NORMAL – The building that houses a popular flower shop, comics store, and records store in Uptown Normal will be getting new look in the future, thanks to resolutions passed by Normal Town Council members at the group’s regular meeting at City Hall Monday night.

First, Council members unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the execution of a redevelopment agreement with Kup Tcheng, owner of 111 W. North St, and with Roger and Sherrillyn Taylor, owners of 113 and 115 W. North St.

The businesses affected by the agreement at 111 W. North St. are Washburn Flowers and Mother Murphy’s.

The building was once known as the Normal State Bank Building.

The businesses affected by the agreement at 113-115 W. North St. are Waiting Room Records and Acme Comics, both on the building’s first floor, and Puyear And Associates, located on the building’s second floor.

Then, Council members unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement with Bloomington-based Felmley Dickerson Co. for façade renovations to 111-115 W. North St. in the amount of $221,811.

The expenditure breakdown includes items such as masonry cleaning and restoration, storefront reconstruction, window and door replacement, cleaning & painting, balcony roof reconstruction, and insurance costs.

The Taylors’ financial participation is expected to be $68,657, while Tcheng will pay $24,935. The Town of Normal will add $127,761 to come to the final agreed upon total cost.

Fairview Aquatic Bid Approved: Council members also approved a resolution accepting a bid of $2,212,000, and approving a contract with Bloomington-based Johnston Contractors, Inc. for the Fairview Aquatic renovation project.

The slides at the aquatic center are roughly 20 years old and in need of replacement at the 25-year-old facility.

City Manager Mark Peterson reported to Council members that, this past Summer, the water slides needed to be shut down on numerous occasions to plug leaks and perform other kinds of maintenance.

Peterson credited staff members from Normal Parks and Recreation, responsible for maintenance at the water park, “at a time well beyond the length of time (it was anticipated to be used).”

Peterson said it is anticipated the renovation project will be complete in time for when pools open next year.

Liquor License Renewals Paid: Normal Liquor Commission members held a meeting prior Council session and were informed that all 52 of the Town’s liquor license holders have paid license fee in advance of the Sept. 30 deadline, avoiding being charged a late fee by the Town.

With Mayor Chris Koos not present at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Pro Tem and Liquor Commissioner Sonja Reece informed Commissioners that 17 of the 52 establishments opted to pay their fee in two installments.

“Sister Cities” Committee Appointee Announced: Council members unanimously approved the appointment of a Normal resident to the “Sister Cities” Committee. Walter Allen becomes the newest member of the committee, whose term will expire next March.

Allen is currently attending Illinois State University, and has been a member of the Uptown Normal Business Association.

Allen is filling the remainder of a Committee term served by Joe Reid. Reid, is remaining on the Committee, but as a Bloomington resident, having moved there.

There are 17 members of the Sister Cities Committee – 10 from Normal and seven from Bloomington.

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

• Approval of minutes of the Council’s regular meeting held Oct. 6, 2008.

• Approval of Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of Oct. 15, 2008.

• A motion to accept the Water Treatment Plant Chemical Bids for November 2008 through October 2009.

• A motion to approve payment of $2,440 from CDBG funds for water service connection fees for the Habitat Subdivision, 415, 419, and 419 ½ W. Vernon.

• A motion to waive the formal bidding process and accept an emergency repair order quotation from Peoria-based ThyssenKrupp Elevator, to complete repairs of an elevator at the Children’s Discovery Museum and approve a budget adjustment.

• A motion to authorize the preparation of the 2008 Property Tax Levy ordinance.

• A resolution to waive the formal bidding process and to authorize execution of an agreement with Tinley Park-based Resource Management Associates to perform testing services pertaining to the Fire Lieutenant Promotional Process.

• A resolution to waive the formal bidding process and to authorize execution of an agreement with Tinley Park-based Resource Management Associates to perform testing services pertaining to the Police Sergeant Promotional Process.

• A resolution accepting the public improvements in the Original, First, and Second Additions to North Fields Subdivision for Maintenance.

• A resolution accepting easement for Water Main Purposes – First Addition to The Oaks On Hovey PUD.

• A resolution accepting easement for Water Main Purposes – Grace Baptist Church.

• A conditional resolution approving a final plat for the Kings Mill Acres Subdivision.

• A resolution conditionally and partially approving the final plan for the Willow Trails Apartments planned unit development in the Town of Normal.

• An ordinance rezoning property east of Airport Rd. and north of the Vineyards I Subdivision in Normal.

• An ordinance rezoning property in the Interchange City West Subdivision.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 10:35 pm and is filed under Normal Town Council, The Normalite. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.