McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Oct. 16.

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, October 16, 2023.

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 OCTOBER 2, 2023

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2023

C. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FOR AUDITING SERVICES BY SIKICH, LLP, CPA FIRM: Resolution No. 6179

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE EMPLOYEE GROUP HEALTH, DENTAL, LIFE/AD&D, AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE INSURANCE PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6180

E. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL OF AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH DESMAN, INC. TO PERFORM A STRUCTURAL AUDIT OF THREE TOWN-OWNED PARKING STRUCTURES IN UPTOWN NORMAL: Resolution No. 6181

F. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VEREGY, LLC. FOR ENERGY SAVING AND CAPITAL MAINTENANCE PROJECTS: Resolution No. 6182

G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SOLICIT BIDS THROUGH THE TOWN’S ENERGY BROKER FOR NATURAL GAS FOR TOWN-OWNED ACCOUNTS AND EXECUTE A NATURAL GAS SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER: Resolution No. 6183

H. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPTING QUOTES FROM ANDERSON ELECTRIC AND CUMMINS INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF A STAND-BY GENERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,200: Resolution No. 6184

I. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY REAPPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF WELDON RESERVE SUBDIVISION (BEECH STREET): Resolution No. 6185

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

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 a Councilmember.

Items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN PERSONNEL CODE (CHAPTER 18): Ordinance No. 5957

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending the Town Personnel Code (Chapter 18).

AYES: Harris, Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item stating that there hasn’t been a comprehensive update to the personnel code in a while and provided a brief overview of the proposed changes to the personnel code. The proposed changes included codifying the cost-of-living adjustments, a change in residency requirements, additional paid holidays, accelerated vacation accrual, and additional parental leave. City Manager Pamela Reece emphasized that these changes put the Town’s personnel code in line with those of other municipalities.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris expressed her support for the proposed changes, particularly emphasizing the importance of additional parental leave.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz echoed Ms. Harris’s comments regarding the progress being made in updating several policy aspects and questioned what the potential advantages and risks of relaxing the residency requirements might be. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy expressed appreciation for the policy review and emphasized the importance of effectively competing in a competitive marketplace as well as bridging the gap between the Town and other entities to help maintain our competitiveness as an employer.

Mayor Koos stated that these proposed changes will assist the Town in retaining its existing talented employees and in attracting new ones.

8. RESOLUTION APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH INTERCHANGE CITY WEST, LLC FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE UNDER THE STATE MEGASITES INVESTMENT PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6186

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving a Development Agreement with Interchange City West, LLC for the Installation of Public Infrastructure Under the State Megasites Investment Program.

AYES: Byars, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

9. NEW BUSINESS:

There was no New Business.

10. PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Ron Ulmer, Normal resident, shared his concerns regarding pedestrian safety, obstructed street signs and storm sewer fencing.

11. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Karyn Smith mentioned that official trick-or-treating will take place on October 31st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and noted that households who wish to participate should leave their lights on. Ms. Smith also highlighted the Normal Theater’s Halloween themed holiday movies.

Councilmember Scott Preston congratulated Illinois State University on another successful homecoming weekend.

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 McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council.

AYES: Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Lorenz, Harris, Byars, Koos.

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:25 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2023.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4791