Town of Normal Town Council met Nov. 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 7:01 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2022.
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Chemberly Harris, Stan Nord, Karyn Smith, and Kathleen Lorenz; also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Eric Hanson, Corporation Counsel Brian Day, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker. ABSENT: None.
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 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2022
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF NOVEMBER 2, 2022
C. MOTION TO APPROVE THE YEAR 2023 TOWN MEETING CALENDAR
D. RESOLUTION REQUESTING PERMISSION TO CLOSE A PORTION ON U.S. HIGHWAY 51 FOR THE ANNUAL JAYCEES CHRISTMAS PARADE: Resolution No. 6036
E. MOTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE BUILDING ENVELOPE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT
F. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BID AND AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT WITH FELMLEY-DICKERSON CO. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM CLIMBER PLATFORM EXTENSION: Resolution No. 6037
G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOERR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2022 MAIN & HARRIS SANITARY SEWER LINING CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $432,225: Resolution No. 6038
H. A RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A FINAL PLAT WITHIN ONE AND ONE-HALF MILES OF CORPORATE LIMITS BY EXPEDITED PROCESS -ARMSTRONG SUBDIVISION (2514 N TOWANDA AVENUE): Resolution No. 6039
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items B and E were removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Nord. Items A, C, D, F, G and H were approved by the Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF NOVEMBER 2, 2022
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of the Report to Receive and File Town of Normal Expenditures for Payment as of November 2, 2022.
AYES: Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned why the March 2022 unemployment tax was being paid during this budget cycle and whether it was paid from the appropriate account. City Manger Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord motioned to remove the item from the expenses until he has a better understanding of what is being paid. Motioned failed due to lack of second.
MOTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE BUILDING ENVELOPE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT
MOTION TO CALL THE QUESTION:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Call the Question.
AYES: Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Motion to Reject Bids for the Building Envelope Repair and Maintenance Project.
AYES: Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: Nord.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned whether the work for this project is something that needs to be done. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Nord expressed his concerns about the approach being used to bid out this project and believes that deferred maintenance is going to cost the taxpayers more later. City Manager Pamela Reece reviewed the goals of the revised bid approach.
Councilmember Karyn Smith spoke in favor of rejecting the bid and asked for clarification on the scope of work and skill set needed for this project. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke in favor of the revised approach, clarifying that it is looking for the amount of work to be done at a set cost rather than a set amount of work. City Manager Pamela Reece explained that this approach is more like a proposal instead of a set bid.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz reminded everyone that the issue tonight is whether to reject the bid, noting that any future actions will come back to Council for approval.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz motioned to Call the Question.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated he had a Point of Question.
Mayor Koos called Councilmember Stan Nord Out of Order for continuing to ask questions after the vote.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. PRESENTATION BY JAMIE WILKEY, PARTNER AT LAUTERBACH & AMEN CPA FIRM, ON THE TOWN’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDIT REPORT
Director of Finance Andrew Huhn introduced Jamie Wilkey, Partner at Lauterbach & Amen CPA Firm, who presented results of the Town’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit.
The presentation reviewed the audit’s two primary goals: issuing an unmodified opinion indicating that the financial statements as presented are materially correct and assessing the internal control environment. Ms. Jaime Wilkey further discussed the statistical section, management letter and the single audit report for Federal Grant awards.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked questions as to what issues prompted the inclusion of lease standards in the management letter. Ms. Jaime Wilkey responded. Ms. Smith asked for clarification as to how many years the Town has received the Certificate of Excellence in reporting. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn said the Town has received this award for nearly 30 years.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on the use of Enterprise Funds. Ms. Jaime Wilkey responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy issued a Point of Order.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked questions about appropriate allocation of transportation related taxes as well as Township Road and Bridge tax dollars. Ms. Jaime Wilkey responded. Mr. Nord inquired about the significance of the award given to the Town.
City Manager Pamela Reece thanked the Lauderbach and Amen team and the Finance department for their efforts during the audit process. Ms. Reece gave a brief overview of the Township Road and Bridge tax and funding allocation, noting that a particular audit review can be done.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy commended staff for its outstanding record of financial transparency and accuracy.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification as to why there is no clear transfer of Township Road and Bridge taxes into the Roadway fund. City Manager Pamela Reece clarified spending and allocation procedures.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy motioned to Call the Question. Mayor Koos explained there is no Question to Call but agreed to get the Council back on topic to discuss the audit and not the Roadway fund.
Councilmember Karyn Smith summarized the audit firm’s work, explaining their job was to test internal controls and rely on transaction reports to ensure that transactions were recorded in accordance with government accounting principles.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz provided an explanation of the conversation to students in the audience.
8. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE AUDITED TOWN OF NORMAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS FROM THE TOWN’S AUDITORS, LAUTERBACH AND AMEN, LLP FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2022: Resolution No. 6040
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept the Audited Town of Normal Financial Statements and Report on Internal Controls from the Town’s Auditors, Lauterbach and Amen, LLP for the Year Ended March 31, 2022.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
9. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE FEDERAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2022: Resolution No. 6041
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept the Federal Compliance Audit for the Year Ended March 31, 2022.
AYES: McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
10. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE EMPLOYEE GROUP HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE/AD&D, AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6042
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of the Employee Group Health, Dental, Life/AD&D, and Medicare Advantage Insurance Program.
AYES: Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item, highlighting that this year’s renewal is more favorable.
Director of Human Resources Jenny Keigher thanked the Horton Group for their efforts this year and expressed confidence that the Town will be able to rebuild the health fund.
Mike Wojcik, Senior Vice President of the Horton Group noted that the Town is in a better position this year due to the market being more predictable.
11. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PREPARATION OF THE 2022 PROPERTY TAX LEVY ORDINANCE
MOTION TO CALL THE QUESTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Motion to Call the Question.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
MOTION TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Motion to Amend the Amendment by reducing the $200,000 amount to $100,000.
AYES: Preston, Nord.
NAYS: Smith, Harris, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
Motion declared failed.
MOTION TO AMEND:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Motion to Amend the Motion by reducing the current Property Tax Levy by $200,000.
AYES: Preston, Nord.
NAYS: Harris, McCarthy, Lorenz, Smith, Koos.
Motion declared failed.
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Authorize the Preparation of the 2022 Property Tax Levy Ordinance.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item, noting that tonight is about asking Council for permission to prepare the levy, which is proposed to be the same dollar amount as last year. Ms. Reece stated that the property tax levy is used primarily to fund retirement and pension costs and the Normal Public Library.
Director of Finance Andrew Huhn explained that by keeping the levy the same as last year while the equalized assessed value (EAV) increases will allow the rate to drop accordingly.
Councilmember Karyn Smith provided clarification on what happens when the Town keeps the levy the same. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy expressed his support for the proposed levy noting that this means progress is being made on pension funding.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if there are any statutory limitations to use the General Fund to fund pensions. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Nord questioned why the property tax rate couldn’t be reduced when the Town ended the past year with a surplus.
City Manager Pamela Reece explained that Council could lower the property tax rate but doing so introduces unknown risks to the General Fund, which is more vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Ms. Reece noted the end of year surplus went towards paying off debt, pension funding and road projects.
Councilmember Stan Nord stated that he would like to have money transferred from the General Fund to further reduce the tax levy.
Mayor Koos encouraged Councilmember Nord to reach out to fellow Councilmembers to discuss the issue.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy issued a Point of Order.
Councilmember Karyn Smith stated there are reasons why the Town feels it can maintain the property tax levy and stated that she believes it is not prudent to rely on other revenue sources to fill gaps.
Councilmember Chemberly Harris questioned what the future years would look like for pension funding and the General Fund if the property tax rate was lowered. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston addressed how the process works, explaining that it is a State of Illinois mandate that all municipalities’ police and fire pensions are at least 90 percent funded by 2040 and that funding public safety pension systems is good policy and makes fiscal sense. Councilmember Scott Preston then addressed previous comments
made by Mr. Nord regarding the lowering of the property tax rate and total levy.
Councilmember Stan Nord Motioned to Amend the proposed Motion by reducing the property tax levy by $200,000 out of the General Fund from the proposed levy amount.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned Mr. Nord on why he chose that dollar amount. Councilmember Stan Nord explained that it was just a number he chose, but he believes it should be significant.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz explained that she does not believe it is good policy to pick a random number because it can have a ripple effect and possibly change how bond rating agencies view the Town. Ms. Lorenz emphasized that the Town is keeping its expenses steady despite inflation and pension funding obligations.
Councilmember Karyn Smith clarified the uses of contingency funds and stated that she does not believe it is prudent to proceed with the suggested amount because there is no basis or support for how it was chosen.
Councilmember Stan Nord Motioned to Amend his previous Amendment to the proposed Motion by reducing the property tax levy by $200,000 out of the General Fund from the proposed levy amount to an Amended reduction of $100,000 out of the General Fund.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy motioned to Call the Question.
NEW BUSINESS:
12. APPROVE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR $500,000 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND ADMINSTRATIVE COST GRANT
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve Submittal of a Grant Application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for $500,000 Community Development, Violence Prevention and Administrative Cost Grant.
AYES: McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece provided a brief introduction of the item, explaining that the State of Illinois 2022-2023 budget included funds for law enforcement agencies to use for crime and violence prevention efforts. Ms. Reece added that it is a one-time grant to be used within a specific amount of time.
Police Chief Stephen Petrilli reviewed his proposal, which calls for funding four areas: technology, enhanced protective equipment, officer training and community education.
Mayor Koos expressed his support for the idea of increasing technology to help improve police work.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification about the application process. Police Chief Stephen Petrilli responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked if any of the items under consideration had already been budgeted and if use of grant dollars would offset any current expenses. Police Chief Stephen Petrilli responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned how a 3D scanner would prevent crime and suggested that the Town, Bloomington, and the County meet to coordinate purchasing so there is no redundant spending and that equipment be shared. Police Chief Petrilli responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated that any notion to reduce the Police Department budget because of this one-time grant opportunity is not an option.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy echoed Mr. Preston’s comments and expressed support for the opportunity to expand the Police Departments capability.
13. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Catherine Cannon, Normal resident, expressed concern over a drain located near Adelaide Street that has been flooding.
14. CONCERNS:
There were no Concerns.
15. 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 McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:03 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2022.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4490
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