NORMAL – At their regularly scheduled session Monday night in Council Chambers in Uptown Station, Normal Town Council, Mayor Chris Koos was pleased to introduce the winner of Normal Water Department’s Second Annual Water Cover Art Contest. The theme for this year’s contest was “Everyone Needs Water; There’s Life In Every Drop.”
“Tonight, it is my honor to recognize Adityaram Dhandapani, a student in Ms. Haerr’s fourth grade class at Colene Hoose Elementary School.” Grade schoolers in Unit 5 School District entered a contest to submit a cover for the Town’s Annual Water Quality Report.
Adityaram was one of 445 grade school submissions received by the Town Water Department for the contest. Adityaram’s winning entry will grace the cover of Normal’s annual water quality report. As the contest winner, Adityaram will have his drawing grace the cover of the Town’s Annual Water Quality Report, receive a framed copy of the report cover, and a $100 gift card as the contest winner.
Adityaram’s was one of 445 submissions the Town received to the contest. After a community-wide voting process, Council members selected the winning entry.
Harris Exits Council After Two Terms: Council Member Chemberly Harris’ journey as a Normal Town Council member ended as she said a public goodbye after serving two terms at Monday’s session She said she wouldn’t know how much she would experience during that time when she was first elected in 2017.
“I didn’t realize how much my life would change and the impact the journey would have on me,” Harris began her farewell, as she reflected back on it. “I started the journey wanting to change the family portrait of Normal, and help us have a greater vision for our community,” Harris began her farewell with. “I aspired to be a servant leader that people could believe in and know I had their back.”
“I was dedicated to making things better for everyone, and ensuring a satisfying quality of life for all,” Harris said. “I wanted to fulfill my life’s mission of finding people, places, and things better than I found them, and putting the word human back in humanity.
Harris continued, “I was excited for the journey, but I knew it would not be easy. While there were many who embraced me and took hold of my vision for this journey,” Harris said, “There were also those who could not see what I saw. I understood not everyone wanted a Normal for all residents. A place where everyone could feel welcomed, safe, and belong.”
Harris continued: “Often times, the idea of a ‘I must give up something for someone else to have their basic needs met’ is the greatest stumbling block of a community.
Harris continued: “That fear that falsely perceived realized danger becomes the impediment to growth and development because the least of these are being left behind. Despite these obstacles, I continued my journey. I did things differently. I did not stay in the box I was told to stay in. I was criticized for not assimilating instead of being who I am.
Harris continued: “I was not well received for my agility because what was wanted was my adaptability. I have always blazed my own trail. I engage far beyond what was ever expected of me as a Council member. I tried to meet each person with humility, compassion, empathy, and genuine concern for their well-being.
“I hope anyone who has ever decided to encounter me felt seen, heard, and valued,” Harris said. “I was the first Council member since Sonja Reece to not only attend an OC conference but to actively engage in the Boards and Councils. I have served with women in municipal government, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, Racial Equity and Leadership Councils, Youth, Family, and Education Councils, University Community Councils, the Federal Advocacy Committee For Community and Economic Development, and many focus groups that help shape changes that impacted not only our community but for the betterment of communities across this country
“I would like to thank the CEO Clarence Anthony, for his many conversations and words of encouragement,” Harris added. Anthony heads the National League of Cities. “Thank you to my mentor and NOC mother, Victoria Woodard. “You caused the fighter in me and taught me how to put it to good use.
She added one of her proudest associations was with Youth On A Mission. Harris said “While many of my colleagues never understood its value and its impact, I hope the youth who engaged received the ultimate gift of leadership courage, self-discipline, and civic engagement.
Harris thanked Normal’s Town staff “for always making all my crazy ideas work” although didn’t elaborate. “You believe in the vision and love this community as much as I do.”
“To Pam Reece, I cannot thank you enough for helping every crazy idea come together. Thank you for engaging in the opportunity I would bring back. Thank you for letting me bug you to make sure I was prepared at all times to have crucial conversations with legislators, and other leaders at the State and Federal level.
Harris said she has been a mentor to young women who she said she hoped to have given hope for being able to “be your greatest selves. Now it is up to you to be change makers.”
Omnibus Agenda Items Approved By Council included:
• Approval of minutes of the regular Council meeting of April 7 , 2025.
• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of April 16, 2024.
• A resolution authorizing assignment of redevelopment agreements for the Flats 1 and Flats 3 developments.
• A resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Bloomington and Normal Water Reclamation District for wastewater treatment.
• A resolution authorizing filing of the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and annual action plan for program year 2925.
• A motion to reject all bids for the paving package and electrical package for the Sculpture Park project.