Chambana Sun

City of Urbana City Council Committee of the Whole met Feb. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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, Erik Sacks, Maryalice Wu

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Wendy Hundley, Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten

OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Allan Axelrod, Beau D. Barber, Chaundra Bishop, Elderess Melinda Carr, Tracy Chong, Danielle Chynoweth, Rita Conerly, Colin Dodson, Brian Dunn, Christopher Hansen, Justin Michael Hendrix, Keyarah Johnson, Julie Laut, Carol Leff, Drake Materre, Meghan McDonald, Sarah Nixon, Rev. Dr. Evelyn Underwood, Dave Wesner, Grace Wilken

Chair: Bill Brown, Ward 4

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum virtually present, Chair Bill Brown called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at 7:00pm. *CM Miller arrived after roll call

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting

There was none

3. Additions to the Agenda

There were none

4. Presentations and Public Input

a. City Update presentation was removed

b. Public Input via Zoom

Comments via Zoom included: in support of anti racism resolution, and put those principal to use by supporting the resolution drafted by the ACLU and NAACP; in support of resolution to address racism; proceed with caution when lifting indoor dining restrictions; adopt use of force policy changes proposed by ACLU and NAACP; interrupt illegal housing discrimination; address the long legacy of racially biased police traffic and pedestrian stops in Urbana by adopting Durl Kruse’s proposed resolution; update the Civilian Police Review Board ordinance and procedures; increase investment in low-income neighborhoods and boost diversity in hiring at the City for both staff and contractors; lack of reliable vehicles at Urbana High School for Drivers Education course; explanation of why Adam Rusch is being removed from the ballot; the Use of Force policy from the ACLU and NAACP are not a full representation of the public; invest in school; American Water still disconnecting residents; consider creating an equity task force to address education, jobs, and policing; to address structural racism the council should ask input from minority communities; ask input from what kinds of action is the city going to take to enforce the racism resolution; make police complaint process work; Aleyah Lewis still facing court because the Urbana Police won’t own up to their mistake; stop killing people in Champaign-Urbana; racial policing issues; in support of gender inclusivity; the resolution to end structural racism is a historical document, to earn residents’ trust start by acknowledging Ms. Lewis assault; actions speak louder than words; simplify racism resolution language; acknowledge homelessness; Happy Black History Month

Public input via email: Edgar Garrett and Durl Kruse see attached.

5. Staff Report

Mayor Marlin read a proclamation in observance of February 2021 as African American History month.

Mayor Marlin provided a COVID-19 update from a briefing from the White House in efforts to keep all communities informed. Two major takeaways were the American Rescue Plan, consisting of virus containment and emphasis on vaccinations, direct financial aid to individuals, and support for communities. Lastly, she reported that the virus variant B117 was detected in Champaign County through testing. In efforts to get everyone vaccinated the Old Dress Barn store has been opened to give vaccine by appointment only to residents and they can call 217-902-6100 and no charge.

Mayor Marlin addressed question from council members about vaccine access and outreach efforts.

6. Resolution No. 2021-02-005R: A Resolution Committing to End Structural Racism and Achieve Racial Equity – CM Hursey/Wu

CM Hursey and Wu introduced Resolution No, 2021-02-005R with the recommendation for approval, they said that the purpose of this resolution is not an action item but a first step to create awareness that structural racism exists.

CM Hursey made a motion to send Resolution No 2021-02-005R to council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Wu and carried by roll call vote. Brief discussion took place about the historical timeline, language simplicity, and grammatical errors. CM Miller will send edits prior to final vote.

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

Nays: None

7. Council Input and Communications

CM Miller brought forth concerns about parking tickets being issued to residents in the Vawter, Silver Street. Can Covid money be used to offset these fines for the low income residents who cannot afford to pay parking ticket.

CM Hursey asked about water shut offs, illegal evictions, and asked what the city is doing about these issues.

Mayor Marlin and City Administrator Carol Mitten addressed these questions and said that the eviction moratorium is still in place statewide. As far as the water shutoffs Mitten will reach out to Rick Manner of Urbana and Champaign Sanitary District.

8. Adjournment

With no further business before the committee, Chair Brown adjourned the virtual meeting at 8:43pm.

https://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/02-01-2021_Minutes.pdf