McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met May 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

REGULAR MEETING OF THE NORMAL TOWN COUNCIL

1. CALL TO ORDER:

Mayor Koos called the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Order at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Deputy Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Rory Roberge, Andy Byars, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Brian Day, Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, and Deputy Clerk Britni Williams.

ABSENT: Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Luke Funfar, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

David Snyder, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Collie Ridge Subdivision development.

Gretchen Knapp, Normal resident, spoke in support of the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Kris Hall, Normal resident, spoke in support of the Bird City Illinois Program.

Beth Rooker, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Collie Ridge Subdivision development.

Karl Sila, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, spoke in support of the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Noah Tang, Normal resident, spoke in support of the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Kylie Schumacher, accompanied by parent Julie Schumacher, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Tom Hansen, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Lauren Kapraun, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Collie Ridge Subdivision development.

Mike Zigmund, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Tracy Evans, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Mike Brown, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the Essex PUD Preliminary Development.

Patricia Paulson, yielded her time to the following speaker.

Kayla DeLong, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Collie Ridge Subdivision development.

At 7:49 p.m. Deputy Clerk Britni Williams left the dais, and Assistant City Manager Jenny Keigher assumed her duties for the remainder of the meeting.

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 MAY 5, 2025

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF MAY 14, 2025

C. MOTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDED HARMON ARTS GRANT AWARDS

D. RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE HOVEY AVENUE WATER SERVICE RELOCATION PROJECT TO GEORGE GILDNER, INC. AT A TOTAL COST OF $1,553,000: Resolution No. 6375

E. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO DENLER, INC. FOR THE 2025 CRACK AND JOINT FILLING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,475.70: Resolution No. 6376

F. RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH DONELSON CONTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC, FOR A PILOT PROJECT APPLICATION OF PRESSUREPAVE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,423.45

G. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO STARK EXCAVATING, INC. FOR THE CHIPPEWA STREET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $938,740: Resolution No. 6377

H. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH BALCONES MIDWEST LLC, DBA MIDWEST FIBER RECYCLING, FOR THE PROCESSING OF RECYCLED MATERIALS: Resolution No. 6378

I. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A JOINT AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON AND THE ECOLOGY ACTION CENTER FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6379

J. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PETITION TO ANNEX TOWN-OWNED PROPERTIES INTO THE BLOOMINGTON AND NORMAL WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT: Resolution No. 6380

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz

Motion declared carried.

Item F was removed from Omnibus Vote by Smith.

Items A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I, and J were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

RESOLUTION WAIVING THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH DONELSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC, FOR A PILOT PROJECT APPLICATION OF PRESSUREPAVE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,423: Resolution No. 6381

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Resolution Waiving the Formal Bidding Process and Authorizing a Contract with Donelson Construction Company, LLC, for a Pilot Project Application of PressurePave Pavement Preservation, in the Amount of $222,423.45.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz

Motion declared carried.

Smith asked about the process for selecting streets for the PressurePave pavement preservation program and asked about the potential cost savings associated with the program. Reece responded.

GENERAL ORDERS:

7. RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT 2 TO ANNEXATION AGREEMENT REGARDING THE 36 +/- ACRE PROPERTY AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF TOWANDA AVENUE AND BEECH STREET (CARDEN SPRINGS PUD): Resolution No. 6382

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving Amendment 2 to Annexation Agreement Regarding the 36 +/- Acre Property at the Northwest Corner of Towanda Avenue and Beech Street (Carden Springs PUD).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Reece clarified that the item requires a supermajority for approval, which would consist of five affirmative votes.

8. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE CARDEN SPRINGS PUD (NORTHWEST CORNER OF TOWANDA AND BEECH): Resolution No. 6383

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Final Development Plan for the Carden Springs PUD (Northwest Corner of Towanda and Beech).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

9. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A FINAL PLAT FOR CARDEN SPRINGS PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION (NORTHWEST CORNER OF TOWANDA AND BEECH): Resolution No. 6384

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Roberge, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving a Final Plat for the Carden Springs Planned Unit Development Subdivision (Northwest Corner of Towanda and Beech).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

10. ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF NORMAL (NORTHEAST CORNER OF BEECH STREET AND SHELBOURNE DRIVE): Ordinance No. 6025

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Rezoning Property in the Town of Normal (Northeast Corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Reece explained that the next three items are all related and requested Town Planner Mercy Davison and Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto to provide an overview of the items.

Davison provided an overview of the procedural history and development of the Collie Ridge Subdivision. Davison reviewed the proposed new preliminary subdivision plan and highlighted the changes made from the original preliminary plan.

Smith requested clarification on a developer’s obligations when selling individual lots. Otto reviewed the process and outlined the requirements that must be met prior to the sale of individual lots. Smith requested clarification on detention basins and Planned Unit Development (PUD) requirements. Otto and Davison responded.

Byars asked for clarification on what version of the proposal the Council would be voting on. Reece responded.

Preston requested clarification regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendations. Davison responded. Preston asked questions concerning the use of the 2015 traffic study. Otto responded. Preston also asked for information regarding the neighborhood covenant agreement. Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa responded.

McCarthy asked whether Approach Road in the existing Collie Ridge Subdivision would connect to the proposed Essex Planned Unit Development. Otto and Davison responded.

Koos introduced Andy Netzer, member of Worthington, LLC and President and Owner of Young America Realty, and Pat Fitzgerald, attorney representing Worthington, LLC, to speak on the Essex PUD Preliminary Development Plan.

Netzer provided an overview of the Essex PUD and highlighted the distinction between Young America’s typical role as a property manager and its current role in this project, which involves direct ownership and control.

Fitzgerald, attorney representing Worthington, LLC, the developer of the proposed Essex PUD, discussed the Planning Commission’s findings and recommendations, and how the project aligns with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Smith asked for clarification about the format for discussing agenda items. Koos responded.

Smith emphasized the need for housing in the Town and highlighted the benefits of infill development. She expressed support for the proposed Essex PUD, noting that the developers had met all requirements under the Town’s code.

Byars spoke about the Town’s growth and emphasized the need for additional housing to support continued economic development.

Roberge asked about the affordability of housing in the proposed Essex PUD. Netzer responded.

Koos expressed support for the proposed Essex PUD and emphasized the need for additional housing in the Town.

Preston emphasized the developer’s efforts to address the concerns raised by residents of the Collie Ridge subdivision and noted that the proposed development helps fulfill the critical need for housing.

McCarthy echoed previous comments about the community’s need for housing and spoke in support of the proposed Essex PUD.

11. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE COLLIE RIDGE SUBDIVISION AMENDED PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAN (NORTHEAST CORNER OF BEECH STREET AND SHELBOURNE DRIVE): Resolution No. 6385

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Approving the Collie Ridge Subdivision Amended Preliminary Subdivision Plan (Northeast Corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

12. RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY APPROVING THE ESSEX PUD PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (NORTHEAST CORNER OF BEECH STREET AND SHELBOURNE DRIVE): Resolution No. 6386

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Conditionally Approving the Essex PUD Preliminary Development Plan (Northeasat Corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive).

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

13. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONNECT TRANSIT’S SALE OF 104 E. OAKLAND AVENUE TO HOME SWEET HOME MINISTRIES FOR A NON-CONGREGATE SHELTER PROJECT: Resolution No. 6387

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution Supporting Connect Transit’s Sale of 104 E. Oakland Avenue to Home Sweet Home Ministries for a Non-Congregate Shelter Project.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Reece provided a brief overview of the item.

Byars expressed support for the proposed initiative to help the community’s unhoused residents.

14. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE TOWN OF NORMAL BECOMING CERTIFIED BY THE BIRD CITY ILLINOIS PROGRAM: Resolution No. 6388

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Resolution in Support of the Town of Normal Becoming Certified by the Bird City Illinois Program.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

CONCERNS:

There were no Concerns.

15. 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 to Executive Session to discuss matters pertaining to collective bargaining as allowed under section 2(c)(2) of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)).

MOTION:

Councilmember Smith moved, seconded by Councilmember Roberge, the Council Accept a Motion to Adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council to Executive Session.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 8:58 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5298