McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Sept. 17.

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 16, 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: 

Jan Miller, 601 N. Main Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning of 601 ½ N.  Main Street.  

Robert Porter, Attorney representing the Fireside Condo Association, spoke in opposition  to the proposed rezoning of 601 ½ N. Main Street.  

Chris Zimmerman, Normal resident spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning of 601  ½ N. Main Street.  

Elizabeth Megli, Attorney representing the applicant of the 601 ½ N. Main Street  property, provided clarification about the property and its history  

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 3, 2024  

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES  FOR PAYMENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2024  

C. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT EASEMENTS FROM 904 AND 906  CHARLOTTE DR. FOR A DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ALONG  CONSTITUTION TRAIL: Resolution No. 6289 

D. RESOLUTION OF FINANCIAL COMMITMENT AND  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE TOWN’S SUPPORT FOR A 2024 ILLINOIS  TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (ITEP) GRANT  APPLICATION FOR A TRAIL EXTENSION INCLUDING PORTIONS OF  WEST RAAB ROAD AND NORTH PARKSIDE ROAD: Resolution No. 6290 

E. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO J.  SPENCER CONSTRUCTION, LLC., OF NORMAL, IL FOR THE “PD  LOCKER RENOVATION PROJECT” IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,037,800 AND  AUTHORIZE AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No.  6291  

F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT  WITH NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY (NSRR) FOR THE  CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF PROPOSED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS  WITH A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CROSSING ALONG W. COLLEGE  AVENUE NEAR WHITE OAK ROAD, RAILWAY MILEPOST SP-378.57  

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. 

Item F was removed from the Omnibus Vote by Councilmember Smith.  

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA: 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH  NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY (NSRR) FOR THE  CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF PROPOSED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS WITH  A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CROSSING ALONG W. COLLEGE AVENUE  NEAR WHITE OAK ROAD, RAILWAY MILEPOST SP-378.57: Resolution No. 6292  

MOTION: 

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council  Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Norfolk  Southern Railway Company (NSRR) for the Construction and Use of Proposed Railway  Improvements with a Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing along W. College Avenue near  White Oak Road, Railway Milepost SP-378.57.  

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

NAYS: None. 

COUNCIL MINUTES - 3 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024  

Motion declared carried. 

Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification on the work being done by Norfolk  Southern Railway Company. City Manager Pamela Reece explained that this is phase 2  of the West College Improvement Project, with Norfolk Southern Railway Company  performing the majority of the work within the railroad right of way.  

GENERAL ORDERS: 

7. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – 601 ½ N.  MAIN: Ordinance No. 5993  

MOTION: 

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council  Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal – 601 ½ N. Main.  

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

NAYS: None.  

Motion declared carried. 

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced the item and noted in the council packet the key  points outlining the rationale for supporting the rezoning.  

Councilmember Karyn Smith requested information regarding the limitations associated  with R-3A zoning, specifically the maximum number of stories allowed. Town Planner  Mercy Davison responded. Ms. Smith also asked about parking requirements. Town  Planner Mercy Davison responded.  

Councilmember Chemberly Harris asked for clarification on the next steps for the  applicant if no variances are requested and discussed the potential rezoning of the  adjacent property. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.  

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy asked for clarification on possible variances. Building  Commissioner Greg Troemel responded.  

Councilmember Scott Preston asked for clarification on the location of the access lot for  the property. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.  

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked about the level of engagement the residents of  601 N. Main Street have had in the process. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded.  

City Manager Pamela Reece reviewed the notification process for when a property  requests rezoning.  

Councilmember Andy Byars noted that this property has been undeveloped for a long  time. 

8. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION  PLAN FOR NN2 WH (WEST OF 100 N. RIVIAN MOTORWAY): Resolution No. 6293 

MOTION: 

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council  Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Preliminary Subdivision Plan for  NN2 WH (West of 100 N. Rivian Motorway).  

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

NAYS: None.  

Motion declared carried. 

9. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR  “THE PARK PUD” (120 MCKNIGHT): Resolution No. 6294  

MOTION: 

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council  Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Final Development Plan for “The Park  PUD” (120 McKnight).  

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

NAYS: None.  

Motion declared carried. 

Councilmember Karyn Smith confirmed that the property will still require two parking  spaces per unit. City Manager Pamela Reece responded.  

NEW BUSINESS:   

10. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE VISION 2050/SUSTAINABILITY PLAN: Resolution  No. 6295  

MOTION: 

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council  Approval of a Resolution Adopting the Vision 2050/Sustainability Plan.  

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

NAYS: None.  

Motion declared carried. 

City Manager Pamela Reece gave a brief introduction to the item and introduced  Hile Group representative Rachel Hile-Broad, Town Planner Mercy Davison, and  Steering Committee member Kent King-Nobles to present the Vision 2025/Sustainability Plan.

Hile Group representative, Rachel Hile-Broad reviewed the five guiding principles for  developing the vision plan, which are accessible, responsive, person-focused, inspiring  and actionable. 

Town Planner Mercy Davison discussed existing and future conditions of climate change  in Central Illinois, highlighting concerns such as rising temperatures, heavier rainfalls,  and the shifting plant hardiness zone  

Rachel Hile-Broad outlined the community engagement process, which included a  steering committee, interviews, surveys, and a public charrette. Ms. Hile-Broad reviewed  several priorities of the plan, which included establishing a dedicated Town of Normal  Sustainability office with supporting work groups, as well as increasing the reliability, convenience, safety and appeal of non-car transportation in Normal.  

Ms. Rachel Hile-Broad reviewed results from one of the surveys, which showed that 84%  of respondents support the Town’s investment in new sustainability practices, and 71%  believed that sustainability significantly impacts their quality of life.  

Steering Committee representative, Kent King-Nobles emphasized the importance of  prioritizing sustainability and its effects on the quality of life in the community.  

Mayor Koos stated that he believes it is critical for the community to progress to the next  generation of strategies concerning the environment, community development, and the  viability and sustainability of the community.  

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy thanked everyone for their contributions to the plan and  emphasized the importance of community engagement.  

Councilmember Chemberly Harris thanked the Steering Committee for their dedication to  the plan and highlighted the number of survey responses.  

Councilmember Andy Byars emphasized the importance of considering the future when  making decisions.  

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz discussed the climate change data and noted that the  plan was effective for establishing priorities. Ms. Lorenz asked about the vision for the  Office of Sustainability. Ms. Rachel Hile-Broad and Mr. Kent King-Nobles responded.  

Councilmember Karyn Smith shared her personal experiences regarding the community’s  progress toward sustainability.  

Councilmember Scott Preston emphasized that the decisions made today will affect  members of the community in the future.  

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

There was no Public Comment.  

11. CONCERNS:

COUNCIL MINUTES - 6 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2024  

Mayor Koos provided an update on the Mahomet Aquifer.  

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy praised the work that has been accomplished on the  stairwell rehabilitation project 

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

NAYS: None. 

Motion declared carried. 

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:16 p.m., Monday, September 16, 2024. 

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5087