McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Nov. 4.

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., Monday, November 4, 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 Jenny Keigher, 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:

Tammy Hanson and Garth Piercy, Normal residents, spoke in support of short-term rental owner-occupancy requirements.

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 COUNCIL WORK SESSION OCTOBER 21, 2024. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF OCTOBER 21, 2024. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 21, 2024.

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF OCTOBER 30, 2024

C. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING QUOTE AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A 2024 FORD BRONCO SPORT FROM STAR FORD IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,575.21: Resolution No. 6318

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.

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

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. ORDINANCE REAPPROVING AN AMENDED ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE: Ordinance No. 5997

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning an Amended Annexation Agreement for Trails on Sunset Lake.

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

NAYS: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Koos stated that this item was voted on at the previous Council meeting but did not receive the supermajority vote required by the Annexation regulations.

8. ORDINANCE (1) REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TRAILS ON SUNSET LAKE SUBDIVISION; AND (2) REAPPROVING AMENDED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLANS FOR PORTIONS OF THAT SUBDIVISION: Ordinance No. 5998

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance (1) Rezoning Property in the Trails on Sunset Lake Subdivision; and (2) Reapproving Amended Preliminary Subdivision Plans for Portions of that Subdivision.

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

NAYS: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

9. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE TOWN CODE – SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSING AND MORATORIUM: Ordinance No. 5999

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 of the Town Code – Short-Term Rental Licensing and Moratorium.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Reece introduced the item, explaining that the proposed ordinance recommends a six month moratorium on the issuance of new licenses, starting on December 1st, to ensure that all existing short-term rentals can continue to operate.

Koos asked about the monitoring process for new licenses and compliance during the moratorium period. Reece responded.

Byars highlighted the benefits of short-term rentals and acknowledged the need for balanced housing.

Smith expressed support for the moratorium to evaluate the current issues related to short-term rentals.

Preston thanked the public commenters for speaking on this issue and expressed support for the moratorium.

Lorenz requested clarification regarding the December 1st enactment date and the licensing of short-term rentals. Querciagrossa responded. Lorenz questioned the actions that will be taken to contact the existing unlicensed short-term rental properties. Querciagrossa responded.

Harris questioned what happens to the short-term rental properties that remain out of compliance after December 1st and whether there would be any penalties. Querciagrossa responded.

McCarthy questioned how staff can effectively monitor compliance of short-term rentals without requiring extensive staff time. Reece responded.

NEW BUSINESS:

10. MOTION TO APPROVE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE CONNECT TRANSIT BOARD AND A REAPPOINTMENT TO THE MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Motion to Approve an Appointment to the Connect Transit Board and a Reappointment to the McLean County Regional Planning Commission.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

McCarthy read allowed the appointment of Ms. Gina Bianchi to the Connect Transit Board to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Tim McCue with a term expiring June 30, 2027 and the reappointment of Mr. Carl Teichman to the McLean County Regional Planning Commission with a term expiring on December 21, 2027.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Linda Humphrey expressed concerns and made requests about a neighborhood meeting scheduled for November 14th.

11. CONCERNS:

Smith reminded everyone that the 2024 Veterans Fair will take place November 8-9, and the Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the VFW Post 454 on November 11.

Byars expressed his appreciation for first responders and public safety feedback.

Lorenz requested follow-up communication with residents near Oakdale school regarding the recent bridge removal.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:35 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5123