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Town of Normal Town Council met Oct. 21

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Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos | Town of Normal

Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos | Town of Normal

Town of Normal Town Council met Oct. 21.

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 7:21 p.m., Monday, October 21, 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, Assistant City Manager Brian Day, 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:

Mayor Koos suspended the thirty-minute time limit so that all public commentators could speak.

Twenty-six members of the public attended the meeting to express their opposition to the proposed nuisance gatherings ordinance. Among those represented were the Illinois State University Student Government Association, the Central Illinois chapter of the ACLU, several other ISU students, and members of the public.

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 PUBLIC HEARING OF OCTOBER 7, 2024. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2024. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 16, 2024.

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF OCTOBER 16, 2024

C. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT WATER TREATMENT PLANT LIME BID FROM NOVEMBER 2024 THROUGH OCTOBER 2025: Resolution No. 6306

D. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE TOWN OF NORMAL DOWNTOWN/BANK OF ILLINOIS IN NORMAL REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CONCERNING PUBLIC PARKING: Resolution No. 6307

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED SITE PLAN FOR 200 GREENBRIAR (DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN): Resolution No. 6308

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Site Plan for 200 Greenbriar (Dave’s Hot Chicken).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Lorenz emphasized the need to monitor traffic and safety concerns in the area and expressed her hope that the property owner would employ a local workforce for the project.

Smith raised concerns about traffic at the intersection of Greenbriar Drive and Parkway Plaza.

8. RESOLUTION APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR 751 PINE STREET: Resolution No. 6309

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving a Site Plan for 751 Pine Street.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Smith highlighted that the site plan includes more green space than what is required by code.

9. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR LOTS 1 AND 2 OF THE NN2 WH SUBDIVISION (WEST OF RIVIAN MOTORWAY AND NORTH OF COLLEGE AVENUE EXTENDED): Resolution No. 6310

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Site Plan for Lots 1 and 2 of the NN2 WH Subdivision (West of Rivian Motorway and North of College Avenue Extended).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

10. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR LOT 3 OF THE NN2 WH SUBDIVISION (WEST OF RIVIAN MOTORWAY AND NORTH OF COLLEGE AVENUE EXTENDED): Resolution No. 6311

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Site Plan for Lot 3 of the NN2 WH Subdivision (West of Rivian Motorway and North of College Avenue Extended).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

11. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR NN2 WH SUBDIVISION (WEST OF RIVIAN MOTORWAY AND NORTH OF WEST COLLEGE AVENUE EXTENDED): Resolution No. 6312

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Final Plat for NN2 WH Subdivision (West of Rivian Motorway and North of West College Avenue Extended).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Smith asked questions about the West College Avenue extension. Reece responded.

12. ORDINANCE APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT: Ordinance No. 5994

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Approving a Comprehensive Zoning Text Amendment.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Lorenz asked about the increases in fee-in-lieu payments. Town Planner Mercy Davison responded. Lorenz also asked about the tobacco and vape section in the zoning code. Davison responded.

13. ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 8 (PUBLIC WAYS) AND CHAPTER 10 (BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS): Ordinance No. 5995

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Approving Amendments to Chapter 8 (Public Ways) and Chapter 10 (Boards and Commissions).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

14. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE SUBDIVISION (EAST OF AIRPORT ROAD AND SOUTH OF SHEPARD ROAD): Resolution No. 6313

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Annexation Agreement for the Trails on Sunset Lake Subdivision (East of Airport Road and South of Shepard Road).

AYES: Smith, McCarthy, Harris, Koos.

NAYS: Preston, Lorenz.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Reece explained that the next four items are related to the Trails on Sunset Lake Subdivision and provided a brief overview.

Koos clarified that all four items will be discussed together, but each item will be voted on separately.

Smith asked for clarification regarding the five-foot sidewalks. Davison responded.

Preston asked for clarification regarding the Trails on Sunset Lake HOA covenant and Chapter 15.4-1 of the Town code. Day reviewed the covenants of the Trails on Sunset Lake HOA and discussed the relationship between those covenants and the Town code.

Smith questioned if there are any fencing or separation requirements between the existing units and the new duplex unit. Davison responded.

Preston expressed his support for the Trails on Sunset Lake residents who opposed the changes.

Lorenz voiced her concerns over narrow roads, increased housing density, and the relationship between residents and the developer. Reece and Davison responded.

Harris addressed the need for the developer to ensure that the new units being built maintain the same quality standards and expectations as the existing units. Davison responded.

McCarthy reiterated that there is no conflict between the Trails on Sunset Lake HOA covenant and the Town code.

Lorenz expressed concerns about the zoning process.

15. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL – EAST OF AIRPORT AND SOUTH OF SHEPARD (TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE): Ordinance No. 5996

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal – East of Airport and South of Shepard (Trails on Sunset Lake).

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

NAYS: Lorenz.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

16. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN FOR A PORTION OF THE TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE SUBDIVISION (EAST OF AIRPORT ROAD AND SOUTH OF SHEPARD ROAD) – TABLE ROCK CIRCLE: Resolution No. 6314

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Preliminary Subdivision Plan for a Portion of the Trails on Sunset Lake Subdivision (East of Airport Road and South of Shepard Road) – Table Rock Circle.

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

NAYS: Lorenz.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

17. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN FOR A PORTION OF THE TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE SUBDIVISION (EAST OF AIRPORT ROAD AND SOUTH OF SHEPARD ROAD) – CARLYLE COURT: Resolution No. 6315

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving an Amended Preliminary Subdivision Plan for a Portion of the Trails on Sunset Lake Subdivision (East of Airport Road and South of Shepard Road) – Carlyle Court.

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

NAYS: Lorenz.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

18. PRESENTATION BY ANTHONY CERVINE, PRINCIPAL AT SIKICH, LLP, ON THE TOWN’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND AUDIT REPORT

Reece introduced Finance Director Andrew Huhn and Principal at Sikich, LLP, Anthony Cervini to provide a presentation on the Town’s Annual Financial Statements and Audit Report.

Cervini provided an overview of the key findings and significant highlights from the Town’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit.

Smith questioned why the Normal Public Library and the Children’s Discovery Museum were no longer included in the Town’s finances. Cervini responded. Smith also raised questions regarding the allocation of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and the revenue from the sewer and water funds. Huhn responded.

19. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE AUDITED TOWN OF NORMAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS FROM THE TOWN’S AUDITORS, SIKICH, LLC FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024: Resolution No. 6316

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept the Audited Town of Normal Financial Statements and Reports on Internal Controls from the Town’s Auditors, Sikich, LLC for the Year Ended March 31, 2024.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

20. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE FEDERAL COMPLIANCE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024: Resolution No. 6317

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Resolution to Accept the Federal Compliance Audit for the Year Ended March 31, 2024.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

21. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING NUISANCE GATHERINGS AND REGULATING GATHERINGS ON PARK PROPERTY:

MOTION TO TABLE:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Lorenz, the Council Approval to Table an Ordinance Prohibiting Nuisance Gatherings and Regulating Gatherings on Park Property.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars

Motion declared carried.

Reece presented a summary of the item, emphasizing recent events and discussions that prompted the need for the proposed ordinance. Reece noted potential solutions included both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches aimed at reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future.

Querciagrossa reviewed the proposed nuisance gathering ordinance and the proposed changes to park conduct regulations, specifically regarding park shelters. He clarified the distinction between amplified sound and amplified music, noting that only amplified music would be prohibited in parks.

Koos asked for additional details about the proposed ordinance to ensure it does not unduly limit private musical events, small gatherings on private property or First Amendment rights. Querciagrossa responded.

Preston inquired about the specific protections for First Amendment rights and the live music element. Querciagrossa responded.

Harris voiced her concerns about the proposed language in the ordinance.

Koos requested a motion to table the item until December to facilitate further discussions with various groups regarding the proposed ordinance.

Smith moved to table the proposed nuisance ordinance until December 2, 2024. Koos called for a brief recess at 9:50 p.m. to allow for a short break.

22. PRESENTATION OF THE FY2023-24 FINANCIAL TREND AND CONDITION REPORT:

The Council reconvened at 10:10 p.m.

Reece introduced Finance Director Andrew Huhn to give a presentation of the FY 2023- 24 Financial Trend and Condition Report.

Huhn presented a summary of year-to-year changes and reviewed various indicators, which were organized into six categories: community indicators, revenue, expenditures, debt service, balance sheet, and financial strategies.

Smith requested that next year's budget include plans and strategies for rebuilding the fire station reserve fund.

Preston asked questions about the unemployment rate, the comparison of municipal property tax rates, and expenses related to public safety. Huhn responded.

McCarthy asked whether there were concerns about the ability to continue with the debt restructuring. Huhn and Reece responded.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

23. CONCERNS:

Smith announced that the 2024 Veterans Fair will take place from November 8th to November 9th.

McCarthy expressed support for the decision to suspend the public comment rule for tonight’s meeting and to table the proposed nuisance ordinance for further discussion.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 10:44 p.m., Monday, October 21, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5118

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