Chambana Sun

Urbana City Council met Dec. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: City Council Members (CM) Bill Brown (Ward 4), Dennis Roberts (Ward 5), Dean Hazen (Ward 6), Jared Miller (Ward 7), Diane Wolfe Marlin (Mayor), Charles A. Smyth (City Clerk)

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: None

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: Maryalice Wu (Ward 1), Eric Jakobsson (Ward 2), Ward 3 - Vacant

STAFF PRESENT: Carol Mitten, Charles Lauss, Elizabeth Hannan, Jim Simon

OTHERS PRESENT: Elderess Melinda Carr; Kirsten Ruby; Rev. Dr. Evelyn B. Underwood News-Gazette

A. CALLTOORDERANDROLLCALL

There being a quorum present, Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 8:13 p.m. following Public Hearings and Cunningham Township regular meeting.

B. APPROVALOFMINUTESOFPREVIOUSMEETING

City Council Member (CM) Ammons made a motion to approve minutes from the November 19, 2018 regular meeting, seconded by CM Hazen, and passed by unanimous voice vote.

C. ADDITIONSTOTHEAGENDA

There were no additions. CM Roberts moved to delete the New Business item related to a Closed Session, seconded by CM Miller and passed by unanimous voice vote.

D. PUBLIC INPUT

Kirsten Ruby asked the city to enforce city code related to sump pump discharge. She described hazardous conditions such as ice, mud, stagnant water, and algae accumulations in the alley behind her home for the past three years. She summarized her quarterly contact with city staff over the past three years in attempts to fix the problem including city notification to the homeowner almost three years ago noting that Public Works has failed to enforce ordinance Section 20-3 of Chapter 20 of the City Code. She stated that the Urbana Public Works department has repeatedly prioritized the offending property owner’s lack of interest over the safety of several families, whose access to garages, mailboxes, and the main entrances to homes, is compromised. CM Hazen noted that they had spoken seven or 8 months ago and was told that Public Works was close to getting a fix. Ms. Ruby indicated that the homeowner hasn’t been interested in connecting to the city provided sewer that was extended to the property. City Administrator/Interim Public Works Director Mitten noted that the property owner has 90 days to connect and that if the owner doesn’t do so, the city will make the connection and bill the owner. Ms. Mitten further noted that notice was provided in early October, the city will make this right, plans to give the owner a reminder when 30 days are left, and that the cost will be more expensive. Ms. Mitten also plans to learn more about how city code lets this go on. CM Hazen noted that when he lived in this area on Bunker Court his sump pump went all the time. Ms. Mitten assured council and Ms. Ruby that the city will get this done.

Rev. Dr. Evelyn B. Underwood did not wish to speak, but asked that her position be entered into the record regarding her continued concerns for the Dr. Ellis Subdivision sewer issues.

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

E. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was none.

F. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

There were none.

G. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES

There were none.

H. REPORTS OF OFFICERS

CM Roberts noted the 200th Anniversary of the State of Illinois. Mayor Marlin announced the availability of applications for the unexpired council term of Aaron Ammons, Ward 3, via the city website or pickup at the Urbana Free Library, Douglass Branch Library, or the City Clerk’s office. Applications are due by the end of the year, December 31, 2018.

I. NEW BUSINESS

1. Mayoral Appointment to Boards and Commissions a. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

1. Morgan White – term ending June 30, 2021

Mayor Marlin nominated Ms. White as the University of Illinois representative to BPAC noting her current membership on the SAC and past membership in BPAC. Ms. White is currently an associate director at Facilities and Services. CM Miller moved approval of the appointment, seconded by CM Hazen, and passed by unanimous voice vote.

2. Approval of Annual City Council Meeting Schedule–CityClerk

Clerk Smyth provided a list of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings for 2019 to Council for discussion and approval. All dates as listed were agreed upon. CM Miller moved approval of the 2019 schedule as presented, seconded by CM Hazen, and passed by unanimous voice vote.

3. Closed Session: To consider probable or imminent litigation, Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).

This item was removed from the agenda.

J. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to come before the council, Mayor Marlin adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m.

https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/12-03-2018_minutes_approved.pdf