Chambana Sun

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

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, September 7th, 2021, at 7:00pm.

ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City Clerk, CM Maryalice Wu, CM Christopher Evans, CM Shirese Hursey, CM Jaya Kolisetty, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry

ELECTED OFFICIALS VIRTUALLY PRESENT: CM Maryalice Wu, CM Christopher Evans, CM Shirese Hursey, CM Jaya Kolisetty, CM Chaundra Bishop, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Darcy Sandefur, Dave Wesner, Carol Mitten, Elizabeth Borman, Sheila Dodd, Michelle Brooks, Lorrie Pearson

OTHERS PRESENT:

Chair: Maryalice Wu, Ward 1

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum present, Chair Wu called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at 7:00 PM.

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting

CM Kolisetty motioned to approve the minutes for the August 16th, meeting as written. CM Hursey seconded.

Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty, Wilken, Quisenberry

Nay: None

3. Additions to the Agenda

None.

4. Public Input and Presentations

Public Input

Christopher Hanson commented on closed session, asked why closed session was done. Jaya Kolisetty read on behalf of Patrick Kumutus spoke in opposition to the FOP contract. Chaundra Bishop read on behalf of Beth S. spoke in opposition to Fop contract. Grace Wilken read on behalf of Logan Middleton spoke in opposition to the FOP contract. Allan Max Axelrod spoke in opposition to the FOP contract. Lance Pittman spoke in opposition to the FOP contract. Allison Casar spoke in opposition to the FOP contract. Chelsea Birchmire spoke in opposition to the FOP.

5. Staff Report

Mayor Marlin there will be a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Westside park at 8:46 AM Saturday (9/11) morning.

6. Resolution No. 2021-09-040R: A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #70 (Term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023) – HR/Finance Ben Gehrt presented with Elizabeth Hannan, explained that we are regulated by the state labor and relations act. Explained that municipalities are bound to binding impasse when negotiating contracts for FOP and Fire. Section 8 mandates.

CM Hursey motion to send to city council with no recommendation to regular agenda. Second by CM Kolisetty.

Discussion: CM Evans asked clarification on motion. CM Quisenberry thanked those who worked on explaining and the work gone into the presentation. CM Wilken expressed frustrations with working within legal confines. Hopes to see more public input accounted for in next contract. CM Evans spoke to the need for transparency to uphold integrity. CM Wu informed that the contract will be made public tomorrow along with that video. CM Kolisetty expressed frustration with the process and the need for increased transparency. CM Bishop explained that the reason for the length of the closed session was due to the number of questions about the contract. Mayor Marlin informed the public that the reference video is on the home page, municipal collective bargaining process. Thanked those for input and the work being done to make changes.

Vote Aye: Wu, Hursey, Kolisetty, Quisenberry, Wilken

Nay: Bishop, Evans

7. Resolution No. 2021-09-038R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of Urbana Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Family Service of Champaign County Project No. 2021-CSSP-01) – CD

Sheila Dodd presented, Family Services is requesting an extension of time to spend funds, due to staff shortages they were not able to open on time. Just allows additional time to spend funds previously allotted.

CM Wilken asked how community block grant program works and where the funds come from. Sheila Dodd explained that the money comes to HUD based on population, then the city creates an action plan based on needs outline by community, it’s a joint program with Township, open application process, recommendations were made to council based on these apps funds were allocated. Motion to approve to send to consent agenda by CM Hursey seconded by CM Kolisetty.

Vote: AYE: Wu, Quisenberry, Wilken, Evans, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty

Nay: None

8. Resolution No. 2021-09-039R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of Urbana Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Champaign County Health Care Consumers COVID-19 Assistance) – CD

Sheila Dodd presented, CCHCC is asking for additional funds to finish out calendar year as program ends in December 2021. This funding would come from COVID funds.

Motion to approve to consent agenda by CM Hursey. Seconded by CM Bishop.

Vote Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry

Nay: None

9. Ordinance No. 2021-08-038: An Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2 (Administration), Sections 2-42 (Appointment), 2-43 (Term), 2-70 (Appointment), 2-99 (Civil Service System); Chapter 5 (Building, Fire, and Flood Safety Codes), Section 5-12 (Appointment); and Chapter 25 (Vegetation), Section 25-48 (Appointment) – HR/Finance

Presented by Liz Hannan memo included proposed amendments based on council inputs and also some informational pieces in response to council questions.

Discussion, straw poll

-Vote on wording of Shall: 6 yes, 1 no.

-Vote on IT director being on appointment list: 4 yes, 3 no

-Vote on Special Advisor for executive branch being on appointment: 6 yes, 1 no

-Vote on bios for appointed staff with summaries to go before council and public 2 weeks before vote: 7 yes. 0 no.

-Vote on including wording but minus individually: 7 yes, 0 no.

-Vote on term of appointment as written: 3 yes, no 4

-Vote on term of appointment amended to 2 years but not exceeding mayor term: 4 yes, 3 no - Vote on item 6 language: 7 yes

10. Motion to extend meeting to 10:45 motion by Quisenberry, seconded by Hursey Vote Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Quisenberry

11. Council Input and Communications (following public comment)

CM Kolisetty expressed frustration with the process and brought up the need for the council to discuss council priorities. Hopes to see future conversations about public safety. Wants the council to prioritize conversations about council priorities based on community needs. CM Wu wanted to address concern of public regarding the end of the eviction moratorium. The county has $8.8 million dollars for households who have been impacted by COVID to retain their housing. There will be a future presentation by RPC before city council. CM Wilken wanted to second some of CM Kolisettys comments. Agrees that council priorities need to be outlined and discussed. Reminded that the power is with the people of Urbana and encouraged public engagement with decision making. Mayor Marlin wanted to follow up on CM Wu mention of RPC presentation. Presentation will be on September 27th.

15. Adjournment

With no further business before the committee, Chair Wu adjourned the meeting at 10:36 p.m.

http://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/09-07-2021_COW-Minutes.pdf