McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Nov. 18.

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 7:03 p.m., Monday, November 18, 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:

Mike Raikes, president of the McLean and Livingston County Building Trades Association, spoke in support of the proposed ordinance to amend the purchasing policy.

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 NOVEMBER 4, 2024.

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2024

C. RESOLUTION REQUESTING PERMISSION TO CLOSE A PORTION OF THE U.S. HIGHWAY 51 FOR THE ANNUAL JAYCEES HOLIDAY PARADE: Resolution No. 6319

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOERR CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE 2024 MANHOLE REHABILITATION CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $305,400: Resolution No. 6320

E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR FRANKLIN AVENUE BRIDGE OVER THE NORTH BRANCH OF SUGAR CREEK NORTH OF VIRGINIA AVENUE: Resolution No. 6321

F. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION WORK WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR WEST COLLEGE AVENUE FROM NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD (NSRR) TO WHITE OAK ROAD: Resolution No. 6322

G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF BLOOMINGTON TO LOCATE METER READING EQUIPMENT ON TOWN OF NORMAL WATER TOWER: Resolution No. 6323

H. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A 2024 POLARIS RANGER XP KINETIC ELECTRIC UTILITY VEHICLE FROM EJ EQUIPMENT INC., OF MANTENO, IL IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,224: Resolution No. 6324

I. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH MARKETPLACE.CITY, INC. FOR SERVICES RELATED TO TECHNOLOGY PROCUREMENT: Resolution No. 6325

J. ORDINANCE APPROVING EASEMENTS FOR THE BLOOMINGTON NORMAL WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT’S NORTHWEST INTERCEPTOR SEWER PROJECT: Ordinance No. 6000

K. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PURCHASE POLICY: Ordinance No. 6001

L. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2024 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION #1 FIRE PREVENTION CODE, NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION #101 LIFE SAFETY CODE, AND AMENDING MUNICIPAL CHAPTER 6 – FIRE CODE: Ordinance No. 6002

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, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K and L were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PREPARATION OF THE 2024 PROPERTY TAX LEVY ORDINANCE

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Authorize the Preparation of the 2024 Property Tax Levy Ordinance.

AYES: Harris, Smith, McCarthy, Koos.

NAYS: Preston, Lorenz.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Reece introduced the item, highlighting the fiscal and operational implications of the proposed levy and noting that it represents a 4.91% increase over the previous year’s tax levy ordinance.

Preston expressed support for increased funding to public pension systems and raised concerns about the allocation of $500,000 to the General Fund.

Reece clarified the funding breakdown for the proposed levy.

Lorenz voiced her concerns about the increase in the levy rate and the allocation of $500,000 to the General Fund.

McCarthy spoke in support of the proposed levy, noting the increasing costs to operate the Town.

Smith requested clarification on the usage of funds allocated to the General Fund. Reece responded. Smith noted that it is better to implement gradual increases over a consistent period, rather than having to make a significant catch-up later.

Harris highlighted the Town’s conservative budgeting approach and stated that the proposed increase could help prevent a larger increase in the future, as well as avoid potential staff cuts.

Preston reviewed the current balance in the General Fund and explained the limited impact of the allocated $500,000.

Lorenz stated that she believes the Town can meet its operational objectives without an increase and emphasized the importance of finding tax relief for citizens.

Reece clarified that staff follows the direction set by the Council, and the levy is determined by a formula that has been reviewed with the Council in previous years. The formula includes funding the Police and Fire pension, IMRF and Social Security, and allocating half a million dollars to the General Fund.

Koos spoke in support of the proposed levy, highlighting the Town’s continued mindful approach to budgeting. He noted potential declines in sales tax revenue and commended staff for their proactive efforts in planning for future fiscal stability.

NEW BUSINESS:

8. PRESENTATION ON “SMART CITY” INITIATIVES:

Presentation postponed until the next meeting in December.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

9. CONCERNS:

Smith announced that the Seedling Theater Christmas Program will take place this weekend at First Christian Church.

Preston thanked the members of the public for attending tonight’s council meeting.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Byars.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:38 p.m.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5135