Town of Normal Town Council met April 17.
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, April 17, 2023.
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Chemberly Harris, Scott Preston, 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:
Ron Ulmer, Normal resident, expressed his concerns about the Uptown Parking Deck Lighting Project, and suggested not having the lights on throughout the day.
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 APRIL 3, 2023
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF APRIL 12, 2023
C. AN ORDINANCE RESERVING VOLUME CAP IN CONNECTION WITH PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND ISSUES AND RELATED MATTER: Ordinance No. 5941
D. MOTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH CORE CONSTRUCTION FOR DESIGN BUILD OF FIRE STATION #2
E. RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID AND APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH PJ HOERR, INC FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF WELL #17: Resolution No. 6083
F. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CELL ELECTRIC OF BLOOMINGTON, IL FOR THE “TOWN OF NORMAL PARKING DECK RELIGHTING UPGRADES” CAPITAL MAINTENANCE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $476,220 TO UPGRADE LIGHTING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT LED TYPE FIXTURES IN THE COLLEGE AVENUE AND BEAUFORT STREET PARKING DECKS
G. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A TRIMBLE FORENSICS X7 SCANNING SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,836 FROM SEILER GEOSPATIAL WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) GRANT FUNDS: Resolution No. 6084
H. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A QUOTE AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF POINT BLANK OMEGA HARD BODY ARMOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,961 FROM RAY O’HERRON WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) GRANT FUNDS: Resolution No. 6085
I. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPTING A QUOTE AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO MPS COMMANDER 3400 MOBILE SURVEILLANCE TRAILER SYSTEMS FOR $164,974 FROM MOBILE PRO SYSTEMS WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) GRANT FUNDS: Resolution No. 6086
J. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A DIAMOND OFFICE 22RE RAPID RESPONSE TRAILER FOR $43,660 FROM DIAMOND
SPECIALTY VEHICLE WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) GRANT FUNDS: Resolution No. 6087
K. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A DJI MATRICE M30T TETHERED DRONE SYSTEM FOR $34,374 FROM ADORAMA WITH DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) GRANT FUNDS: Resolution No. 6088
L. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND APPROVING THE ACQUISITION OF FURNITURE FROM WIDMER INTERIORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,774.49 THROUGH THE OMNIA JOINT PURCHASING PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6089
M. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF AN AERIAL LIFT BUCKET TRUCK FOR PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S FORESTRY OPERATIONS FROM DREAK-SCRUGGS EQUIPMENT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $198,577.80 AND AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6090
N. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO AMUSEMENT RESTORATION COMPANIES, LLC FOR THE WATER SLIDE RENOVATION PROJECT AT THE ANDERSON AQUATIC CENTER AND THE FAIRVIEW FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $192,000:
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.
Item D was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Lorenz, Item F was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Nord and Item N was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith.
Items A, B, C, E, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M were approved by Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
MOTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH CORE CONSTRUCTION FOR DESIGN-BUILD OF FIRE STATION #2
MOTION:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Motion Authorizing Staff to Negotiate a Contract for Professional Services with CORE Construction for Design-Build of Fire Station #2.
AYES: Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz encouraged staff to look at ways to include neighbors in the planning process, highlighting recent successful land developments in which the developer engaged residents in conversation throughout the process.
Councilmember Karyn Smith requested that City Manager Pamela Reece provide an overview of the project’s budget and financing. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CELL ELECTRIC OF BLOOMINGTON, IL FOR THE “TOWN OF NORMAL PARKING DECK RELIGHTING UPGRADES” CAPITAL MAINTENANCE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $476,220 TO UPGRADE LIGHTING TO ENERGY EFFICIENT LED TYPE FIXTURES IN THE COLLEGE AVENUE AND BEAUFORT STREET PARKING DECKS: Resolution No. 6091
MOTION:
Councilmember Nord moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept Bids and Authorize Staff to Execute a Contract with Cell Electric of Bloomington, IL for the “Town of Normal Parking Deck Relighting Upgrades” Capital Maintenance Project in the Amount of $476,220 to Upgrade Lighting to Energy Efficient LED Type Fixtures in the College Avenue and Beaufort Street Parking Decks.
AYES: Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned whether the new lights would be on during the day or if they will have a daylight sensor. Director of Facilities and Energy Management Mark Clinch responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification about the parking decks continual lighting. Director of Facilities and Energy Management Mark Clinch responded.
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO AMUSEMENT RESTORATION COMPANIES, LLC FOR THE WATER SLIDE RENOVATION PROJECT AT THE ANDERSON AQUATIC CENTER AND THE FAIRVIEW FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $192,000: Resolution No. 6092
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to Amusement Restoration Companies, LLC for the Water Slide Renovation Project at the Anderson Aquatic Center and the Fairview Family Aquatic Center in the Amount of $192,000.
AYES: Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification about the projects timeline and whether the pools would be open this season. City Manager Pamela Reece stated that the work will begin once the pools close in the fall.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL (WELDON RESERVE SUBDIVISION): Ordinance No. 5942
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal (Weldon Reserve Subdivision).
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN FOR WELDON RESERVE SUBDIVISION: Resolution No. 6093
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Weldon Reserve Subdivision.
AYES: McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
9. AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY OWNED BY ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY IN TH TOWN OF NORMAL (402 W. LOCUST, 701 N. MAIN, 715 W. RAAB, 755 W. RAAB): Ordinance No. 5943
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property Owned by Illinois State University in the Town of Normal (402 W. Locust, 701 N. Main, 709 N. Main, 715 W. Raab, 755 W. Raab).
AYES: Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Stan Nord questioned if the approval of this item would affect the pending special use application for a dispensary near the Raab properties. City Manager Pamela Reece and Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.
10. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING AN AMENDED SITE PLAN (100 N. RIVIAN MOTORWAY): Resolution No. 6094
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving an Amended Site Plan (100 N. Rivian Motorway).
AYES: Nord, Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
11. PRESENTATION BY CONNECT TRANSIT:
City Manager Pamela Reece introduced Ryan Whitehouse, Chairman of Connect Transit Board, and Connect Transit General Manager, David Braun.
The presentation provided an overview of Connect Transit’s FY 2024 budget, including information on staffing growth, a review of services offered, and how ridership has performed for these services. Also presented was information on the cost drivers, which look at service hours and miles to help determine labor and maintenance expenses. Also shared were some positive changes that have helped cut costs, as well as different challenges they are facing. Mr. Braun concluded the presentation by discussing the history of local operating share, future anticipated capital projects, and Connect Transit’s local proposal.
Councilmember Karyn Smith thanked the volunteer Board members for their time and for expanding the Connect Mobility route. Ms. Smith inquired as to how the Redbird Express route schedule, which mostly serves ISU students, is determined. Mr. David Braun responded that Redbird Express buses are mainly run under the direction of ISU.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned whether any costs for the Connect Mobility services have been recovered through Medicaid. Mr. David Braun responded. Ms. Lorenz requested a brief update on the Better Bus Stops project. Mr. Ryan Whitehouse answered that they are in the process of identifying which bus stops should be prioritized based on need and route evaluation.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke positively about the One Fare for All program and applauded Connect Transit for referencing citizen feedback when making any modifications. Mr. McCarthy clarified that funding from Bloomington and Normal accounts for less than 8 percent of Connect Transit’s total budget. Mr. David Braun responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston asked whether ISU is the primary driver of fixed route performance. Mr. David Braun responded. Mr. Preston asked questions regarding micro transit vehicles and whether there would be future engagement with Rivian for vehicle production. Mr. David Braun responded. Mr. Preston commended Connect Transit’s ability to bring in grant dollars.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked for clarification on grant funding for electric buses and whether it includes a stipend to cover the additional annual expense increase. Mr. David Braun responded. Mr. Nord questioned the routes for the micro-transit services and if services will be restored to trailer parks that previously had this. Mr. David Braun stated that a study is being conducted to establish the location of the micro transit zones.
Councilmember Stan Nord asked about the status of the new Intergovernmental Agreement with Bloomington, Connect Transit and Normal. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
City Manager Pamela Reece thanked Connect Transit for their partnership and willingness to adapt routes and highlighted the opportunity to wrap buses to promote Parks and Recreation, Cultural Arts, and the Normal Public Library.
Councilmember Stan Nord emphasized the importance of contacting Connect Transit when new developments occur.
12. MOTION TO APPROVE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION:
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve an Appointment to the Planning Commission.
AYES: Smith, Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Nord, Koos.
NAYS: Lorenz.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy read aloud the appointment of Brad Ropp to the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Stan Nord inquired if the public had been notified prior to tonight’s meeting and expressed his concern with the process rather than the individuals being appointed.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy responded to Mr. Nord’s comments on a previous Planning Commission meeting, stating that he mischaracterized the situation.
Councilmember Scott Preston requested an overview of the process for joining the various Boards and Commissions. Mayor Koos responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed her concerns about the appointee’s involvement in real estate and believes this could create a conflict of interest. Mayor Koos responded.
Councilmember Karyn Smith noted that all Boards and Commission members serve as volunteers and don’t get compensated for the time they serve.
Councilmember Scott Preston suggested that staff ensure that all Board and Commission members understand their positions and that they review the boundaries that could result in a conflict of interest. Mayor Koos responded.
Councilmember Stan Nord reiterated that appointees should be made known to Council ahead of time so that they can ask these questions in private rather than in public.
13. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Eric Sweetwood, Normal resident, commended Council for all the great work they have done.
14. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Karyn Smith mentioned that the SOAR summer catalog is now available, and registration will open the first week of May.
Councilmember Stan Nord encouraged the Council to continue to represent all members of the community.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy congratulated the Normal Public Library for receiving the 2023 Community Partner Award.
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 Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Harris, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Nord, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:22 p.m.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4637
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