McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met July 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, July 1, 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, 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: Councilmember Andy Byars.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Dave Bentlin, Normal Resident, spoke in support of the proposed changes to the Human Relations code.

Karla Bailey-Smith, President of ACLU Steering Committee of Central Illinois, spoke in support of the proposed changes to the Human Relations code.

Meighan Hopper, PFLAG Bloomington-Normal President, spoke in support of the proposed changes to the Human Relations code.

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 JUNE 17, 2024

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF JUNE 26, 2024

C. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO PROVANTAGE SYSTEMS FOR THE CIRCULAR BASKETBALL COURTS RESURFACING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,374: Resolution No. 6271

D. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO ROWE CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CONSTITUTION TRAIL REPAVING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,406.67: Resolution No. 6272

E. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 2024 AND OF FEBRUARY 19, 2024 AND TO RETAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THOSE MINUTES: Resolution No. 6273

F. ORDINANCE APPROVING A PARKING LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NORMAL PUBLIC LIBRARY, RUTHERFORD SUITES, LLC, AND THE TOWN OF NORMAL

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris excused herself from voting on any bills she incurred as a Councilmember.

Item F was removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Lorenz.

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

ORDINANCE APPROVING A PARKING LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NORMAL PUBLIC LIBRARY, RUTHERFORD SUITES, LLC, AND THE TOWN OF NORMAL: Ordinance No. 5986

Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Approving a Parking License Agreement Between the Normal Public Library, Rutherford Suites, LLC, and the Town of Normal.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and accessible parking for library patrons and requested details regarding the rise in the lease cost. City Manager Pamela Reece explained that annual increases in lease arrangements are typical for property owners and noted that the Normal Public Library is covering the cost. Interim Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa also provided a response.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY2023-24 OPERATING AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT BUDGET: Ordinance No. 5987

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending the FY2023-24 Operating and Capital Investment Budget.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece provided a brief overview of the item, explaining that the report reviews the finalization of the previous fiscal year's budget, including the adoption of all budget adjustments made throughout the year, and outlines the outcomes related to revenue, expenses, and the general fund and highlighted that the Town ended the year in a surplus position.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris expressed her approval of the format in which the report was presented.

8. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TOWN OF NORMAL HUMAN RELATIONS CODE: Ordinance No. 5988

MOTION:

Councilmember Lorenz moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending the Town of Normal Human Relations Code.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

9. MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENTS TO THE BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL ASAHIKAWA SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION:

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve Appointments to the Bloomington-Normal Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee and the Planning Commission.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy read the appointment of Mr. Ben Matthews to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner, Tim McCue with a term expiring on March 31, 2027. Mr. McCarthy read the appointment of Mr. Eric Stegemann to the Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee to fill the unexpired term of former Committee member Eric Sweetwood with a term expiring on March 31, 2026.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Ron Ulmar, Normal Resident, expressed his concerns about public safety issues in various areas around Town.

10. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Karyn Smith reminded everyone about holiday garbage collection and announced that self-service electronic recycling will take place this Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Public Works location. Ms. Smith also highlighted an article in the Pantagraph that outlines expanded veteran services.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz complimented the Parks and Recreation Department in recognition of Parks and Recreation Month. She also praised the landscaping around the Route 66 sign and the clean atmosphere of the park shelter.

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, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos.

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:28 p.m., Monday, July 1, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5009