McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Dec. 2.

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 6:59 p.m., Monday, December 2, 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, Andy Byars, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Brian Day, Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, and Chief Deputy Clerk Tierra Shickel.

ABSENT: Town Clerk Angie Huonker

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Members of the community shared their concerns regarding the language in the proposed nuisance gathering and regulating park property ordinance and acknowledged staff efforts to engage with the community to understand and address these issues.

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 18, 2024.

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF NOVEMBER 27, 2024

C. MOTION TO APPROVE THE YEAR 2025 TOWN MEETING CALENDAR

D. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE POLICE SHOOTING RANGE FACILITY WITH THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON: Resolution No. 6326

E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) GRANT AGREEMENT WITH MID CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION, INC.: Resolution No. 6327

F. RESOLUTION TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPT QUOTES TOTALING $122,956.05 FROM CDW FOR THE PURCHASE OF DELL COMPUTERS: Resolution No. 6328

G. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONDITIONAL RIGHT OF ENTRY LICENSE – DAN KELLEY: Resolution No. 6329

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

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, C, D, E, F and G were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING NUISANCE GATHERINGS AND REGULATING PARK PROPERTY: Ordinance No. 6003

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Prohibiting Nuisance Gatherings and Regulating Park Property.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Reece introduced the item, noting the various discussions held with community members who expressed concerns. She highlighted some of the proposed changes made and explained that the intention of the proposed ordinance is to address these concerns and mitigate the risk of future pop-up parties.

Smith outlined some of the changes made to the proposed ordinance, noting that it does not duplicate any existing regulations. She stated that the higher fines could help deter large gatherings from becoming disorderly.

Harris requested clarification regarding certain language in the proposed ordinance and inquired about the financial impact of property damage and cleanup costs resulting from pop-up parties. Reece and Day responded.

Byars expressed appreciation for the community and staff engagement involved in crafting the proposed ordinance. He asked for clarification regarding Section 2, subsection (H)(2), in the proposed ordinance. Reece and Day responded.

Lorenz asked about the disbursement process and the timing of when fines would be imposed. Querciagrossa responded. She also asked for clarification on the distinction between a nuisance gathering and a nuisance participant, as well as how the proposed ordinance differs from existing regulations. Querciagrossa responded.

Preston thanked community members for their engagement in the process and commended staff for making changes and proposing a workable solution to the current issue.

McCarthy discussed the impact of community engagement in creating the proposed ordinance and expressed support for the changes made to it.

Byars voiced his concerns over subsection (H)(2) of the proposed ordinance, concerning liability limitations for certain gathering organizer’s.

Byars moved to remove subsection (H)(2) from the proposed ordinance. The motion failed for lack of a second.

NEW BUSINESS:

8. PRESENTATION ON “SMART CITY” INITIATIVES:

Reece introduced the item giving a brief explanation of the Smart City Initiative and introduced Director of Innovation and Technology, Vasudha Gadhiraju.

Gadhiraju presented an update on the Smart City Initiative, highlighting the progress of the Smart City journey, the Digital Cities Survey, and ongoing infrastructure projects. The presentation also covered various technological and innovative efforts being implemented across different departments within City Hall.

Harris highlighted some key points from the presentation and spoke on the importance of data.

Lorenz asked questions about the strategic plan update and recent changes to parking. Reece and Gadhiraju responded.

McCarthy spoke about how staff is addressing and adapting to the challenges currently facing the Town.

Byars thanked the Innovation and Technology Department for their efforts and proactive approach to the technological changes.

Smith inquired about the best route for citizens struggling to use these tools to seek help. Gadhiraju responded.

Preston thanked the Innovation and Technology Department, acknowledging the benefits of continued technological advancements for both the Town and the public.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

9. CONCERNS:

Harris acknowledged the Parkside Junior High Girls Basketball team for advancing to sectionals.

Smith congratulated Building Commissioner Greg Troemel on his retirement and thanked him for his contributions to the Town. Smith also announced the return of Santa’s Station in Uptown.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:03 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2024.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5150