City Council Regular Meeting

URBANA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DATE: Monday, December 2, 2019 TIME: 7:00 P.M. PLACE: Urbana City Council Chambers, 400 S. Vine St, Urbana, IL 61801 The City Council of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session December 2, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Urbana City Building. ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: City Council Members (CM) Eric Jakobsson (Ward 2), Bill Brown (Ward 4), Dean Hazen (Ward 6), Shirese Hursey (Ward 3), Jared Miller (Ward 7), Maryalice Wu (Ward 1), Dennis Roberts (Ward 5); Charles A. Smyth (City Clerk), Diane Wolfe Marlin (Mayor) ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: none ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: none STAFF PRESENT: Carol Mitten, Michelle Brooks, Lorrie Pearson, Bryant Seraphin, Elizabeth Hannan, Richard Surles, Matt Bain OTHERS PRESENT: News Media, Bishop King James Underwood, Rev. Dr. Evelyn Underwood, Elderess Melinda Carr, Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum, Shelley Masar, Dan Bechtel, Alan Axelrod, Stuart Levy, Benjamin Theobald, Theresa Sweeney, Laura Wells, Ben Joselyn, Mark Enslin, Charlotte G, Michael Brun, David Guth, Allison Martell A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL There being a quorum present, Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to order at 7:45 p.m. following a Special Committee of the Whole meeting. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING City Council Member (CM) Miller made a motion to approve minutes from the November 12, 2019 Public Hearing, November 18, 2019 regular meeting, and November 25, 2019 Special meeting. The motion was seconded by CM Hazen, and passed by unanimous voice vote. C. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA There were none. D. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT Shelley Masar stated that she was opposed to the Student Resource Officer (SRO) Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and has been watching our communities for a number of years. She suggested that diversity training, communication, teaching, feedback, and awareness of issues was a better way to deal with school issues. Dan Bechtel, a teacher at Urbana HS stated that there is a lot of misinformation about the Page 1 of 7 SRO role and wanted to give a perspective from UHS in support noting the difference of having a dedicated police officer. He described the role of teachers with respect to discipline plans and referred to the SRO as a dedicated resource for student, staff, and administration. He then described his own experiences with student aggravated assault situations comparing an incident last week vs 15 years ago where the current SRO provided guidance on how to proceed. Alan Axelrod, opposed to the SRO IGA, stated that a lot of money would be spent between governments invested in one mode of operation and would prefer to invest all those resources in additional strategies. Benjamin Theobald did not wish to speak but wanted the record to reflect his opposition to the SRO IGA. Stuart Levy, opposed to the SRO IGA, said he was grateful that the Pro Publica study had been raised by CM Wu previously. He noted a need for adequate training and said he hadn’t heard anyone ask if it’s a good idea to put more police in the schools. He provided a brief summary of a study on fights at recess and the role of adults. Theresa Sweeney provided a petition in support of the SRO IGA with 94 names of parents and community members. She read the petition and noted that people could still sign it. Laura Wells, opposed to the SRO IGA, said that she was a 15-year employee for the Park District in childcare having lived in Urbana all her life. She described her students and noted many as underserved. She listed several studies that don’t support police in schools and considers it an irrational use of funds. She noted that education funding nationally has decreased 28% while corrections spending has increased by 44%. Ben Joselyn, opposed to the SRO IGA described a situation he was involved in last week at an event stating that he doesn’t feel safe around police officers. He expressed concern about the $300K comparing that to the cost of running a mental health institution in this community. He noted that the local jail population is 50% black while this only 13% of the community. He suggested that if convinced that there is some crisis then put a sunset on the IGA and also suggested hiring grandmothers and others at 15$/hr to be present in the schools. Mark Enslyn stated his opposition to the SRO IGA. Bishop King James Underwood and Rev. Dr. Evelyn Underwood did not wish to speak but asked that their concerns regarding the Dr. Ellis Subdivision sewer issues be entered into the record. Elderess Melinda Carr distributed a statement from the Ministerial Alliance expressing their concerns and questions about the SRO IGA for the record. Charlotte G, opposed to the SRO IGA noted working as a tutor of students in Champaign- Urbana and considers the SRO as a way of sugar coating an armed officer. She compared the cost of police versus school counselors and suggested hiring more counselors and providing more school lunches. She also spoke to systematic inequalities disproportionate expulsions with a solution of more funding and better teacher-student ratios. Page 2 of 7  City Council members noted receiving three emails in support of the SRO agreement from constituents, in addition to the petition signed by 94 individuals. F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. G. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 1. Committee Of The Whole – (Council Member Dennis Roberts) a. Ordinance No. 2019-11-066: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance (Budget Amendment #3 – Omnibus) For the committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Ordinance 2019-11-066, seconded by CM Wu. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (8-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye; Marlin – Aye. b. Resolution No. 2019-11-049R: A Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2019 (Cunningham Children’s Home Project), and Other Actions Concerning the Bonds For the committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Resolution 2019-11-049R, seconded by CM Brown. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. c. Ordinance 2019-11-068: An Ordinance Amending Urbana City Code Chapter Two to Add a Member to the Market at the Square Advisory Board (Food Truck Representative) For the committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Ordinance 2019-11-068, seconded by CM Wu. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. d. Resolution No. 2019-11-051R: A Resolution Amending Certain Home Investment Partnership Program Loan Documents Between the City of Urbana and Bristol Place Residences, LP For the Committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Resolution 2019-11-051R, seconded by CM Miller. In response to CM Hursey, CD Director Pearson noted that this is administration of City of Champaign’s allocation. With no further discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. e. Resolution No. 2019-11-052R: A Resolution Approving a Certain Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Urbana and Housing Authority of Champaign County For the Committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Resolution 2019-11-051R, seconded by CM Jakobsson. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. f. Resolution No. 2019-11-050R: Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (School Resource Program Intergovernmental Agreement) Page 3 of 7 For the Committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Resolution 2019-11-050R, seconded by CM Hazen. Questions, discussion, and public input followed. Michael Brune, opposed to the SRO IGA, spoke to his going to school, discussed visualizing the problem, and solutions based on addressing anger management and conflict resolution. David Guth, in support of the SRO IGA, addressed the issue of guns inside schools. He provided statistics for the past 3 years, reviewed newspaper articles, and pointed out that gun crimes are up. Alyson Martel, opposed to the SRO IGA, said that she doesn’t think the SROs will keep students safer and suggested more teachers and adult presence as an alternative. She stated that the most impacted will be the most vulnerable. Mayor Marlin thanked public and council for their consideration of the SRO IGA. She noted the incorporation of a number of changes and addressed three important issues. She pointed out that the SRO positions will be backfilled with new hires, not used to support existing police officers. In addition, the city is fronting some costs, will continue to pay for additional services, and a mentoring and enrichment program at UHS led by Preston James and school staff. The city will also continue to fund programs and services through social service grants and this year, we are making a more concerted effort at addressing homelessness in closer collaboration with township and housing authority. Mayor Marlin took exception to a general characterization of the police that was unfair to the city’s police officers on the street and in the schools. She noted the care, range, and variety of efforts made by Officers Robinson and McCartney, both graduates of Urbana HS. She stated that she’s never met an officer more committed, passionate, or caring about kids than Officer Robinson. She added that Urbana police officers are smart, well-trained, and disciplined. She urged the public to take time to get to know one another and stressed that it’s about building relationships in the community and with the students. It starts with us. Finally, she noted that like every other trained officer, SROs carry guns that are highly unlikely to come out of the holster. Mayor Marlin stressed that the real issue in our community needing attention, is gun violence reaching our neighborhoods and youth including easy access to guns in the hands of kids and on the streets with tragic consequences. Mayor Marlin noted that the agreement now included the council amendment from last week’s committee meeting and some additional student confidentiality clauses requested by the School District as well as examples as requested where appropriate. Chief Seraphin responded to several questions from the committee meeting explaining that the SROs will have more authority when acting in the capacity of their school official role, added that specific training had been added to Section 5a, and an emergency intervention example included. School District 116 Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum joined Chief Seraphin to answer questions. Chief Seraphin and Dr. Ivory-Tatum discussed procedures for handling bullying, police involvement in extracurricular activities, situation awareness and de-escalation, involvement of parents, confidentiality, and reviewed some aspects of Section 6 and Section 7 of the agreement. Lt. Bain also provided examples of his work as SRO giving examples of criminal behavior versus vandalism with protection and safety of others paramount in the role of SRO. Procedures for student searches were outlined. In response to CM Wu, Chief Seraphin noted that the city has not had an IGA before for the SRO positions at the Urbana Schools, that the agreement is not automatically renewed, and that he’s spoken with and used documents from a number of locales. Though using a national SRO model, a modified uniform will be worn. He also added that there have never been formal or informal complaints against an SRO. Page 4 of 7 In response to CM Brown, Chief Seraphin discussed various juvenile training programs including a 40 hour juvenile certification, Crisis Intervention Training, PTI programs, specialized juvenile training, and typical longevity and rotation of SROs noting that Officer Robinson started Sept. 5 bringing 10 years of street experience and Officer Matt McCartney since last February on a part time basis, covering the remainder with overtime. In response to CM Hursey, Superintendent Ivory-Tatum reviewed responses to the questions raised by the ministerial alliance noting that students can speak voluntarily to SROs and depending on the situation, there can be parent and administrator involvements noting that various procedures are described on page 8 of the IGA. She also provided a long list of personnel providing support services at the middle and high schools. Council discussion followed. CM Miller thanked Chief Seraphin and legal for the additions and the extra language in the IGA stating that it’s headed in the right direction though ultimately falls short in his opinion. He noted an overarching issue with finding substantive documentation to support why we are doing this and stated that with a lack of research, specifics, and substance will not support the IGA. CM Hursey spoke to the need for SROs for their positive presence, relationship building, as positive role models and for prevention, intervening quickly using specialized training. Another way to keep people safer. Chief Seraphin noted that tonight represented the 6th public meeting since Oct 1 to discuss SROs. CM Wu noted three items, a statement from the BOE that resonated: SROs needed because we almost lost control of our schools. Secondly, that the SRO is the bridge between outside of school and inside noting that just an SRO isn’t the answer, many people are involved. She noted that not all kids feel safe amongst police but this has nothing to do with interactions with UPD but with what is happening nationally. CM Jakobsson stated that he has really tried to think about this and reflect on all of the input noting that schools reflect society’s injustice, poverty, etc. He stated that SROs won’t solve this and schools won’t fix it either but people need to look at the exceptional Urbana police department and can’t judge them by bad things elsewhere. He referred to his review of the literature and noted that SRO outcome variation is huge and, in some places, makes a positive contribution when there is a very clear memorandum of understanding and for the police department and school cultures be consonant with each other, solving problems and not just finding miscreants. He finds the 2-year review process positive and will support the SRO IGA. CM Brown noted that Council Members Wu and Jakobsson had stated his positions. He noted additionally a common thread across successful programs. He stated that he considers the SROs a needed tool to solve a piece of the puzzle and acknowledged over a dozen thoughtful letters. He noted people’s concerns about armed SROs but notes situations where they’re needed, and supports the IGA. He also stated that he appreciated all the input and considers this a difficult decision. CM Roberts also indicated support, appreciating the philosophy brought forth. He noted the many professionals in place in the schools, expressed concern that kids want to feel safe walking down the halls and not bullied, and that it is not going to harm us to try this for a couple of years. CM Hazen noted that his position on this has been very clear and going to support this. CM Hursey noted being born in Urbana, going to schools in Urbana, and being bullied every year. She stated that she didn’t have an SRO or a teacher she could talk to. Times have changed. She noted a recent neighborhood shooting and is supporting the SRO as another step to help some child just trying to go to school safely, bullying is serious, and will be support this. Page 5 of 7  With no further discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (6-1): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – No; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. g. Ordinance No. 2019-11-067: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance (Budget Amendment #2 – Omnibus) For the committee, CM Roberts moved approval of Ordinance 2019-11-067, seconded by CM Hazen. With no discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-1): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – No; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye; Marlin – Aye. H. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES There were none. I. REPORTS OF OFFICERS City Administrator Mitten announced the Urbana Park District would be having an open house on Wednesday 4-6pm at the Phillips Recreation Center concerning a PARC grant and a potential Health and Wellness Center. J. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ordinance No. 2019-12-069: An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit (907 North Lincoln Avenue Stough Real Estate Group LLC – Plan Case 2393-SU-19) Mayor Marlin introduced Ordinance 2019-12-069, sent from a Special Committee of the Whole meeting with three conditions. Approval of Ordinance 2019-12-069 was moved by CM Hursey, seconded by CM Roberts, and without discussion, passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. 2. Ordinance No. 2019-12-070: An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit (802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, 814, and 816 Clark Street, 406, 406 ½, and 408 North Lincoln Avenue / Rael Development Corporation – Plan Case 2362-SU-18) Mayor Marlin introduced Ordinance 2019-12-070. Director of Community Development Lorrie Pearson noted that this is a correction of the property description to include Mulberry Alley, left out of the earlier Special Use Ordinance. The Special Use ordinance is replaced by this new, corrected one. CM Roberts moved approval, seconded by CM Hursey. With no further questions or discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. 3. Resolution No. 2019-12-053R: A Resolution Authorizing City Support for the Urbana- Champaign Community Bid Package to attract the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament to State Farm Center Mayor Marlin introduced Resolution No. 2019-12-053R and spoke to her memo supporting the area bid to bring back the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament noting the timeline for the bid proposal. CM Hursey moved approval of the resolution, seconded by CM Brown. CM Hursey commented on an expectation of new revenues if the tournament returned. CM Brown moved to extend the meeting by 7 minutes, seconded by CM Jakobsson and passed by unanimous voice vote. Page 6 of 7  In response to CM Wu, Mayor Marlin and Finance Director Hannan indicated that the support would have to be included in the next budgets should the community win the bid. With no further questions or discussion, the motion passed by roll call vote (7-0): Brown – Aye; Hazen – Aye; Hursey – Aye; Jakobsson – Aye; Miller – Aye; Roberts – Aye; Wu – Aye. 4. Discussion - Annual Meeting Schedule and Potential Rules Changes CM Hursey moved to extend the meeting until 10:45pm, seconded by CM Wu and passed by unanimous voice vote. Clerk Smyth spoke to his memo outlining possible changes to Council and Committee of the Whole schedules noting that a city ordinance would need to be changed to allow for this swap of nights to better accommodate items from Plan Commission. He added that this would also be an opportunity to rescind Council Rule 4 as no longer needed. Council provided direction to bring appropriate ordinance and resolution changes to upcoming meetings. K. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the council, Mayor Marlin adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m. Charles A. Smyth City Clerk This meeting was video recorded with website link (viewable on demand): https://www.urbanaillinois.us/node/7708 This meeting was broadcast on cable television (UPTV) and streamed live: http://urbanaillinois.us/uptv Minutes Approved: December 16, 2019 Page 7 of 7