City Council Regular Meeting

CITY OF URBANA COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – December 8, 2014 – 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 400 S. VINE STREET, URBANA, IL The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday, December 8, 2014 in the Council Chambers of the Urbana City Building. ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Carol Ammons; Bill Brown, Eric Jakobsson; Michael P. Madigan; Diane Marlin; Dennis Roberts; Laurel Lunt Prussing; Phyllis Clark ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: None ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: Charles Smyth STAFF PRESENT: Brandon Boys; Patrick Connolly; Celeste Choate; William Gray; Elizabeth Hannan; Sanford Hess; Brian Nightlinger; Mike Monson; Sylvia Morgan; Craig Shonkwiler, James Simon OTHERS PRESENT: Emily Knox; Dannie Otto; Members of the Media 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL There being a quorum, Chair Dennis Roberts called the meeting of the Committee Of The Whole to order at 7:15 p.m. 2. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA AND STAFF REPORT a. Mayor Prussing passed on to Council that she spoke with former Council Member Lynn Barnes, current Vice President of Operations at Carle Hospital, to suggest that Carle may want to delay installing the new sign at University Avenue and North McCullough Street, until the safety study on University Avenue is complete. Ms. Barns was agreeable to the delay. Alderwoman Ammons commented that the sign that is already located on the southeast corner of University Avenue and North McCullough Street is almost invisible until you reach the corner. Alderwoman Ammons expressed that it would be difficult to move forwarding with approving the location of the sign, without really looking at the wayfinding and the needs. Alderwoman Ammons further expressed that Carle should thoroughly consider wayfinding needs along with the necessity and positioning of the sign, prior to moving forward with instillation. b. Economic Development Manager Brandon Boys presented an Economic Staff Report, highlighting new businesses that recently opened, or will open soon, and providing information pertaining to businesses that will soon be closing. Mr. Boys gave an update of this year’s Market at the Square’s success, an update on the Public Arts Program’s Urbana Sculpture Project, and presented information regarding an upcoming spring event to celebrate the completed Boneyard improvement. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting held on November 24, 2014. Alderman Jakobsson seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. City of Urbana Committee Of The Whole Minutes: December 8, 2014 Page 2 of 6 4. PUBLIC INPUT a. Emily Knox, assistant professor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and member of Makerspace gave a visual and oral presentation on Makerspace Urbana’s 5th Anniversary. Emily discussed the purpose and mission of Makerspace, which is “to provide an open community lab where people of diverse backgrounds can learn, teach, tinker, collaborate, share, innovate, socialize, and create”. Ms. Knox gave information on the “Heartland Makerfest”, and invited the public to Makerspace’s 5th anniversary event taking place December 15th, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Discussion with Council followed Ms. Knox’s presentation. Dannie Otto addressed the Council regarding item 15 (Resolution No. 2014-12-069R) on tonight’s agenda. Mr. Otto expressed concerns regarding the increase on his property taxes, and future possible increases in Urbana’s residents’ property taxes. Mr. Otto suggested that proposed Resolution No. 2014-12-069R be rephrased in two ways, first, that Mayor Prussing and Council (representing the residents of Urbana) request a public meeting/discussion with the Chancellor and President of the University of Illinois, not a general request that the University of Illinois open a public discussion; and second, that the meeting be held at the Civic Center rather than one of the University’s auditoriums, making the meeting more accessible to Urbana’s residents. Committee Member Input Discussion with Council ensued following Mr. Otto’s presentation. Mayor Prussing addressed Mr. Otto’s concerns, and confirmed that it is her intent for this to be a public discussion. Mayor Prussing is meeting with the Chancellor this Friday, and wants to initiate discussions now, and not when the new President takes his position. 5. Ordinance No. 2014-12-112: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (Miscellaneous Offenses and Provisions) of the Urbana City Code to Provide for the Regulation of Alarm Systems and False Alarms – PD Deputy Chief of Police Sylvia Morgan gave a presentation on alarm registration and a proposed False Alarm Ordinance. Deputy Chief Morgan presented information summarizing the amount of false alarm calls versus calls that revealed an actual crime, and how much police time is spent answering false alarm calls. Deputy Chief Morgan gave information on the proposed registration fees, and false alarm response fees, along with the estimated revenue from the fees collected. Discussion ensued with Council, Chief of Police Patrick Connolly and Deputy Chief Sylvia Morgan following Deputy Chief Morgan’s presentation. Alderman Roberts relinquished the Chair to Michael Madigan from 8:26 p.m. to 8:31 p.m., to join in discussion. Alderwoman Ammons made a motion to move Ordinance No. 2014-12-112 to the next meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Alderman Madigan seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 6. Ordinance No. 2014-12-113: An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015 – FIN City of Urbana Committee Of The Whole Minutes: December 8, 2014 Page 3 of 6 Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented information on Ordinance Nos. 2014-12-113, 2014-12-114, and 2014-12-115, which address the proposed tax levy and proposed abatements. Ms. Hannan discussed that the estimated amount of the levy that was adopted by Council two weeks ago was $7,046,247.00, and that Ordinance No. 2014-12-113 would levy that amount. Ms. Hannan also presented that based on the estimate of equalized assessed evaluation, the expected tax rate would be $1.355, which is not currently “locked in”, and therefore could slightly change. If there is a change, one of the abatements would then adjust the rate. Ms. Hannan gave the purposes for the City levying taxes, and the portion of the levy appropriated to each. Discussion ensued with Council. Alderman Jakobsson discussed concerns regarding the Urbana Free Library’s budget. Director of the Urbana Free Library Celeste Choate addressed Alderman Jakobsson’s concerns. Alderman Brown suggested the tax levy to the Urbana Free Library be adjusted, and also offered comments and information substantiating the need for an increase in the appropriation to the Library. Alderman Brown suggested a $50,000.00 increase. Alderman Brown moved to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-113 to Council. Alderwoman Marlin seconded. Discussion with Council resumed with Alderman Brown proposing an Amendment to Ordinance No. 2014-12-113, which would reduce the General Corporate Fund Levy by $50,000.00, and increase the Library’s appropriation by $50,000.00. Alderman Jakobsson seconded the proposed Amendment. Discussion with Council resumed. Alderwoman Ammons asked Ms. Hannan to discuss the impact of removing $50,000.00 from the General Fund, considering the financial strains currently on the City’s budget. Ms. Hannan discussed that the Amendment would affect next year’s budget more than this year’s budget, but that the exact areas that will be affected are not yet known. Alderwoman Ammons discussed the City’s current financial situation, and expressed that should be considered before approving the Amendment. Alderman Brown and Jakobsson offered comment in response. Further information was presented by Mayor Prussing, Ms. Choate and Ms. Hannan regarding the General Fund and the Library’s needs, after which discussion with Council continued. Alderman Roberts relinquished the Chair to Michael Madigan from 9:07 p.m. to 9:09 p.m., to participate in the discussion. Alderman Roberts called for a voice vote on the proposed Amendment to Ordinance No. 2014-12-113. Voice vote was tied, so Chair Roberts directed the City Clerk to call the roll. Votes were as follows: Ammons – Nay Madigan – Nay Brown – Aye Marlin - Nay Jakobsson - Aye Roberts – Nay Disposition: The proposed Amendment to Ordinance No. 2014-12-113 was not approved by roll call vote (2 – ayes; 4 – Nays). A brief discussion ensued after the roll call vote on the proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 2014-12-113, followed by a voice vote on City of Urbana Committee Of The Whole Minutes: December 8, 2014 Page 4 of 6 Alderman Brown’s motion to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-113 to Council. Motion carried by voice vote. 7. Ordinance No. 2014-12-114: An Ordinance Directing the Champaign County Clerk to Abate the Tax Levy for the General Corporate Fund for the Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015 – FIN Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-114 to Council. Alderman Madigan seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 8. Ordinance No. 2014-12-115: An Ordinance Directing the Champaign County Clerk to Abate a Portion of the 2014 Tax Levy Related to General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012, and General Obligation Bonds, Series 2014 – FIN Alderman Jakobsson made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-115 to Council. Alderman Brown seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 9. Ordinance No. 2014-12-116: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance for FY2014/15 (Wage Increases for IAFF Employees) – FIN Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan gave an overview of the Ordinance. Alderwoman Ammons made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-116 to Council. Alderwoman Marlin seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 10. Resolution No. 2014-12-066R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Local Agency Economic/Tarp Agreement With the Illinois Department of Transportation (Airport Road – Willow Road to Cunningham Avenue) – PW Assistant City Engineer/Transportation Craig Shonkwiler presented background information on the City entering into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation to receive Economic Development Program funds in June of 2014. In December of 2014, the City applied for and was approved to receive $83,021.00 in Truck Access Route Program (TARP) funding for work to be done at the intersection of Cunningham Avenue and Airport Road, continuing down Airport Road for a total of 1.36 lane miles. Mr. Shonkwiler gave an overview of the purpose of each of the three proposed Resolutions that will be necessary to pass to move forward with the project. Discussion with Council ensued, and Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to consider and vote on Resolution Nos: 2014-12-066R, 2014-12-067R and Ordinance No. 2014-12-117 in omnibus fashion. Alderman Madigan seconded the motion. Motion carried by voice vote. Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to send Resolution Nos. 2014-12-066R, 2014-12-067R and Ordinance No. 2014-12-117 to Council. Alderman Madigan seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 11. Resolution No. 2014-12-067R: A Resolution Establishing A Class II Or Class III Designated Truck Route (Airport Road – Willow Road to Cunningham Avenue (US Route 45)) – PW Resolution No. 2014-12-067R was sent to Council by omnibus vote with Resolution No. 2014-12-066R and Ordinance No. 2014-12-117. City of Urbana Committee Of The Whole Minutes: December 8, 2014 Page 5 of 6 12. Ordinance No. 2014-12-117: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance FY 2014-15 (Airport Road – Willow Road to Cunningham Avenue (US Route 45)) -PW Ordinance No. 2014-12-117 was sent to Council by omnibus vote with Resolutions Nos. 2014-12-066R and 2014-12-067R. 13. Ordinance No. 2014-12-118: An Ordinance Amending Urbana City Code Chapter 3, Section 3-43 (Increasing number of Class BB liquor licenses for Hot Spot Restaurant, LLC, 1809 S. Philo Road)- Mayor Alderman Madigan recused himself from participating in this agenda item from 9:21 p.m. to 9:22 p.m. Mayor Prussing informed Council that Hot Spot Restaurant, LLC is a successful established business, however as they are not operating as a restaurant, the correct class of liquor license should be Class BB for sales beer and wine. Mayor Prussing explained that Proposed Ordinance No. 2014-12-118 would allow the City to amend Urbana City Code Section 3-43 to allow for a third Class BB liquor license for Hot Spot Restaurant, LLC. Alderman Jakobsson made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2014-12-118 to Council. Alderwoman Marlin seconded. Motion carried by voice vote. 14. Resolution No. 2014-12-068R: A Resolution Authorizing a Cable Franchise Agreement between the City of Urbana and iTV-3, Incorporated – Legal City Attorney James Simon presented information regarding a Cable Television Franchise Agreement between the City of Urbana and iTV-3, allowing iTV-3 to provide cable television to Urbana. Mr. Simon gave an overview of the proposed contract’s terms and conditions. Mr. Simon requested that the Agreement be forwarded to Council for approval at the December 15, 2014 meeting of the Urbana City Council. Mr. Simon informed Council that prior considering the Agreement, there is a requirement to hold a public hearing where anyone can come and speak on the City awarding another franchise and allowing another entity to use the public right-of-ways. Discussion with Council ensued following Mr. Simon’s presentation. Mr. Simon participated in Council’s discussion and addressed Council’s questions and concerns. Alderman Roberts relinquished the Chair to Michael Madigan from 9:44 p.m. to 9:46 p.m., to join in discussion. Discussion with Council and City Attorney Simon resumed after Alderman Roberts took back the Chair, regarding the slight differences between the Comcast Agreement and the iTV3 Agreement. Mr. Simon offered to send Council a copy of the iTV3 Agreement noting any changes/differences in the margin. Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to send Resolution No. 2014-12-058R to Council. Alderman Jakobsson seconded. Alderwoman Ammons addressed the public hearing requirement. The requirement of a public hearing under statute was confirmed by Mr. Simon, along with the notices that are required to be sent under the statute to Comcast and AT&T. City of Urbana Committee Of The Whole Minutes: December 8, 2014 Page 6 of 6 After further discussion, the motion to send Resolution No. 2014-14- 058R to Council was carried by voice vote. 15. Resolution No. 2014-12-069R: Resolution Requesting the University of Illinois to Open a Public Discussion of the Impact of Carle Taxation and Billing Practices on the Local Community and the University - Mayor Mayor Prussing presented that a combination of increasing tax rates and decreasing assessed property values in the City of Urbana are causing the City tremendous financial pressure. Mayor Prussing discussed that there seems to be some confusion regarding why this has occurred, and feels that a public discussion where the public can speak and ask questions would assist in clarifying the City’s financial situation to the public. Mayor Prussing drafted a proposed Resolution to request that the University of Illinois participate in a public discussion, to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion with the City and the University regarding certain problems the City of Urbana is experiencing, such as the financial effect on Urbana resulting from the legislation pertaining to tax breaks for “charity care”, the higher cost of health insurance locally and the proposed partnership between the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and Carle to create a new medical school, and to discuss possible solutions to these problems. Discussion with Council ensued following Mayor Prussing’s presentation. Mayor Prussing had no objection to Carle representatives participating in the public meeting. Alderwoman Marlin made a motion to move Resolution No. 2014-12-069R to the next meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Alderman Madigan seconded. Council to provide suggested written revisions to the proposed Resolution to Mayor Prussing for consideration. Motion carried by voice vote. 16. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chair Alderman Dennis Roberts declared the meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m. _Vicky A. Osborn______ Recording Secretary *This meeting was taped. **This meeting was broadcast on cable television. Minutes Approved: January 12, 2014