McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met May 6.

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 7:04 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2024.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Andy Byars, Chemberly Harris, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day, Interim Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, 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 APRIL 15, 2024

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF MAY 1, 2024

C. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO FREEHILL ASPHALT, INC. FOR THE 2024 CRACK AND JOINT FILLING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,228: Resolution No. 6245

D. RESOLUTION APPROVING A PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AT 311 S. VETERANS PARKWAY (RAISING CANE’S): Resolution No. 6246

E. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH DONELSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC, FOR A PILOT PROJECT APPLICATION OF PRESSUREPAVE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $373,873.05

F. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO TWIN CITY ELECTRIC INC. FOR THE CONSTITUTION TRAIL LIGHTING PROJECT AT THE CONNIE LINK AMPHITHEATRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,950: Resolution No. 6247

G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANNUAL SUPPORT OF THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)

H. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF THE TOWN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE MUNICIPAL INSURANCE COOPERATIVE AGENCY (MICA) INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR PLAN YEAR 2024-25 AND ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6248

I. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH PEARL TECHNOLOGIES LLC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNCIL CHAMBER AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT AND FIVE YEARS OF MANAGED SERVICE FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $256,017.47

J. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH BALCONES MIDWEST, LLC (D/B/A MIDWEST FIBER RECYCLING) FOR THE OPERATION OF A DROP BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM, AUTHORIZING A COST-SHARING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND MCLEAN COUNTY, AND AUTHORIZING AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

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.

Councilmembers Chemberly Harris and Kevin McCarthy excused themselves from voting on any bills they incurred as Councilmembers.

Item E was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith, Items G and I were removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Harris and Item J was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Lorenz.

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH DONELSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC, FOR A PILOT PROJECT APPLICATION OF PRESSUREPAVE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $373,873.05: Resolution No. 6249

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding Process and Authorizing a Contract with Donelson Construction Company, LLC, for a Pilot Project Application of PressurePave Pavement Preservation, in the Amount of $373,873.05.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Karyn Smith asked about the pavement preservation procedures used for this project, as well as the cost of full street repavement versus pavement preservation methods. City Manager Pamela Reece responded that this is currently in the pilot program phase, emphasizing that it is a less expensive alternative to entirely repaving streets while also extending their useful life.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned whether the pilot program refers to the pavement preservation concept or the specific technique being implemented. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ANNUAL SUPPORT OF THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC): Resolution No. 6250

MOTION:

Councilmember Harris moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Annual Support of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris addressed concerns raised by members of the minority community, who have indicated a lack of assistance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and have instead used the services given by the Minority Business Development Center. Director of the SBDC, Sarah Gliege responded and highlighted some of the actions they are taking to solve these issues.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked about the reasons for the missed grant cycle for FY 2023-24, as well as the budgeted amount. City Manager Pamela Reece and Ms. Sarah Gliege responded.

Councilmember Scott Preston requested additional outcome data to be provided beyond t the number of individuals served and meetings conducted. Director of the SBDC Sarah Gliege responded.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH PEARL TECHNOLOGIES LLC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF COUNCIL CHAMBER AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT AND FIVE YEARS OF MANAGED SERVICE FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $256,017.47: Resolution No. 6251

MOTION:

Councilmember Harris moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Pearl Technologies LLC for the Replacement of Council Chamber Audio Visual Equipment and Five Years of Managed Service for the Total Amount of $256,017.47.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris asked about the compatibility of the technology with future advancements and the duration of the technical support contract. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy requested information on the implementation process. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Scott Preston commended the I & T department for keeping the current system operational and expressed anticipation about the new technology’s potential to improve transparency.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH BALCONES MIDWEST, LLC (D/B/A MIDWEST FIBER RECYCLING) FOR THE OPERATION OF A DROP BOX RECYCLING PROGRAM, AUTHORIZING A COST-SHARING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND MCLEAN COUNTY, AND AUTHORIZING AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6252

MOTION:

Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Balcones Midwest, LLC (d/b/a Midwest Fiber Recycling) for the Operation of a Drop Box Recycling Program, Authorizing a Cost-Sharing Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Bloomington and McLean County, and Authorizing an Associated Budget Adjustment.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz requested clarification regarding the increase in cost for the program. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

GENERAL ORDERS:

There were no General Orders.

NEW BUSINESS:

7. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAIL TOBACCO SHOPS: Ordinance No. 5983

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Settlement Agreement and Approve an Associated Budget Adjustment.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item, indicating its purpose of establishing licensing requirements for retail tobacco shops. Ms. Reece noted that this proposed ordinance applies across the entire town, unlike the recently approved motion initiating a zoning text amendment, which is specific to the Uptown zoning district.

Councilmember Andy Byars requested a comparative review of other communities' tobacco shop licensing regulations. Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day responded.

Councilmember Scott Preston asked for clarification regarding which businesses would be required to obtain this license. Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day and City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy stated that the proposed ordinance is in line with the Town’s longstanding emphasis on health and wellness. Mr. McCarthy added that the requirements could help in reducing minors’ exposure to tobacco products.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz questioned if approving this item would negate a possible zoning change. Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day and City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Lorenz stated that the proposed license requirements appear to be consistent with other licenses issued by the Town.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned whether existing tobacco shops would be required to pay the licensing fee annually. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.

Councilmember Andy Byars expressed his support for the proposed licensing requirements, emphasizing a preference for not imposing additional regulations.

8. PRESENTATION BY MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION:

McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) Executive Director Reymond Lai and Community Planner Mark Adams delivered a presentation addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Normal and neighboring communities. The presentation outlined the plan’s objective, detailed community engagement efforts, and summarized the key findings from these efforts. The presentation included data on the shortage of workforce housing, as well as an examination of factors contributing to the increase in homelessness. A series of strategic recommendations was provided to address the housing crisis, which included establishing an implementation committee, hiring a housing coordinator position, and expanding opportunities for housing development.

Councilmember Andy Byars questioned what else local governments could do to optimize funding and increase the construction productivity of new housing. Mr. Raymond Lai and Mr. Mark Adams responded.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris emphasized the need for federal involvement in addressing the housing crisis.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy asked questions about MCRPC’s role in the implementation process, strategies adopted by other communities to address the housing crisis, and the effectiveness of different types of incentives. Mr. Raymond Lai and Mr. Mark Adams responded.

Councilmember Scott Preston stated that housing issues are a shared concern in the neighboring communities.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned the types of zoning changes that might be necessary to potentially enable additional housing opportunities, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Mr. Raymond Lai responded.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz reviewed potential policy measures that the Council could implement to address the housing crisis.

Mayor Koos emphasized the significance of collaborating with neighboring communities to collectively address the current challenges surrounding the housing crisis.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Maggie Hayes, Normal resident, expressed her concerns regarding the maintenance of rental properties on Charlotte Drive.

10. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy spoke about the recent opportunity for community representatives to attend the One Voice trip in Washington D.C., during which they advocated for projects in our community.

Councilmember Scott Preston acknowledged the comments made by Ms. Maggie Hayes and extended congratulations to ISU students on their graduation the following weekend.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz expressed support for following up with Ms. Maggie Hayes and addressing the issues she raised. Ms. Lorenz also discussed the recent McLean County Chamber of Commerce event.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:08 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4964