McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met Aug. 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, August 4, 2025.

2. ROLL CALL:

The Clerk called the roll with the following persons

PRESENT: Mayor Chris Koos and Councilmembers Scott Preston, Kathleen Lorenz, Rory Roberge, Andy Byars, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Assistant City Manager Jenny Keigher, Assistant Corporation Counsel Steven Simmons, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

ABSENT: Councilmember Kevin McCarthy.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no Public Comment.

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 JULY 21, 2025

B. REPORT TO RECEIVE AND FILE TOWN OF NORMAL EXPENDITURES FOR PAYMENT AS OF JULY 30, 2025

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: McCarthy.

Motion declared carried.

Items A and B were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

There were no items removed from the Omnibus Vote Agenda.

GENERAL ORDERS:

There were no General Orders.

NEW BUSINESS:

7. PRESENTATION ON THE PEDESTRIAN & ROADWAY CAMPUS SAFETY INITIATIVE:

Reece invited Assistant City Manager Jenny Keigher to provide a brief overview of the item, followed by a presentation from Director of Public Works and Engineering Ryan Otto.

Keigher explained that the Town and Illinois State University have been collaborating to enhance pedestrian and roadway safety in high-traffic areas. As part of the Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative, over 1,500 participants have contributed feedback to help guide practical, data-driven improvements.

Otto provided an update on the Pedestrian and Roadway Campus Safety Initiative. He summarized the project, outlined its three phases, and discussed key elements including the pedestrian and bicycle networks, the Constitution Trail through campus, and the transit network. He also reviewed traffic volumes in high-traffic areas, analyzed safety trends, and highlighted key findings on existing conditions. Additionally, Otto identified preliminary improvement locations and reviewed public engagement strategies and community feedback efforts.

Smith asked whether the study would include Vernon Avenue. Otto clarified that the study is focused specifically on the campus area. She also asked about the permitted use of electric bikes and scooters. Otto responded.

Preston emphasized the importance of the initiative and requested further details regarding proposed solutions for College Avenue, School Street, and Mulberry Avenue intersections. Otto responded. Preston also asked whether there had been any discussion concerning the intersection of Main Street and Dry Grove Street. Otto responded.

Lorenz inquired about who commissioned the study. Otto explained that it is funded through a state grant. She also asked whether the quick-build projects were included in the project budget. Otto responded. Lorenz expressed concerns about the practicality of the proposed bump-out design given the Town’s climate conditions. She also asked for clarification on micro-mobility and emphasized the need for clearer regulations within the Town. Koos responded.

8. MOTION TO APPROVE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL ASAHIKAWA SISTER CITIES COMMITTEE:

MOTION:

Councilmember Roberge moved, seconded by Councilmember Smith, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve an Appointment to the Bloomington-Normal Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee.

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: McCarthy.

Motion declared carried.

Preston read allowed the appointment of Ms. Monica Estabrook to the Bloomington Normal Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee with a term expiring on March 31, 2026.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Amy Endicott, representative of the Care for Victims organization, discussed issues related to crime victims and her organization

CONCERNS:

Smith announced that registration for the Parks and Recreation SOAR fall, and winter programs will begin on Thursday, August 7.

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.

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

ABSENT: McCarthy.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:45 p.m., Monday, August 4, 2025.