Chambana Sun

City of Champaign City Council met Jan. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

COUNCIL MEMBERS

PRESENT: Vanna Pianfetti Kathy Shannon

Davion Williams Jamar Brown

Michael Foellmer Matthew Gladney

William Kyles Mayor Feinen

COUNCIL MEMBERS

ABSENT: Alicia Beck

STAFF PRESENT: Joan Walls, City Manager

Thomas Yu, City Attorney

TJ Blakeman, Economic Development Manager

Rachel Joy, Equity and Engagement Department Director

Jorge Elvir, Community Relations Manager

Betsy Barclay, Community Relations Specialist

OTHERS PRESENT: Jayne Deluce, Experience Champaign-Urbana

Dr. Anthony B. Sellers Jr., SU Institute of Health Education

Evaluation Assessment and Research (HEEAR)

TIME STARTED: 7:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

Experience Champaign-Urbana Annual Update [SS 2025-002]

Staff Presentation: Economic Development Manager TJ Blakeman, and Experience

Champaign-Urbana Jayne DeLuce’s presentation included:

• Goals

• Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism

• Rebranding Data

• Visitor Data

• Community Events

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

Action Recommended: Direct staff to continue to work with Experience Champaign-Urbana, supporting the implementation of their current work plan and long-range strategic plan.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: CM Williams requested more information regarding the selection process of the muralists.

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

Public Input: None

Council General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included appreciation for the incredible work being done, excitement for what is to come, growth opportunities for small businesses, promotion of local artists and businesses, utilization of the off-season, and budget and funding for this year in relation to last year.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1 directing staff to continue working with Experience

Champaign-Urbana on their Strategic Plan implementation. The result of the poll was 8 ayes and 0 nays.

Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint Update [SS 2025-003]

Staff Presentation: Director Joy, Specialist Barclay, Manager Elvir, and Doctor Sellers’s presentation included:

• Introduction

• Blueprint Goals

• Blueprint Evaluation

• Criteria for continued partnership

Action Recommended: The Administration seeks feedback and direction from Council on the evaluation framework, executing sub recipient agreements for Blueprint partners and other initiatives related to the continued implementation of the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members’ technical questions included acquiring comparison city data, collaboration methods, additional support needed outside of funding, and staffing needs.

(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 Community Gun Violence Reductions Blueprint Update:

• Ray Glass

• Carlos Harvy

• Pierre

• Angela O’Neal, Champaign

• Tammy Little, Champaign

• Curry

• Coreyon Mallory

• Khayriyah

• James Harden

• Sean Williams, Champaign

• Jaya Kolisetty

• Jay Walker

• Nicole Massey

• Karen Simms

• Banio Koroma Jr.

Council General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included appreciation to staff for the presentation, extend thanks to the Blueprint Partners, the impact the Blueprint has and its importance to the community, concerns regarding future funding, and community focus provided by the program

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1 directing staff to continue evaluation framework, execute subrecipient agreements with Blueprint partners and develop other initiatives related to the continued implementation of the Community Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint incorporating council feedback. The result of the poll was 8 ayes and 0 nays.

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

• Stuart Levy, Champaign

• Gwyneth Krepcio, Champaign

Council and Manager Comments: None

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UDfp3G38S8_yLyQJuCKp0TnTf7H3upfl/view