McLean County Times

Town of Normal Town Council met April 1.

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, April 1, 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, Andy Byars, Chemberly Harris, and Karyn Smith, also present were City Manager Pamela Reece, Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day, Interim Corporation Counsel Jason Querciagrossa, and Town Clerk Angie Huonker.

ABSENT: None.

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Koos led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mayor Koos called attention to the passing of former Normal Mayor Kent Karraker and asked to observe a moment of silence.

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 PUBLIC HEARING OF MARCH 4, 2023. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 18, 2024

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

C. A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SIDE LETTER BETWEEN THE TOWN OF NORMAL AND LOCAL #2442 OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, AFL-CIO, AND APPROVING AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

D. RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND: Resolution No. 6233

E. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF THE TOWN OF NORMAL’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2024-2025: Resolution No. 6234

F. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BIDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF FOUR 2024 FORD PICKUP TRUCKS FROM BOB RIDINGS FLEET SALES IN THE AMOUNT OF $210,597: Resolution No. 6235

G. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO ROWE CONSTRUCTION, A DIVISION OF UNITED CONTRACTORS MIDWEST, INC., FOR THE GREGORY STREET RESURFACING (COTTAGE AVE. TO ADELAIDE ST.) PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $698,295.66: Resolution No. 6236

H. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID AWARD CONCURRENCE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR THE GREGORY STREET TRAIL EXTENSION FROM ADELAIDE STREET TO PARKSIDE ROAD

I. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID AWARD CONCURRENCE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR WEST COLLEGE AVENUE FROM RIVIAN MOTORWAY TO NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD (NSRR) AND AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET

J. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO STARK EXCAVATING INC. FOR IRONWOOD PARK DRAINAGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,500: Resolution No. 6237

MOTION:

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

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Items H and I were removed from Omnibus Vote by Councilmember McCarthy. Items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and J were approved by Omnibus Vote.

6. ITEMS REMOVED FROM OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID AWARD CONCURRENCE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR THE GREGORY STREET TRAIL EXTENSION FROM ADELAIDE STREET TO PARKSIDE ROAD: Resolution No. 6238

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Bid Award Concurrence through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Gregory Street Trail Extension from Adelaide Street to Parkside Road.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy highlighted the significant funding of the infrastructure project and its importance in connecting the west side to the current trail system.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID AWARD CONCURRENCE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR WEST COLLEGE AVENUE FROM RIVIAN MOTORWAY TO NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD (NSRR) AND AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT: Resolution No. 6239

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Preston, the Council Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Bid Award Concurrence through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the West College Avenue from Rivian Motorway to Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) and an Associated Budget Adjustment.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy emphasized that this project offers additional transportation options when traveling to the west side, such as Rivian.

Councilmember Karyn Smith stated that this project will be completed in phases, with most of it beginning this year.

GENERAL ORDERS:

There were no General Orders.

NEW BUSINESS:

7. MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND APPROVE AN ASSOCIATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

MOTION:

Councilmember McCarthy moved, seconded by Councilmember Harris, the Council Approval of a Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Settlement Agreement and Approve an Associated Budget Adjustment.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

City Manager Pamela Reece clarified the purpose of the item, designating Interim Assistant City Manager Brian Day as the spokesperson for this matter.

8. PRESENTATION BY CONNECT TRANSIT:

Connect Transit General Manager David Braun presented an overview of Connect Transit’s FY 2024 budget, comparing operating performances among Connect Transit, Connect Mobility, and Connect Flex. Additionally, a review of Connect Transit’s financial performance was provided, emphasizing operating below budget for the past two years while also increasing revenue. Mr. Braun discussed various methods of public outreach and presented the final budget for FY 2024-25.

Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for clarification on the meaning of “unlinked trip.” Mr. David Braun responded. Ms. Smith questioned how many electric buses they have and the maintenance costs and what the average ridership for the Connect mobility.

Councilmember Karyn Smith requested clarification on the meaning of "unlinked trip." Mr. Braun responded. Ms. Smith asked about the number of electric buses, their maintenance expenses, and average ridership for Connect Mobility. Mr. Braun responded.

Councilmember Kathleen Lorenz asked for clarification on the new zone that Connect Flex will serve. Mr. Braun responded. Ms. Lorenz requested further information on service productivity and future trends, and reasons for the increase in professional services expenses. Mr. Braun responded.

Councilmember Chemberly Harris requested that this information be provided to assist the Council in future decisions.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy requested clarification regarding Connect Transit’s capital budget. Mr. Braun responded, emphasizing Connect Transit’s achievements in securing grants.

Councilmember Scott Preston commended the increase in ridership and productivity numbers. Mr. Preston also questioned whether the availability of only two of the 12 electric buses has any impact on the operation of fixed routes. Mr. Braun responded.

Councilmember Karyn Smith asked for an update on the progress of the Building Better Bus Stops initiative. Mr. Braun responded.

COUNCIL MINUTES - 5 - APRIL 1, 2024

9. MOTION TO APPROVE REAPPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES:

MOTION:

Councilmember Preston moved, seconded by Councilmember McCarthy, the Council Approval of a Motion to Approve Reappointments to Various Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Councilmember Kevin McCarthy read allowed the following reappointments: (1) Nancy Armstrong, Historic Preservation Commission, term expiring March 31, 2028; (2) Janessa Williams, Human Relations Commission, term expiring March 31, 2028; (3) R.C. McBride, Planning Commission, term expiring March 31, 2028; (4) David Burnison, Uptown Design Review Commission, term expiring March 31, 2027.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

There was no Public Comment.

10. CONCERNS:

Councilmember Karyn Smith announced that the Respect Run will take place on Sunday, April 7th, in Miller Park. Ms. Smith also mentioned that the Normal Public Library will temporarily relocate to Busey Bank during its construction period.

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

NAYS: None.

Motion declared carried.

Mayor Koos adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Normal Town Council at 7:42 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2024.