City of Urbana Cunningham Township Board met January 8.
Here is the agenda as provided by the board:
The Cunningham Township Board met in regular session at 7:00 p.m., Monday January 8, 2018 the Council Chambers at the Urbana City Building, 400 S. Vine Street, Urbana, Illinois following a special meeting of the Township Board.
Elected Officials Physically Present:
Chair: Diane Wolfe Marlin
Trustees: Aaron Ammons; Bill Brown; Dean Hazen; Eric Jakobsson; Jared Miller
Town Clerk: Charles A. Smyth
Supervisor: Danielle Chynoweth
Assessor: Wayne Williams
Elected Officials Present Via Teleconference: None
Elected Officials Absent: Dennis Roberts; Maryalice Wu
Others Present: Fred Grosser, Township Attorney; Media members
1. Roll Call
Chair Marlin called the rescheduled meeting of the Cunningham Township Board to
order at 7:31 p.m. following a special meeting of the Township Board.
2. Public Participation
Jamie Willard spoke to her dismissal from the Township Assessor’s office. She noted
that she had no expectation of being dismissed given prior conversations between
herself and Assessor Williams. She listed a number of interactions and events between
staff in the Assessor’s office and Mr. Williams. She asked the Board to ask for the
resignation of Wayne Williams as Assessor. Trustee Jakobsson noted a constituent letter
praising Ms. Willard and thanked her for her service. Trustee Miller noted that all
members of the council except for the Mayor ran unopposed.
Claudia Lennhoff, Champaign County Health Care Consumers, spoke against dissolution
of the Township. She noted the important social services and programs provided by the
office. She spoke to the value of the services provided by the Township. She also
addressed the process by which dissolution would occur refuting an editorial made by
the News-Gazette and discussing the need for an open and educational process should
the board pursue dissolution. Trustee Brown noted that he has received 27 emails
concerning the issue and thanked Ms. Lennhoff for beginning the discussion.
Laura Haber did not wish to speak but wanted the record to note her opposition to
dissolution of the Township.
James Kilgore, Co-director of First Followers, spoke against dissolution of the Township.
He noted that the complicated employment issue before the Board could distract from
the services provided by the Township. He stated that social services are being stripped
away at the national and state level from the very population that he works with at First
Followers but are supported by the township. The services provided require an effective
local presence by individuals with experience with the issues involved. He considers the
Township one of the most effective local service agencies in Champaign County.
Kim Harden-Ware addressed the board concerning a recent tax sale of a tract of land
abutting her home to Brian Nastruz. He is now demanding that she remove her fence
and property from this strip that she did not realize was not part of her property. She
noted that the County did not make an attempt to contact her directly after mail was
repeatedly returned because it didn’t list the correct owner. She asked that efforts be
made to clarify procedures and help in any way from the city. She left pictures,
correspondence, and a written statement with the City Clerk. Trustee Jakobsson asked
if Ms. Harden-Ware had an attorney and she acknowledged that she did. Trustee Brown
asked if the city can do things to help prevent this from happening in the future. He
noted that the process is not transparent and discussion ensued. Mr. Grosser also
described a similar experience in litigating a similar issue.
Maryam Ar-Raheem spoke to the board concerning Mr. Miller’s statement. She did not
view it as an argument with the speaker. She thought his comments appropriate and
appreciated his comments clarifying the process.
David Sutton wished to speak but had to leave before being called on.
3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
December 4, 2017 and December 18, 2017 (Special Meeting) – Trustee Miller made a
motion to approve the minutes from the meetings held on December 4 and December
18, 2017. Motion was seconded by Trustee Hazen and carried by unanimous voice vote.
4. Committee to Verify Bills
1. Town Fund in the amount of $27,206.58
2. General Assistance Fund in the amount of $62,206.58
Trustee Miller made a motion to approve the Town Fund and General Assistance Fund
bills for the amounts listed. Trustee Jakobsson seconded and the bills were approved by
unanimous voice vote.
5. Reports of Officers
Assessor Wayne Williams provided a report to the board with work plans for the
upcoming month and year. Trustee Jakobsson asked about plans to reassess the
Landmark Hotel given a potential sale to which Mr. Williams indicated he would follow
the law.
Mid-Year Financial Report – Township Supervisor Chynoweth provided a written
summary of the current finances and a monthly report of activities of the Supervisor’s
office. She summarized the Assistance Statistics by category as of January 7, 2018 with
a total active client base of 137 individuals. She also provided an update on Homeless
Assistance noting that there is a severe lack of shelter for families with children.
7. Unfinished Business
There was none.
8. New Business
a. Resolution No. T-2018-01-001R: Resolution Authorizing Certain Individuals to
Sign Checks for Cunningham Township.
A motion to approve Resolution T-2018-01-001R was made by Trustee Miller and
seconded by Trustee Ammons. With no further discussion, the motion passed by
unanimous voice vote.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Cunningham Township Board, Chair
Marlin declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-01-08_Minutes_TB.pdf
Alerts Sign-up