Town of Normal Town Council met May 1.
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, May 1, 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, Andy Byars, 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:
Amy Masters, Normal Resident, voiced her concerns over the proposed special use permit for High Haven.
Jeremy Masters, Normal Resident, voiced his concerns over the proposed location of High Haven.
Bob Waller, owner of Shining Star Learning Center, expressed concern about the proposed Revolution dispensary’s proximity to his childcare center.
Marsha Hirst, Normal Resident, voiced her concerns about Revolution’s proposed location, specifically traffic and parking safety, as well as compatibility with surrounding businesses.
Jeff Fritzen, Normal Resident, discussed the aspects of a special use permit and the health effects of cannabis.
Andrew Feucht, Normal Resident, expressed his concerns about the proposed location of High Haven and believes that the proposed changes to the plan will not address the genuine concerns raised by citizens.
Jim Simeone, spoke in support of granting High Haven a special use permit as well as responsible cannabis use.
Craig Stimpert, spoke out against the expansion of cannabis dispensaries in the Town of Normal.
Mark Steinmetz, Illinois Health and Wellness owner, argued in favor of granting Revolution a special use permit, pointing out that dispensaries have helped reduce crime as well as teen cannabis usage.
Darin Leman, Normal business owner, raised concern about the impact on surrounding businesses near the proposed location of High Haven.
David Hirst, expressed his concerns about the proposed Revolution dispensary location, specifically about traffic safety.
Mayor Koos called attention to the passing of former Normal Town Council Member Parker Lawlis and asked to observe a moment of silence.
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 17, 2023
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF APRIL 26, 2023
C. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH T2 SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,988.50:
Resolution No. 6095
D. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO STARK EXCAVATING, INC. FOR THE 2023 SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE AND STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $424,750
E. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO 2023 FOR F550 ONE TON 4X4 TRUCKS FROM BOB RIDINGS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,526: Resolution No. 6096
F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BY ITS AGENT, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DARIN LAHOOD: Resolution No. 6097
G. MOTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE 2023 BEECH STREET PAVEMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Chemberly Harris excused herself from voting on any bills that she incurred as Councilmember.
Item D was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith and Item G was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Preston.
Items A, B, C, E and F were approved by Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO STARK EXCAVATING, INC. FOR THE 2023 SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE AND STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $424,750: Resolution No. 6098
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept Bids and Award a Contract to Stark Excavating, Inc. for the 2023 Sump Pump Discharge and Storm Sewer Improvements Project in the Amount of $424,750.
AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked about the concerns that the sump pump discharge program aims to address. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Smith inquired about the program’s cost to the homeowner. Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto stated that the homeowner is typically responsible for running the connection from the house to the new pipe installed by the Town.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked how residents are informed about this program. Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto responded.
MOTION TO REJECT BIDS FOR THE 2023 BEECH STREET PAVEMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECT:
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Motion to Reject Bids for the 2023 Beech Street Pavement Replacement Project.
AYES: Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated that this is the second time this item has been presented to Council for bid rejection and requested clarification on why bids continue to be submitted over-estimate despite adjustments to the scope of work and timeline. Mr. Preston also questioned the difference between the original work requested and the resurfacing work that will now be done. Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto reviewed the changes made to the Bid specifications and explained that Town staff will now handle patching and repaving in this area due to the over-estimated bids received.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. ORDINANCE CONDITIONALLY GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR AN OUTDOOR KENNEL AT 1824 W. HOVEY (WISHBONE)
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Conditionally Granting a Special Use Permit for an Outdoor Kennel at 1824 W. Hovey (Wishbone).
AYES: Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
8. ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR ADULT-USE CANNABIS AT 106 MALL DRIVE (HIGH HAVEN)
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for Adult-Use Cannabis at 106 Mall Drive (High Haven).
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed her concerns about the Town’s current ordinance that regulates Adult-Use cannabis facilities, specifically that there is no cap on the number of dispensaries permitted in the Town. Ms. Lorenz also asked as to what changes had occurred at the state level in terms of license issuance that could have increased the number of applications.
City Manager Pamela Reece noted that a work session in June will review the concerns raised regarding the current ordinance and what the Council would like to see moving forward. Ms. Reece stated that the two items on the agenda pertain to the current regulations in place for special use permits, and that the Town is not in a position to deny or require someone to withhold submission of an application. Ms. Reece referred to Corporation Counsel Brian Day to review the changes made at the state level.
Councilmember Andy Byars agreed that there is a strong need to look at long-term traffic and parking solutions in the area, but noted that the applicant has addressed these issues, and that these solutions would not come from any other business that was not a special use permit. Mr. Byars stated that regardless of the type of business presented to Council, the applicant has met the current requirements.
Councilmember Karyn Smith stated that Council is responsible for enforcing the current ordinance and requested clarification on the special use permit requirements for suspending the resubmission of an application for one year. Corporation Counsel Brian Day provided clarification on the refiling period for special use permits. Ms. Smith noted the applicant has taken many measures to address concerns raised by the community.
Councilmember Scott Preston reiterated that the decision on whether recreational marijuana is legal in Illinois has already been made at the state level. Mr. Preston cited a section of the zoning code’s refiling period clause, and asked if the applicant should have been able to refile an application. Corporation Counsel Brian Day explained that there are restrictions on resubmitting the same application, and in this case, a new application was submitted with significant changes.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy thanked the community for their input and echoed comments that the application met the code requirements, and these rules must be applied fairly to all business types.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz emphasized the importance of having the ordinance reviewed as well as expediting efforts to improve traffic in the area.
Councilmember Scott Preston stated again that the application meets the requirements of the special use permit and that they are not in violation of refiling.
9. ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR ADULT-USE CANNABIS AT 1609 NORTHBROOK (REVOLUTION)
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for Adult-Use Cannabis at 1609 Northbrook (Revolution).
AYES: McCarthy, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: Lorenz, Preston.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed her concerns over parking spaces and the facility’s only point of access and exit, arguing that this application does not meet the special use permit requirements.
Councilmember Scott Preston questioned as to why the Zoning Board denied this application twice. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Mr. Preston echoed Ms. Lorenz’s concerns about parking.
Building Commissioner Greg Troemel discussed the parking requirements for multi tenant properties.
Councilmember Karyn Smith emphasized the dispensary’s online order taking process as a means of controlling the flow of customers.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated that she believes this business will have a negative impact on the neighboring businesses and residential area.
Sean Williams of Revolution Global stated that they estimate 200 to 250 customers per day and that their online ordering system allows them to manage pickup times to help control traffic.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was no Public Comment.
11. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Scott Preston acknowledged and congratulated fellow Councilmembers on being sworn in tonight.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz commended Community Development Specialist Jennifer Toney and her efforts during the Fair Housing Affair Event.
Councilmember Karyn Smith praised Bloomington-Normal and MarcFirst for their ongoing efforts to care for and welcome individuals who cannot advocate for themselves.
Councilmember Andy Byars expressed gratitude to the people of Normal for electing him as one of their representatives.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy congratulated Ms. Smith and Ms. Lorenz on their re elections, as well as Mr. Byars on his election to Council.
Mayor Koos emphasized the high voter turnout in the most recent local election and urged the community to stay involved.
12. 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 Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.
AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:01 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2023.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4656
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