Chambana Sun

City of Urbana City Council Committee of the Whole met December 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

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: Michelle Brooks; William Gray; Vince Gustafson; Elizabeth Hannan; Sanford Hess; Elizabeth Horwitz; Wendy Hundley; Jason Liggett; Sylvia Morgan; Derrick Odle; Matt Rejc; Scott Tess; Todd Rent; John Schneider; James Simon

Others Present: Elderess Melinda Carr; Peter Folk; Durl Kruse; Bishop King James Underwood; Members of the Media

1. Call To Order And Roll Call

There being a quorum, Chair Maryalice Wu called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at 7:00pm.

2. Approval Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting

Alderman Miller made a motion to approve minutes from the meeting held on November 27, 2017. Motion seconded by Alderman Hazen and carried by voice vote.

3. Additions To The Agenda

There were none.

4. Petitions And Communications

Bishop King James Underwood did not wish to speak, but asked that his position be entered into the record regarding the Dr. Ellis Subdivision sewer issues.

Elderess Melinda Carr did not wish to speak, but asked that her concerns about the Dr. Ellis Subdivision sewer problems, equity and historic impact be entered into the record.

Durl Kruse addressed the committee to express his concerns about Resolution No. 2017-12- 076R concerning the proposed research study for hot spot policing and its funding source.

5. Presentations

a. Guaranteed Energy Savings Project – Staff Report

Environmental Sustainability Manager Scott Tess and Public Facilities Supervisor Vince Gustafson presented this item.

Mr. Tess reminded committee that this presentation is a follow up from the previous presentation from March. The purpose of the guaranteed energy savings project is to perform critical deferred maintenance, avoid emergency repairs, replacement, and improve public and staff safety, and work environment to reduce utility bill expenditures.

The benefit to this project is unlike other facility improvements it is a Turnkey design build service we work with one firm from beginning to finish. The procedure is outline by State statue conducted a qualifications based selection based on that statue. Some of the important elements are that the Energy Services Company (ESCO) guarantee energy savings with limitations. All project savings must pay for the project within 20 years. Discussion ensued. To watch this video just click on the title.

6. Staff Report

Mayor Marlin and Police Chief Sylvia Morgan addressed the committee to share plans and next steps in the continuing efforts to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops. Chief Morgan said that because of council discussions, public input, and detail analysis with two main points: Reevaluate selected traffic enforcement locations; identify changes in practices that can be made following this evaluation process. Work with patrol officers on modification of traffic enforcement practices, specifically those focusing on the current geographic concentration of the traffic stops shown by the new mapping software. Both of these efforts will be completed and the recommended changes will be in place prior to January 1 first to start a six months trail to assess their impact on disparity ratio.

Mayor Marlin acknowledged the continuous work done by Alderman Ammons, Durl Kruse, Alderman Jakobsson, Police Chief Morgan, Deputy Chief Seraphin and police staff. Chief Morgan and Mayor Marlin addressed questions and concerns from committee about the processes that will be taking place in the months to come.

Community Development Manager John Schneider reported that Elizabeth Horwitz has been an Economic Development Specialist since August of 2015 and recently promoted to Economic Development Coordinator. In her new roll, she will continue to support the City’s Economic Development program activities and events but her focus will be externally with the business community, realtor tours and the Urbana Business Association.

Economic Development Specialist Elizabeth Horwitz presented the November Business and Development report as follows:

• Business Updates

➢ Highland Green received a final certificate of occupancy, for their 33-unit, single, family and duplex, affordable housing with nine units for income qualifying veterans and had their ribbon cutting.

➢ Aldi had their ribbon cutting November 10th for their new expanded refrigeration and freezer space. The event had over 100 attendees, despite the chilly weather.

➢ Uncanny Magazine – the online Hugo Award winning science fiction magazine has relocated to Urbana as a home business ran by husband and wife team who are also Hugo award winners.

➢ Quarterly Business and Development Luncheon held in November with seven property owners, brokers, and the City to display available Urbana properties. The event saw record attendance with over 70 attendees.

➢ Landmark Hotel Auction will be offered on the realty website Ten-X on December 11-13th.

➢ Public Arts murals are now on display on the front of the City of Urbana’s building and Urbana Park District – Phillips Recreation Center.

➢ Third Annual Art Expo was held on November 19th. The event featured 17 exhibiting artist and had over 400 attendees

• Upcoming Events

Ms. Horwitz also announced upcoming events:

➢ December 12, 5:30pm-7:30pm - UBA Whiskey Wonderland at the Lodgic Everyday Community Center at 1807 S. Neil Street, Champaign.

➢ December 14, 3:00pm05:00pm Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Joint Review Board and Enterprise Zone Advisory meeting. City of Urbana Executive Conference room, 400 South Vine St. This is a time for all of the taxing partners to discuss annual events.

7. Resolution No. 2017-12-076R: A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (City of Urbana and University of Illinois Hot Spot Policing Study)

Crime Analyst Melissa Haynes and Police Chief Sylvia Morgan presented Resolution No. 2017-12-076R to committee with the recommendation for approval.

Ms. Haynes gave an overview of the project and its purpose; she said that this project has been broken down into three stages: Phase I (funded) January 1, 2018-August 30, 2018. Phase II (potential for future funding) September 1, 2018 – August 30, 2019 and Phase III (potential for future funding, September 1, 2019- December 31, 2020. Discussion ensued.

After discussion, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-12-076R to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Ammons seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

8. Ordinance No. 2017-12-069: An Ordinance to Repeal Urbana City Code Chapter 24, Article IV, Section 24-100 (Champaign-Urbana Cable and Telecommunications Commission)

Informational Technology Director Sanford Hess and Acting Manager Jason Liggett presented Ordinance No. 2017-12-069 to committee with the recommendation for approval. The purpose for the repeal is to conform to the changes made by state statues, rules and regulations.

After presentation and discussion, Alderman Roberts made a motion to keep Ordinance No. 2017-12-069 in committee. Alderman Miller seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

9. Ordinance No. 2017-12-070: An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2017, and Ending June 30, 2018

Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2017-12-070 to committee with the recommendation for approval. This ordinance is to approve the property tax levy.

There being no discussion, Alderman Jakobsson made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017- 12-070 to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Roberts seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

10. Ordinance No. 2017-12-071: An Ordinance Directing the Champaign County Clerk to Abate the Tax Levy for the General Corporate Fund for the Tax Year Beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018

Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2017-12-071 to committee with the recommendation for approval. This ordinance provides an abatement for reduction in the corporate tax levy to ensure that the tax rate does not exceed the current tax rate of $ 1.3550.

There being no discussion, Alderman Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-12- 071 to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Hazen seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

11. Ordinance No. 2017-12-072: An Ordinance Directing the Champaign County Clerk to Abate a Portion of the 2017 Tax Levy Related to General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012, and General Obligation Bonds, Series 2014

Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2017-12-072 to committee with the recommendation for approval. This is an ordinance abating debt serve payments for the 2012 and 2014 general obligation bonds.

There being no discussion, Alderman Hazen made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-12- 072 to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Ammons seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

12. Ordinance No. 2017-12-073: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance for FY 2017-2018 (Budget Amendment #5 – Omnibus)

Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2017-12-073 to committee with the recommendation for approval. Ms. Hannan said that most of those items were housekeeping items. This ordinance will approved the proposed budget amendments with changes attached to the ordinance as exhibit A for FY 2017-2018.

After discussion and questions addressed by Police Chief Sylvia Morgan. Alderman Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-12-073 to council with recommendation for approval. Alderman Miller seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

13. Resolution No. 2017-12-077R: A Resolution Establishing City Policy on Sexual Harassment as Mandated by 5 ILCS 430/70-5

Human Resources Director Todd Rent and Assistant City Attorney Michelle Brooks presented Resolution No. 2017-12-077R to committee with the recommendation for approval. Mr. Rent said that on November 16, 2017 Illinois Public Act 100-0554 became effective. The act mandates all governmental units adopt within 60 days a resolution or ordinance establishing a policy prohibiting sexual harassment.

Mr. Rent and Ms. Brooks addressed questions and concerns from committee about the current policy and new changes how they differ.

Alderwoman Wu relinquished the chair to Alderman Jakobsson to join discussion.

Alderman Jakobsson asked if the policy addresses social media. Discussion ensued.

After discussion, Alderman Roberts made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-12-077R to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Ammons seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

14. Resolution No. 2017-12-078R: A Resolution Approving Modifications to the City of Urbana and Urbana Home Consortium FY 2016-2017 and FY 2017-2018 Annual Action Plans

Community Development Specialist Matt Rejc presented Resolution No. 2017-12-078R with recommendation for approval. These amendments will allow for the use of Federal HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program funding allocated to the City of Champaign on new rental housing construction activities as part of the Bristol Park Redevelopment project. Another change included as part of this proposed action includes making changes to the CDBG funded public facilities projects to allocate CDBG funding to activities at the Aspen Court complex. Mr. Rejc also added that the proposed modification has no financial impact to the City General Fund budget.

Acting Manager for Neighborhood Programs Manager for City of Champaign Janel Gonzalez address committee’s questions and concerns about funding.

After discussion and clarification, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-12-078R to council with recommendation for approval. Alderman Jakobsson seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

15. Resolution No. 2017-12-079R: A Resolution Approving the City of Urbana and Urbana Home Consortium FY 2018-2019 Mini-Action Plan

Community Development Specialist Matt Rejc presented Resolution No. 2017-12-079R with recommendation for approval.

There being no questions or concerns, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2017-12-079R to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Brown seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

16. Ordinance No. 2017-10-064: An Ordinance Repealing Urbana City Code Chapter 17 and Amending Chapter 15 regarding Garage Sales – [10/23/17 COW]

City Clerk Charles A. Smyth and City Attorney James Simon presented Ordinance No. 2017- 10-064. Clerk Smyth suggested removing the current solicitor’s ordinance from the books but keep the garage sales provision as describe in section 15-35. Currently the city clerk’s office is not enforcing the Solicitor’s license as directed by legal.

City Attorney James Simon addressed some concerns mentioned by Alderman Brown. Alderman Brown’s main concern with this ordinance is the enforcement provision. Discussion ensued.

After discussion, Alderman Miller made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2017-10-064 to council with the recommendation for approval. Alderman Jakobsson seconded. Motion carried by voice vote.

Alderman Roberts addressed the committee and audience; he referred them to read an article published in Sunday’s News Gazette under the travel section. An article written by Scott Dossett about a recent trip to Zomba, Malawi taken by the Urbana Sister Cities Committee members. This article can be found: http://www.news-gazette.com/living/2017-12- 10/travelmalawi-service-and-great-sights.html

Mayor Marlin announced various events:

Neighborhood meetings:

12/12/2017 at 7:30pm - Urbana Civic Center a meeting about 713 W. Ohio and reuse of that property.

12/14/2017 at 7:30pm Urbana Free Library Auditorium - concerning a property at 408 W. Green.

12/14/2017 8:30am. - Salt & Light ribbon cutting at the old County Market on Philo.

City Administrator deadline closed on Friday and 68 application were received.

MLK celebration January 12, 2018 at 4pm at the Urbana Vineyard church located at 1500 N. Lincoln Ave.

Alderman Ammons asked a question on behalf of a constituent about failure to comply violations. What time length does a property owner have to pay fees and comply with violations? Community Development Manager John Schneider address question.

17. Adjournment

There being no further business before the committee, Chair Wu declared the meeting adjourned at 10:04 pm.

https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/12-11-2017_Minutes_COW.pdf