Chambana Sun

City of Urbana City Council met June 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in special 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), Maryalice Wu, Christopher Evans, Shirese Hursey, Jaya Kolisetty, Chaundra Bishop, Grace Wilken, James Quisenberry

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten, Celeste Choate, Shannon Beraneck, Andrea Ruedi, William Kolschowsky, Dave Wesner

OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Dr. Reverend Evelyn Underwood, Katie Mueller, Drake Markere, Allan Max Axelrod, Beau Barber, Eddie Pratt Jr., Julie Watkins

I. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL

There being a quorum virtually present, Mayor Marlin called the special meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 7:44 PM following a public hearing.

II. PUBLIC INPUT

Dr. Reverend Evelyn Underwood wants to see some of the funds for the police reallocated to support mental health resources and also encouraged the city to ensure accommodations will be made for those with mobility issues as the city reopens. Katie Mueller expressed concerns about the Cunningham Township property purchase and was in objection to how it’s been managed. Drake Markere encouraged the council to consider ways they can dismantle structural racism. Allan Max Axelrod expressed the importance of citizen concerns regarding housing insecurity being heard and was in objection to how other officials had previously responded. Beau Barber expressed concerns about COVID still being a pressing issue and encouraged the council to consider how they can address community needs with the budget. Eddie Pratt Jr. echoed other public comments and encouraged the council to consider the effects of gun violence. Julie Watkins no further comment.

III. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATION

CM Hursey wanted the public to know that she shared their concerns about violence and fear within the community. CM Wu asked the Mayor about the COVID funds yet to be received. Mayor Marlin provided an update that so far only $6 million of funds has been received by the city and future facilitative conversations with the city and public about how to allocate these funds. CM Kolisetty thanked the public for their comment wanted to acknowledge the pain being expressed and is eager to learn more about community efforts to address gun violence. CM Bishop thanked the public for their input and wants the public to know she hears them. Recognized the needs for homeless services, mental health support programs, and other priorities expressed by the public needing to be supported by the council. CM Quisenberry thanked the public for their involvement and comment. Reminded about the neighborhood celebration in Ward 7 on June 12th from 1-4PM on Vawter Street between Silver and Mitchem cross streets. CM Wilken thanked the public for their comment, asked when this input will be considered as part of the budget. Expressed the importance of addressing inequity within the community through the suggestions of the public and council. Mayor Marlin responded that it can be addressed through the allocation of the ARP (American Rescue Plan funds) money and channeled through the neighborhood infrastructure improvements.

IV. RE-APPOINTMENT-Urbana Free Library Board - Terms ending June 30, 2024 a. Guadalupe A. Mejia

b. John Thies

c. Michael Weissman

Mayor Marlin asked for a motion for approval. CM Hursey motioned for the approval and reappointment of all three seconded by CM Bishop.

AYE: Wu, Quisenberry, Wilkens, Evans, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty

NAY: None

V. RE-APPOINTMENT-URBANA PUBLIC TELEVISION COMMISSION – Terms ending June 30, 2024

a. Peter Folk

b. Carol Inskeep

c. Marie Polk

d. Mark Schultz

e. Dale Sidner

Mayor Marlin expressed that Carol Inskeep will first need to be appointed by the Urbana Free Library Board as she is an Urbana Library employee. Mayor Marlin asked for a motion to approve the reappointment of the other 4 commission members. CM Wu motioned to approve the reappointment. Seconded by CM Hursey. Discussion ensued about the reappointments process in general. AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilkens, Quisenberry

NAY: None

With no further business Mayor Marlin adjourned the special meeting of the Urbana City Council at 8:41 PM.

http://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/06-07-2021_Special_Meeting_Minutes.pdf