NORMAL – April 1 may be April Fools Day but it will have far more significance for Town of Normal residents because they will be going to the polls to decide whether to approve a proposed 1 percent sales tax which would be used to raise money for items such as school facilities, school resource officers, and mental health programming. The vote for the tax levy was unanimously approved by Board members during their meeting Dec. 18 in the auditorium at Normal Community West High School.

Although it passed this time around, a similar measure to increase area sales tax failed a decade ago, and at that time, voters countywide rejected a similar sales tax proposal.

School Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle, in addressing the additionally needed money, said increasing District funding with the 1 percent tax increase will increase revenue for school facilities and other items. The items in question include security, equipment, and other District expenses. Those who attended the meeting were also informed the money generated by the increase would benefit District schools for security, technology, and infrastructure.

Last year, Unit 5 voters managed to approve a property tax referendum to help support the District’s education fund. Provided there is no change in the value of a property, property owners would see a change in their tax bill. For example, a person owning a $225,000 home would pay about $53 less to the District, provided there is no change in their property value.

In addition to approving the sales tax measure going on the ballot, Board members also unanimously approved Unit 5 approved a $163 million levy, a 9.2 percent increase from the current levy. On the other hand, a number of homeowners will pay more due to higher values due increased home values, in part, to the community housing shortage.

Kingsley Jr. High’s “Good News”: Kingsley Jr. High School’s Principal, Elisa Palmer, reported to Board members KJHS’ 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball team has won a championship in Class 7-4A for the second straight year. She credited “dedication and leadership of the team coaches, Steve Wood, Roger Nalewajka, and Robert Harris for the effort they and the team put in to make that championship possible.

District “Good News”: Claye Vogelsang, a Unit 5 employee, was recognized to receive a RISE award, a national award which recognizes extraordinary classified school employees for their contributions to their school communities. Vogelsang, a family support coordinator for the District, helps connect students and families with resources they need to thrive within the District, according to Dayna Brown, director of community relations and communications for the District who introduced him. She said drawing on his own experiences, “Claye goes the extra mile to remove barriers to students’ success. His job has had him do things like creating ‘grab and go breakfasts’ to insuring a student facing housing insecurity to graduate, his hands-on approach has transformed lives.”

Vogelsang told Board members, “It’s an honor to accept this nomination on behalf of Unit 5,” he told Board members. “However, I consider this nomination a District-wide nomination because without Dr. Weikle and the Board members support for the last two years, there wouldn’t be a position.” He also thanked Dayna Brown, District Director of Communications and Community Relations for her work because he said he felt without that sort of support, his position wouldn’t exist.

NORMAL – Normal Town Council members approved an ordinance authorizing the 2024 property tax levy but the approval it received by Council members at their meeting in Council Chambers on the fourth floor of Uptown Station was not unanimous.

There was very little discussion concerning the tax levy at this meeting because Council members discussed it in some detail at their Dec. 2 meeting. Without discussion this time at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Chris Koos and Council Members Kevin McCarthy, Chemberly Harris, and Karyn Smith voted to approve the measure. Council Members Kathleen Lorenz, Scott Preston, and Andy Byars voted against the measure.

The 2024 property tax levy is estimated at $14.9 million, an increase of roughly 4.9 percent, or $700,000 higher than 2023’s levy for Normal residents.

“I objected to the Property Tax increase because I am concerned about where taxpayers are at in terms of burdens,” Lorenz explained after the meeting. “We know people are not spending as much in stores,” she explaining the Town’s sales tax revenue is going down. “It doesn’t seem right to me to add to that burden by increasing the tax burden on their property.” Collectively, the burden for taxpayers is $700,000 added to the Town budget.

“I believe we could accomplish what we need to accomplish in terms of our obligations for pensions and the Normal Library without that $700,000, and that would keep the property tax amount the same and not increase the percentage homeowners are having to pay on their property.”

At a per household level, Lorenz explained, a person with a $165,000 house would see their property tax increase by an additional $4. Lorenz said no average house totals $165,000 in value. She said her calculations say an average house’s value is roughly $287,000.

“The increase of the property tax is the increase,” Lorenz said. She added she was standing on the principle at a time “when people are very much struggling to handle cost of living and just making ends meet. She said her vote related to the fact she felt Council “need to be mindful of the burden residents are facing in terms of cost of living as well as taxes.” She added being able to lighten Town residents’ load was something Council members should do.

Council Unanimously Approves Bond Abatement Totaling Over $5 Million: Council members unanimously approved abating $5,041,488 in property taxes for the following bonds: 2009 (A) bonds issued on July 2009 (Build America Bonds); 2 013 bonds issued on November 2013 to refund 2005 bonds; 2014 bonds issued on December 2014; 2016 (A) bonds issued on March 2016 to refund 2006 bonds; 2016 (B) bonds issued on March 2016; 2017 (A) bonds issued on March 2017 to refund 2007 bonds; 2017 (B) bonds issued on March 2017 to refund 2007 bonds; 2018 bonds issued on March 2018 to refund 2008 bonds; and 2021 bonds issued on March 2021 to refund the 2010 (A) bonds.

State law requires all counties including McLean County to levy property taxes for the payment of these bonds. Municipalities is permitted to abate the tax if sufficient funds are available to make the required principal and interest payments. Rather than levy a tax for the payment of these obligations, the Town has budgeted sufficient sums from other sources in the General, Water, and Sewer Funds to service this debt.

Final Development Plan Approved For Former Logan’s Roadhouse: Logan’s Roadhouse Restaurants eventually closed 261 restaurants, in part, because business had dropped due to the Coronavirus which impacted the nation beginning in 2020. At Monday’s session, Council members unanimously approved an amended final development plan for the former restaurant location at 313 S Veteran’s Parkway.

The building would have a number of features which would appeal to any developer interested in the property including drive-through capability from the south side of the building then driving along the eastern side of the building to place orders, picking up orders on the north side, existing landscaping, 110 parking spaces and available bicycle parking, signage, and lighting.

Heartland Church Property Rezoned: Council members unanimously approved rezoning property of Heartland Church, 1811 N. Linden Ave., to S-2 Public Lands and Institutions from R-1A Single-Family Residential. Church officials sought the rezoning so that the church could have installation of ground-mounted solar panels in order to offset current ongoing operational expenses. In addition to the rezoning, church officials also sought to have a zoning map amendment requesting classifying the property under S-2 Public Lands and Institutions and have a site plan which would include a special use permit allowing the church to include solar panels.

After rezoning the property to S-2 Public Lands and Institutions, Council members unanimously approved a resolution approving a site plan including a special use permit for ground mounted solar panels at church. If the church gets permission to install ground-mounted solar panels, it would be able to offset its long-term operational expenses and continue investing in the property in other ways.

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

• Approval of minutes of the regular Council meeting of Dec. 2, 2024.

• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of Dec. 11, 2024.

• A resolution authorizing execution of an Intergovernmental agreement with McLean County for centralized booking services.

• A resolution waiving the formal bidding process and approving a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for tasers and associated training and equipment in the total amount of $412,944.47 to be billed over five years.

• A resolution to approve a memorandum of understanding with Heartland Community College to grant a license to occupy and use of Miracle League Field for Town of Normal.

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.”