McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Oct. 21.

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 21, 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, 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: Councilmember Andy Byars.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Elizabeth Austin, Normal Resident, spoke in support of short-term rentals in the community.

4. PUBLIC SAFETY DISCUSSION:

Director of Communications Cathy Oloffson and representatives from ZenCity Katelyn Weber and Traci Levin reviewed the Community Survey results.

During the discussion, Councilmembers raised questions and shared comments regarding participants' computer access, the overall response methodology used, the percentage of the population represented by the sample size, how the survey questions are formulated, and potential opportunities for collaboration with other similar municipalities.

5. SHORT-TERM RENTALS DISCUSSION:

City Manager Pamela Reece introduced Building Commissioner Greg Troemel, Town Planner Mercy Davison and Associate Planner Tessa Ferrero who gave a presentation on short-term rentals (STRs). Reece clarified that the purpose of tonight’s discussion is not to make any decisions, but rather to seek direction from the Council for staff.

Davison reviewed the current number of STRs in the Town, their location within the zoning districts, the issues associated with STRs, and the Town’s current regulations. Davison presented a summary of staff recommendations aimed at addressing the current challenges related to STRs.

During the discussion, Councilmembers raised questions and expressed concerns regarding short-term rentals, including issues such as community safety, tenant occupancy, non-compliance with STR registration and tax payment, and their impact on affordable housing.

Additionally, Councilmembers discussed the potential separation distances, the enforcement authority of homeowner associations (HOAs) within neighborhoods, and the resources required to enforce current regulations.

As the Council concluded their discussion, they considered possible solutions to the current issues, such as creating special use permits for STRs, establishing or enforcement of occupancy limits or requirements for certain zoned properties, imposing higher fines for non-compliance, prohibiting STRs in certain zoning districts, and the possibility of implementing a moratorium on new STRs.

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, Harris, Smith, Preston, McCarthy, Koos

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Work Session of the Normal Town Council at 7:01 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5116