Chambana Sun

City of Urbana Committee of the Whole met Nov. 12

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Darcy Sandefur, City Clerk; CM Maryalice Wu,

CM Christopher Evans, CM Shirese Hursey*, CM Jaya Kolisetty, CM Chaundra Bishop, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry

*CM PRESENT REMOTELY

ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor

STAFF PRESENT: Bourema Ouedraogo, Kevin Garcia, Seok Hyun Cho, Carmen Franks, Larry Boone, Elizabeth Hannan, Carol Mitten, Matt Roeschley, Tim Cowan

OTHERS PRESENT: Angela Bradley, CEO of HeartStrong Meals; Susan Burgstrom, Planning Manager at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission; J.D. McClanahan, Planner II at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission; Kate Swinford, Central Illinois Regional Leader at Lochmueller Group

Chair: Christopher Evans, Ward 2

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

With a quorum present, Chair Evans called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 8:12p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting

a. 10-14-2024 City Council Minutes

b. 10-21-2024 Committee of the Whole Minutes

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

Voice Vote:

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

NAY: None.

3. Additions to the Agenda

Chair Evans added a third presentation from Angela Bradley, CEO of HeartStrong Meals regarding the potential for a grocery store in Ward 3.

4. Presentations and Public Input

a. CUUATS Long Range Transportation Plan 2050 – RPC

Presented by Susan Burgstrom, Planning Manager at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. Provided background and overview on the federally mandated process for developing a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Stated the 5 goals for the LRTP were to address: safety, reliability, sustainability, equity & quality of life, and connectivity. Shared the parallels between the City of Urbana’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2025 and the LRTP’s goals and strategies. Emphasized that the RPC has researched the plans made by the City of Urbana and collaborated with its staff to ensure coherence between the plans of the LRTP and the City of Urbana. Shared the LRTP contains sections providing information on the following topics: the status of LRTP 2045, future projects, scenario modeling, funding, and implementation. Spoke on upcoming projects impacting the City of Urbana. Provided information regarding the following regionally significant projects with the likelihood of occurring within the next 5 years: North Lincoln Avenue from Wascher to Killarney Improvements; Florida Avenue from Wright Street to Hillcrest Drive Improvements; and Vine Street from Main Street to California Avenue Improvements. Stated 58 projects within the LRTP are described as “Illustrative Projects” with currently no guarantee on meeting funding requirements. Detailed public outreach rounds conducted throughout 2023 and 2024. Spoke on outreach conducted within the City of Urbana through public events such as the Marathon Expo 2023 & 2024, Jazz Walk at Meadowbrook Park 2023, Urbana Market at the Square 2023 & 2024, Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day 2023 & 2024, Climate Action Celebration at Crystal Lake Park 2023, and Urbana Park District Neighborhood Nights at Crestview Park 2024. Shared next steps involving finishing presentations, compiling comments received, holding the final Steering Committee meeting #8 on the 22nd of November, and approval of the plan by the Champaign Urbana Area Transportation Study (CUUATS) Technical and Policy Committees in 2024 before being sent to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) by the end of December 2024. Questions and discussion followed.

b. Lincoln Avenue Corridor Study – RPC

Presented by Carmen Franks, Assistant City Engineer; J.D. McClanahan, Planner II at Champaign County Regional Planning Commission; and Kate Swinford, Central Illinois Regional Leader at Lochmueller Group. Carmen Franks provided background on the importance of the corridor study due to the number of crashes, safety concerns, and condition of the roadway in the recent years. J.D. McClanahan shared information regarding the development of the project, funding received from IDOT, and the scope of the study. Spoke on the current state of Lincoln Avenue, its context within the City of Urbana, and the demographics of the areas surrounding the avenue. Stated the average daily traffic recorded ranges from 10,000 to 13,000 vehicles per day across the corridor. Stated the average Pavement Condition Index score for the study area is 29/100 with no segments across the entire roadway going over 40/100. Stated the morning and afternoon rush hours for segments of the corridor are currently rated at a E, indicating heavy traffic conditions on a scale from A to F. Stated the intersection of Lincoln and Pennsylvania have a traffic condition rating of F during afternoon rush hours with all other intersections along Lincoln ranking at D or higher. Noted Lincoln Avenue and Ohio Street as an area of focus due to the high number of crashes occurring in the corridor. Shared maps displaying gaps in bicycle infrastructure, varying conditions & accessibility levels of sidewalks, and bus routes. 

Spoke on successes and levels of engagement seen throughout the outreach processes during Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024. Shared the following common responses seen through the first round of public feedback from Fall 2023: desire to see a strong emphasis on improving bike & pedestrian infrastructure; simplifying road design & clarity; and calming automobile traffic. Detailed travel forecasting conducted in addition to the consideration of roundabouts. Shared the following proposed scenarios for the implementation of a bike path: on-street bike lanes for the entire length of the corridor; on-street bike lanes from Green to Iowa, a shared-use path from Iowa to Pennsylvania, then on-street bike lanes from Pennsylvania to Florida; and on-street bike lanes from Green to Iowa, then a shared-use path from Iowa to Florida.

Motion to extend presentation time by 5 minutes by CM Wu, seconded by CM Wilken.

Voice Vote:

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

NAY: None.

Stated the following changes were consistently included across scenarios: pedestrian crossings, intersection controls, vehicle access to Lincoln, and general roadway design. Stated once the final round of public input has been completed and the feedback has been incorporated into the development of the design, the finalized plan will be presented to City Council in the beginning of 2025.

Kate Swinford spoke on the final proposal for the corridor, where Scenario 1 has been chosen to move forward with. Stated the proposal for continuous on-street bike lanes throughout the corridor is projected to reduce crashes by 32% and explore the implementation of vertical separation for the bike lane in a configuration similar to Green Street on campus. Further stated the implementation of a horizontal separation for the bike lane was found to be not feasible due to the right of way constraints. Stated the proposal will convert the corridor into a three-lane section which begins between Green and Nevada, slated to reduce crashes by up to 47% in impacted segments. Stated roundabouts were considered during the planning process, but were not further developed due to projected negative impacts on traffic in this scenario. Elaborated on the signal optimizations being developed to allow for improved pedestrian movement as well as improving the flow of traffic. Shared graphics displaying proposed changes to intersections throughout the corridor to improve vehicle flow, reduce crashes, and improve crosswalks. Stated the ChampaignUrbana Mass Transit District (MTD) stops between Iowa and Ohio are being slightly moved to avoid creating conflicts between both bicycle riders and cars. Stated the northbound MTD stop near the intersection of Lincoln and Oregon has been slightly relocated to allow for a mid-block crossing point. Stated proposed side street closures will have minor impacts on traffic and does not significantly prevent access to the corridor. Questions and discussion followed.

c. Grocery Store in Ward 3 – HeartStrong Meals

Introduction provided by Chair Evans. Presented by Angela Bradley, CEO of HeartStrong Meals. Angela Bradley spoke on her experiences and feedback heard throughout her 18 years of combatting food insecurity in the Champaign-Urbana community. Stated community input directly influences the programs she has created to best meet their needs. Stated the initiative for a grocery store in Ward 3 comes from community calls for action to address the food desert in Ward 3 that have been ongoing for at least 7 years in addition to being aligned with the Council & Mayor Strategic Goals for 2024-2025. Stated she also seeks to improve accessibility for people using SNAP or WIC as well as improve access to healthy and fresh produce for the community. Shared successes from a recent study she had conducted on providing a mealkit that is centered around a Mediterranean diet and hoped to continue that concept of making healthy food accessible with the grocery store by connecting with local farmers, local chefs, and the community. Stated she has contacted the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to reimagine the traditional grocery store layout to better promote healthy choices. Expressed the goals of the grocery store are to eliminate the food desert, be WIC & SNAP friendly, provide locally grown food to lowincome families, and provide engaging education opportunities to encourage healthier meal options.

Stated the Illinois Grocery Initiative from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity would be the major source of funding with awards ranging from $160,000 to $2,400,000. Stated a funding match of 25% and a letter displaying the ability to provide the match is required to apply. Listed the following location requirements for eligibility: the store must be located in a food desert; the store must have less than 30% of revenue coming from alcohol and tobacco sales; the store must be classified as a supermarket or grocery retailer; the store must accept SNAP and WIC; and the store must contribute to the diversity of fresh foods available within their community. Emphasized the proposed grocery store will offer neither alcohol or tobacco. Stated the 2nd of December at 5:00p.m. is the deadline for applications for the second round of funding. Stated due to the scale of investment from the State, technical assistance and consultants are provided for grant applicants and their service is extended further if the application is accepted to ensure the long-term success of the grocery store.

Shared findings from a feasibility study using a hypothetical grocery store located at the intersection of Bradley and Lincoln Avenue which hopes to capture 15% of the $32,700,000 spent annually on food for consumption at home. Shared the estimated operational cash flow in this scenario would have $4,910,676 in sales, $3,514,080 in costs of the goods, $1,329,811 in operating expenses, which totals to $66,785 in net profit. Stated the funds required to operate the grocery store is estimated to be over $4,000,000, but it all begins with applying for the grant. Detailed how the application is projected to be high scoring because of its location, her own credibility through her years of service to the community, and it requires a community match from the City of Urbana.

Requested the City of Urbana commit to a match of 25%, up to $800,000, in funding for the grocery store. Questions and discussion followed.

d. Public Input

Joanne Budde asked City Council if City staff have sufficiently published notice for a Public Hearing regarding the amendment to the Urbana zoning ordinance in Ordinance No. 2024-11-034. Urged City Council to vote against the Ordinance due to its potential impact on the character of neighborhoods in Urbana and its potential negative impact on the democratic process. David Huber stated his application to amend the Urbana zoning ordinance is a moderate proposal. Spoke on the current state of duplex development in R-2 and R-3 zoned districts and the lot area and width requirements in R-3 zoning. Voiced support for eliminating the additional lot area and width requirements for duplex development due to the 60ft width requirement being set without any particular reason. Michael Plewa stated West Urbana has been able to be a highly welcoming and diverse area of Urbana due to the actions of those that live there, in spite of City planners, landlords, and developers. Stated the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance eliminate public input on the development of duplexes in the R-2 and R-3 districts in addition to contributing to the erosion of democracy. Stated the current process for developing duplexes is sufficient and does not need any modification, urging City Council to vote against the proposal.

Written Public Input in opposition to Ordinance No. 2024-11-034 were received from the following individuals and read by Council: Kara McKinn, Michael Plewa & Elizabeth Wagner Plewa, C.K. Gunsalus & Michael Walker, Meredith Blumthal, Florence Caplow, Eric Sacks, Becky Mead, Heather Grossman, Paul Debevec, Paul & Jennifer Hixson, L.K. Bergeron. Written Public Input regarding Ordinance No. 2024-11-034 were received from the following individuals, but were not read: Caitlin Clarke, Cope Cumpston, Carol Leff, Barbara R. Beshers, Dr. Don Pakey, Peggy Patten & Todd Kinney, Emily Peterson, Liz Cardman, Albert J. Valocchi, Esther Patt, Beverly Fagan, Sarah McEvoy & Huseyin Sehitoglu, Joanne Budde, Deborah Katz-Downie, Tiffanie Bui & Matt Freund, Beverly Rauchfuss, Stephanie Nevins, and Tucker Schroeder.

5. Staff Report

None.

6. New Business

a. Ordinance No. 2024-11-034: An Ordinance Amending the Urbana Zoning Ordinance

(Update Section VI-3 for Clarity and to Remove Additional Lot Area and Width Requirements for Certain Uses / Plan Case No. 2493-T-24) – CD

Presented by Kevin Garcia, Principal Planner & Zoning Administrator. The Ordinance approves a zoning ordinance text amendment to remove additional lot area and width requirements for duplexes in the R-2 (Single-Family Residential) and R-3 (Single- and TwoFamily Residential) zoning districts, remove additional lot area requirements and simplify lot width requirements for common-lot-line dwellings in all districts, simplify language regarding the reuse of existing lots, and amend other parts of Section VI-3 to make it easier to understand. Kevin Garcia stated a legal notice was published in the News-Gazette on the 4th of September for the initial Public Hearing for this case which was held on the 19th of September at the Plan Commission. Noted the Plan Commission received 4 emails in support and 2 emails against the proposal before the meeting on the 19th of September. Stated the Plan Commission requested City staff investigate Section VI-3 of the zoning ordinance and report back, with the report being shared on the 17th of October at a Plan Commission meeting. Stated the report generated an expansion upon the original request, but the items in the expansion were not of significant substance, simplifying language without changing the meaning of it. Stated the intent of the original proposal was to remove additional requirements for certain lots in the R-2 and R-3 districts which, as per the zoning ordinance, should allow duplexes to some degree. Stated duplexes in R-2 districts will still require conditional use permits, which requires a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Stated the R-3 district, titled and defined as “Single and Two-Family Residential”, has 40% of its units unable to meet the additional requirements for a duplex and the goal of the amendment is to remove the additional requirements in the R-3 district. Elaborated on the process to develop a duplex on lots in the R-2 and R-3 districts that do not meet the additional requirements and the high standard for variance requests for a duplex caused by the presence of the additional requirements. Stated the amendment meets the goals of the current and draft comprehensive plans. Stated in making zoning decisions, renters and students cannot be discriminated against. Further stated the amendment does not introduce any new practices, but it seeks to match the intent of the district to its regulations.

Questions and discussion followed.

*Motion to extend the meeting to 11:00p.m. by CM Wilken, seconded by CM Kolisetty.

Voice Vote:

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

NAY: None.

Motion to defer the item to the next Committee of the Whole meeting by CM Quisenberry,

seconded by CM Wilken.

Voice Vote:

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

NAY: None.

b. Resolution No. 2024-11-072R: A Resolution Approving an Increase in the Number of Liquor Licenses in the Class A Designation for Fuentes 10 LLC d/b/a El Patron Ballroom, 1006 North Cunningham Avenue – Exec

Presented by Matt Roeschley, City Attorney. The Resolution seeks to approve an increase in the number of Class A liquor licenses in the City of Urbana. Matt Roeschley stated the business concept is for a public and private event space and the Class A liquor license is for the sale and consumption of alcohol solely on the premises. Questions and discussion followed.

Motion to approve to the regular agenda by CM Wu, seconded by CM Bishop.

Voice Vote:

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

NAY: None.

c. Resolution No. 2024-11-073R: A Resolution Estimating the Tax Levy (Fiscal Year 2024-2025) – HRF

Presented by Elizabeth Hannan, HR & Finance Director/CFO. The Resolution establishes an estimated property tax levy of $12,100,696 for 2024 to begin the property tax levy process. Elizabeth Hannan shared a chart displaying the 2023 property taxes and how they are distributed. Shared an image detailing the major revenue sources for the General Fund, noting 3.91% of the General Fund revenue is sourced from Corporate Levy Property Taxes and 9.31% of the General Fund is sourced from property taxes, but immediately goes toward pensions. Stated over recent years, the estimated assessed value of properties in the City of Urbana have been steadily rising. Shared a table illustrating the City’s property tax rate for properties valued between $100,000 to $250,000, noting that a property valued at $180,000 will pay $729 in solely City Property Taxes. Stated Mayor Marlin recommended maintaining the current tax rate of $1.3499. Stated the City levies taxes for police pensions, firefighter pensions, library operations, and “corporate purposes” which pays for City services through the General Fund. Stated The Urbana Free Library is dependent on property tax revenue and the levy for the Library of $4,367,838 is based on the City Council approved budget for FY2025, which is an increase of 6.4% from the current tax levy. Stated the police & firefighter pensions are the next largest share of the levy at $4,012,688 and is based on funding policy approved by City Council in May of 2018 with the goal of having the pensions 100% funded by 2037, noting an increase of 3.4% from the 2023 tax levy. Elaborated on the “Corporate” Levy, stating it funds expenditures from the General Fund such as public safety and public works. Stated the levy amount for the “Corporate” Levy is $3,720,000 and is an estimated 72% increase from the current tax levy with the final number still to be determined. Stated the increase is due to historic decreases to make room for pension requirements, but is now increasing within the self-imposed limits. Outlined the steps to complete the Tax Levy process beginning with the approval of the Estimated Levy in the 11-18-2024 City Council, having a Public Hearing on the 2nd of December, and forwarding the final Tax Levy ordinance to the 12-09-2024 City Council. Questions and discussion ensued.

Motion to approve to the regular agenda by CM Bishop, seconded by CM Wu.

Voice Vote:

AYE: Wu, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Quisenberry

NAY: Evans, Wilken

7. Council Input and Communications

CM Wilken requested further financial information from the Executive Department to be provided regarding the proposal for matching funding for a grocery store in Ward 3. Shared 2,083 pounds of pumpkins were collected through the Pumpkin Smash event held by the Landscape Recycling Center on November 2nd and stated the event is expected to occur annually the first Saturday after Halloween. Expressed hope for further environmental initiatives to arise from The Sustaining Urbana Neighborhoods (SUN) Grant Program. CM Kolisetty addressed concerns regarding the Cunningham Township ballot questions, stating there exists a unique process for residents to directly put forward advisory questions to be placed on the ballot. Reiterated the City of Urbana is a Sanctuary City and requested everyone to consider what that means when the next federal administration enters office. Emphasized the commitment from the City to people who are undocumented and residing in the City of Urbana. Stated the initial intent behind the funding for the alternate response study was solely to evaluate alternate response options and if that does not occur, it will be a gross misuse of taxpayer funds. Stated the importance of having the Alternate Response Task Force convening to fulfill its original purpose. CM Wu stated zoning is not intended to discriminate against specific groups of people as a variety of building types exist to the East of Lincoln Avenue. Stated labelling residents, that have single-family homes, who share their concerns as “anti-student” is inappropriate as there are many opportunities for students to find affordable housing in the West Urbana area. CM Hursey expressed empathy to the concerns being shared by the residents of West Urbana, citing her previous negative experiences with the Plan Commission and having the issues from Ward 3 be ignored. Requested further information regarding the details as to why this zoning issue was raised at this moment and what the motivations are behind it.

8. Adjournment

With no further business before the committee of the whole Chair Evans adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/urbanail-pubu/MEET-Minutes-bfed3417e14d4526bb4958f35db46337.pdf