Urbana City Council Committee of the Whole met Nov. 13.
Here is the agenda provided by the Committee:
The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday, November 13, 2017, in the Council Chambers of the Urbana City Building.
Elected Officials Physically Present: Aaron Ammons; Bill Brown; Dean Hazen; Eric Jakobsson; Jared Miller; Dennis Roberts; Maryalice Wu; Diane Wolfe Marlin; Charles A. Smyth
Elected Officials Present Via Teleconference: None
Elected Officials Absent: None
Staff Present: Brad Bennett; Brandon Boys; William Gray; Elizabeth Hannan; Elizabeth Horwitz; Wendy Hundley; Sylvia Morgan; John Schneider; James Simon; Justin Swinford; Dave Wisher
Others Present: Qaiyim Abdulla; Lili Banihashem; Michael Carpenter; Elderess Melinda Carr; Carol Hays; Bob Holloway; Lois Kain, Rebecca Laurent; Rev. Jacqueline Minor; Nathan Poulosky; Harlan Powell; Etha Reid; Walter Reid; Joyce Roundtree; Lynn Stuckey; Rev. Dr. Evelyn B. Underwood; Bishop King James Underwood; Members of the Media
The Pledge Of Allegiance Was Recited
1. Call To Order And Roll Call
There being a quorum, Chair Dean Hazen called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at 7:04pm.
2. Approval Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting
Alderman Roberts made a motion to approve minutes from the meeting held on October 23, 2017. Motion seconded by Alderman Miller and carried by voice vote.
3. Additions To The Agenda
Alderwoman Wu made a motion to add discussion item about the consequences of proposed federal tax changes on students. Alderman Roberts seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.
4. Petitions And Communications
Video for public input and discussions can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/02._Public_Input.mp4
Lynn Stuckey addressed the committee in opposition to Ordinance No. 2017-11-066.
Nathan Pouloski addressed the committee about the effects of climate change and introduced the local chapter of iMatter as a coalition of Uni High, UofI, Urbana high school, and Central high school students. He presented the clerk with a proposed resolution and petition endorsed by community organizations and UofI student senate.
Lili Banihashem addressed the committee as a Uni High student involved with iMatter. She stated that her generation would be the first to experience the full effects of global climate changes. Based on data collected from the city, they have produced a report card via iMatter with help from ICLEI (http://www.iclei.org/) and the Rocky Mountain Institute. The report card has four areas of evaluation. Urbana has earned a C+ based on its climate action plan but it takes a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2040 for an A. She indicated appreciation for the work efforts Urbana has done such as solar and electric aggregation but asked, “How will Urbana improve their grade”? Discussion ensued.
Michael Carpenter, a Sierra Club Prairie Group volunteer addressed the committee and introduced the ready for 100 program. She described this as local action to achieve 100% renewable energy and gave several example cities already doing this today. Discussion ensued.
Rebecca Laurent, a U of I Environmental Sciences student addressed the committee speaking about her reaction to climate change and stating that Urbana’s climate action plan is not enough. She recommended adopting the proposed resolution, as it is a scientific recommendation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. She further suggested including young people in the dialog process, as they are the ones to experience the problems of climate change in the future.
Lois Kain addressed the committee as an Urbana resident and local member of the national organization Food and Water Watch. She spoke about Off Fossil Fuels, a program getting pledges from local officials to acknowledge fossil fuels as the problem. She asked city elected officials to consider signing the pledge and she handed out forms to elected officials. Discussion ensued.
Alderman Ammons made a public announcement about an informational meeting with People’s Gas about water contamination issues on November 14, 2017 at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet.
Executive Director for Prairie Rivers Network Carol Hays addressed the committee to express her concerns about Illinois water. She read a statement concerning climate action. Discussion ensued.
Joyce Roundtree did not wish to speak, but asked that her position be entered into the record regarding her opposition to the sewer reimbursement program.
Elderess Melinda Carr and Bishop King James Underwood addressed the committee to express their opposition to the reimbursement program. Ms. Carr asked for a moment of silence in honor of the passing of Renee Renfro. Bishop King James and Elderess Carr submitted a signed petition with 96 signatures of residents who feel that the city of Urbana should take total financial responsibility for right-of-way sewer issues.
In lieu of a sewer presentation being at the end of the agenda, Alderman Jakobsson asked that the discussion be move up to spot seven to accommodate the residents who are present and interested in the subject. Alderwoman Wu seconded. There being no objection the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
Etha Reid addressed the committee about her concerns concerning a sewage backup at 1204 Ellis Drive and many other properties in the area. She also said that all they want is for the City of Urbana to pay upfront for any ROW expenses.
Qaiyim Abdulla and Walter Reid did not wish to speak, but asked that their opposition be entered into the record regarding the proposed sewer lateral reimbursement program.
Rev. Jacqueline Minor addressed the committee on behalf of the Ministerial Alliance Association of Champaign-Urbana in support of the Dr. Ellis Subdivision residents and their sewer issues.
5. Presentations
a. Pulse Point – Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand
Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/03._Pulse_Point_Presentation.mp4
Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand was not able to attend and on his behalf, Mr. Bob Holloway, Training Center Coordinator, was present to introduce the new smartphone app Pulse Point. The app was launched October 23, 2017 in Champaign-Urbana. PulsePoint Respond is a mobile app that alerts CPR-trained citizens to someone nearby having sudden cardiac arrest.
The mobile app is activated by the local public safety communications center simultaneous with the dispatch of local FIRE and EMS resources. The purpose of the mobile app is to increase the survival rate or cardiac arrest victims. Discussion ensued.
6. Staff Report
Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/04._Staff_Report.mp4
Economic Development Specialist Elizabeth Horwitz presented the October Business and Development report as follows:
• Business Activity
➢ Busey Bank held its grand opening for their new Wealth Management project adding an additional 70 employees to their downtown Urbana branch
➢ Ribbon cuttings took place for Leek and Sons and U-Haul
➢ The Illinois Housing Development Authority has approved TWG for Low Income Housing Tax Credits for the Aspen Court project. ➢ Market at the Square staff Sterling Bollman left and Bryan Heaton will be taking his place as the new interim Market Coordinator.
➢ Wicked Rascal Barbershop at 218 W. Main is now open. ➢ Borcher’s Construction is under construction.
• Development Activity
Complete projects are:
➢ A Plus VIP Karaoke Lounge ➢ MTD Training facility
Other projects:
➢ Cunningham Children’s Home – Under Construction ➢ 809 W. Nevada Apartments – Plans Under Review
Ms. Horwitz also announced upcoming events:
November 19, 10:00am-5pm - The 3rd Annual Urbana Art Expo November 28, 5:30pm-7:00pm - Urbana Business Association - Connections over cocktails at Bluebird Boutique, 212 W. Green St. November 28, 12:00pm-1:30pm - Business & Development Luncheon at the Urbana Civic Center – Urbana Property Showcase December 1, 4:00pm-11:00pm – Urbana First Fridays – Downtown Urbana.
Mayor Marlin gave a brief report about her trip to Indianapolis on city designs, where she presented Lincoln Square Mall and Landmark hotel area as her project. More information will be forthcoming. This week she will be attending Emergency Management Training.
12. Discussion – Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program (discussed before item 7 per council action) Video for this presentation can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/05._Sewer_Lateral_Reimbursement_Program.mp4 City Assistant City Engineer Brad Bennett and Civil Engineer Justin Swinford presented the proposed Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program. They stated that during sewer backups, the city should be the first call as they have a response crew that can evaluate the situation before calling an outside contractor.
Mr. Swinford reviewed Sanitary Sewer ownership, program history, and proposed updates. City code reference were provided. Mr. Bennett reviewed previous options and their consideration during previous city discussions starting in 2007. The options include sewer lateral insurance; Water; Pavement reimbursement; interest subsidy program; city repairs of laterals within ROW; and City ownership of laterals of ROW. Discussion ensued.
Bishop King James Underwood addressed the committee to express his concerns about the Dr. Ellis Subdivision and its residents. He said that at this time, the homeowner is incurring all costs and it is putting a burden that might force some to sell because they cannot afford the sewer expenses. He also express his dissatisfaction as a homeowner and taxpayer of Urbana as to the handling of sewer issues. Discussion ensued.
After discussion, Alderman Brown directed staff to bring an ordinance to council adopting unit pricing and to look into short-term loan options. Alderman Jakobsson seconded. Motion carried by voice vote with opposition from Alderman Ammons.
7. Resolution No. 2017-11-072R: A Resolution Estimating the Tax Levy (Fiscal Year 2017 – 2018) Video for this item can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/06._Resolution_2017-11-072R.mp4 Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Resolution No. 2017-11-072R to committee with the recommendation for approval. Ms. Hannan explained that this resolution is the first step in the property tax levy process. Approval of an estimated tax levy, which establishes the total amount of taxes the City Council plans to levy. The estimated levy is used to determine whether the city is required to provide public notice and hold a public hearing prior to approving the final tax levy. The City Council must approve an estimated levy at least 20 days prior to adoptions of the final levy. Since the recommended levy is 103.85% of the 2016 levy, the city is not required to provide notice or hold a public hearing. Discussion ensued. At 10:30pm, Alderman Miller made a motion to extend the meeting to 11:00pm. Alderwoman Wu seconded. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. After discussion, Alderwoman Wu made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-11-072R to council with recommendation for approval. 8. Ordinance No. 2017-11-066: An Ordinance Amending Urbana City Code Chapter Three,
Section 3-43 (Increasing number of Class C liquor licenses for Go-Brands Inc. d/b/a goPuff, 1908 N. Linview Ave., Unit 1W, Urbana, IL 61801)
Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/07._Ordinance_2017-11-066.mp4
**Alderman Miller recused himself due to a conflict of interest, as he is an employee of a business that holds a liquor license in the City of Urbana.
Mayor Marlin presented Ordinance No. 2017-11-066 to committee with the recommendation for approval. The ordinance will increase Class C licenses. This license is based on the new classification created by council several weeks ago. Discussion ensued.
Some of the concerns brought up by council and addressed by owner’s attorney Mr. Harlan Powell were as follows: ID checking verification, tools to verify identity and compliance issues. Chief Morgan addressed the committee and explained that this business will be treated just like any other business with a liquor license. Mr. Powell reminded the committee that the people making these deliveries will be Bassett trained. Discussion ensued.
After discussion, Alderman Jakobsson made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-11-066 to council with recommendation for approval. Alderman Brown seconded. Motion carried by voice vote with opposition from Alderman Roberts.
9. Ordinance No. 2017-11-067: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance for FY 2017/18 (Budget Amendment #4 – PW Covered Material Bins) Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/08._Ordinance_2017-11-067.mp4
Operations Manager John Collins presented Ordinance No. 2017-11-067 to committee with the recommendation for approval. He explained that there is no financial impact for the city this is just transfer of funds to cover unforeseen expenses above the amount that was originally budgeted for this project. There being no objections to the needed change, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-11-067 to council with recommendation for approval. Alderwoman Wu seconded. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
10. Resolution No. 2017-11-073R: A Resolution Amending the City of Urbana-Homefield Energy Electric Aggregation Program Agreement dated February 29, 2016 Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/09._Resolution_2017-11-073R.mp4
Public Works Director William Gray presented Resolution No. 2017-11-073R to committee with a recommendation for approval. This resolution would allow an extension of 18 months to the current contract from February 29, 2016. Discussion ensued.
After discussion, Alderman Roberts made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-11-073R to council with recommendation for approval. Alderman Miller seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.
11. Resolution No. 2017-11-074R: Resolution in Support of Illinois Bicentennial Celebration
Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/10._Resolution_2017-11-074R.mp4
City Clerk Charles Smyth presented Resolution No. 2017-11-074R to committee with a recommendation for approval.
There being to objections to this item, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-11-074R to council with recommendation for approval. Alderman Ammons seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.
12. Discussion – Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program
***This item was presented before item 7***
13. Discussion – Federal Tax Law Change Implications for College Students
Video for this presentation and discussion can be found at: https://www.city.urbana.il.us/Scripts/CouncilVideo/Video.asp?v=/_Video/City_Council/ 2017/20171113/11._Discussion_of_Federal_Tax_Code.mp4
Alderwoman Wu addressed committee members expressing her concerns about the current tax proposal that is in the US House and Senate. She feels that it is an attack on higher education. She would like to know if there is anyone willing to write a letter to express how these changes will affect our community. Discussion followed and Alderwoman Wu will work on a draft with Alderman Jakobsson for those interested to sign.
Mayor Marlin reminded everyone to take a close look at page 5 of the Snow and Operations plan for this year and encouraged any committee member that has not done the ride along to do so with public works it is a great experience.
14. Adjournment
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Hazen declared the meeting adjourned at 10:59 pm.
https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/11-13-2017_Minutes_0.pdf
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