NORMAL – Taking the pulse of what residents of Normal want to see develop at the south end of Uptown was the focus of an online meeting organized by the Town of Normal and held remotely to see what ideas and concerns residents had for the area. Those surveyed, and a number of Illinois State University students who took part in the meeting stated a grocery in Uptown Normal would be desirable in order to head off that area of town keeping it from being considered a “food desert” where no groceries exist.

Town Planner Mercy Davison introduced the meeting saying details concerning June 28’s session would be posted to the Town website, www.normalil.org, as will details for two future in-person meetings. Doug Farr, founder of Chicago-based Farr Associates, and Olivia Grenzebach, a planner with the company, anchored Thursday’s 90-minute online meeting. In addition to the online session held Thursday, Davison added, two in-person meetings will be held with dates of those meetings to be announced.

Farr began by defining the borders for the area next on the list to be seeing improvements in the future. The area consists of 8.3 acres bordered to the north by railroad tracks, to the east by Linden St., to Irving St. to the south and Constitution Trail to the west. Farr said his organization conducted an online survey to gauge what residents felt was needed in Uptown

Farr officials indicated they are on track to submit final results of revitalization including costs by the end of the year after which construction would begin with completion of the final phase of construction anticipated to be completed by mid-December next year.

Among the elements those surveyed said for a renovated Uptown south to be successful included the need for more parking there. That was followed by what those surveyed saw as needs for wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas, bike lanes, landscaping, and outdoor dining.

Farr indicated the firm is aware that roughly 10 percent of the land in Uptown south is open space, and that the underpass will occupy 0.9 acres of the 8.3 acres in that area. He said Constitution Trail will continue through that area and Uptown Circle, provide tiered green space, and provide for gatherings and public events.

Farr said responses to the 30 question survey were topped off by a number of themes including: Fine grained spaces for walking and biking; Mixed land uses including housing; Accessibility to be able to drop off and pick up people, and parking; amenities such as a grocery store, Normal Library, food, and entertainment; and open space for public gatherings.

Farr suggested that the gathering space should be “walkable” and “car free.” He added housing “was an absolute winner as there is a market for it.” He added there seem to be a split between people who wanted a form of plaza for the space with another group expressing a desire for more open spaces in Uptown. He added a recommendation that any restaurants ought to be grouped together rather than spreading them throughout Uptown.

When asked to envision how they believe Uptown South will become in the future, 65.46 percent of those surveyed said they would like to see some form of mixed use, as opposed to any kind of residential structure; 38.80 percent said they would like to see the area used for primarily commercial use with some residential use; and 18.97 percent of those surveyed said they would like to see the space used for residential with some space for business use.

Survey respondents were asked what two specific types of business they believed would enhance quality of life by being placed in Uptown saw 41.03 percent favored a grocery store; 38.63 percent favored restaurants; 36.41 percent favored retail; and 22.05 percent opted for something categorized as “other.” Items under “other” ranged from coffee to cultural space to book store to pedestrian use areas.

Farr said he believed some of those who were surveyed were thinking beyond Uptown South when they answered questions. Those surveyed were quizzed concerning the size of stores they would like to see in the area if development is in the area’s future. A total of 63.49 percent of those surveyed said they desired buildings 30-60 feet in width, followed by 28.22 percent surveyed preferring buildings between 15 ft.-30 ft. in width, followed by buildings of 200 feet in width only drawing preference from 8.29 percent of those surveyed. A total of 86.48 percent of those surveyed said they would like to see cul-de-sacs connected to Constitution Trail while 13.52 percent of those asked about that said they opposed the idea.

Three Proposed Designs For Public Space – Cloister, Square, and Plaza: Farr said his group is proposing three possible designs for public space in Uptown South — Cloister, Square, and Plaza. Farr said the cloister design would have people strictly on foot, prohibiting people from using cars in order to travel through it. In the Square option, Farr said the park is surrounded by nearby streets and would have two crossings to Constitution Trail. Farr said this option would have both auto and pedestrian access. The third design Farr introduced was a plaza design. Farr admitted the plaza design was harder for people to immediately visualize. Farr said were the Plaza option to be chosen, the amount of green space would be less than in the other two options. He compared it pictures of green space in parks in Europe. He said the plaza option would have space for cars to drop off visitors in one corner of its design.

During discussion following presentation of the choices, Avery Spranger, a student at Illinois State University, reminded Farr and the Town representatives that comments in the survey about the University being in a food desert “are there for a reason,” reminding that students often go to CVS Pharmacy on Fell Avenue but primarily for snacks.

“People can’t walk two miles in the middle of their busy schedules to go get groceries,” she stated. She stated CVS “charges $7 for Oreos and that’s why a grocery is on the list” of improvements she would like to see when a finalized design is chosen. She said having a grocery close by in Uptown is why students made such a suggestion.

Patrick Walsh, student body president at ISU, tacked on a need for a grocery in Uptown because, as he explained from doing some research, CVS Pharmacy does not have a common distributor for food items like milk. Morgan Taylor, representing Jack Abraham, candidate for McLean County Board District 6, which includes ISU and Uptown South, read a statement from Abraham concerning the need for a grocery option in Uptown. “Uptown Normal has various shops and other establishments,” Abraham wrote. “But what is lacking is a viable option for residents looking to buy groceries. Having an affordable grocery store option in the Uptown area will give students and residents alike a practical way to groceries without having to organize carpool trips to other grocery stores in town or settle for the limited options that are in Uptown currently.

Abraham recalled the snowstorm experienced in February which forced ISU to close for a couple days. He said that left students with needing to stock up on food for a few days. “If students did not have access to transportation to groceries outside the area, they were forced into more expensive and less diverse options. We need a cost effective grocery store in the Uptown area…”

Student Livi Sweich contributed suggesting creation of a community garden in the Uptown area. Doing so, she said, would help provide fresh vegetables which could be sold at the community pantry. Farr said some communities use underdeveloped or underutilized land parcels for just such uses. Farr said Normal has vacant spaces which could be considered to be used for just such purposes.

Another student, Braxton Myers, said he’s among a number of students who don’t stay in Normal because they believe the Town hasn’t the infrastructure to support students who don’t have cars. “If we want to keep students here, if we want to have students stay here throughout the entire process after they graduate, I think it kind of starts with the infrastructure and having the grocery stores and available access to these amenities.”

NORMAL – Could the notion of Normal becoming a community where Town Council members represent individual wards rather than the current process of members representing the Town as a whole be in the Town’s future? There is a group of residents who would like to see a change in the way the Town is governed, with Council members currently serving at large, changed to a ward system where a person elected to Town Council would have to live in and represent a specific ward.

A petition is being circulated which would be turned into the county clerk’s office in Bloomington which, if enough signatures are gathered and verified by that office, would put the question whether Normal should have representatives who serve on Council being required to reside in the neighborhoods they represent.

Currently, at least three Council members live in the same general area rather than being spaced in different sections of Town.

Council Member Stan Nord, currently serving his first term on Council, said he has been asked by residents why the Town doesn’t have wards already in place. For decades, the Town has had a system where residents could contact any member of Town Council with concerns. A change to wards would mean residents would need to approach their Council ward representative to address any issues.

Nord explained local residents supportive of the change learned about how another central Illinois community, Rantoul, learned how to govern using the ward system. He said he has gotten pushback on the ward system idea from “WGLT and people who are currently elected.” WGLT recently posted an article on their website reporting about the ward idea.

Kathy Siracuse is a Normal resident signed the petition and is helping promote making wards possible. She said she would favor Town Council members shifting from their current Town Council at-large designations, where they represent the Town as a whole regardless of where they live, to a ward-oriented system similar to Bloomington, where the Town is divided into wards and Council members would need to be living in the ward they represent while on the Council.

“I just know there’s a lot people in Normal who are very dissatisfied with the way Normal is being run and managed,” Siracuse said. She added that because of that, “we aren’t getting what we need in the Town of Normal as far as taking care of the issues that need to be addressed.” At the same time that there are folks who object to how the Town is being governed, Siracuse added, “We aren’t seeing voter turnout. You know, if you want to change something, you’ve got to go out and vote for it.”

But while Siracuse and Nord believe this to be a good idea for Normal, Council Member and Town Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McCarthy said he has been approached by residents who are asking him why the Town would consider making such a change.

If a ward system were implemented, residents would find themselves able to contact only the Council member representing their ward. McCarthy said he has had residents confirm for them that specific change concerning contacting a Council member is something residents would need to get used to. McCarthy said residents, upon hearing that, have asked him, “Why is that better?”

McCarthy said another resident pondered the effect of a lack of choice at the voting booth. “This person said they get to vote for all members of the Council, and have an influence” on how the Town decides matters. McCarthy said the resident then asked, “In a ward system, I would only get to vote for one so my voting power gets diluted?” McCarthy confirmed for that person that was the case.

“There is a misconception that the ward system is better representation,” McCarthy said. “It’s actually less representation.”

McCarthy said one of those people asking about less representation asked him, “Why would I do that?” McCarthy said he replied, “I don’t know why you would do that,” and thus, why Normal would do it.

He added when Council members vote on projects, which neighborhood benefits doesn’t come into consideration because Council’s belief is projects approved are a benefit to the entire town. He added going to a ward system would make Council members address and be concerned about issues central only to the ward they were elected to serve rather than Normal as a whole.

McCarthy said the Town geography for certain businesses if Normal gets divided into wards would be advantageous for some and not others. He cited putting Rivian in a certain ward would help that specific ward while a ward with fewer businesses would be at a serious disadvantage.

By Steve Robinson | July 22, 2022 - 10:24 pm
Posted in Category: The Normalite, Unit 5

NORMAL – Normal- based Unit 5 School Board members were made aware of options available to them after hearing survey results conducted by a consulting firm during the governing body’s July 20 regularly scheduled meeting held in Normal Community West High School’s cafeteria. Collin Corbett from Libertyville-based EO Sullivan education consultants presented Board members with a trio of options the firm received regarding how the public would like the district to proceed concerning how they would like district funding to proceed. The district has been battling a deficit and is considering presenting a referendum question for the November ballot, seeking an annual tax revenue increase of roughly $14.5 million.

Board members heard about alternatives they will need to consider which were part of a survey conducted by Libertyville-based research firm EOSullivan. An executive with the firm, Collin Corbett, explained to Board members data from survey results have presented Unit 5 with three potential funding avenues to consider.

Those funding choices are: Raise district funding by about $12 million per year, allowing the district to reach a level which would help eliminate damaging effects the deficit would have on the district; Raise district funding by about $14.5 million and permit funding for specific district priorities which would include smaller class sizes, student resources and improved safety; or raise district funding by about $17 million adding expanded programs as well as technology improvements. As a result, owners of a $180,000 home would see their taxes increase between $305 and $440 per year.

Corbett said those surveyed wanted to see the district develop “a strong willingness to overcome all financial challenges.” He said the public showed interest in the district seeking out new revenue sources, although there were no specifics as to what those sources would be.

In response to a question from Board Member Alan Kalitzky asked Corbett what affect current increased costs of goods and services had on responses EO Sullivan received in surveys. Corbett explained intake of information received by researchers was gathered “weeks not months” before being presented to Board members. He added inflationary pressures from increased costs of goods have factored into some negative survey results from the public.

Corbett offset that by saying, “You’ve got a great story here because 2,500 people have had their voices heard in this community” from taking part in the survey. He added survey results do indicate some opposition to what the district wants to do and he related those to financial challenges families currently face.

Board Member Stan Gozur asked Corbett how many families polled didn’t see anything they favored among the choice Sullivan polling gave them. Corbett said there were a small number of people who may have opposed the choices given in the survey because their specific choice wasn’t among those provided. Corbett added the funding choices given were ones the public “most likely wanted to see.”

Bus Lane Work At Prairieland Elementary Discussed: Whether to use Life/Safety funds for use to create a bus lane at Prairieland Elementary School led off the meeting’s agenda, starting with a public hearing as required by State law for such potential expenditures, and during that hearing, Kalitzky said in addressing whether to spend money on repaving the bus lane that “sometimes just spending money to put patches down just isn’t enough.” He began his explanation by saying the district has done “a very good job” of maintaining its properties and that, sometimes, such upkeep and maintenance is necessary.

He added Prairieland Elementary “is a heavily used school and facility” and so it’s not just about the buses coming through, but it’s about parents picking up and dropping kids off for extracurricular activities, as well.”

No members of the public signed up to address the public hearing. No action was taken on Prairieland’s parking was taken at this session.

New Employees Introduced: District Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle introduced Board members and audience members present to three new district employees. Robin Taylor, Courtney McClure, and were introduced to Board members and audience members. Taylor is the new assistant principal at Normal Community West High School. She spent last fall as an administrative intern at both Normal West and Kingsley Junior High School. She has a decade of experience as a math teacher at KJHS. Taylor told Board members, “I’d like to thank everybody for the opportunity as I continue my educational career.”

McClure will become associate principal at Normal Community High School. A 19-year teaching veteran, she has spent eight years as a special education teacher in Champaign District #4. She has experience as an assistant principal at NCHS.

Amanda Sick was introduced as the new principal at Fairview Elementary School. A 21-year teaching veteran, Sick has previous experience in the area having taught at Bloomington District #87’s Sheridan School. Sick said she was “looking forward to the opportunity” awaiting her at Fairview Elementary.

Dr. Weikle said Taylor, McClure, and Sick are just three of a “handful of new administrators” Unit 5 has on staff beginning now and they all met in meetings earlier this month.

Superintendent Comments: A number of items topped Dr. Weikle’s Superintendent Comments, including the district having had over 700 students in summer school this year. While in class, she said, elementary students’ and junior high students’ studies centered primarily on literacy, math, and social emotional learning, while high school students’ work centered on earning credits. In addition, she said, there were an additional 275 students worked on education plans which relate to individual goals.

Currently, she said, the district now turns its attention toward preparing for the 2022-23 school year, with teachers returning to work on Monday, Aug. 15. Students in grades K-12 will begin the new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Students in the district’s Early Learning program will begin their classes Thursday, Aug. 18. Dr. Weikle reminded that students who are new to Illinois, or participating in Early Learning, 6th grade, or 9th grade must have completed medical physicals and required immunizations prior to starting the school year. She added if parents are having issues getting appointments, they are welcome to call the school the child will attend to see if a local medical facility can help to get those shots administered.

She added the annual Back2School Alliance supply distribution event for specific students within grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade from Normal-based Unit 5 School District will be held Thursday, Aug. 11 from 12 Noon-6p.m. at the south parking garage of State Farm Insurance’s Corporate Headquarters at Bloomington’s south end. Eligible students for this event in Pre-K-8th grade who are registered for school by Aug. 1 will receive an invitation to this event in the mail, Dr. Weikle said. She added high school students who qualify can contact the counseling office of their school to receive needed supplies. Students who can participate in this event must be registered for school and be current on immunizations, and qualify for either a free or reduced priced lunches.

Help Wanted: Dr. Weikle said Unit 5 is “looking to fill some key positions” within the district as the coming school year approaches. In particular, she said Unit 5 is looking for special education teachers, teaching assistants, and substitute staff in all positions ranging from teachers to teaching assistants to food service and custodial staff. She welcomed those interested to check out the district website, www.unit 5.org, or to call the district office.

First Student Update Provided: Nick Sorey, senior location manager for the Cincinnati, Ohio-based First Student bus company, informed Board members there are now two safety managers on duty, as well as an additional dispatcher, making it have two on duty. He began by introducing Board members to Sheandra McCray-Sneed, who had been a dispatcher for the company and has been promoted to operations supervisor.

He recapped how First Student handled summer school explaining 67 routes were used to handle a total of 749 students on a daily basis with buses being on time more than 95 percent of the time.

In preparation for the coming school year, Sorey said there are 123 drivers scheduled to report for duty when school starts in August with another 10 in various stages of training to be added to that group. The company requires 136 drivers in order to be at full strength to run routes, he explained. Sorey added he’s scheduled to hold a meeting later this month with District Operations Director Joe Adelman and District Budget Director Marty Hickman to review all routes to be used.

Board President Barry Hitchins emphasized to Sorey how important a positive start in terms of getting students to and from school at the beginning of the new school year will be to the district’s relationship with First Student. He reminded Sorey the district will be going out for bids on transportation providers beginning this fall. Emphasizing to Sorey that what he said next to him was not a threat, Hitchins told Sorey how the beginning of the school year goes getting students to and from class “could be – could be a factor in any decisions this Board makes on” transportation contracts. Hitchins told Sorey he wanted to “remind you of the high expectations the Board has.”

By Steve Robinson | July 18, 2022 - 10:31 pm
Posted in Category: Normal Town Council, The Normalite

NORMAL – By a 6-1 count, Normal Town Council members approved executing an agreement with Atlanta, Ga.-based Flock Safety for the purchase of automatic license plate data readers in the amount of $83,550. Council Member Stan Nord cast the lone opposing vote.

City Manager Pam Reece reminded Council members discussions about purchasing these devices which would be placed at various roadways began with discussions with Council members in June. Mayor Chris Koos thanked Council members for their efforts in studying the issues concerning purchasing the product.

Josh Thomas, vice president from Atlanta, Ga.-based Flock Safety, addressed a concern from Council Member Kathleen Lorenz explaining Normal “owns the data, we don’t. You get to say who has access to it. We do not.” He added Flock “cannot sell the information for commercial purposes, and can only access the information for troubleshooting purposes at the request of Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli.

Nord told Petrilli and Thomas “he appreciated the potential use but with the tools, there is also the ability to be misused. He told them policies may be in place but “policies are written by people.” Petrilli told Nord NPD would be overseeing the system. Nord told them he “believed in checks and balances.”

In a public comment prior to Council’s vote, Council members heard from Ravi Duvvuri, a member of American Civil Liberties Union of Central Illinois, concerning Normal purchase of license plate readers from Flock Safety. Explaining he was “a strong advocate for digital privacy and security rights,” Duvvuri explained he was resistant to anything that expands surveillance and data collection,” especially what he described as “wholesale identifiable data.” With appropriate safeguards, Duvvuri added can be a “powerful tool to aid investigations.” But he quickly added the public “cannot and should allow a heightened sense of fear to override logic and cause us to rush into any decisions that will welcome in an unchecked and even more pervasive surveillance.”

Harmon Arts Grant Funds Presented: Prior to the beginning of Monday’s session, Council members and other gathered in Council Chambers witnessed the presentation of Harmon Arts Grant Awards. A total of $58,145 in grants were awarded to local groups, the money for the grants earmarked from the Town’s general fund. A total of 20 groups received grants from the program. The programs or projects receiving the money would need to take place between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Harmon told those in attendance the program began in 1986 and has given out grants annually except for two “hiatus periods due to budgetary restraints.” Harmon said the purpose of the grant program is “to supplement other forms of arts and recreation that the Town supplies directly. This is a way, really, to held extend various events to a broader group.”

The grant program is named for former Normal Mayor Paul Harmon and his dedication to the arts and was created in 1993 to help promote various art forms in the community. Among the criteria used to determine which applicants are awarded are: Programs take place in the Town of Normal; Programs are administered by non-profit groups; and programs are administered by organizations with a stated purpose to promote the arts. At Monday’s meeting, Harmon was present to introduce those groups receiving the grants as current Mayor Chris Koos presented checks to group representatives.

Winners, and their grant dollar amounts awarded, are: ARC Living Memorial Fund, $1,500; Brass Band of Central Illinois, $2,500; Coalescence Theatre Project, $4,500; Community Players Theatre, $2,000; Crossroads Area Student Theater (CAST), $1,500; Further Jazz, Inc., $3,000; Heartland Productions, Inc., doing business as Heartland Theatre Company, $2,500; Illinois Art Station, $4,400; Illinois Chamber of Music Festival at IWU, $1,800; Illinois Voices Theatre: SEEDLING, $2,800; ISU Symphony Orchestra, $3,500; McLean County Arts Center, $4,000; Normal West Bands, $1,000; Prairie Fire Theatre, $4,500; Prairie Pride Coalition, Inc., $4,500; pt.fwd, $3,250; Share The Music, $1,225; Twin Cities School of Dance, $4,000; USA Ballet, $4,000; and YWCA McLean County, $1,670.

Council Approves Amending FY’21-22 Operating And Capital Investment Budget: Describing it as an annual action, City Manager Pam Reece explained approving the Town’s Amended FY’21-22 Operating And Capital Investment Budget and any modifications Council members voted to make during the previous fiscal year. Council members voted unanimously to amend the Town’s FY ’21-22 annual Operating And Capital Investment budget. In terms of Town-wide budget revenue in the previous fiscal year, Normal expected earning $136,735,282. The Town, in fact, took in $174,150,721, an increase of $37,415,439. In his report to Council members, Town Finance Director Andrew Huhn explained, “The significant adjustments that created the $37.4 million revenue increase in the Town’s budget (all funds) primarily relates to transactions associated with the 2012 Bond Fund, General Fund, American Rescue Plan Fund, Underpass Fund, Debt Service Project Reserve Fund, and the Capital Investment Fund.”

Amended Site Plan For Rivian Approved: By a 6-1 count with Nord casting the sole opposing vote, Council members approved a resolution conditionally approving an amended site plan with a special use permit for a large-scale wind turbine at Rivian Motors at 1000 N. Rivian Motorway. As a result of the vote, Rivian will be able to install a large-scale wind turbine, helping generate power for part of its operations. Upon doing research for Rivian’s request, Town Staff’s report to Council indicated “The turbine is proposed in a heavily industrial part of the community almost a mile from the nearest residential neighborhood. Detailed studies show that the turbine will not cause any noise, vibration, shadow flicker, or signal interference for those living nearby.”

Nord’s objection, in part, was a concern about the distance between Rivian’s building and the top of the windmill structure. Normal Planning Commission held a public hearing for the proposed wind turbine on July 7, 2022 where only Rivian officials and the consultants leading the turbine project.

Council Approves Donating Land Parcel At 316 Glenn Ave. To YouthBuild: Council members unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing donating a parcel of property located at 316 Glenn Ave. to YouthBuild McLean County. In addition to donating the property donation, the Town is adding $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to support rehabilitation efforts for the property owned by YouthBuild of McLean County. The funds are also reflected in CDBG’s 2022 Annual Action Plan for Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation.

Robert Porter Appointed To Historic Preservation Commission, Julie Hile Reappointed To Connect Transit Board: Robert Porter has been appointed to the Town of Normal Historic Preservation Commission. A lawyer for 10 years, Porter is employed by the Costigan & Wollrab, P.C. since 2012 and has been a partner with the firm since 2019. He currently holds memberships on the boards of McLean County Historical Society and Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Porter will be filling a seat on the Board held by Todd Bugg whose term expires March 31, 2023.

Also, Julie Hile has been reappointed to the Board of Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System for a term which will expire June 30, 2026. She was first appointed to that Board in 2018.

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

• Approval of minutes of the regular Council meeting of July 5, 2022.

• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of July 13, 2022.

• A resolution to accept bids and award a contract to Bloomington-based Rowe Construction, a division of United Midwest, Inc., for the Landmark Drive at Parkway Plaza Drive intersection improvements project in the amount of $76,563.15

• A motion to reject bids for the 2022 Beech Street pavement replacement project.

• A resolution conditionally approving a final plat for the eleventh addition to The Vineyards subdivision (southeast corner of The Vineyards subdivision).

• A resolution conditionally approving a final plat of Yordy subdivision (property at the southwest corner of West College Ave. and Interstate 55).

• A resolution approving a site plan for the property at the southwest corner of West College Ave. and Interstate 55 (Yordy Mini-Storage).

NORMAL – A proposed ordinance which would create amendments concerning how citizens’ temporary signs was passed by a 5-2 vote at Tuesday’s Normal Town Council session. Approving the motion would discard the current permit requirement for temporary signs in residential areas. At the same time, the ordinance would place reasonable limits on signs regarding size and amount of signs allowed in residential areas.

As a result of the vote, Normal Town Council may initiate an amendment which would be sent to Normal Planning Commission. In turn, NPC will hold a public hearing for public input on the matter, and render a recommendation which would be passed back to the Council. It would be up to a Council vote to determine if it becomes part of Town Code. City Manager Pam Reece told Council members passing the resolution would send the matter to NPC to start the public hearing process. She added the public hearing process is done “so we can end up with an ordinance that is best for the community.”

Reece explained that, currently, code concerning signs doesn’t separate such signs in residential areas from those in non-residential areas. Mayor Chris Koos answered a question from Council Member Stan Nord, explaining the mayor has gotten complaints about larger yard signs blocking peoples’ line of sight in certain areas as they drove.

Council Member Kevin McCarthy reminded residents can address both Normal Town Council and NPC on this matter, adding it’s not a matter of talking to one or the other, “that it’s not and either or. They have the opportunity to address both. We are looking to start a public conversation.”

Koos was joined by Council Members McCarthy, Chemberly Cummings, Kathleen Lorenz, and Karyn Smith voted for the measure. Council Members Nord and Scott Preston cast opposing votes.

In a public comment addressing Council members at the start of the meeting, Karl Sila, a former write-in Council candidate in 2019, told Council members in a public comment, lobbed criticism at the Town, saying, “just as Illinois has a reputation for being the most corrupt of these United States, Normal has a reputation for seeking to prevent the little guy from participating in the political process in Town government.”

He mentioned a public comment policy which was criticized by the State a couple years ago for failing to meet State regulations, he criticized an updated comment policy which he said was “illegal,” and he said currently, the Town still has a policy which discourages public comment. He stated such items as a cause for “why so many Town employees choose to live outside of Normal.” He said he was sure Council members have “noticed more and more signs of more and more candidates who want to challenge the status quo power structure.”

He finished saying, “I know it’s hard to break with your tradition, and I am largely wasting my breath, but I still speak for a lot of little guys and urge you not to give your anti-democracy sign regulation your stamp of approval.”

The meeting was held Tuesday because of Monday’s Federal Independence Day holiday.

Council Approves Resolution Providing $50,000 In Grant Funds To Community Health Care Clinic: Council members unanimously approved a resolution approving a grant agreement authorizing $50,000 from the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) account to be distributed to Community Health Care Clinic and authorizing a related budget adjustment. The funds were to be adopted to be put into the Town’s budget for fiscal year 2022-23 through fiscal year 2026-27 spending $10,000 each fiscal year. But City Manager Pam Reece told Council members after conversations she had with Clinic directors, the Clinic will receive the money in one lump sum.

In May 2021, the Town received half of a $10.8 million allotment through ARPA. ARPA was adopted by Congress to support coronavirus recovery locally and in the State. Community Health Care Clinic serves as a primary medical service for low income and uninsured residents in McLean County. As a result, the clinic serves over 1,100 patients annually providing free access to primary health care, health education, dental services, pharmacy services, and wellness programs.

The $50,000 of ARPA funds the Town is providing the clinic will be used to support COVID testing and other needed pandemic related services, Reece’s report to Council members explained.

Trash Pick-Up Update Provided: Smith reminded that the July 4th holiday prevented trash pick up scheduled normally on Mondays. She did say bulk, landscape waste, and brush will be picked up next Monday, July 11.

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

• Approval of minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 6, 2022.

• Approval of the minutes of the work session special meeting of June 20, 2022

• Approval of the minutes of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 20, 2022.

• Report to receive and file Town of Normal expenditures for payment as of June 30, 2022.

• A resolution to approve executive session minutes, to release executive session minutes from Feb. 7 and April 4, both 2022, and retain confidentiality for executive session minutes from June 19, 2017; Feb. 18 and April 15, 2019; June 21, 2021, and June 6, 2022.

• A resolution to waive the formal bidding requirements and executing an agreement with New Haven, Conn.-based Luckey, LLC for fabrication and installation of the new Luckey Climber at the Children’s Discovery Museum in an amount not to exceed $296,110 plus reimbursable expenses.

• A resolution to appropriate $202,500 of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the design of Franklin Ave. bridge over the north branch of Sugar Creek replacement project.

• An ordinance accepting utility easements.