City of Bloomington City Council met April 12
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council convened in regular session virtually via Zoom conferencing with Mayor Tari Renner, the City Manager, Tim Gleason, and City Clerk, Leslie Yocum, in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tari Renner.
Roll Call
| Attendee Name | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Tari Renner | Mayor | Present | |
| Jamie Mathy | Ward 1 | Remote | |
| Donna Boelen | Ward 2 | Remote | |
| Mboka Mwilambwe | Ward 3 | Remote | |
| Julie Emig | Ward 4 | Remote | |
| Joni Painter | Ward 5 | Remote | |
| Jennifer Jazmin Carrillo | Ward 6 | Remote | |
| Mollie Ward | Ward 7 | Remote | |
| Jeff Crabill | Ward 8 | Remote | |
| Kim Bray | Ward 9 | Remote |
City Manager Tim Gleason provided an data on the number of vaccines administered in the County, as well as the number of new cases. He then reported that Camille Rodriguez, McLean County Administrator, had expressed appreciation for the support the Arena had provided as a vaccination location.
Recognition/Appointments
A. Proclamation in Memory of Richard "Rich" Buchanan
Mayor Renner read the Proclamation recognizing the accomplishments and work of former Bloomington Mayor, Richard "Rich" Buchanan. He expressed appreciation for the late Mayor who had guided the City from 1977 to 1985 as Mayor and also served on the Liquor Commission for more than three decades.
Judy Buchanan, Widow of Rich Buchanan, addressed Council. She expressed the love that both she and her late husband had for Bloomington and thanked Council for the recognition.
B. Proclamation recognizing April 18-24, 2021 as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
Mayor Renner read the Proclamation recognizing April 18-24, 2021 as Medical Laboratory Professionals Week.
C. Recognition of Appointments to Various Boards & Commissions
Staff recognized the appointments of the following individuals: (1) Cody Hendricks, Citizens' Beautification Committee; (2) Anthony Jones, Human Relations Commission; and (3) Terry Ballantini, Zoning Board of Appeals.
Public Comment
Mayor Renner opened the meeting for public comment and the following individuals were recognized for having emailed public comment: (1) Laura Pritts; (2) William Prado; (3) Javelin Creel; and (4) Jessica Brooks. Leslie Yocum, City Clerk, announced that one email had been submitted anonymously and so she was unable to enter it into the record. Tyson More was called and provided public comment in person from City Hall.
Consent Agenda
Items listed on the Consent Agenda are approved with one motion; Items pulled by Council from the Consent Agenda for discussion are listed and voted on separately.
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Emig, that the Consent Agenda, including all items listed below, be approved as presented with the exception of Items 8.D., 8.W., 8.Y., 8.Z., and 8.AA.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following: AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray Motion carried.
Item 8.A. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the February 22, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 8.B. Consideration and action to approve the Minutes of the March 8, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Minutes be approved.)
Item 8.C. Consideration and action to approve Bills and Payroll in the amount of $5,175,720.59, as requested by the Finance Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Bills and Payroll be approved.)
Item 8.D. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Crabill.
Item 8.E. Consideration and action to approve Funding for the FY 2022 Stabilization Installation Work for the Lake Bloomington Shoreline Stabilization Project through the Watershed Conservation Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Bloomington, McLean County, the Town of Normal, and the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District, in the amount of $212,869, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Funding be approved.)
Item 8.F. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Tanner Industries, Inc., for Anhydrous Ammonia (Bid #2021-21), in the amount of $1,600 per ton, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.G. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Linde, Inc., for Carbon Dioxide (Bid #2021-21), in the amount of $88.52 per ton, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.H. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Kemira Water Solutions, Inc., for Ferric Sulphate (Bid #2021-21), in the amount of $249.00 per ton, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.I. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Alexander Chemical, for Liquid Chlorine (Bid #2021-21), in the amount of $442.80 per ton in the first year; $456.40 per ton in the second year; and $470.60 per ton in the third year, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.J. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Carus LLC for Sodium Hexametaphosphate (Bid #2021-21), in the amount of $1,900 per ton, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.K. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with Mississippi Lime Company for supply and delivery of granulated quicklime, in the amount of $219.10 per ton in the first year, and liquid calcium hydroxide, in the amount of $315.00 per ton in the first year, as a limited source, for water treatment purposes, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.L. Consideration and action to approve a Second Amendment to the Contract with Henson Disposal Inc. for bulk waste disposal for FY 2022, from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022, in the amount of $56.00 per ton, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The Second Amendment to the Contract be approved.)
Item 8.M. Consideration and action to approve a Contract with CDM Smith Inc., for the Water Treatment Plant Pre-Design Study (RFQ#2021-06), in the amount of $823,495, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Contract be approved.)
Item 8.N. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement between the City of Bloomington and Evoqua Water Technologies LLC for supply and delivery of treatment chemicals, for a five-year period beginning May 1, 2021, and ending April 30, 2026, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.O. Consideration and action to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Clark Dietz, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $536,000, for professional engineering services related to Locust Colton CSO Elimination and Water Main Replacement, Phase 4, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.P. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement with George Gildner, Inc., for the FY 2022 Street, Alley, and Sidewalk Maintenance Program (Bid #2021-26), in the amount of $198,850, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.Q. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement with George Gildner, Inc., for the FY 2022 Utility Maintenance Program (Bid #2021-24), in the amount of $2,176,500, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.R. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement between the City of Bloomington and Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) in the amount of $55,000 annually for a three-year period, for the purpose of Software Licensing and Related Services for the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS), as requested by the Public Works Department and the Information Technology Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.S. Consideration and action to approve an Agreement with Bodine Electric of Decatur, for the FY 2022 Traffic Signal Maintenance Program (Bid #2021-25), in the amount of $219,250, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Agreement be approved.)
Item 8.T. Consideration and action on a Resolution Approving the First Amendment to the Professional Services Contract Between the City of Bloomington and SCADAware, Inc., in the Amount of $82,160, for the Purpose of Funding Additional Professional SCADA Maintenance Services Related to Sewer Lift Stations, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.U. Consideration and action on a Resolution to Authorize a Change Order in the Amount Not to Exceed $10,300 for the Contract Between the City of Bloomington and WDM Architects to Update the Building Design Drawings and Specifications for the South American Exhibit at the Miller Park Zoo, as requested by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.V. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing Waiving the Technical Bidding Requirements and Approving a Contract with Watson Furniture Group Inc., DBA Watson Consoles for the Replacement of the Communications Center Consoles, in the Amount of $176,523.69, as requested by the Police Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Resolution be approved.)
Item 8.W. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Ward.
Item 8.X. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Legislative Site Plan Review and Variances for a New Restaurant and Retail Facility in the B-1 General Commercial District, for Property Located at 1514 W. Market Street, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Ordinance be approved.)
Item 8.Y. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Boelen. Item 8.Z. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Mwilambwe. Item 8.AA. was removed from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Boelen.
Item 8.AB. Consideration and action to approve the Application of MBD BROS, LLC, d/b/a Iron Coyote Challenge Park, located at 4113 E. Oakland Ave., requesting a change in classification from a Class RBS (Restaurant, Beer and Wine Only, and Sunday Sales) to a Class EAS (Entertainment, All Types of Alcohol, and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Change in Liquor License Classification be approved.)
Item 8.AC. Consideration and action to approve the Application of Casper Brewing Company, LLC, d/b/a Casper Brewing Company, to be located at 3807 Ballybunion Rd., requesting a Class TBPS (Tavern, Beer and Wine Only, Package and Sunday Sales) Liquor License, as requested by the City Clerk Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed License be approved.)
Item 8.AD. Consideration and action to approve a Lake Bloomington Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement for Lot 2 in Block 3 in Camp Kickapoo, from William A. Yoder, to the petitioners, William E. Morris and Melina M. Morris, as requested by the Public Works Department. (Recommended Motion: The proposed Lease Transfer and Supplemental Agreement be approved.)
Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Ward:
Item 8.W. Consideration and action on: (1) an Ordinance Amending the Budget Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2021 Regarding the Reallocation of Certain Grant Funds; and (2) a Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Amount of $82,784 to the FY21 Street, Alley, and Sidewalk Maintenance Contract Awarded to George Gildner, Inc. to Facilitate Brick and Restoration Work on Various City Brick Streets, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Council Member Ward made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, that the item be tabled to the April 26, 2021 Council meeting to allow further discussion on the use of funds.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
NAYES: Mathy
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Crabill:
Item 8.D. Consideration and action to approve Appointments and Reappointments to various Boards & Commissions, as requested by the Administration Department.
Council Member Crabill motioned, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, to reject the re-appointment of Surena Fish to the Public Safety and Community Relations Board (“PSCRB”).
Council Member Crabill provided an overview of a discussion that took place at the August 2021 PSCRB meeting that focused on the review and selection of applicants for new members. He then read an excerpt from the meeting’s minutes where Ms. Fish expressed her opinion to deny a specific candidate because they supported Black Lives Matter. Council Member Crabill disagreed and believed she should not be re-appointed to the PSCRB.
Council Member Bray disagreed with Council Member Crabill's comments. She believed that Ms. Fish frequently acted as a bridge to the community and strongly favored her re appointment.
Mayor Renner provided additional information on historic events and potential miscommunications.
Council Member Mathy asked if Ms. Fish had made disparaging comments towards the candidate or Black Lives Matter or if Ms. Fish simply wanted PSCRB members to remain neutral. Council Member Crabill responded that he interpreted the comments to mean that Ms. Fish did not support the candidate because they supported Black Lives Matter. Council Member Mathy confirmed it was an interpretation of Ms. Fish’s statements.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Emig, Carrillo, Crabill
NAYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Painter, Ward, Bray
Motion failed.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, that the proposed Appointments and Reappointments be approved as presented.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Crabill, Bray
NAYES: Carrillo
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Boelen:
Item 8.Y. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Development Plan for a Planned Unit Development for a Manufactured Home Park and Waivers of Certain Requirements of Chapters 24, 43, and 44 of the City Code for Property Commonly Located Along South Beich Road, and North of Fuller Court, Approximately 10.54 Acres, and Zoned R-4, Manufactured Home Park District, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, to table the item to the April 26, 2021 Council meeting.
She expressed interest in additional Council discussion as she had received conflicting feedback from constituents.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Boelen:
Item 8.AA. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for Property Commonly Located Along South Beich Road, and North of Fuller Court, Approximately 10.54 Acres from R-1C Single-Family Residential District to R-4 Manufactured Home Park District, as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Council Member Boelen made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, to table the item to the April 26, 2021 Council meeting.
She expressed interest in additional Council discussion as she had received conflicting feedback from constituents.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Council Member Mwilambwe:
Item 8.Z. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for Property Located South of General Electric Road and West of Towanda Barnes Road, Approximately 3.11 Acres, in the Hawthorne Commercial Subdivision, from B-1 General Commercial District to R-3A Multiple-family Residential District (Tract 2, 3.11 Acres), as requested by the Economic & Community Development Department.
Council Member Mwilambwe provided brief history on the item, noting he had hoped the proposal would return to Council with an amendment to the original proposal. He stated that since the proposal was the same, he did not support the item.
Council Member Mwilambwe made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, to deny the application for a zoning amendment.
Council Member Crabill disagreed and pointed out that the Developer had participated in two public meetings addressing resident questions. He stated that other area developments had been unsuccessful, and that the proposed townhome development would not decrease property values. He noted that the development was a local minority-owned business and further expressed his support.
Council Member Bray disagreed with Council Member Crabill and mentioned the recent city-wide rezoning map amendment. She expressed concerns that the developer had requested a zoning classification that did not align with current zoning in the area. She further expressed her support to deny the zoning amendment.
Mayor Renner stated that Council should encourage developments that aligned with the Fair Housing Act.
Council Member Carrillo agreed with Mayor Renner and asked for clarification on the motion. Mayor Renner and Council Member Mwilambwe clarified the motion.
Council Member Emig pointed out that the Planning Commission had reviewed the item multiple times and had determined that the rezoning was appropriate.
Council Member Painter stated that surrounding residents were livid and noted that the proposed development was not affordable housing. Mayor Renner reiterated that the City as a whole could benefit from more affordable housing.
Council Member Boelen objected to comments insinuating she did not support affordable housing based on the fact that she denied the manufactured home park. Mayor Renner reiterated that the City as a whole would benefit from affordable housing.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Painter, Bray
NAYES: Mathy, Emig, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill
Motion failed.
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, to the proposed Ordinance be approved as presented.
Council Member Bray asked if the development was able to move forward if over zoned. Jeff Jurgens, Corporation Counsel, explained that once a property was re-zoned, any building type allowed in the zoning classification was permissible, including apartments.
Council Member Mwilambwe asked if Council could hold the developer to only building the proposed townhomes. Mr. Jurgens responded that the City could not restrict the development type once re-zoned. He stated that development plans would appear before Council for consideration at a later date.
Mayor Renner asked if there was reason to believe that apartments would be built instead of townhomes. Melissa Hon, Community Development Director, responded that, to her knowledge, the developer planned to build single family attached housing.
Council Member Crabill confirmed specific requirements of the requested zoning classification as well as the benefits with Mrs. Hon.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Emig, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill
NAYES: Mwilambwe, Painter, Bray
Motion carried.
Regular Agenda
The following item was presented:
Item 9.A. Consideration and action on the Adoption of the FY2022 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance, as requested by the Finance Department.
City Manager Tim Gleason provided a brief history on the budget review process noting how public the review had been. He stated that the City's operating budget was less than in previous years and highlighted that the $60 million increase was for anticipated projects. He explained that, out of an abundance of caution, the portion of the budget where the City contributed $45,000 to the McLean County Museum of History had been separated into a second item as Council Member Emig was on the Museum Board. He then asked Scott Rathbun, Finance Director, to address Council.
Mr. Rathbun recognized staff for their work on the Fiscal Year ("FY") 2022 budget and provided an overview of how the budget was prepared. He noted that while it was a record setting budget at $252 million, it reflected the incorporation of planned infrastructure projects and not growth of the government. He compared the total budgets of FY2021 and
FY2022 and went on to discuss FY2022 major tax revenue, general fund revenues and expenses, highlighting various line items. Mr. Rathbun reminded the community that the budget books included full details on City projects and mentioned where could be located. Mr. Rathbun stated that the Citywide budget for adoption, less $45,000 for the McLean County Museum, totaled $251,690,690.
Council Member Mwilambwe made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, that the proposed Adoption of the FY2022 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance be approved.
Council Member Crabill and Mr. Rathbun discussed sales tax revenue from the local cannabis dispensary. Mr. Rathbun stated that the revenue was not reflected in the budget. Council Member Crabill commented to the transparency of the budget process and suggested additional efforts to involve the public.
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, to amend the current motion to reduce Police Administration budget from $21,172,423.34 to $20,151,208.84.
Mayor Renner asked Mr. Jurgens for clarification on procedure. Mr. Jurgens explained Council should vote to amend the motion before voting on the amended motion.
Council Member Bray did not support amending the motion and noted the various efforts for budget transparency. She stated that the community discussion on Police Administration resulted positively and further expressed the need for police.
Mayor Renner agreed with Council Member Crabill’s comment on the need to incorporate additional early public involvement on the budget.
Council Member Boelen also did not support amending the motion and reported that the Police Department was already understaffed, needing funded.
Council Member Mwilambwe did not support the amendment and expressed that there had been multiple chances for the community and Council to provide feedback.
Council Member Boelen called the question.
Council Member Crabill rejected the called question.
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Mathy, to extend discussion time by 10 minutes.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call role, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill
NAYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Bray
Motion carried.
Council Member Ward asked Council Member Crabill where he proposed to spend the surplus revenue. Council Member Crabill stated that it should return to the general fund.
Council Member Emig believed Council should commit to additional conversations surrounding police funding, but did not support amending the motion.
Council Member Painter also was not supportive of amending the motion and believed that Council Member Crabill had had multiple opportunities to address the Police Administration budget prior to the meeting.
A Point of Order was called by Council Member Carrillo.
Council Member Painter concluded her comments.
A Point of Order was called by Council Member Bray.
A Point of Order was called by Council Member Carrillo.
Mayor Renner did not recognize the point of orders since neither Council Member had the floor.
Council Member Boelen agreed with Council Member Emig’s comments.
City Clerk Leslie Yocum, restated the motion on the floor as:
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Carrillo, to amend the current motion to reduce Police Administration budget from $21,172,423.34 to $20,151,208.84.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call role, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Carrillo, Crabill
NAYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Bray
Motion failed.
Mayor Renner stated that Council would move to consider the original motion to approve the budget.
Council Member Boelen expressed that, historically, citizens had not taken the opportunity to participate in budget review.
Council Member Mathy thanked Mr. Rathbun and staff for the increased transparency and continuous detailed presentations throughout the budget process.
Council Member Carrillo did not support the current motion but, echoed the sentiments of Council Member Mathy.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Ward, Crabill, Bray
NAYS: Carrillo
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.B. Consideration and action on an Ordinance Amending the Budget Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2022, related to the McLean County Museum of History, as requested by the Finance Department.
Council Member Emig recused herself at 7:21 p.m. as she was on the McLean County Museum of History Board.
Mr. Gleason asked Mr. Jurgens to address Council. Mr. Jurgens stated that the item had been removed from the prior budget consideration purely out of an abundance of caution.
Council Member Crabill made a motion, seconded by Council Member Bray, to the proposed FY2022 Budget Amendment be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Emig
Motion carried.
Council Member Emig returned to the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.C. Consideration and action on a Resolution Authorizing Entering into A Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Normal, McLean County, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University to Support Innovation Throughout The Region, as requested by the Administration Department.
Council Member Mwilambwe recused himself at 7:23 p.m. as he was an employee of Illinois State University.
City Manager Gleason and Mr. Jurgens discussed the requirements for Illinois State University ("ISU") and Illinois Wesleyan University ("IWU") employees to recuse themselves. It was decided that Council Members could recuse on a case-by-case basis but, that Council Members may recuse out of an abundance of caution.
City Manager Gleason provided a brief background and then asked Billy Tyus, Deputy City Manager, to address Council. Mr. Tyus explained that the parties involved sought to implement innovative technologies to improve technology use to better serve the community. He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) did not commit funding nor commit the City to any specific projects. He noted Council Member Mathy's contribution to the item.
Council Member Mathy made a motion, seconded by Council Member Painter, to the proposed Resolution be approved.
Council Member Mathy thanked staff for their involvement and explained the importance of a collaborative working relationship towards better technology. He thanked each of the representatives from the various parties who continued to work on the item. He then explained that the group continued to work toward an application to Metrolab, which required an executed MOU with local government agencies and universities.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
RECUSED: Mwilambwe
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.D. Consideration and action to approve the Purchase of one (1) Air Burners, Inc., Model S220 Refractory Walled Air Curtain Burner Machine, with associated accessories and training, from Air Burners, Inc. utilizing the GSA Contract (#47QMCA20D000C), in the amount of $128,057.40, as requested by the Public Works Department.
City Manager Gleason explained that the presentation was a continuation of the past three presentations on bulk waste efficiencies. He then asked Kevin Kothe, Public Works Director, to address Council.
Mr. Kothe discussed the proposal to purchase and permit an air curtain burner for disposal of brush disposal. He highlighted the estimated initial cost ($163,657) and the estimated annual operating cost ($8,785) to operate the machine. He compared brush disposal expenses for the past five years, as well as the estimated annual savings with the addition of an air burner. He described how an air burner operated and provided images that compared a traditional burn pile verses an air burner. He explained that the machine would require an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) permit and concluded by describing the permit process.
Council Member Mathy expressed concern about trash that was mixed into the brush and staffing costs. He asked if all costs associated were factored into the estimated costs. Mr. Kothe explained that the City would use existing staff to operate the machine and how that factored into costs.
Council Member Emig asked for additional information on the effects of the environment. Mr. Kothe responded and explained how the machine was environmentally friendly and how the ash byproduct could be used by a local farm for fertilizer.
Council Member Boelen noted that there was an elementary school near the proposed location and asked if it was within the 1000-foot radius. She also expressed concerns about security of the machine. Mr. Kothe responded that the elementary school was not within the 10000-foot radius and that the machine would be within a fenced area.
Mayor Renner asked Mr. Kothe his confidence in the cost savings. Mr. Kothe responded that staff from multiple departments assessed the proposed cost savings.
Council Member Painter made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, to the proposed Purchase be approved.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Mathy, Boelen, Mwilambwe, Emig, Painter, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill, Bray
Motion carried.
The following item was presented:
Item 9.E. Consideration and potential action regarding Ordinance 2020-18, An Ordinance Declaring a Local Emergency Due to the COVID-19 Virus & Enacting Various Emergency Measures, including an Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2020-18 to Modify Section 2(J) Regarding Water Shut Offs & Repayment Plans, as requested by the Legal Department.
City Manager Gleason explained that the amendment reflected a proposed gradual increase of Bloomington waters shutoffs. He stated the amendment also authorized the City Manager to issue an Executive Order for relaxed repayment terms to avoid water shutoffs as the number of past due accounts continued to grow. He noted that the City anticipated additional grant funds that could be used for additional relief. He mentioned concerns brought forward for relief for landlords who were jointly responsible for utility bills. He reported that the past due utility bills totaled $1.2 million and reminded Council that utility bills pay for multiple area services. City Manager Gleason concluded with a list of various relaxed special repayment terms in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mayor Renner confirmed with City Manager Gleason that a portion of the anticipated federal grant funds could be used to cover utility expenses in the future.
Council Member Carrillo stated that poverty had been compounded with late fees and mentioned a suggestion by Council Member Mathy to use grant funds to zero out balances and the possibility to implement a debt forgiveness program. She expressed that she did not support the item at that time.
Council Member Bray supported the use of federal grant funds to assist residents.
Council Member Bray made a motion, seconded by Council Member Boelen, that the proposed Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2020-18 regarding Water Shutoffs & Repayment Plans be approved.
Council Member Crabill did not support water shutoffs at that time and preferred to wait for federal grant funding before action was taken.
Council Member Mathy reminded Council that they approved to suspend water shutoffs and late fees. He asked what deadline had been placed on them. Mr. Jurgens responded that the City originally stopped interest and penalties, which resumed in September 2020, due to the pandemic. The proposed item would permit the City to implement repayment plans where the late fees would be waived. Council Member Mathy asked if the intention was to create a plan for residents to get back on their feet. Mr. Gleason responded affirmatively and noted the multiple options of repayment plans provided additional flexibility. He stated that the anticipated federal funds could be used for utility billing. Council Member Mathy then asked when the City would receive the funds. City Manager Gleason responded that staff had not received a clear timeline. Council Member Mathy concluded that he did not support the item at that time.
Council Member Ward expressed interest in additional information and did not support the item at that time.
Council Member Boelen stated that residents could benefit from having a repayment plan in place but, believed that repayment enforcement was not critical at that time.
Council Member Mwilambwe asked for additional information on the terms of the repayment plan. City Manager Gleason re-read the proposed terms of the repayment plans. Council Member Mwilambwe and City Manager Gleason discussed a hypothetical scenario if a resident could not be reached.
Mayor Renner directed the Clerk to call the roll, which resulted in the following:
AYES: Boelen, Mwilambwe, Painter, Bray
NAYS: Mathy, Emig, Carrillo, Ward, Crabill
Motion failed.
City Manager's Discussion
City Manager Gleason discussed multiple upcoming Downtown events. He then announced that, after a national search for a new Fire Chief, Interim Chief Eric West had been appointed as the new Fire Chief of Bloomington. He discussed the interview team and selection process. Chief Eric West thanked City Manager Gleason for the opportunity, and stated that he was determined to continue to maintain and improve the Fire Department.
City Manager Gleason moved on to celebrate that Realtor.com, a national organization, had recently ranked Bloomington #1 out of 800 communities for affordable housing for the 24-35 age group. He then recognized Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus who had recently been appointed to the Illinois City Manager Association Board of Directors.
Mayor's Discussion
Mayor Renner commented on the ranking by Realtor.com and noted that Bloomington was a role model for other communities. He congratulated Mayor Elect Mboka Mwilambwe and announced that the swearing-in ceremony would take place on May 1, 2021. He then congratulated Council Members Mathy and Ward on their re-election and the new Council Members on their election.
Council Member's Discussion
Council Member Boelen commented on a house fire at her neighbor's house and commended Bloomington firefighters for their quick and efficient work, as well as their compassion for the homeowner. She also noted correspondence from a constituent that named Eric Davidson, Firefighter Paramedic, and praised him for his kindness.
Council Member Mwilambwe expressed his belief that the comments made on social media by Council Member Carrillo were unbecoming of a Council Member. He expressed concern of the example being set for young community members. He pointed out that many other Council Members and community members had also expressed disapproval. He believed that if Council did not act, it suggested their approval. He asked staff to prepare a special meeting where Council could formally express their disapproval and also asked that staff to create a code of conduct for Council Members.
Mayor Renner discussed the options available for Council Member Mwilambwe to initiate his two requests.
Council Member Carrillo stated that she was comfortable with the example she had set for young members of the community and did not support a formal meeting.
Mayor Renner reminded Council that Council Member's Discussion was intended for announcements.
Council Member Bray congratulated the Mayor Elect and Council Members who would join the Council. She thanked those who ran and expressed appreciation for the new Fire Chief. She supported Council Member Mwilambwe's requests as did her constituents.
Executive Session
No Executive Session was held.
Adjournment
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