Chambana Sun

City of Urbana Cunningham Township Board met June 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

A. Call To Order And Roll Call

There being a quorum present, Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 7:38 p.m. following a meeting of the Cunningham Township Board.

B. Approval Of Minutes Of Previous Meeting

City Council Member (CM) Dean Hazen made a motion to approve minutes of May 07, 2018 (Joint Meeting), May 21, 2018 regular meeting, and May 29, 2018 (Special Meeting). CM Roberts seconded and the motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

C. Additions To The Agenda

There were no additions.

D. Public Input

Alice Englebretson, California and Maple, has advocated for brick sidewalks for over 20 years. She indicated that she has stumbled on brick and called the city and they did their best to fix them. But the safety of the brick and concrete are becoming a hazard in both east and west Urbana neighborhoods and they need regular maintenance. Nancy Westcott, who also lives in Historic East Urbana stated that a week or two ago she was prepared to ask for concrete sidewalks but recalled that the three times she has tripped it’s been on concrete where it’s come up. The brick is no more unsafe than the concrete though she likes concrete. Scott Dossett presented pictures of brick sidewalks showing the difference between travel maintained versus treated. He commented that city documentation, in his view, is a matter of opinion and thinks the city convinced the homeowners that brick should be replaced with concrete. He thinks the city has neglected brick sidewalks and decades of deferred maintenance is needed. He also asked who approached whom with respect to replacing brick sidewalk with concrete as he referred to the city’s request language as loaded and can’t be justified by research that he’s seen. He also asked if it was the city’s intent to use utility repair work to justify the removal of brick sidewalks.

Ted Livengood indicated that he lives on Mumford and owns the house at 607 E. Green, a little old frame house. The house fronts Anderson and he’s thrilled about getting concrete sidewalks. His family has owned the house since the 1870s, 7 generations with his grandson living there now. He has personal experience with disabled access and considers brick sidewalks as horrible to maintain between the chemicals and manpower needed and still ending up with problems. He stated that power chairs are using the middle of Anderson Street because they can’t handle brick and if this were concrete they would have a place to go. CM Dennis Roberts discussed with Mr. Livengood treatment and maintenance options but Mr. Livengood pointed out that the sidewalks become impassable in 2-5 years for those with handicaps. He thinks there are better places to spend money and favors concrete. Chris Stohr left a statement which Mayor Marlin summarized by noting that the brick sidewalks are a historic part of HEUNA; that construction deteriorates without maintenance including concrete; and concrete slabs shift. Snow removal is a problem in all parts of town. Steven Burian, E. Green St stated that he would prefer to keep brick in the neighborhood for the esthetic, HEUNA is a desirable place to live, and he enjoys walking it. He respects the comments of Mr. Livengood and wants to see quality work done that meets passage requirements. He values brick sidewalk but would understand if a decision is made on cost effectiveness but if within reach, the esthetic is worth it for our community.

Lance Graves didn’t wish to speak but that his position be entered into the record as the utility should replace the sidewalk with the materials that were previously there.

Cynthia Hoyle, an Urbana transportation planner doing work on walking bike/transit; provided a handout, “why speed matters”. She stated that this roadway was a serious issue when she first moved here and a previous council did a road diet against public opposition. She stated that we need to do more, speed being the first of serious staff recommendations that include additional changes in design. The AAA study summarized the significant increase in pedestrian deaths with speed. She noted the various ways of implementing Vision Zero and that locally, we continue to see increases in deaths. She stated that this isn’t just about bikes, pedestrians, and transit users but improves safety for vehicles too. We need to improve driver understanding of the need to stop for pedestrians. 

Annie Adams spoke in favor of the speed reduction on Lincoln Ave supporting the staff recommendations. This section connects to and is along businesses and parks as a gateway to the University of Illinois serving 55K students, faculty, and staff. Urbana residents live on both sides of Lincoln Ave. It should be an asset to all members of the community. The current configuration of the street has led to numerous incidents that decrease equity for all users. Speeding cars don’t allow crossing the street in a safe, low stress manner. Decreasing speed and adding warning signs will save lives, decrease wear and tear, and save money. Nicolas Mann, a lifelong Urbana resident is opposed to lowering the speed limit noting there is already the law to stop for pedestrians and in relation to cell phones as noted in the traffic commission minutes. He wants to address those causes first. As a bicyclist, he is more worried about someone on the phone. This measure is partly to protect people who aren’t paying attention though he supports warning lights and bump outs stating it is already slow to drive between north and south Urbana and speed reduction will make it even slower. Rev. Dr. Evelyn Underwood didn’t wish to speak but wanted to voice her continued concerns about the Dr. Ellis subdivision sewer problem. 

Elderess Melinda Carr, Dr. Ellis subdivision, spoke on last week’s presentation about the sanitary sewer map. She can’t find the break down on sewer connections for the Dr. Ellissubdivision on the map. She noted that it sounds like the neighborhoods are equally affected. Mayor Marlin indicated that help would be provided. Natalie Wickman, the News-Gazette reporter covering the cities, wrote the article on the

proposed budget for the library referenced in the Public Hearing earlier. She noted that neither of her articles talked about cutting hours at the library.

E. Unfinished Business

1. Ordinance No. 2018-05-036: An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit (1007 West University Avenue / Green Street Realty – Plan Case 2343-SU-18) [05/21/18]

Mayor Marlin indicated that this was held over from the previous council meeting. Planning Manager Lorrie Pearson, in response to council request noted a landscape plan for this location in the packet and arranged for a presentation on the building location. Representing the developers, Green Street Reality, were Jacob Unsinger and Josh Daily from Mode3 Architecture. They provided clarification on the site plan noting location and types of planting of trees that have been added to the plan. The noted that there is quite a bit of parking on the site, some under the building and will provide screening mimicking the ground floor facade.They also added signage. The plan now shows the size and shape and the intended look is likely metal panel with glass and possibly some stucco and some brick accents using a neutral palette. Mr. Daily noted that this is a highly traveled roadway with a need to make it attractive to businesses. Parking is obvious to other businesses noted in the presentation. Nero’s Restaurant will likely return so the building design allows for drive through and for tables in front.

CM Roberts thanked the architects for the better visuals. He noted his concern about the building being a modern residential building without a street and urban façade. The vegetation makes a softer barrier and appreciates rethinking of the screening. He stated that this improves the look of the building. He thought choice of materials could also add to this look.

A motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-036 was made by CM Miller and Seconded by CM Hazen. Discussion followed. CM Brown stated that when he watched the plan commission meeting he understood that the design is driven by parking needs and that even in an urban setting, parking in front can be functional. Eventually, the front walk is going to be wider as biking and walking so having the building away from doors opening or closing is good. With no further discussion, the motion carried by roll call 5-0: Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson –

Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye

2. Budget Presentations

a. Library – Celeste Choate, Executive Director, Urbana Free Library

Director Choate thanked the city for help and support and stated that the library is really busy.The library board has already approved the budget in the city budget document with the indicated budget reduction. She noted that there are no cuts to staff, hours, or collections, running a really lean operation. The total revenue is less than total expenses as accumulated savings will be used this coming year. They are setting aside for potential capital expenses and set aside 100K for the extra 27th pay period that happens every 11 years. The UFL is 100 years old this year, the porch needs to be repaired and there are HVAC issues as well. They replaced a boiler this past year and will be doing a chiller/condenser next year. The foundation has pledged over $300K this year for some of these capital expenses. Friends of the Library are pledging $30K for furniture replacement. The state has a mechanism for special reserve funds allowing expenses not spent to be saved over. Their volunteer coordinator has added 900 hours year to date. They also have a new partnership with the iSchool for practicum and paid students where students will get waivers and stipends for independent study for 2 students who will be with the library longer. Ms. Choate also added that their summer reading program has begun.

b. Vehicle Leasing –Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan

Finance Director Hannan summarized her detailed memo to council with a presentation noting the presence of Tony Arnold, Fleet Manager to help answer questions. She described that current city practice is to pay into the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF). She noted that the VERF hasn’t kept up and if all planned replacements occurred on schedule then there would be a deficit with a $2.7M. With a tight budget, Finance started looking for savings with the least impact on staffing and services and leasing is an option. It is a different financial mechanism without having to set aside money in advance so this reduces the transfer by $61K of the $180K per year needed. Additional savings via increased fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are possible. 

Questions and discussion followed concerning leasing options, insurance, and participation in large joint purchasing agreements. Because of differences between departments, the program is about passenger and up to ¾-ton trucks, not police department and heavier duty vehicles.

Mayor Marlin recognized Tony Arnold for outstanding maintenance on city vehicles.

c. Staffing Changes – Human Resources Director Todd Rent

HR Director Todd Rent summarized staffing changes in his memo to council. Staffing represents 73% of city expenditures. He noted priorities in staffing changes are for savings in the General Fund, improvements through staffing efficiencies, maintaining the highest levels of service, and should reflect a preference for voluntary reductions. Our staff is our city’s most important resource. He provided several specific planned reductions: Civic Center staffing reductions at 1.75 FTE (Staff who support the functions of the center) where the city will look for alternative employment and related for the affected employees; Fire Inspection FPP was done by 19 hr./week retired inspector who has retired from that work as well so CD will absorb the additional workload with current inspectors; HRO responsibilities and activities will continue using a half time Human Resources Officer combined with other staffing; and the Finance Dept. will do some reorganization to meet suggestions from Audit guidance creating a financial analyst position. The Voluntary Separation Incentive Program resulted in 2 FTE/100K savings. A second VSIP round based on feedback creating more flexibility will be offered mid-July. There will be more scrutiny to staffing requests in the review process and savings through voluntary separations. Finally, staff compensation this year will be a 1% cost of living. Negotiations with FOP and AFSME remain to be completed.

CM Roberts asked that if the employees from Civic Center are to be kept how will there be savings to which Mr. Rent indicated it would be by moving them somewhere else within the city to fill vacant positions. Bill Gray responded on how the city plans to maintain the building if it is closed and the building will be part of the facility planning process. Mayor Marlin noted that the city has seven proposals for Facilities planning so that should get underway this fall but the building could be mothballed for a couple years. Ms. Hannan noted that the 10% cut in state income tax revenue the city took last year will be only 5% this year so that’s $200K additional, the HR sales tax fee reduction is $25K more but she is not sure yet about the negative impact of the alternative property tax portion.

Additional discussion of the Civic Center followed to which Mr. Gray responded that he would work on an answer for next Monday.

Mayor Marlin provided a reminder that she and staff will be doing budget presentations to city employees in the coming week. These will be recorded for rebroadcast and for those unable to attend in person.

3. FY 2018 Consolidated Social Service Funding

Kelly Mierkowski, Grants Management Division Manager, noted that she emailed the annual report to council members and passed out hard copy. She thanked Community Development Coordinator Matt Rejc for pulling a lot of this information together and that this is the first annual summary. All grantees have been responsive with 35 different programs and 26 agencies supported. She noted successes for two agencies during critical need through state budget crises and two new programs. Several changes in programs occurred because two programs have received other funding or closed. Local funding from the consolidated funding has a positive effect via local capacity and leveraging. The funding allocated to programs are summarized, as are installment payments and categorization by area.

CM Roberts asked about CCHCC and Neighborhood connections who haven’t applied for their allocations this year. Ms. Mierkowski noted that they’ve been contacted. CM Miller asked about the effectiveness of the money and whether we are meeting needs. Ms. Mierkowski stated that next Monday Matt Rejc and Township Supervisor Chynoweth will be able to answer this. Ms. Mierkowski noted that most agencies request their allocations right away but a few wait as there are different fiscal years for each agency.

F. Reports Of Standing Committees

1. Committee Of The Whole – (Chair: Council Member Bill Brown)

a. Motion: Motion for the replacement of the existing brick sidewalk on Anderson Street between East High and East Green Street with a new concrete sidewalk 

CM Brown noted that this motion was sent from committee last week with no recommendation as there were only 4 council members present and more discussion was desired. He noted that the ordinance requires 4 votes in favor to convert brick sidewalk to concrete.

Public Works Director Bill Gray provided background on American Water main replacement noting that the work is usually done via boring but here they had to trench. City staff is attuned to the major brick block policy and preservation. Am. Water knows that they need to replace in kind. The homeowners asked about concrete initially and wanted to convert. This is a council decision. Two of three properties have now changed their mind to go back to brick while one owner still wants concrete.

Public Input: Margaret Miller doesn’t wish to speak but opposes replacement of brick with Concrete. Tracy Satterthwaite noted that she sent council email about the issue and stating that she is very passionate about brick sidewalks. She noted that brick can last several hundred years and that many of ours are 80-100 years old. Concrete in our climate are lucky to last 20 years. She is willing to concede that both brick and concrete are hazardous when not well maintained. Brick has three times the cost to lay but repair and maintenance is less; concrete more expensive to dispose of. Brick are permeable and tree friendly. This entire block is brick and the only one of this type. Switching to concrete will result in a patchwork pattern. Bloomington is getting rid of all its brick but they have only 1 mile left.; we have a lot more left. Washington, D.C. is putting brick back into two historic neighborhoods. She concluded by asking if we are going to ask about brick to concrete can we also ask for concrete to brick.

Council Member Brown moved to replace the brick with concrete, seconded by CM Hazen. Discussion followed. CM Roberts spoke during the Committee of the Whole about his concerns. He pointed out that the brick sidewalk ordinance calls for this to be maintained as brick. He noted that there was a concrete sidewalk established on Green Street for Victory Park. In his daily runs, he jumps shifted slabs and has seen a lack of maintenance of brick. The HEUNA neighborhood comprehensive plan notes that brick contributes to it. He noted the public support for brick and that it will be restored by American Water at no cost to the city. He does not support the motion.

CM Jakobsson noted that he has brick in front of his house, sees neighbors in motorized chair going up and down the sidewalk, doesn’t spray poison on his property, and his only tripping event is on concrete. He asked Public Works about cost of maintenance to which Mr. Gray noted that they will spray if owner allows and there’s much need over all the city for maintenance, doing a small amount of brick and concrete every year but they can’t address all the areas. Mr. Gray also noted they will reuse the brick pavers. CM Brown personally thinks that concrete makes more sense in a lot of areas but when brick is done well it works well. As the ordinance lists criteria for changes he doesn’t feel he can vote for concrete. CM Brown noted that BPAC hasn’t taken a position on brick vs concrete but are working on a pedestrian master plan. Mr. Gray added that the ADA access is for concrete on ramps. CM Miller thinks ADA has a lot of merit as does keeping brick and in this case with limited scope, brick is sufficient.

With no further discussion, the motion failed 0-5: Ammons – No; Brown – No; Hazen –

No; Jakobsson – No; Roberts – No

b. Resolution No. 2018-05-021R: A Resolution Approving the Champaign-Urbana

Solid Waste Disposal System Annual Budget (Fiscal Year 2018-2019)

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2018-05-021R. CM Hazen seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0:

Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

c. Resolution No. 2018-05-022R: A Resolution Approving the Capital Improvement

Plan (2018) Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2018-05-022R. CM Roberts seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0:

Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

d. Ordinance No. 2018-05-037: An Ordinance Vacating an Alley (North Alley of

Water Street East of Poplar Street) With only 5 council members present, Mayor Marlin noted that Ordinances 2018-05-037 and-038 require 6 of 7 council members voting in favor and recommended postponing the final vote.

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-037. CM Roberts seconded. CM Miller moved to defer, seconded by CM Hazen. This Ordinance will go to the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

e. Ordinance No. 2018-05-038: An Ordinance Vacating a Certain Portion of an Alley

(South of Green Street between Urbana Avenue and Maple Street)

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-038. CM Miller seconded. CM Jakobsson moved to defer, seconded by CM Roberts.

This Ordinance will go to the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

f. Ordinance No. 2018-05-039: An Ordinance Amending Schedule K of Section 23-

184 of the Urbana Local Traffic Code Prohibiting Parking during Certain Hours on Certain Streets (Vawter Street)

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-039. CM Miller seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0:

Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

g. Ordinance No. 2018-05-040: An Ordinance Amending Schedule Q of Section 23-

64 of the Urbana Local Traffic Code Decreasing State Speed Limits on Certain Streets (Lincoln Avenue between Nevada Street and Pennsylvania Avenue) – PW

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-040. CM Miller seconded. Discussion followed.

CM Roberts indicated that he was not sure about supporting reduction of speed but supports signage and bump outs. CM Brown noted he was in favor of the speed reduction noting that most people are driving close to 29-32mph and many less. The people driving higher will need to slow down and the object is to get people to drive slower. He calculated the time as 8.5 seconds difference for this distance noting that there are 4 crosswalks and 2 bus pullouts along this stretch. City Assistant Eng. Shonkwiler noted that three crosswalks will get bump outs and ped islands as well as some signage. The recommendations are made based on the preliminary analysis but if the city pursues highway safety grants more data will be needed. The speed limit reduction is part of the recommendation. The bump outs and islands are part but the 5 mph drop means 45 feet more stopping time. At noon there are 205 street crossing at this location so this is the highest in the area. Mr. Shonkwiler indicated that lighting will be examined as well. He added that in looking at the corridor as a whole, this corridor is different from other parts of city with the high number of pedestrians – Lincoln and Ohio made the top 5% incident list so this is not a good thing but can help us with the grant.

In response to CM Roberts, Mr. Shonkwiler indicated that they didn’t go specifically discuss plans with the Univ. of Illinois but they have expressed concern. Mr. Shonkwiler also noted that towards the north end of Lincoln, we have higher speeds, bus stops, 4 lanes, pedestrian crossings and we will be studying that this year. CM Brown noted that part of the speed that people drive is based on the design of the road. In this particular area this reduction will be more effective and as part of the university district. He suggested using “University District” signage but these are being phased out as non-standard though enhanced signage is planned. Mr. Shonkwiler indicated that IDOT is leaning towards 30mph on University.

With no further discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0: Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

h. Ordinance No. 2018-05-041: An Ordinance Approving an Assignment of a Power

Purchase Agreement from WCP Solar Services, LLC to WCP Financials, LLC – PW

Chair Brown, on behalf of the Committee, made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-05-041. CM Jakobsson seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0:

Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

G. Reports Of Special Committees

There were no reports.

H. Reports Of Officers

CM Brown announced that Illini 4000 will be coming through town Tuesday. There will be a public open house 3-5pm at Beckman Center. The Mayors will have proclamation. The group has raised over $1M.

I. New Business

1. Ordinance No. 2018-06-042: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance

(Hollywood Drive Alley/ ZBA-2018-MAJ-07) – CD

Planning Manager Lorrie Pearson provided a summary of the staff memo. In 2009 part of the garage structure in Fairlawn Village burned down. The requester was able to rebuild only part due to size requirements by right but now would like to use the full space as before. ZBA concurred that the lots are too small to move the garages back from the alley and approved the variance; staff concurs.

CM Jakobsson made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-06-042. CM Hazen

seconded. With no further discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0: Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

2. Ordinance No. 2018-06-043: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance (408 West

Green Street / ZBA Case No. 2018-MAJ-06) – CD

Planning Manager Pearson provided a summary of the staff memo. This project has received MOR development review board approval. The issue is that the developers want to put a unit in the basement so this exceeds the maximum FAR. Ms. Pearson showed the site plan on screen and with below grade basement, the new requirements have a window well and a walkout patio. This additional unit has no impact on the mass or scale of the building. This had unanimous approval from ZBA and staff concurs.

CM Roberts noted and wondered about the appropriateness of a strikingly modern design for Green Street, particularly the slope of the roof. He asked if there was any concern about this from the MOR. Ms. Pearson noted that some elements were taken various places in the area but no negative discussion about the design. The neighborhood meeting at the library didn’t have significant comment or concern.

CM Miller made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-06-042. CM Hazen seconded. With no further discussion, the motion passed by roll call 5-0: Ammons – Aye; Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Roberts – Aye

3. Ordinance No. 2018-06-044: An Ordinance Amending Urbana City Code Chapter

Three, Section 3-43 (Increasing Number of Class C Liquor Licenses for Niemann Foods, Inc. DBA Save-A-Lot #477, 220 N. Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL) – Mayor

CM Miller recused himself as an employee of a business holding an Urbana Liquor License. Mayor Marlin indicated that this was a change in type of license as they discovered in the renewal process that a different license was appropriate. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018-06-044 was made by CM Hazen and seconded by CM Brown. With no further discussion, the motion carried by roll call 4-0: Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye;

Roberts – Aye

4. Mayoral Reappointments to Boards and Commissions

a. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

1. Nancy Westcott – term ending June 30, 2021

b. Civilian Police Review Board

1. Scott Dossett – term ending June 30, 2021

c. Community Development Commission

1. Michael Brown – term ending June 30, 2021

2. Anne Heinze Silvas – term ending June 30, 2021

d. Design Review Board

1. Scott Kunkel – term ending June 30, 2021

e. Urbana Free Library Board

1. Michael Weissman – term ending June 30, 2021

2. Geoffrey Bant – term ending June 30, 2021

f. Human Relations Commission

1. Pete Resnick – term ending June 30, 2021

g. MOR Development Review Board

1. Scott Kunkel – term ending June 30, 2021

h. Plan Commission

1. Andrew Fell – term ending June 30, 2021

2. Barry Ackerson – term ending June 30, 2021

i. Public Arts Commission

1. Eric Jakobsson – term ending June 30, 2021

j. Sustainability Advisory Commission

1. Stacy Gloss, Chair – term ending June 30, 2021

k. Tree Commission

1. W. L. Jackson Bird – term ending June 30, 2021

2. Michael Stevenson – term ending June 30, 2021

l. Zoning Board of Appeals

1. Ashlee McLaughlin – term ending June 30, 2021

m. Urbana Public Television Commission

1. Andrew Wadsworth – term ending June 30, 2021

2. Carol Inskeep – term ending June 30, 2021

Mayor Marlin read her list of reappointments to various boards and commissions. A motion to approve the appointments was made by CM Miller and seconded by CM Hazen. Dennis Roberts stated that one of the individuals on the list, due to his position on the commission, and the position in the community creates a conflict of interest. Hence, he will pass on voting on this. Motion passed by voice vote.

J. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Marlin declared the meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m.

https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/06-04-2018_minutes_appr_0.pdf