Chambana Sun

City of Urbana City Council Committee of the Whole met Dec. 7

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session at 7:00pm via zoom. 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City Clerk 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: City Council Members (CM), Bill Brown, Bill Colbrook, Shirese Hursey, Jared Miller, Dennis Roberts, Maryalice Wu 

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None 

STAFF PRESENT: Tim Cowan, Sheila Dodd, Kevin Garcia, Elizabeth Hannan, Wendy Hundley, Alyssa Jaje, Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten, Lorrie Pearson, Joel Sanders, Bryant Seraphin, James Simon

OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Allan Axelrod, Tracy Chong, Rita Conerly, Clarissa Nickerson Fourman, Christopher Hansen, Justin Michael Hendrix, Drake Materre (Haki), Joey Rosecrance, Nathan Sonenshine, Grace Wilken 

Chair: Bill Colbrook, Ward 6 

Prior to starting the meeting Chair Colbrook read a statement about the structure of the meeting for everyone attending via Zoom.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum virtually present, Chair Bill Colbrook called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at 7:00pm.

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting

CM Miller made a motion to approve minutes from the November 2, 2020 meeting. Seconded by CM Brown and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

3. Additions to the Agenda

There were none

4. Presentations and Public Input

Public Input via Zoom

CM Hursey rendered an apology for the outburst of frustration at last week’s meeting, while experiencing technical difficulty in switching meetings.

The following people submitted public input via Zoom: Allan Axelrod, Tracy Chong, Rita Conerly, Clarissa Nickerson Fourman, Christopher Hansen, Justin Michael Hendrix, Drake Materre (Haki), Nathan Sonenshine, Grace Wilken. Some of the comments included: continuous concern with utility shut offs, where is the oversight follow-up by the Urbana Police Department about the Aleyah Lewis arrest, free Aleyah Lewis, drop the charges, defund police, concerns with lack of knowledge with electoral process and the City’s lack of transparency, in support of Meghan McDonald to represent ward 5.Freedom of Information Act request and ongoing fees, in opposition of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for 602 S. Lincoln Avenue.

Public Input via Email

The following people submitted public input via email: Elizabeth Cardman, C. K. Gunsalus, Michael W. Walker, Peggy Patten in opposition of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the Busey corridor.

5. Staff Report

City Administrator Carol Mitten said that usually Public Works staff gives a summary of events prior to the winter season. Due to Covid-19 that was not possible this year, however, she gave an overview summary. A page called “In the Know About Snow” was created to address some of the most frequent asked questions (FAQ) about snow and how it is prioritized in the event the City gets more than two inches of snow. Mitten also announced that the City has a new fleet of trucks and salt prices have dropped.

Mayor Marlin gave updates about Covid-19 and vaccine distribution, the need for vaccine ambassador’s, electoral process, and reminder to continue wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing.

6. Ordinance No. 2020-12-068: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-11 (Temporary Ban of On-Premises Indoor Consumption of Food and Beverages to Include Alcoholic Liquor within City of Urbana Corporate Limits)

Mayor Marlin presented this item with the recommendation for approval. This emergency order temporarily suspends indoor consumption of beverage, which covers indoor dining, events center, etc., this is being issued at the request of Public Health to comply with Tier 3 mitigations.

CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-068 to council with the recommendation for approval with changes to reflect an enforcement end date. Seconded by CM Hursey and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

7. Ordinance No. 2020-12-069: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-12 (Authorizing Participation in Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District COVID-19-Related Financial Assistance Program Regarding Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Utility Bills)

Mayor Marlin presented this item with the recommendation for approval. This will provide temporary assistance with sanitary sewer and stormwater utility fees. Council members asked for clarification about median cost, eligibility, and number of residents who are behind on their bills.

CM Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-069 to council without recommendation pending clarifications. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

8. Ordinance No. 2020-12-070: An Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Development Plan for a Planned Unit Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH Development, LLC – Plan Case 2411-PUD-20)

Planner Kevin Garcia presented Ordinance No. 2020-12-070 and Ordinance No. 2020-12-071 with the recommendation for approval. He said that since the proposed development is in the Lincoln Busey corridor, if these ordinances are approved, the plans must also be reviewed by the Development Design Review Board for consistency with the design guidelines for that district. He provided background information, proposed development, and comprehensive plan.

The Plan Commission recommended approval with the following conditions:

1. That construction be in general conformance with the attached Site Plan and Elevations, subject to modifications that may be required by the Design Review Board; and

2. That the sidewalk along Lincoln Avenue be reconstructed further to the east, on the applicant’s property and at their expense, and that the applicant provides an access easement to allow the sidewalk’s use by the public.

3. That a plan for tree protection be implemented during demolition and construction in coordinator with the city’s Landscape Supervisor.

CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance to council without recommendation after reviewed from the Design Review Board recommendation. Seconded by CM Hursey. Discussion ensued. Josh Daly and Jacob Unzicker, representing the applicant, addressed questions from the committee about the building and its design. After extensive discussion about the esthetics, accessibility, traffic flow, energy efficiency, tax credit, and demolition options. It was suggested that the owners allow Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA) to retrieve items. The motion carried by roll call as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

9. Ordinance No. 2020-12-071: An Ordinance Approving a Final Development Plan for a Planned Unit Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH Development, LLC – Plan Case 2412-PUD-20)

CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-071 to council without the recommendation upon approval from the Design Review Board. Seconded by CM Roberts and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

10. Ordinance No. 2020-12-072: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance (Budget Amendment #4 – Omnibus)

Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2020-12-072 with the recommendation for approval. She provided a summary about the changes and impact to each fund. She also provided a brief summary for grants, COVID related expenses for city facilities, police uniforms, outdoor warning siren replacement, Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) rebudget, Cable TV Public Education and Government (PEG) fund purchases, TIF 1 closeout, hail damage reimbursement and COVID related information technology expenses.

After the presentation, Hannan addressed questions about the impact to the General Fund. CM Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-072 to council with the recommendation for

approval. CM Hursey seconded. Motion carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

11. Resolution No. 2020-12-061R: A Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code (State Motor Fuel Tax for Race Street Resurfacing Project)

Public Works Interim Director Tim Cowan presented Resolution No. 2020-12-061R with the recommendation for approval. This resolution will allow a budget transfer for the increase cost in the planning phase of the project from $25,000 to $30,000.

After the presentation, Cowan addressed questions from committee about resurfacing and sidewalk ramp reconstruction on Race Street, between Washington Street and California Avenue and type of material to be used.

CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-061R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Roberts and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

12. Resolution No. 2020-12-062R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants Program Subrecipient Agreement with CU at Home (FY 2020-2021)

Grants Manager Sheila Dodd presented Resolution No. 2020-12-062R and Resolution No. 2020-12- 063R with recommendation for approval. She began the presentation by giving background information about the process and the reason why the City of Urbana would be handling the administrative portion of the grants. Additionally, she said that the total funding would be allocated as follows: total grant amount in the amount of $194,411, $128,700 to Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office to assist with rapid rehousing-tenant based rental assistance, $42,750 for CU at Home for emergency shelter-essential operations, and the balance will go to the City of Urbana for Administrative services.

After presentation, Dodd addressed question from committee about agreement and reporting. CM Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-062R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Wu and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

13. Resolution No. 2020-12-063R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants Program Subrecipient Agreement with Cunningham Township (FY 2020-2021)

CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-063R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

14. Resolution No. 2020-12-064R: A Resolution Certifying a Community Housing Development Organization for the Urbana Home Consortium (Habitat July 2020)

Community Development Specialist Alyssa Jaje presented Resolution No. 2020-12-064R, Resolution No. 2020-12-065R, and Resolution No. 2020-12-065R in omnibus fashion with the recommendation for approval. She gave a brief summary about the program requirements, certification, proposed projects, and funding amount.

After presentation, Jaje and Dodd addressed questions from committee about the number of houses built by Habitat in Urbana. CM Wu made a motion to consider Resolution No. 2020-12-064R, Resolution No. 2020-12-065R, and Resolution No. 2020-12-066R in omnibus fashion. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

CM Wu made a motion to send Resolutions No. 2020-12-064R, 2020-12-065R, and 2020-12-066R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

15. Resolution No. 2020-12-065R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Urbana Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO Operating PY 2020)

***Omnibus Vote***

16. Resolution No. 2020-12-066R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Urbana Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO Developer PY 2020)

***Omnibus Vote***

17. Resolution No. 2020-12-067R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Community Partnership Agreement (Rosecrance Inc., One Door Program Director)

City Administrator Carol Mitten started the conversation by giving a brief summary about the program, staffing, and funding. Lieutenant Joel Sanders provided additional information about the pilot program and expectations. He said that the goal is to provide a comprehensive response to persons in crisis and their families.

After presentation, Joey Rosecrance, Sanders, Mitten addressed questions about the streamline process, staffing level, partnership, community involvement, and starting date.

After follow up questions, CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-067R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Hursey and carried by roll call vote.

Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu

Nays: None

18. Adjournment

With no further business before the committee, Chair Colbrook adjourned the virtual meeting at 10:19pm.

https://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/12-07-2020_minutes.pdf