Chambana Sun

City of Champaign City Council met Oct. 8

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

COUNCIL MEMBERS

PRESENT: Kathy Shannon Davion Williams

Michael Foellmer Matthew Gladney

William Kyles Vanna Pianfetti

Mayor Feinen

COUNCIL MEMBERS

ABSENT: Alicia Beck Jamar Brown

STAFF PRESENT: Joan Walls, Deputy City Manager

Thomas Yu, City Attorney

Bruce Knight, Planning and Development Director

Daniel Saphiere, Associate Planner

OTHERS PRESENT: Aaron Baggarly, Vice President, Matrix Consulting Group

Susan Burgstrom, Planning Manager, Regional Planning Commission

TIME STARTED: 7:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

• September 10, 2024 Regular Study Session

• September 11, 2024 Community Civic Event Champaign Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

CM Pianfetti, seconded by CM Gladney, moved to approve the minutes. A voice vote was taken; all voted yes.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

Development Services Audit Final Report and Recommendations [SS 2024-022]

Staff Presentation: Director Knight and Vice President Baggerly’s presentation included the following topics:

• Agenda – Development Review Audit

- Overview of the Study

- Key Strengths

- Opportunities

- Findings and Recommendations

• Goals of the Evaluation

• Evaluation Approach

• Key Strengths

• Key Opportunities

• Recommendations

- Management & Professional Development

- Customer Engagement

- Process Improvements (1)

- Process Improvements (2)

- Technology

- Staffing and Organizational

(Note: Information on how to obtain Staff’s written report on this subject is provided below.)

Action Recommended: Provide feedback into the recommendations and priorities and direction on how to proceed with implementation of the recommendations in the Development Services Audit Final Report.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members’ technical questions included development of training modules; the OpenGov application process; follow up and information sharing; budget recommendations; and impact of consolidation of Building Safety and Planning departments on union employees.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Public Input: The following members of the audience spoke regarding the Development Services Audit Report:

• Sana Saboowala, Champaign

• Christopher Zelle, Champaign

• Isabel Scott, Urbana

Council General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included appreciation to staff for their preparation and work; process improvements; applicant tracking; combining departments; and being a development friendly city.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1, directing staff to proceed with implementation actions on the recommendations of the Development Services Audit after addressing any Council comments. The result of the poll was 7 ayes and 0 nays.

The 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Update [SS 2024-023]

Staff Presentation: Associate Planner Saphiere and Manager Burgstrom’s presentation included the following topics:

• LRTP 2050 Web Plan

• Goals

• Vision

• Upcoming projects for City of Champaign

- Complete Streets projects

- Other agencies leading projects impacting Champaign

- Bridge projects (IDOT)

• Public Outreach

• Next Steps

(Note: Information on how to obtain Staff’s written report on this subject is provided below.)

Action Recommended: Endorse the findings, projections, strategies, goals and visions of the LRTP 2050 plan in its current draft and accept the finalized LRTP 2050 plan at a future City Council meeting.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: CM Shannon’s technical question included the process for changing the plan if an urgent item is identified after the plan is approved.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Public Input: The following members of the audience spoke regarding the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan:

• Isabel Scott, Urbana

• Roshan Krishnan, Champaign

• Kimberlie Kranich, Champaign

• Sana Saboowala, Champaign

• Will Quinn, Urbana

• Jessica Yasin, Urbana

• Inaudible, Urbana

• Christopher Zelle, Champaign

• Matthew Lugardo, Champaign

Council General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included appreciation to staff for the presentation; climate migration; accidents involving cyclists; incorporating bike infrastructure into the plan; bus frequency; encouraging the community to provide input; and increasing accessibility in underserved areas.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1, directing staff to endorse the findings, projections, strategies, goals and visions of the LRTP 2050 plan in its current draft and accept the finalized LRTP 2050 plan at a future City Council meeting. The result of the poll was 7 ayes and 0 nays.

Audience Participation: The following members of the audience commented regarding various community concerns:

• Isabel Scott, Champaign

• Berry Zhang, Champaign

• Jessica Yasin, Urbana

• Steven Maguire, Urbana

• Al Kagen, Champaign

• Roshan Krishnan, Champaign

• Daniel Folger, Champaign-Urbana

• Craig Walker, Champaign

• Linda Herrera, Champaign

• Faith Ryan, Champaign

• Don Owen, Champaign

• Farrah, Urbana

• Addison Gray, Urbana

• Christopher Zelle, Champaign

• Kimberlie Kranich, Champaign

• Lockman, Champaign

• Penny Hanna, Urbana

• Lilah Leopold, Urbana

• Brad Allen, Champaign

• Sana Saboowala, Champaign

• Autumn Soliman, Champaign

• Ben Joselyn, Urbana

• Hildegard Luijten, Champaign

Council/Manager Comments: Council Members’ comments included valuing community members; Council role regarding foreign policy; procurement; and appreciation to those providing public comment.

Adjournment: CM Pianfetti, seconded by CM Gladney, moved to adjourn. A voice vote was taken on the motion to adjourn; all voted yes.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ABo0xJH6hKgJ29DjLXrIctkxPMLhG6hg/view