NORMAL – Normal Town Council members unanimously approved an ordinance which will prohibit nuisance gatherings and will also regulate property at Town Parks. The new ordinance, passed at Monday’s regular Town Council session, will enhance the Town’s capability to improve safety at the Town’s 18 parks.

Among the changes those who frequent Normal Parks will experience will be a change in the hours. As a result of Council action, the hours Normal’s Parks will close will be shortened from 11p.m. to 9p.m. Recent events at Normal parks, including a youth football game disrupted by a shooting, and other gatherings which have caused problems for residents prompted Normal Parks and Recreation officials to change hours of operation for the parks.

Among the changes for Normal’s parks as a result of recent disruptive behavior are fines for if 10 or more people gather and if those persons gathered commit criminal or disruptive activity.

One of the goals of the ordinance is helping to deter persons involved in large, raucous events which might have negative impact on the Town. The newly approved ordinance will also provide financial consequences to those who violate the ordinance.

A series of loud, unruly gatherings at Town parks prompted Council members to consider passing such an ordinance. One of the rowdier events prompting the ordinance happened at Fairview Park Sept. 29 where a party attended by more than 1,000 people were in attendance and the gathering moved across Business Interstate 51 and began blocking the street and shutting down a number of private businesses. During this party, one person was shot to death and another was injured by gunfire. The street was blocked and a number of private businesses having to shut down.

Last month, Council members unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting nuisance gatherings and regulating gatherings on Town park property. The ordinance will increase the Town’s ability to provide safety to residents, guests, and businesses who use Town parks.

Before hearing from citizens who signed up to address Council members, City Manager Pam Reece told Council members, “This is a proposed law that addresses a significant quantity of the items that we’ve heard, specifically, the number of people gathering, amplified sound, and other matters.” Reece added she has talked with public commenters who spoke at the last Council meeting in November, with officials at Illinois State University, neighboring residents who had concerns, and the Town hosted a meeting at an elementary school to hear residents’ concerns, ACLU officials, and League of Women Voters officials.

Reece told Council members, “We’ve heard from a number of stakeholders who had concerns.” She added the draft of the ordinance presented to Council members “is a very reasonable sound ordinance that we can feel confident in to try to address and minimize the risk of pop-up parties in 2025.”

Carla Bailey Smith, representing American Civil Liberties Union, told Council members the new ordinance “continues to miss the mark in the view of the ACLU, especially given the events that the ordinance is intended to address.” Smith said the new version of the ordinance “continues to address a small number of incidents.” Smith added there are already laws on the Town books which Town ordinances already address.

Normal resident Joseph Bloom expressed concern about what impact the ordinance would have on homeless people in the community. Bloom told Council members her concern was how the new ordinance would impact homeless citizens in Normal. Bloom added there is still room in the ordinance to be misinterpreted and taken advantage of, and added main concerns included possession of a controlled substance and destruction of property.” Bloom added people who were homeless would need to isolate themselves from each other.

Another speaker, Caitlin Bonds, told Council members, the ordinance “redundant and expensive.” She further explained the fine of between $1,000 for each party attendee up to $5,000 for each party attendee were for offenses already on the books.

Town Council asked Town Staff to draw up an ordinance and at that meeting, a number of residents and business owners expressed opinions about the ordinance. As a result of public concern, the ordinance was tabled until the Council’s Dec. 2 meeting. At Monday’s Council session, Normal Council members unanimously approved the ordinance.

Council Member Scott Preston commended Town Staff for what he called “a workable solution that has come before us” to handle the problem. Council Member Kevin McCarthy told the 30-some audience members who attended the session waiting on the Council decision, “You’ve had a positive impact. Everybody came here with the spirit of helping” He added he appreciated the clarity provided by those who addressed Council members.

“Smart City” Initiatives: Council members also had a presentation given to them by Vasudha P. Gadhiraju, Normal’s Director of Innovation and Technology. Gadhiraju began by explaining Normal, as a city, is looking into becoming what is referred to as a “Smart City.” “Smart Cities,” according to Normal’s Comprehensive Plan for the year 2040, “embrace innovation to change the way government operates and delivers services.”

Gadhiraju explained to Council members Normal has been working on becoming a “Smart City” since there were discussions about it in 2020. She added there were a number of steps the Town has had to take. Step one, back in 2019, was establishing an ad hoc group to research becoming a “Smart City.” The Town advanced to Step two, examining possibilities in 2023, and now finds itself to be at step three, which examines maturity of data the Town has and currently, Gadhiraju explained, Normal takes a big picture approach about how the Town utilizes technology.

Council Member Chemberly Harris told Gadhiraju she looks forward to when the Town “becomes better stewards with our data, and better use it to service our residents….” Council Member Kathleen Lorenz said using the Town app on smartphones to be registered in the Town parking system requires entering a large amount of information. Lorenz asked Gadhiraju if the amount of information asked for were being addressed. Gadhiraju told Lorenz the Town Technology Department that issue was being addressed by the vendor who handles that system in an attempt to make registration for its use simpler.

Liquor Commission Approves Gaming License: Normal Council members, serving as members of Normal Local Liquor Commission, unanimously approved a video gaming application for the 2024-25 year for Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc., doing business as Love’s Travel Stop #867, 2007 N. Main St., Normal.

Omnibus Agenda Items Approved: Omnibus agenda items approved by the Council included:

• Approval of minutes of the regular Council meeting of Nov. 18, 2024.

• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of Nov. 27, 2024.

• A motion to approve the Year 2025 Town meeting calendar.

• A resolution authorizing execution of an intergovernmental agreement for the police shooting range facility with the City of Bloomington.

• A resolution authorizing execution of an amendment to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant agreement with Mid Central Community Action, Inc.

• A resolution to waive the formal bidding process and accept quotes totaling $122,956.05 from CDW for the purchase of Dell Computers.

• A resolution execution of a conditional right of entry license – Dan Kelley.

NORMAL – At their November meeting in the auditorium of Normal Community West High School Nov. 20, Normal-based Unit 5 School District Board members heard from Hope Wheeler from the firm of Clifton, Larson, Allen concerning the recent audit done by the firm of the District. Typically, areas of the District auditors examine include internal controls, cash and investments, long term debt and investments, and capital assets.

Auditors also looked at the District’s revenue acquired through property taxes, Federal and State funds, payroll expenses, uniform grants, and general disbursements. Overall, Wheeler told Board members, the District has what auditors consider a clean opinion for the year of the District audit.

Wheeler told Board members Federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ESSER Program.

Board Members Hear From Family Coordinator Team Members: Board members heard from Dayna Brown, Director of Communications and Community Relations for the district, concerning individuals who are members of the District’s Family Coordination Team. Brown told Board members Family Coordination Team members. Brown and Dr. Kristal Shelvin, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the District, oversee the District’s Family Coordinator team. Family Coordinators are in all District schools and the District Early Learning Program.

Dr. Shelvin provided Board members with an overview of the District Family Coordination Team, which has 17 members which are assigned to District schools. Dr. Shelvin said these people “help support our families, and are reached out to when needed when the District has tried other means to help families.

Members described their jobs as having a wide variety of assignments which, when dealing with parents of elementary school students include helping some District students who need the most help which would include getting students for shoes and clothing needs, or obtaining assistance to find financial support for housing or utilities.

District Board members had praise and appreciation for the team of Family Coordinators. Board Member Dr. Kelly Pyle told Dr. Shelvin, “It is clear you are making a difference in the lives of these individuals. Thank you so much for what you do. It’s very, very much appreciated.”

Board Member Alex Williams told Dr. Pyle he has often seen Family Coordinators out in the community, adding his thanks “for the investment you’re making.” Board Member Kentrica Coleman added she has had “community partners” reach out to her and asked who should be contacted at the District level. Brown informed Coleman to give the information to her to address a concern

Board Approves Agreement With Bloomington Area Career Center: Board members unanimously approved an agreement with Bloomington Area Career Center. BACC has agreements with a number of School Districts in McLean County in the Towns of LeRoy, Lexington, El Paso-Gridley, Ridgeview, and Bloomington. BACC also has a contract with University High School, operated by Illinois State University in Normal, as well.

Superintendent Comments Recognize School Psychologists: In her “Superintendent Comments,” Unit 5 District Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle give recognition to school psychologists’ efforts for “the connection between home, school, and the community.” She said school psychologists “apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help students and youth to succeed socially to create safe, healthy learning environments and strength connections between home, school, and the community.” She added school psychologists “apply expertise in learning and behavior to help students and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. So, thank you to our school psychologists.”

The day of the meeting was also “Educational Support Professionals Day and Dr. Weikle acknowledged those Unit 5 employees for their efforts. She also acknowledged Nov. 22 being National Substitute Educators Day and said Unit 5 “is only able to provide high quality education to our students because so many of these types of professionals in all of our buildings.”

Benjamin Elementary “Good News”: Megan Bozarth, principal at Benjamin Elementary School, reported to Board members about a group at the school called “Girls On The Run.” “Girls On The Run.” Gives all girls in 3rd through 5th grade an opportunity to join a running team coached by Anabel Stelmazek and Cassandra Steffen.

Although Bozarth reported the season for the sport is over, she reported she was proud of all the girls accomplished during the season which included taking part in a community outreach project, writing thank you notes to each of their teachers and staff members and gaining both confidence in themselves as they had completed a 5K Girls On The Run event in Springfield. Bozarth wrote to Board members this year’s season also included lessons about friendship, and achieving personal goals while gaining strength and confidence in themselves.

NORMAL – It doesn’t happen often, but in the two semifinal football contests to determine which teams would compete for Illinois High School Association Class 4A Football Title, teams with higher seedings outmaneuvered their lower seeded opponents over the weekend. As a result, Mt. Zion Braves marched into Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium and outpaced Normal University High, 21-14, to win one of the two semifinals and advance to that Class’ State Championship Thanksgiving weekend.

A near capacity crowd nearly evenly divided by fans from both teams watched and cheered for their side before University High intercepted a Mt. Zion pass in Braves territory and scored first at 7:29 on a 21 yard rushing play by U-High sophomore wide receiver Lyfe Cunningham. Cunningham dodged Braves defenders to get into the end zone. Cunningham’s touchdown was followed by a successful extra point from Pioneers senior kicker Demir Spaulding putting U-High up, 7-0

On the ensuing kickoff, Mt. Zion (9-4) started their drive from their own 48 yard line and marched 52 yards in eight plays ending with a 5 yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Keller Stocks to senior wide receiver Brayden Trimble to account for the Braves’ first touchdown followed by junior kicker Gabe Shumaker’s extra point tying the game, 7-7, with 5:30 left

U-High’s ensuing possession began at their own 21 yard line and saw the Pioneers offense employ primarily a ground game against the Braves defense. U-High managed to get to Mt. Zion’s 28 yard line before deciding on a 38 yard field goal. But Braves defenders blocked the kick attempt and took possession of the ball at their own 27 yard line. Steadily, the Braves offense marched down field getting past Pioneers defenders. Once at U-High’s 5 yard line, Trimble dashed past U-High defenders for his second touchdown of the night followed by Shumaker’s extra point giving Mt. Zion a 14-7 lead at 6:38 in the second quarter.

From there, both team defenses took over holding ground and U-High had a turnover on downs after a broken pass, giving Mt. Zion the ball at their own 17 yard line. A rushing play saw Trimble get past Pioneers defenders until getting to U-High’s 15 yard line. Trimble would score again for Mt. Zion getting past Pioneers defenders going into the end zone followed by another Shumaker extra point increasing the Braves’ lead, 21-7 with 22 seconds left until halftime.

The third quarter was primarily a defensive battle between both teams with no scoring taking place. But U-High defenders managed to pin the Braves deep in their own territory forcing the Braves to punt from their own 14 yard line. U-High called a fair catch at the Braves’ 38 yard line and four plays later, Weiland connected with Cunningham for a 26 yard touchdown followed by Spaulding’s extra point resulting in the eventual final score.

U-High Head Coach Brody Walworth started his postgame remarks telling reporters, “Proud doesn’t begin to describe what I am for these seniors,” when a reporter asked. With emotion in his voice, Walworth said, “They’ve given everything to the program. Yeah, we came up a little bit short, but, God dang, what a fight and I love these guys. They’ve done so much for our program. It’s hard right now to swallow it, honestly.”

Walworth admitted his team had some uncharacteristic things such as procedure penalties his team had experienced over the course of the last seven or eight weeks of the season. Things like that, he said, “Is obviously frustrating.” But despite such things, his team had an opportunity to get into a possibility to win. He added being in that position, “Shows you a lot about the fight this team has. We shut Mt. Zion out the second half and we wish we could have some plays back.”

Walworth added his players, in particular his seniors, have given “of their time, their energy, their work, and then, obviously, the results on the field, as well. It’s tough in the moment but knowing we won part of the Central State Eight, knowing we’re in the semifinals, how could you leave a better footprint than what these seniors have done?”

“I’m just proud of how our kids played,” Mt. Zion Head Coach Patrick Etherton said. “U-High is a very good football team. Our kids made some plays.” He said U-High’s Brayden Trimble “phenomenal.” He also said, “Our kids played great defensively,” while holding the Pioneers to one the Pioneers’ lower totals of the season.

U-High “has a bunch of really talented kids,” Etherton said. “Their quarterback is elusive and makes some stuff happen. They’re well coached, their defense did a great job.”

NORMAL – Normal Town Council members unanimously approved a motion to Motion authorizing preparation of the 2024 Property Tax Levy. The impact on the Town budget from this action has the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2025-26 at $10,990,200 for the Town and $4 million for Normal Public Library. The two entities total $14,990,200, which is a 4.9 percent increase over 2023’s levy of $14,288,612.

The effect on Normal residents’ total property tax rate, including Town and Library, is estimated to reduce the tax rate from $1.21 in 2023 to $1.09 in 2024, due to growth in Earned Assessed Valuation.

Property taxes paid by Normal’s citizens help generate revenue for the Town to support the Town’s operations, pension and retirement funds and helps Normal Public Library to be capable to operate.

The Town establishes the levy, which is the amount of revenue to be earned from property taxes across all taxable properties town-wide, and based on an equalized assessed value (EAV) from each property. The Town’s portion of the property tax bill is equal to roughly 10 percent. The share for Normal Public Library is roughly 4.2 percent of the total bill.

There are six specific expenditures the Town addresses with the money raised. They are: General Fund Operational Levy which includes funding used to support the Town’s core operations excluding retirement; Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Levy, the funds from this expense pay for retirement benefits of employees who don’t participate in the Police or Fire pension plans; Public Safety Pensions for Police and Fire, these levies combined with a portion of revenue generated through the State, shared replacement tax, provide funding for the retirement benefits of sworn Police personnel and Firefighters; Social Security/Medicare Levy which funds 50 percent of Normal’s contribution for Social Security/Medicare; Library Levy, which is the primary revenue source of the Normal Public Library and is set at a level to support operational needs and reserve levels of the Library; and Debt Service Levies which are used to pay principal and interest expenses associated with the Town’s General Obligation (GO) bond issues State law requires a levy for General Obligation Bonds and the County will annually calculate the required levy based on the bond ordinance.

While Monday’s vote approved Town Staff to prepare the tax levy, Council members won’t formally approve the levy until their Dec. 16 meeting.

A public comment from Mike Ricks, president of McLean County and Livingston County Building and Construction Trades Council preceded vote asking Council members to approve an ordinance which amended the Town’s purchasing policy. He asked that Council members approve the ordinance because it contained a project labor agreement, or PLA which would benefit people being hired as part of pre-hire agreements which establish terms and conditions for persons involved in infrastructure projects.

Ricks explained such agreements are pre-hire agreements which establish terms and conditions of employment for all crafts on infrastructure projects. Such agreements are between contractors and labor union workers during a project where their skills are used.

Ricks added the primary function of a PLA “is to promote predictability, stability, and productivity on construction projects.” He added projects worked on by PLA’s will utilize apprentices “and work for people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

He added a study done by Illinois Economic Policy Institute did a study showing there were “more contractor bids on project labor agreements on average than on projects that had no PLA as part of a project.” Ricks added PLA projects “are more diverse and utilize more apprentices to complete projects. He added local construction workers will be the ones doing the work on projects. A Council “yes” vote, Ricks said, supports such laborer in the community.

Omnibus Agenda Items Approved By Council included:

• Approval of the minutes of a public hearing Nov. 4, 2024.

• Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting Nov. 13, 2024.

• A resolution requesting permission to close a portion of U. S. Highway 51 for the Annual Jaycees Holiday Parade.

• A resolution authorizing a contract with Hoerr Construction, Inc. for the 2024 manhole rehabilitation contract in the amount of $305,400.

• A resolution authorizing the execution of a Joint Funding Agreement for construction work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for Franklin Ave. bridge over the north branch of Sugar Creek north of Virginia Ave.

• A resolution authorizing the execution of a joint funding agreement for construction work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for West College Ave. from Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) to White Oak Rd.

• A resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with City of Bloomington to locate meter reading equipment on Town of Normal water tower.

• A resolution accepting the bid and authorizing the purchase of a 2024 Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic Electric Utility Vehicle from EJ Equipment, Inc. of Manteno, Ill.in the amount of $34,224.

• An ordinance approving easements for the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District’s northwest interceptor sewer project.

• An ordinance amending the purchasing policy.

• An ordinance adopting the 2024 National Fire Protection Association #1 Fire Protection Code, National Fire Protection Association #101 Life Safety Code, and amending Municipal Chapter 6 – Fire Code.

NORMAL – Normal Town Council members unanimously approved amending a Town ordinance putting a six-month moratorium on short-term rental licensing during their regularly scheduled meeting in Council Chambers at Uptown Station. The short-term moratorium will be placed on new short-term rental businesses giving the Town an opportunity to evaluate options to study regulatory options for the Town.

Normal has witnessed an increase in short-term rental units at private residences. In a number of cases, however, the Town has received numerous complaints concerning excessive noise and congestion in areas where such rentals exist. At an earlier Town Council work session on Oct. 21, Council members placed a six-month pause on new short-term rentals until the Town can look over regulatory alternatives for such businesses.

An ordinance proposed to regulate such businesses would do two things: First, it would require such business owners to obtain a general business license from the Town for each dwelling unit being used as a short-term unit. Second, it would require a moratorium by preventing the acceptance of any new business licenses from the Town for short-term rental units between Dec. 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025.

On Oct. 21, Council members held a work session on the short-term rental matter which would give the Town an opportunity to evaluate regulatory alternatives for such businesses. A couple from Normal who operate an Air Bed and Breakfast or Air BnB, addressed Council members about their service. Tammy Hanson spoke for both herself and her husband, Garth Piercy, about how their experience has been having been doing it for six years.

Hanson told Council members she and her husband live on the property they operate and their facility is licensed and they pay taxes monthly as a result of operating the Air BnB. She said their BnB has hosted people from across the United States and folks from France and China, as well. Hanson said their BnB guests often thank them for providing a “clean and affordable place to stay.” She said what they provide, in her opinion, “is a service more than a business.” She said their BnB tries to provide “not just a place to stay but a welcoming atmosphere.”

Explaining their guests not only spend money in the Twin Cities but also “enriches our lives with the people that we meet and also enriches the Town and supports our community.” Hanson said the couple was aware there are people who can spoil the experience for others. She said she was concerned about how the Town or BnB owners would enforce any rules placed upon them by the Town.

She said she believes the “best way” to keep such businesses operating is for cities to require owner occupancy. She pointed out Los Angeles, New York, and numerous other cities require BnB owners to be on premises when guests stay. She said owner occupancy could be proved by requiring BnB owners to submit government-issued identification to the Town. Hanson said doing that “would ensure accountability while allowing responsible hosts like us to continue contributing positively to our community.”

Teichman Reappointed To McLean County Regional Planning Commission: Council members unanimously reappointing Carl Teichman to the McLean County Regional Planning Commission for a new term which will expire Dec. 31, 2027. Teichman has served on the commission since 2006.

Gina Bianchi Appointed To Connect Transit Board: A resident of Normal since 2009, Gina Bianchi has been appointed as a member of Connect Transit Board which oversees the Twin Cities’ public transit system. Bianchi has been a resident of the county since 1993 and resided in Normal since 2009. Bianchi recently retired from a career in higher education most recently serving at Decatur’s Millikin University where she was Vice President of Alumni and Development. Bianchi received a Master of Science degree in Athletic Administration from Illinois State University. Bianchi will fill a vacancy on the Board created by the resignation of Tim McCue. Bianchi’s term will expire June 30, 2027.

Liquor Commission Levies Fines, Approves Liquor License, Gaming License: Normal Council members, meeting in their capacity as Normal Local Liquor Commission, issued fines against six establishments for selling alcohol to persons under age 21 all having taken place Aug. 24. Liquor Commission levied a $500 fine on Casey’s retail company doing business as Casey’s #2267, 1930 N. Linden St. for furnishing liquor to a person under age 21. The establishment was fined 4500 for what was a second offense in two years. The fine has been paid.

Also fined was Los Potrillos, Inc. doing business as Los Potrillos Real Mexican Cuisine, 201 N. Landmark Dr. which served alcohol to a person under age 21. The business owners paid a $250 fine. Heaterz Development Co., doing business as Heaterz Hot Chicken, 100 S. Fell St., Suite 101, furnished alcohol to a person under age 21 and was fined $250. The fine has been paid.

JDHQ Hotels, LLC, doing business as Bloomington Normal Marriott, 201 Broadway Ave. furnished alcohol to a person under age 21 and was fined $250 for a first offense in two years. The fine has been paid. WINGMEN V LLC doing business as Buffalo Wild Wings, 603 S. Main St. sold alcohol to a person under age 21 and was fined $250 for a first offense in two years. The establishment has been paid.

Maggie Miley’s, Inc. doing business as Maggie Miley’s, 126 E. Beaufort St., furnished alcohol to a person under age 21 and was fined $250 for a first offense for this establishment in two years. Maggie Miley’s has paid the fine.

Normal Local Liquor Commission also received a completed liquor license application from American Drug Stores, LLC doing business as Osco Drug #3073, 901 S. Cottage Ave. The payment was for a Class D All Liquor On Premises license. The drug store paid for the license in two installments.

Liquor Commission members also approved a gaming license for Normal Firehouse Pizza & Pub, LLC, doing business as Firehouse Pizza & Pub, 129 E. Beaufort St. Suite D.

Omnibus Agenda Items Approved By Council included:

• Approval of the minutes of a Council work session Oct. 21, 2024.

• Approval of the minutes of a public hearing Oct. 21, 2024.

• Approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting Oct. 21, 2024.

• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of October 30, 2024.

• A resolution to accept a quote and authorizing purchase of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport from Star Ford in the amount of $30,575.21.