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 Work Session of the Normal Town Council to Order at 5:31 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Chemberly Harris, Scott Preston, Karyn Smith, Andy Byars, and Kathleen Lorenz, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Jenny Keigher, Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

ABSENT: None.

Councilmember Scott Preston arrived at 5:35 p.m.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

4. PUBLIC SAFETY DISCUSSION:

Reece introduced Chief of Police Steve Petrilli.

Petrilli reviewed recent incidents in the community, discussing crowd dynamics and de escalation tactics commonly available to police officers. Petrilli also discussed recent outreach to impacted neighborhoods and businesses.

Reece reviewed several small-scale incidents that had previously taken place in local parks. Reece noted that bringing stakeholders together to develop strategies to deal with these incidents is key to public safety, which is the most important thing.

Querciagrossa reviewed several items for consideration to assist in dealing with nuisance and mass gatherings, noting that staff would like regulatory recommendations from Council.

During discussion Councilmembers took time to ask questions and speak about the jurisdiction of student housing, compliant behavior scenarios, use of park shelters without proper permitting, neighborhood communications, and the structure of proposed penalties.

Additionally, Councilmembers discussed police professionalism and response, the ability to obtain earlier intelligence on promoters of the large gatherings, enforcement and fee structure of ordinance violations, the legal process to administer and collect ordinance violation fees, and the use of social media as evidence.

As Council wrapped up their discussion they spoke about the proposals affect on first amendment rights or protests, how local businesses may be able to recoup damages, and the possibility of imposing an even higher fee structure then what was proposed.

Reece addressed youth sporting events, the importance of partnering with its organizers, and the possibility of establishing a code of conduct for future events. Reece noted these issues would have to be addressed with a variety of stakeholders for possible solutions.

In closing, Koos noted the community has reached a tipping point, noting that the Town has to be careful determining how to move forward. Koos stated that stakeholders will be critical in assisting with our ability to be proactive and take strong action against these types of incidents.

5. ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Koos called for a Motion to Adjourn the Work Session of the Normal Town Council.

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Motion to Adjourn the Work Session of the Normal Town Council.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Work Session of the Normal Town Council at 7:09 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5097