Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met June 18

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

#1....THE REGULAR MEETING of the City Council of the City of Danville was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W Main Street, Danville, Illinois.

THE ROLL CALL was answered by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., Vice Mayor Tricia Teague, Aldermen Ed Butler, Jon Cooper, Bob Iverson, Eve Ludwig, Mike O’Kane, Sherry Pickering, James Poshard, Mike Puhr, Rick Strebing, Carolyn Wands, Robert Williams, and Darren York. Alderman Heidi Wilson was absent. A quorum was present.

Staff Members Present: Assistant Engineer Eric Childers, Chief Technology Officer Agnel DSilva, City Treasurer Chris Heeren, Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk, Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis, Corporation Counsel Leon Parker, Deputy City Clerk Rachel Haun, Fire Chief Aaron Marcott, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, IT Administrator Suheel Rather, IT Assistant Cody Shadley, Planner II Mumuchhu Gurung, Police Chief Chris Yates, Public Transportation Director Steve White, and Public Works Director Dave Ruwe.

There were 20 audience members and 2 news media in attendance.

#2....INVOCATION was given by Rev. Thomas Miller, Pastor, New Life Church of Faith, followed by

#3....THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderman York

#4....THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, June 4, 2024, having been published and distributed, were presented. Alderman Butler moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Wands. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#5....THE AGENDA for the evening was presented. Alderman Pickering moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Poshard. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6….MAYOR’S REPORT

#6-A…Proclamations – none presented.

#6-B…Board/Committee/Personnel Appointments – none reported.

#6-C…Reports of Boards, Agencies, Commissions – none reported.

#6-D... Items of Information

- Human Relations Administrator Finch shared that the 30th Annual Community Day has been renamed 30th Annual Mary Thompson Community Day to honor longtime community member Mary Thompson and all the work she has done in the community. The event will be held Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Downtown Danville’s Temple Plaza. Featuring the As’One Gospel Singers and also performing is Danville’s Got Talent Winner Delaine Robinson. This is a free event with food, beverages, and activities for children ages 4-12 with free prizes.

- Mayor Williams shared the next First Friday Downtown Carnival event will be held in Downtown Danville on July 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and noted that for events that require tickets to get them early as some events are beginning to be sold out.

- Mayor Williams wished Mary Thompson a happy 90th birthday.

#7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS

- Thamar Zillman of Danville spoke regarding the third proposed dispensary in Danville. Ms. Zillman shared she feels a truck stop is a good idea, but a third dispensary is not needed.

- Carol Hogg of Danville spoke regarding the Mariworks zoning proposal. Ms. Hogg encouraged the council to vote yes for the proposed cannabis dispensary and that she recommends the council remove their personal views from this decision.

- Ozzie Porter of Chicago spoke regarding Cannabis. Mr. Porter shared he does not feel that Danville needs a third cannabis dispensary, shared data on other communities in Illinois that only have 2 dispensaries, and that Seven Point desires to be a part of the Danville Community.

- Isaih Gonzalez of Danville spoke regarding the expansion of dispensaries. Mr. Gonzalez shared that he is a lifelong Danville resident and is concerned that NuEra, being a corporate business may not be supportive of Danville and feels that Seven Point is a “mom and pop” business that has more ties to the community.

- Brianna Bogard of Danville spoke regarding roads and the dispensary. Ms. Bogard shared she would like to see the city focus more on roads especially the condition of Oakwood Avenue and not on dispensaries.

- Michael Mervis spoke regarding land development. Mr. Mervis shared that this proposed development will potentially bring in besides the cannabis dispensary of a Casey’s truck stop, and a QSR (quick service restaurant) to this area. Due to the high cost of infrastructure in this area a previous Casey’s truck stop proposal was removed, but with the added cannabis dispensary and QSR the costs are more manageable.

- Jaleel Jones of Danville spoke regarding the Dispensary NuEra. Mr. Jones shared he is an intern at the Seven Point dispensary and feels they need more time to grow as a business before another dispensary is opened. Mr. Jones also shared the need for more things for kids to do in the community and he feels there is a need for a restaurant out on Lynch Drive.

- Felix Velazquez of Danville spoke regarding city inspectors and abandoned houses. Mr. Velazquez shared pictures of a home located at 718 Sherman Street and that he runs a company named Integrity General Construction. Mr. Velazquez stated he had all the permits needed to work on this property and that city inspector Dan Brown deemed the property inhabitable.

- Ala Kendrick of Danville spoke against the dispensary and feels we need more restaurants in that area.

Ms. Kenrick would like to see more good things for kids to do.

#8 ZONING PETITIONS

#8-A) Mayor Williams presented ORDINANCE NO. 9482 Amending the Zoning Ordinance for Petitioner Mariworks LLC, Special Use Permit #262 for Property with PIN #24-18-100-010 to allow a Cannabis Dispensary to operate in the B-3 – General Business Zoning District as a part of a larger development. After hearing testimony during a Public Hearing on June 6, 2024, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the petition by a vote of 6 to 0 with 1 absent. Alderman Cooper moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Alderman York. Laura Jaramilla Bernal of Mariworks shared that the proposed location will assist with infrastructure development for this site and the other businesses of a Casey’s truck stop and quick service restaurant. Ms. Bernal stated due to previous concerns of proximity to residential, schools and churches this site will be farther away from these entities. Charles Williams of NuEra spoke sharing that he personally has a long history of working in municipal government and believes the dispensary will work closely with the community and bring business and growth. Mayor Williams spoke of a cousin that was addicted to street drugs and would like to see access to a safe, clean marijuana, if the dispensary went to Tilton that would mean less money for Danville, and that NuEra has a good track record in communities. Following discussion and after all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper

Nays: Aldermen Butler, Wands, Poshard, Pickering

Absent: Alderman Wilson

Motion carried 9 to 4 with 1 absent.

[Alderman O’Kane left the meeting at 7:16 p.m.]

#8-B) Mayor Williams presented ORDINANCE NO. 9483 Amending the Zoning Ordinance for Petitioner North Ridgeview, LLC, Special Use Permit #263 for Property 2601-2605 N. Vermilion to allow for a Vapor Retail Shop to operate in the B-2-Highway Commercial Zoning District. After hearing testimony during a Public Hearing on June 6, 2024, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the petition by a vote of 5 to 1 with 1 absent. Alderman Cooper moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Alderman York. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Teague, Williams, Cooper

Nays: Aldermen Butler, Wands, Poshard, Pickering, Ludwig, York

Absent: Aldermen O’Kane, Wilson

Motion failed 6 to 6 with 2 absent.

[Alderman O’Kane returned to the meeting at 7:18 p.m. and took his seat at the dais.]

Alderman Cooper requested to revote with Alderman O’Kane’s return to the meeting. Mayor Williams stated with Alderman O’Kane’s return to the meeting we will revisit item #8-B the ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance for Petitioner North Ridgeview, LLC, Special Use Permit #263 for Property 2601-2605 N. Vermilion to allow for a Vapor Retail Shop to operate in the B-2-Highway Commercial Zoning District. After all questions were addressed, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Teague, Williams, Cooper, O’Kane

Nays: Aldermen Butler, Wands, Poshard, Pickering, Ludwig, York

Absent: Alderman Wilson

Motion passed 7 to 6 with 1 absent.

Alderman O’Kane questioned that it takes 8 Ayes or majority of the entire city council according to state statute.

Mayor Williams responded that former Corporation Counsel Jim Simon advised it is the majority of quorum or the majority of 8 present. Mayor Williams advised that Corporation Counsel Leon Parker will research and advise and if needed the issue will be revisited at the next city council meeting.

[Alderman Strebing left the meeting at 7:20 p.m.]

#9…PAYROLLS

Mayor Williams presented the Payrolls, having been published, posted, and distributed, for June 7, 2024, of $105,627.75 and June 14, 2024, of $724,711.08. Alderman Wands moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#10…SCHEDULE OF VOUCHERS PAYABLE

Mayor Williams presented the Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted, and distributed for the special runs of June 6, 2024, of $9,972.00, and June 17, 2024, of $4,734.20 and regular runs of June 11, 2024, of $363,420.66, and June 18, 2024, of $403,712.08. Alderman Poshard moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman O’Kane. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11…PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

#11-A) Chairman Puhr presented ORDINANCE NO. 9484 Amending Chapter 50 of the City Code Prohibiting the Use of Groundwater as a Potable Water Supply in Certain Areas.

50.18(B)(7) Area 7. Beginning at the intersection of the east bank of the North Fork of the Vermilion River and a westerly extension of the north line of lot 100 of Carle at the Riverfront Subdivision as recorded as document number 21-06458 in the Vermilion County Recorder’s office, said north line also being the south right-of-way line of Madison Street, thence east along said extension to the northwest corner of said lot 100; thence continuing east along the north line of said lot 100, and an easterly extension thereof, to an extension of the west right-of-way line of Gilbert Street; thence south along said west right-of-way line, and an extension thereof, to the north right-of-way line of U.S. Route 150 to the east bank of the North Fork of the Vermilion River; thence northwesterly along said east bank to the point of beginning, in the City of Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; as described in Exhibit A and as depicted in Exhibit B. 

Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Teague. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

Chairman Puhr presented Items B & C for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by Committee. There being no objections, Alderman Poshard seconded. Those items being:

#11-B) ORDINANCE NO. 9485 Approving the Purchase of Real Estate for Community Improvement located at: 416 Harmon: $55,000.00 (Purchase: $50,000 & Relocation Cost: $5,000)- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development); 409 Grant: $45,000 (Purchase: $40,000 & Relocation Cost: $5,000)- Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development); 418 Chandler: $11,000 – Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development); 310 Robinson, 314 Robinson: $76,666.00 – Fund 107 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development); 432 Harmon: $38,334.00 – Fund 104 (Infrastructure Development) - 55064 (Economic Development); and #11-C) ORDINANCE NO. 9486 Approving the Purchase of Real Estate for Community Improvement for Property Located at 207 National Avenue to be paid from Fund 402-402-00-55067 Storm & Sanitary Sewer Fund – Storm Infrastructure Improvement Budget in the amount of $25,000.00.

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-D) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-67 Approving the Awarding of a Contract for IHDA HAFHR at 2807 East Road and Authorizing the Community Development Administrator or Representative to Approve Further IHDA HAFHR Contracts for Housing Rehabilitation Projects contract awarded to Dreamworks Property and Construction Management in the amount of $53,285.00 to be paid from IHDA HAFHR Line Item 713-713-00-52029. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wands

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-E) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-68 Approving a Downtown TIF RIP Grant Application from Kenneth R. Gentrup, Glory Daze Antiques & Uniques at 142 N. Vermilion for a 50% reimbursement not to exceed $34.359.00 to be paid from Line Item 122-122-00-54109 - Tax Increment Financing – Downtown, TIF-RIP Grants. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman York. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-F) Chaiman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-69 Approving a Highway Authority Agreement & Addendum Between the City of Danville and GBL Properties. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Vice MayorTeague. Community Development Administrator Cronk shared the addendum is included to remove complete liability from the City of Danville and the landowner is responsible for any soil removal and remediation. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-G) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-70 Approving the Purchase of a New Vibratory Roller from CMW Equipment of Bridgetown, Missouri of a new Bomag BW-120AD-5 from Sourcewell contract number 060122-BAI for the amount of $57,780.00 from Capital Improvement Fund – Capital Equipment Budget – Line

Item 302-302-00-55016. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

Chairman Puhr presented Items H to I for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by Committee. There being no objections, Vice Mayor Teague seconded. Those items being:

#11-H) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-71 Authorizing an Application for DCEO’s RISE (Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery) Implementation Grant Program to DCEO requesting up to $2,000,000 in funds to implement a plan to improve the Downtown Danville economy and connectivity; and

#11-I) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-72 to Adopt the Downtown Revitalization Plan Funded by DCEO’s RISE Local and Regional Planning Grant Program.

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-J) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-73 Approving a Professional Services Agreement for

the Turtle Run Golf Course Stream Stabilization with Farnsworth Group, Inc. in the amount of $52,900.00 from Storm and Sanitary Sewer Fund (402) budget line item 52022 (Engineering Services). Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Poshard. Alderman Cooper abstained due to a possible conflict of interest. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Alderman Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Butler

Nays: None

Abstention: Alderman Cooper

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 1 abstention & 2 absent.

#11-K) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-74 Authorizing the Purchase of GPS Network Rover Upgrades for 2 TOPCON GPS Network Rovers in the amount of $33,982.00 form Capital Improvements Line Item 302-302-55016. Chairman Puhr moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

Chairman Puhr presented items L and M for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval without recommendation by Committee. There being no objections, seconded by Alderman Poshard.

Those items being:

#11-L) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-75 Amending FY 2024-2025 Budget for Community Development Block Grant Fund (106) amending Line Item 106-106-23-54046 Public Improvements to $263,225.00, Administrator Cronk requested the resolution be amended for Line Item to read 106-106-24-54046 to reflect the year 2024; and

#11-M) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-76 Approving the CDBG Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2024 with an allocation of $983,225 with a breakdown as follows: Public Improvements and Infrastructure $263,225; Affordable Housing Rehabilitation $250,000; Blight Removal $250,000; Non-Homeless Special Needs $30,000;

Homelessness $15,000; and Administration $175,000. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Pickering, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Cooper, Butler, Wands, Poshard

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Strebing & Wilson

Motion carried 12 to 0 with 2 absent.

#11-N) Items of Information – none reported.

#12 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

#12-A-1) Vice-Chairman Pickering presented the City Clerk’s Report of Licenses, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, seconded by Teague. The report being:

BUSINESS LICENSES:

TOBACCO DEALER:

One Stop Express Mart 2 Inc. 1207 N. Bowman Avenue

There being no questions, on the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#12-B) Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Chris Heeren

-Treasurer Heeren reported the bank reconciliations for all city accounts from bank statements to city software is ongoing and shared that for the general account is a 12-step process and less steps with the other accounts.

- The treasurer’s office is currently receiving training from Martin Hood Accounting service to keep accounts current.

- Treasurer Heeren thanked Comptroller Massey, the finance division, and Martin Hood for the continued efforts to rectify past accounts and reported work is being done on the November and December 2023 accounts and hope to be caught up to the end of August 2024.

- The 2nd Quarterly 2024 meetings of the Police and Fire Pension Board of Trustees will be held on July 8, 2024.

#12-C) Items of Information

- Alderman Cooper questioned if a representative from the Danville Rescue Mission could be requested to come to a City Council meeting and report on the situation at the rescue mission at this time. Mayor Williams shared he can reach out to them, but their newly appointed director has stepped down and thanked organizations, like the Dwelling Place, for assisting those in need of services.

- Alderman Teague shared that the 30th Annual Mary Thompson Community Day will be help in Downtown Danville Temple Plaza on Sunday, July 12, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature As’One Gospel Singers, Danville’s Got Talent Winner Delaine Robinson, fun & activities for children with free prizes, and free food and beverages. A panel discussion will be held with Alderman Teague and State Representative Brandon Schweizer from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

- Alderman Butler announced a forum for candidates running for county board will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Roselawn Center located at 302 W. Roselawn St. Also available will be bounce houses, BBQ and soft drinks.

#13…CLOSED SESSION was not needed.

#14…ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Pickering, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. 

https://www.cityofdanville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07022024-139