City of Urbana City Council met Jan. 24

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Apr 28, 2022

City of Urbana City Council met Jan. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

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

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: Darcy Sandefur, Bourema Ouedraogo, Carol Mitten, Dave Wesner, Sheila Dodd, Lily Wilcock, Will Kolschowsky, Alyana Robinson, Elizabeth Hannan

OTHERS PRESENT: J.D. McClanahan and Ashlee McLaughlin of RPC

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum virtually present, Chair Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 7:00 PM.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

January 10th, 2022 and Council Goal-Setting Session January 6th, 2022

Motion to approve by CM Wu and seconded by CM Hursey.

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

NAY: None

3. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

4. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT

1. Public Input

Aaron Abbott expressed concerns about violent crime within the community. Urged council to respond to public input more. Asked mayor to move public input to the end of meetings. Allan Max Axelrod stressed the importance of the utility shut off moratorium in relation to public health and provided an update on the campaign. Provided suggestions for ARPA funding. Eddie Pratt Jr. thanked council for allowing him to speak this evening. Urged council to work towards equity by investing in community infrastructure with ARPA funds. Cale Beccue of the Public Works department at the City of Urbana, thanked council for their help in passing a fair contract. Asked council to consider utilizing some ARPA funds for COVID compensation for employees. Brandi McCoy asked council to consider utilizing ARPA funds to increase the enrollment of SWFT program and in support of the utility shutoff moratorium. Spoke in opposition to moving the public comment to the end of meetings. Rev. Dr. Evelyn B. Underwood thanked previous speakers for mentioning the programs and opportunities they have. Expressed need for infrastructure improvements in Dr. Ellis subdivision. Asked for help for the public to apply. Julie Watkins agrees with previous speakers and shared support for SWFT and infrastructure improvements. Linda Quan thanked city council and Urbana police for their understanding in relation to a new approach to address community needs. Expressed concerns about Officer Koker and the Aliyah Lewis arrest.

2. American Rescue Plan Recovery Funds Allocation Process Presentation – Exec/CCRPC

Presented by William Kolschowsky of the Executive Department and J.D. McClanahan and Ashlee McLaughlin of the Regional Plan Commission. Kolschowsky provided a history of the process up to this point. Mayor Marlin explained the history of ARPA. Marlin shared suggested best practices for application of funds and reviewed next steps. McLaughlin began the RPC presentation beginning with a draft timeline of the ARPA management. There are 6 broad existing areas of focus. Reviewed eligible uses of funds. McClanahan reviewed what plans and public input has been reviewed in the process of identifying community needs. Presented the 6 identified priority areas and explained what work is already being done in this area and how other municipalities are addressing this priority area with their ARPA funds. McLaughlin provided a summary and outlined next steps. Questions and discussion ensued.

Mayor Marlin asked for a straw poll for keeping all 6 of the identified priority areas and was met with 3 hands raised. Mayor Marlin asked for a straw poll for keeping only the first 5 identified priority areas and was met with 4 hands.

3. Financial Forecast Presentation – HR/Finance

Presented by Elizabeth Hannan the Finance and Human Resources director and Alyana Robinson of the Finance Department. Hannan explains that this is the first step in the annual budget process by evaluating the financial position of the city in order to better guide future budgetary decisions. Reviewed steps already taken to improve financial health of the city fund balance. Robinson detailed income sources and explained projected income rates. Explained what factors are considered when determining financial health. Hannan outlined recommendations to secure continued financial health. Questions and discussion ensued.

5. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS

CM Wilken wanted to reiterate thanks to staff for doing what it needs to do to keep financial health and continuing to serve the people of Urbana. Urges public to apply for EQUAL grant and take COVID precautionary measures. Asked for clarity on COVID policies. Mayor Marlin clarified that the City building does have a mask mandate in the building and that they are following the CDC guidance. Urged public to take precautions.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

7. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Shirese Hursey – Ward 3)

1. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Resolution No. 2022-01-002R: A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for Animal Control Services – Exec/Police

b. Ordinance No. 2022-01-002: An Ordinance Authorizing Purchase of Certain Real Estate (1501 East Mumford Drive) – Exec/Fire

c. Ordinance No. 2022-01-004: An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain Real Estate (704 North Broadway Avenue – Habitat for Humanity) – CD

d. Ordinance No. 2022-01-005: An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain Real Estate (1201 West Beslin Street – LaKendra O’Bannon) – CD

e. Ordinance No. 2022-01-006: An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain Real Estate (1407 Wiley Drive – First Followers) – CD

f. Resolution No. 2022-01-003R: A Resolution Adopting Mayor/ City Council Strategic Goals for 2022-2023 – Exec

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