McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Sept. 3.

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 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, 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 Chief Deputy Clerk Tierra Shickel.

ABSENT: Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Craig Stimpert, Normal resident spoke out against the proposed Ordinance imposing a 1% grocery tax.

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 AUGUST 19, 2024

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF AUGUST 28, 2024

C. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH WESTERN SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS FOR PARKING GARAGE MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $178,762

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FUNDING OF CONNECT TRANSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 FOR FY2026-27 FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS: Resolution No. 6285

E. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT WITH LUCI CREATIVE FOR SCHEMATIC DESIGN PLANS FOR THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM’S SECOND FLOOR AS PART OF THE ESTABLISHED EXHIBITS MASTER PLAN IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $215,215: Resolution No. 6286

F. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL FROM BROTCKE WELL AND PUMP FOR DRILLING TEST WELLS AT UP TO FOUR LOCATIONS: Resolution No. 6287

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith 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.

Item C was removed from the Omnibus Vote by Council Smith.

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH WESTERN SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS FOR PARKING GARAGE MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $178,762: Resolution No. 6288

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Western Specialty Contractors for Parking Garage Maintenance Services in the Amount of $178,762.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned whether all the parking garages will be worked on simultaneously or if the construction would be staggered. City Manager Pamela Reece responded that the work in the three parking garages will be completed one deck at a time.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. MOTION TO INITIATE A COMPREHENSIVE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO ALL SECTIONS OF THE ZONING CODE

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Initiate a Comprehensive Zoning Text Amendment Pertaining to All Sections of the Zoning Code.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece provided a brief introduction to the item, explaining that it is the first step in revising the zoning code and would begin the process of submitting the proposed zoning text amendment to the Planning Commission. Ms. Reece noted that the zoning code is extensive and that more significant changes would be brought to the Council for discussion before presenting any zoning text amendments. Ms. Reece introduced Town Planner Mercy Davison and Building Commissioner Greg Troemel to provide a summary of the proposed text amendments.

Town Planner Mercy Davison explained that the transition to the user-friendly online platform, Municode, presented an ideal opportunity to ensure the provisions of the zoning code are in solid condition. Ms. Davison stated that one of the goals was to clarify, modernize, and simplify the code. Ms. Davison clarified that the proposed text amendments do not involve any major policy changes.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz clarified that more significant changes would be presented to the Council before going to the Planning Commission. City Manager Pamela Reece responded. Ms. Lorenz asked questions about housing density modifications. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.

Councilmember Karyn Smith requested that when changes are brought back to the Council, they be clearly identified, and she also asked for a copy of the current code. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.

Building Commissioner Greg Troemel stated that this has been a long process and recognized Interim Corporation Council Jason Querciagrossa and Associate Planner Tessa Ferraro for their hard work. Mr. Troemel stated that the proposed changes are ultimately aimed at making the code more user-friendly.

NEW BUSINESS:

8. ORDINANCE TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF CERTAIN ITEMS CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO THE STATE’S GROCERY TAX BY ENACTING A 1% TAX UNDER ILLINOIS’ MUNICIPAL GROCERY OCCUPATION TAX LAW TO BE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026: Ordinance No. 5992

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance to Maintain the Revenue from the Sale of Certain Items Subject to the State’s Grocery Tax by Enacting a 1% Tax under Illinois’ Municipal Grocery Occupation Tax Law to be Effective January 2026.

AYES: Smith, McCarthy, Harris, Koos.

NAYS: Preston, Lorenz, Byars.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece provided a brief overview of the item, noting that Governor Pritzker has eliminated the grocery tax at the state level, effective January 2026. Ms. Reece explained that since January 2026 is part of the next fiscal year, staff needs to determine the impact on the budget to ensure it includes current revenue projections.

Director of Finance Andrew Huhn provided a brief presentation on the history of the state-imposed 1% grocery tax, which is currently estimated to generate $2.3 million annually for the Town. City Manager Pamela Reece clarified that, since the Town operates on a 5-year budget cycle, this amount would total approximately $11 million over the course of the budget plan.

The presentation outlined staff's recommendations to approve the proposed ordinance to retain the grocery tax. These recommendations included preserving the Town’s current annual revenue stream, supporting ongoing Community Investment, and maintaining diversified revenue sources. Mr. Huhn also discussed potential expense reductions and alternative revenue increases if the proposed ordinance did not pass.

City Manager Pamela Reece explained that the proposed revenue stream is allocated directly into the general fund, which supports the majority of the Town’s operations. Ms. Reece stated that the grocery tax only applies to specific types of grocery items.

Councilmember Karyn Smith questioned whether the Town is forecasting any revenue increases from cannabis dispensaries. Director of Finance Andrew Huhn responded.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris stated that low-income residents using SNAP would not be affected by the tax. Ms. Harris said that maintaining the tax allows the Town to continue meeting pension obligations and debt reduction goals.

Councilmember Andy Byars noted that the Town’s budget had increased by $30 million over the past two years. He mentioned that while the Town is currently in a strong financial position, many people in the community are not. Mr. Byars also stated that Bloomington would not be imposing the tax, Normal residents might choose to shop in Bloomington to avoid it.

Councilmember Scott Preston echoed comments made by Councilmember Andy Byars, adding that since the State had already eliminated the tax, maintaining the current position in Normal could offer relief to residents amid rising living costs.

Councilmember Karyn Smith stated that without this revenue stream, there could be eliminations of capital projects as well as staffing cuts in departments.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz argued against the continuation of the tax, emphasizing the current cost of living challenges faced by households.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy said that the cost to operate the Town continues to increase. Mr. McCarthy also noted that previous budget cuts had resulted in reductions to programs and job losses.

City Manager Pamela Reece said that the purpose of the conversation was to explain to the Council why staff believed the continuation of the revenue stream was significant and important to the Town’s budget.

Director of Finance Andrew Huhn clarified that their goal is not to avoid cutting expenses but to avoid cutting services to the community.

Mayor Koos stated that the priority remains to continue providing the services that the community wants.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz stated that she would have liked a multi-scenario analysis instead being presented with only one alternative.

Councilmember Karyn Smith outlined the potential implications if the Town does not continue to collect the tax.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris noted that eliminating the tax now may have long term implications.

Councilmember Andy Byars argued that the grocery tax would affect the middle class.

9. MOTION TO APPROVE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION.

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve an Appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy read allowed the appointment of Mr. Quentin Rabideau to the Historic Preservation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Ann Matter that will expire March 31, 2027.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Caroline McLeese, Normal resident addressed safety concerns about reckless driving in her neighborhood.

Melanie Shellito, Normal resident discussed the proposed zoning code amendments and her concerns about the increase in short-term rentals.

Juergen Schroeer, Normal resident expressed his concerns with short-term rentals in the community.

Meredith Schroeer, Normal resident expressed her concerns with short-term rentals in the community.

Carol Weisheit, Normal resident expressed her concerns with short-term rentals in the community.

10. CONCERNS:

Mayor Koos expressed his gratitude to fellow Councilmembers and the discussions that occurred tonight.

Councilmember Scott Preston recommended that staff address the safety issues raised by public commentor, Caroline McLeese.

Councilmember Karyn Smith reminded residents about garbage collection.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz emphasized the need of evaluating the zoning text amendments pertaining to short-term rentals.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris mentioned that the Children’s Discovery Museum event, Playla, will be held on Saturday.

Councilmember Andy Byars said that he would like to look at moving general public comment to the beginning of the Council meetings.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy thanked public commentors for taking the time to share their concerns.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:46 p.m., Monday, September 3, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5065