Chambana Sun

City of Urbana City Council Committee of the Whole met Dec. 20.

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 at 7:00pm virtually via ZOOM.

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

ELECETED 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: Darcy Sandefur, Carol Mitten, Bourema Ouedraogo, , Dave Wesner, Bryant Seraphin, Tim Cowan, Sheila Dodd, Cory Koker, Paige Bennet

OTHERS PRESENT: Melissa Pappas and Shelby Moreland from Rosecrance

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum virtually 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

December 6th, 2021minutes. Motion to approve by CM Kolisetty and seconded by CM Wilken.

Vote by roll call:

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

NAY: None

3. Additions to the Agenda

None.

4. Public Input and Presentations

a. Status Report on Crisis Co-Responder Team – Police

Chief Bryant Seraphin provided an introduction for the Crisis Co-Response team. Cory Koker oversees the team and explained the background of the Crisis Co-Responder team in Urbana. Koker described the pilot program model and how it works. Paige Bennett is the behavior health detective from the team. Shelby Moreland works at Rosecrance in a supportive capacity for the crisis co-responder team. Melissa Pappas is the implementation manager for Rosecrance. Cory Koker shared a PowerPoint presentation on the program service statistics to date and demographic information. Paige Bennett shared experiences with some of her program participants. Shelby Mooreland also shared some of her program participant experiences. Questions and discussion ensued.

b. Public Input

Rev Dr. Evelyn Underwood was not able to speak at this time. Allan Max Axelrod provided information on Stephon Edward Watts acts. Brandi McCoy commented on CCRT program and spoke in opposition to it. Sarah Nixon expressed concerns with the CCRT and Crisis Co Responder model. Rev Dr. Evelyn Underwood stated that everything to be done as a city should be done through a lens of equity.

5. Staff Report

Mayor Marlin shared that city offices will be closed Friday Dec 24, Monday Dec 27, and Friday Dec 31st. Council will next meet on Jan 3rd. Sakura’s grand opening will be in about one week. Provided update on a briefing on COVID from local hospitals and public health. Questions ensued.

6. Ordinance No. 2021-12-055: An Ordinance Amending Schedule H of Section 23-93 of the Urbana Local Traffic Code Requiring Stop Signs at a Certain Intersection (Deer Ridge Drive at Marc Trail; Lexington Drive at Deer Ridge Drive; Vernon Drive at Deer Ridge Drive; Horizon Lane at Deer Ridge Drive) – PW

Presented by Shannon Beranek from the Public Works Department. Ordinance asking for stop signs at T intersections. Questions followed.

Motion to approve to consent agenda by CM Hursey and seconded by CM Bishop. Discussion ensued.

Vote by roll call:

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

NAY: None

7. Resolution No. 2021-12-051R: A Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code (State Motor Fuel Tax for Goodwin Avenue and Green Street Intersection Improvements) – PW

Presented by Tim Cowan the director of the Public Works Department. This resolution allows for additional funds to pay for the difference in a previous intersection improvement. Questions ensued. Motion to approve for consent by CM Wilken and seconded by CM Kolisetty.

Vote by roll call:

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

NAY: None

8. Council Input and Communications

CM Kolisetty thanked public health officials and medical care providers for their work to maintain access to resources needed during the pandemic. CM Quisenberry echoed CM Kolisetty’s comments and encouraged public to observe masking and social distancing. CM Wilken wanted to thank staff and public for their presentations and public input. Hopes to work on a community safety review soon and work to address community well-being. Wished a happy winter break and holiday season.

9. Adjournment

With no other business before the Committee of the Whole, Chair Wu called this meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM.

http://urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/12-20-2021_COW-Minutes.pdf