, the Council Approval
AYES: Lorenz, Nord, Preston.
NAYS: Smith, Cummings, McCarthy, Koos.
Motion declared failed.
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending Division 7 of the Municipal Code - Water Rates.
AYES: McCarthy, Smith, Cummings, Koos.
NAYS: Lorenz, Nord, Preston.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece reminded Council that historically we have planned for a 2% annual water rate increase, which a majority of the user fees support our capital investment. Ms. Reece noted that $21 million has been invested into our water system over the last six years.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if the salaries of the Water Department staff are paid for out of the water fund. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Nord believes that money should be reimbursed to the water fund if staff is doing work outside of the water related work, specifically referring to snow plowing.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated that he is not in favor of the increase due to his beliefs that funds are not being exclusively used to provide water.
Councilmember Karyn Smith spoke in favor of the rate increase explaining that the further you delay the rate increase, the larger the increase will be later.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked if there is interest in passing a smaller water rate increase.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings believes that delaying the increase would make it more difficult later.
Councilmember Stan Nord spoke on his beliefs that staff is stealing from the enterprise fund.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy issued a Point of Order stating that Mr. Nord is getting off topic by reading policies from other municipalities.
Councilmember Stan Nord believes staff is not using the Enterprise fund the way it was set up and wants Council to motion to have the funds be repaid for the purchase of the snowplow equipment.
City Manager Pam Reece commented on the accusations Mr. Nord made.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings confirmed that when Council first voted on the 2% per year increase, it was due to the prediction of supply costs.
Councilmember Karyn Smith spoke regarding the timing for the current rate increase, stating that it is intended to prevent a shortfall in the later years of the forecast and by doing it in the current year, it minimizes the amount of the increase.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz spoke on the need of financial relief for households and look at a partial increase to help keep operations funded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz motioned to amend the 2% increase to a 1% increase for 180 days.
City Manager Pamela Reece asked what happens after the 180 days.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz explained that the 1% increase would offer some relief, then after the 180 days it would increase to 2%.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if we can guarantee that the money stays in the water fund.
NEW BUSINESS:
9. MOTION TO INITIATE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS CONCERNING SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY FACILITIES:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approval the Motion to Initiate Zoning Text Amendments Concerning Solar and Wind Energy Facilities.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece explained that if approved, this action begins the process by sending Solar and Wind Text Amendments to Planning Commission for a public hearing process.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if an entity asked the Town to look into this. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord believes if there is no driving factor for this then we should wait to see what is out there. City Manager Pamela Reece stated that it would be best to have regulations in place instead of responding to individual requests.
Town Planner Mercy Davison stated that some entities are waiting for the Towns response regarding this zoning code amendment.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked if the County is looking into this as well. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded. Ms. Lorenz expressed that this is just keeping our code up to date with emerging technology.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy echoed Ms. Lorenz’s comments stating this is a proactive step that will allow Planning Commission opportunity to get ahead.
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings spoke on the importance of being proactive and environmentally friendly.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated that this provides a level of predictability and removes subjectivity with up front standards.
Councilmember Stan Nord posed questions regarding the building code and who this would affect. Building Commissioner Greg Troemel and Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.
10. MOTION TO APPROVE REAPPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, the Council Approval the Motion to Approve Reappointments to Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
AYES: Smith, Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked whether these individuals represent the public and if the public has been made aware of these individuals.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy reiterated that these are reappointments.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy read aloud the list of reappointments.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was no Public Comment.
12. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Chemberly Cummings encouraged fellow councilmembers to share and ask for discussions. Ms. Cummings thanked all who are serving on the Boards and Commissions and acknowledged the loss of Mr. Willie Brown and his impact to the community.
Councilmember Scott Preston agreed with Ms. Cummings comments regarding Mr. Willie Brown.
Mayor Koos echoed the condolences and honored Mr. Wille Brown with a moment of silence.
13. 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 Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Cummings, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:18 p.m., Monday, March 7, 2022.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4257
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