McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met June 16.

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 7:01 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Kevin McCarthy, Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Rory Roberge, Andy Byars, 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:

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Tracy Patkunas, President of the Mid Illinois Realtors Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Robert McClellan, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Reenie Bradley, Normal resident, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance pertaining to short-term rentals.

Tom Collins, Normal resident, spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance pertaining to short-term rentals.

Thomas Wallace, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Katherine Metzker, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Andrew Battey, Normal resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Liz Austin, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals. James Austin, spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Melanie Shellito spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

Nick Sanchez spoke on the potential rezoning of property to accommodate a youth training center.

Rick Anhalt spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance banning short-term rentals.

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 JUNE 2, 2025

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF JUNE 11, 2025

C. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL PLANNING SERVICES WITH THE MCLEAN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: Resolution No. 6391

D. RESOLUTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PLAY ILLINOIS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MODULAR PLAYGROUND UNIT AND RUBBER SURFACING UNDER THE SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR WEST ANDERSON PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $102,918.10 AND AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6392

E. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT SEWER REGULATIONS: Ordinance No. 6026

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Items A, B, C, D, and E 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 AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE TOWN OF NORMAL ZONING CODE: Ordinance No. 6027

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of an Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the Town of Normal Zoning Code.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

8. ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE TOWN CODE – SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSING: Ordinance No. 6028

MOTION TO AMEND:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Byars, the Council Approval to Permit owner-occupied short-term rentals in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: Preston, Lorenz.

Motion declared carried.

Reece introduced the item and summarized Council’s primary concerns from the October 2024 work session, including maintaining neighborhood character, protecting the housing stock, and preserving zoning code integrity. She then invited Town Planner Mercy Davison and Assistant City Manager Brian Day to provide a summary and explain the recommendation.

Davison provided an overview of the history of short-term rentals (STRs) in the community, the goals of regulating STRs, regulatory approaches, and staff recommendations. Day discussed zoning integrity and outlined options available.

Koos stated that after multiple discussions with council members, it appeared that most were in support of amending the proposed ordinance to allow owner-occupied short-term rentals.

McCarthy moved to amend the proposed ordinance to permit owner-occupied short-term rentals in the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.

Querciagrossa recommended an amendment to Section 22.25-15(A) of the proposed ordinance, found on pages 8–9 of the packet. The amendment would provide an exception to the prohibition of short-term rentals in R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, allowing such use if the property is the primary residence of the owner-occupant.

Preston asked about the number of STRs that are currently owner occupied. Davison responded.

Byars expressed support for the proposed amendment, opposing a broad ban on short term rentals and noting their potential to benefit the community.

Smith emphasized the importance of including the exception in the proposed ordinance.

McCarthy stated that the topic would be revisited in future conversations and emphasized the need to establish regulations.

Lorenz expressed concerns about the proposed ordinance, stating that a complete ban would seem to lack due process.

McCarthy stated that he was surprised to hear the concerns raised by Lorenz.

Lorenz stated she was not aware of prior discussions regarding the amendment and requested clarification on the proposed changes. Querciagrossa responded.

Smith reviewed her process for evaluating the agenda item prior to the meeting, including conversations she had related to the topic.

Byars asked about the current process of filing complaints regarding existing short-term rentals. Davison responded. He also asked whether there was any data on the number of complaints filed. Byars stated he had heard valid concerns from both sides and expressed support for increased oversight while maintaining a welcoming environment in the community.

Smith questioned what triggers enforcement action against a business operating in a neighborhood. Day responded. She questioned the difference between a complaint and a police report. Reece and Day responded. Smith asked about the difference in occupancy between hotels and short-term rentals. Reece responded. Smith also requested clarification on what is included in R-3 zoning. Davison responded.

Day explained the five-year amortization period for short-term rentals, stating it allows property owners time to recoup their investment before transitioning to long-term rentals.

Preston asked whether complaints related to short-term rentals could be quantified. Reece responded. He also asked about the residency of remaining short-term rental property owners. Davison responded. Preston stated he views short-term rentals primarily as a property-specific neighborhood issue and did not see a compelling case for a ban.

Lorenz questioned why long-term rentals are not classified as businesses. Day responded. She also asked why short-term rental owners were not contacted during the process. Reece responded and explained that the proposed ordinance targets short-term rental operations in R-1 and R-2 districts, recommending that such businesses be permitted only in R-3 and commercial districts. Lorenz acknowledged that owner-occupancy is a reasonable regulation but believes it is not enough, recommending additional measures such as separation requirements and neighborhood agreements.

Preston expressed concerns with the proposed ordinance, stating that while he believes the issue of short-term rentals should be addressed, the current proposal does not meet the appropriate standard.

Smith provided an explanation of the tax differences between short-term and long-term rentals and expressed support for the proposed ordinance, including the owner-occupancy exception.

McCarthy stated that this is the beginning of the conversation and emphasized the need to take initial action, noting the importance of balancing property rights while putting rules and structure in place.

Reece stated that while the proposed ordinance is not perfect, it aims to present reasonable options to address the concerns raised.

Koos commented on the challenge of distinguishing between well-managed and problematic short-term rentals, stating that identifying and quantifying such data requires time, personnel, and comes with associated costs.

Lorenz requested clarification of the proposed ordinance and the owner-occupancy exception, specifically regarding the timeline for its implementation. Querciagrossa and Reece responded.

NEW BUSINESS:

There was no New Business

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Ron Ulmer, Normal resident, expressed frustration regarding difficulties in contacting the Mayor and Council via email through the Town's website.

. CONCERNS:

Smith highlighted that the Town of Normal is holding a comment period and public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consolidated annual performance evaluation report. She noted that the public hearing is scheduled for June 26th at 5:30 p.m. at the Normal Fire Department Headquarters.

Lorenz commented on the clearing of the tent encampment. She complimented the assistance provided by the Ecology Action Center, BNWRD, Normal Police, and Public Works in the relocation process.

9. 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.

Koos stated that there was no longer a need to adjourn to the Executive Session. MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 9:26 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025.

https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5330