Town of Normal Town Council met Sept. 18.
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 7:02 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2023.
The Center for Civic Engagement Associate Director at Illinois State University, Harriet Steinbach, thanked the Town Council and Town staff for continuing to support the Meet and Greet event and introduced her Honor students who attended the meeting.
2. ROLL CALL:
The Clerk called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Chemberly Haris, Andy Byars and Karyn Smith, 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 SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2023
C. RESOLUTION ALLOCATING $100,000 FOR LOCAL MATCH SUPPORT OF MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION VETERANS PARKWAY CORRIDOR PROJECT FUNDED BY REBUILDING AMERICAN INFRASTRUCTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY (RAISE) GRANT FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ASSOCIATED GRANT DOCUMENTS: Resolution No. 6162
D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LICENSE AGREEMENT ADDENDUM WITH ZENCITY TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY SURVEYS: Resolution No. 6163
E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOERR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2023 MANHOLE REHABILITATION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $218,055.80: Resolution No 6164
F. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND EXECUTING A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK SAFETY FOR THE PURCHASE OF AUTOMATIC LICENSE PLATE READER DATA IN THE AMOUNT OF $357,500 TO BE BILLED $71,500 ANNUALLY:
Resolution No. 6165
G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HILE GROUP, INC FOR FACILITATION SERVICES AND CREATION OF THE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (VISION 2050) AND APPROVAL OF AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
H. RESOLUTION OF A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TOWN’S SUPPORT FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT CHIDDIX JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (300 S. WALNUT)
I. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGES TO THE ROBERT G. BONE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM
J. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE 2023 FORD F600 ONE-TON TRUCK 4 X 4 TRUCK FROM VICTORY LANE FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,938: Resolution No. 6166
K. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY REAPPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF THE THIRD ADDITION TO TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE: Resolution No. 6167
MOTION:
Councilmember Harris moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Items G and I were removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Lorenz and Item H was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith.
Items A, B, C, D, E, F, J and K were approved by Omnibus Vote.
6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HILE GROUP, INC. FOR FACILITATION SERVICES AND CREATION OF
THE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN (VISION 2050) AND APPROVAL OF AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6168
MOTION:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with the Hile Group, Inc. for Facilitation Services and Creation of the Sustainability Plan (Vision 2050) and Approval of an Associated Budget Adjustment.
AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked about the distinction between the Sustainability Plan and the Vision Plan. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded. Ms. Lorenz questioned whether the Vision plan’s primary focus will be on sustainability, requested details on the process behind the Hile Groups selection, and wanted clarification on the plan’s cost breakdown. Town Planner Mercy Davison and City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember’s Chemberly Harris requested clarification on the terminology used in the item and believes a Sustainability plan is separate from a Vision plan. Mayor Koos responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston requested clarification regarding the primary objective of the Vision plan and questioned if it’s possible to build on the existing Vision plan 2035. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
Mayor Koos stated that the plans have a 25-year outlook and are modified every five years.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy explained that sustainability served as a guide for the 2010 plan with the citizens deciding which specific areas and topics to prioritize to ensure the Town’s sustainability.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested clarification on the item being voted on. Mayor Koos responded.
RESOLUTION OF FINANCIAL COMMITMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TOWN’S SUPPORT FOR A SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT CHIDDIX JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (300 S. WALNUT): Resolution No. 6169
MOTION:
Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution of Financial Commitment and Acknowledgment of the Town’s Support for a Safe Routes to School Grant Application for Improvements at Chiddix Junior High School (300 S. Walnut).
AYES: Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith emphasized that the primary objective of the project is to improve access to Chiddix School by repairing the trails surrounding it, rather than expanding the Constitution Trail itself.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy praised staff for securing grant funding and expressed hope that these improvements will keep children active and self-sufficient in traveling to school.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANGES TO THE ROBERT G. BONE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6170
MOTION:
Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Changes to the Robert G. Bone Historic Preservation Grant Program.
AYES: Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned the timing of the criteria changes and if the changes will have an impact on the budget. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
GENERAL ORDERS:
7. PRESENTATION BY JAIMIE WILKEY, PARTNER AT LAUTERBACH & AMEN CPA FIRM, ON THE TOWN’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDIT REPORT
Director of Finance Andrew Huhn acknowledged Finance Manager Felicia Auth for her work during the audit process and introduced Letisha Trepac, the Town’s new Assistant Finance Director.
Jaime Wilkey, Partner at Lauterbach & Amen CPA Firm, provided an overview of the findings and significant points from the Town’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit. The presentation included an assessment of the independent audit report, management discussion and analysis, and a review of the statistical section.
Councilmember Karyn Smith discussed the principal property tax contributors and the broad and diverse nature of employment in Normal. Ms. Wilkey responded.
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, 2023: Resolution No. 6171
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 the Internal Controls from the Town’s Auditors, Lauterbach and Amen, LLP for the Year Ended March 31, 2023.
AYES: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
9. ORDINANCE ANNEXING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – 9.6 +/- ACRES AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF RAAB ROAD AND THE CONSTITUTION TRAIL (THE ARCHER PUD): Ordinance No. 5953
MOTION:
Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Annexing Property in the Town of Normal – 9.6 +/- Acres at the Northeast Corner of Raab Road and the Constitution Trail (The Archer PUD).
AYES: McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
10. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – 9.6 +/- ACRES AT THE CORNER OF RAAB ROAD AND THE CONSTITUTION TRAIL (THE ARCHER PUD): Ordinance No. 5954
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal – 9.6 +/- Acres at the Northeast Corner of Raab Road and the Constitution Trail (The Archer PUD).
AYES: Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
11. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ARCHER PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF RAAB ROAD AND THE CONSTITUTION TRAIL: Resolution No. 6172
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving the Archer Preliminary Planned Unit Development at the Northeast Corner of Raab Road and the Constitution Trail.
AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
12. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – 1 UNIVERSITY COURT: Ordinance No. 5955
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal – 1 University Court.
AYES: Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked about the total number of planned units for the location. City Manager Pamela Reece confirmed a total of 4 units.
Councilmember Scott Preston highlighted that the rezoning to R-3A Medium Density Multifamily zoning would allow the developer to build a total of 4 units.
13. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR AN INTEGRATED PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH PASSPORT AND MINUTEMAN (GENETEC LPR EQUIPMENT RESELLER) TO MANAGE THE TOWN’S PARKING GARAGES, NOT TO EXCEED $300,000: Resolution No. 6173
MOTION:
Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Contracts for an Integrated Parking Management System with Passport and Minuteman (Genetec LPR Equipment Reseller) to Manage the Town’s Parking Garages, Not to Exceed $300,000.
AYES: Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
City Manager Pamela Reece provided an outline of the item, stating that it applies to all three Uptown Normal parking decks and the current system will no longer be supported beyond 2024.
14. NEW BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF THE FY2022-23 FINANCIAL TREND AND CONDITION REPORT:
Director of Finance, Andrew Huhn, delivered a presentation on the Financial Trend and Condition Report. The presentation covered a review of various indicators, including community factors, revenue and expenditures, debt service, fund balances, and financial strategies.
Mayor Koos mentioned that the report reflects several positive developments within the Town.
Councilmember Karyn Smith asked about current staffing levels for the year and whether budgeted positions are being filled. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Smith asked about the expected increase in Equalized Assessed Value (EAV). Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Scott Preston requested information on pension funding and how the Town's funding compares to that of other municipalities. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy asked whether there are any significant changes expected in revenue or expenses and inquired about potential adjustments in the debt payoff program. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn and City Manager Pamela Reece responded.
Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed interest in a more detailed examination of the debt payoff plan. Ms. Lorenz discussed the decline in building permits and requested clarification about state income tax revenue. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.
15. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ron Ulmer, Normal resident, presented information and insights regarding sustainability, power consumption, and the repair of street lights.
16. CONCERNS:
Councilmember Chemberly Harris expressed her appreciation for the students who attended the Meet and Greet event. She extended congratulations to the Children’s Discovery Museum for the success of their Playla event in meeting their goal. Ms. Harris also thanked Town staff for their efforts in organizing and executing the successful Fell Park event.
Councilmember Kevin McCarthy expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet all the students who attended the Meet and Greet event.
17. 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: Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Smith, Koos.
NAYS: None.
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:42 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2023.
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4756
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