City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · December 7, 2020
Minutes
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES
DATE: Monday, December 7, 2020
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: *Held virtually due to Governor’s and Mayoral Emergency Declarations
400 S. Vine St., Urbana, IL 61801
The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday,
December 07, 2020, at 7:00pm via zoom.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark,
City Clerk
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: City Council Members (CM), Bill
Brown, Bill Colbrook, Shirese Hursey, Jared Miller, Dennis Roberts, Maryalice Wu
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Tim Cowan, Sheila Dodd, Kevin Garcia, Elizabeth Hannan, Wendy Hundley, Alyssa
Jaje, Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten, Lorrie Pearson, Joel Sanders, Bryant Seraphin, James Simon
OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Allan Axelrod, Tracy Chong, Rita Conerly, Clarissa Nickerson
Fourman, Christopher Hansen, Justin Michael Hendrix, Drake Materre (Haki), Joey Rosecrance, Nathan
Sonenshine, Grace Wilken
Chair: Bill Colbrook, Ward 6
Prior to starting the meeting Chair Colbrook read a statement about the structure of the meeting for
everyone attending via Zoom.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
With a quorum virtually present, Chair Bill Colbrook called the meeting of the Committee of the
Whole to order at 7:00pm.
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
CM Miller made a motion to approve minutes from the November 2, 2020 meeting. Seconded by CM
Brown and carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
3. Additions to the Agenda
There were none
4. Presentations and Public Input
Public Input via Zoom
CM Hursey rendered an apology for the outburst of frustration at last week’s meeting, while
experiencing technical difficulty in switching meetings.
The following people submitted public input via Zoom: Allan Axelrod, Tracy Chong, Rita Conerly,
Clarissa Nickerson Fourman, Christopher Hansen, Justin Michael Hendrix, Drake Materre (Haki),
Nathan Sonenshine, Grace Wilken. Some of the comments included: continuous concern with utility
shut offs, where is the oversight follow-up by the Urbana Police Department about the Aleyah Lewis
arrest, free Aleyah Lewis, drop the charges, defund police, concerns with lack of knowledge with
electoral process and the City’s lack of transparency, in support of Meghan McDonald to represent
ward 5.Freedom of Information Act request and ongoing fees, in opposition of the Planned Unit
Development (PUD) for 602 S. Lincoln Avenue.
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Public Input via Email
The following people submitted public input via email: Elizabeth Cardman, C. K. Gunsalus, Michael
W. Walker, Peggy Patten in opposition of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the Busey corridor.
5. Staff Report
City Administrator Carol Mitten said that usually Public Works staff gives a summary of events prior
to the winter season. Due to Covid-19 that was not possible this year, however, she gave an overview
summary. A page called “In the Know About Snow” was created to address some of the most
frequent asked questions (FAQ) about snow and how it is prioritized in the event the City gets more
than two inches of snow. Mitten also announced that the City has a new fleet of trucks and salt prices
have dropped.
Mayor Marlin gave updates about Covid-19 and vaccine distribution, the need for vaccine
ambassador’s, electoral process, and reminder to continue wearing masks, washing hands, and social
distancing.
6. Ordinance No. 2020-12-068: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-11 (Temporary Ban of
On-Premises Indoor Consumption of Food and Beverages to Include Alcoholic Liquor within City of
Urbana Corporate Limits)
Mayor Marlin presented this item with the recommendation for approval. This emergency order
temporarily suspends indoor consumption of beverage, which covers indoor dining, events center,
etc., this is being issued at the request of Public Health to comply with Tier 3 mitigations.
CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-068 to council with the recommendation for
approval with changes to reflect an enforcement end date. Seconded by CM Hursey and carried by roll
call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
7. Ordinance No. 2020-12-069: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-12 (Authorizing
Participation in Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District COVID-19-Related Financial Assistance
Program Regarding Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Utility Bills)
Mayor Marlin presented this item with the recommendation for approval. This will provide temporary
assistance with sanitary sewer and stormwater utility fees. Council members asked for clarification
about median cost, eligibility, and number of residents who are behind on their bills.
CM Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-069 to council without recommendation
pending clarifications. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
8. Ordinance No. 2020-12-070: An Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Development Plan for a
Planned Unit Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH
Development, LLC – Plan Case 2411-PUD-20)
Planner Kevin Garcia presented Ordinance No. 2020-12-070 and Ordinance No. 2020-12-071 with
the recommendation for approval. He said that since the proposed development is in the Lincoln-
Busey corridor, if these ordinances are approved, the plans must also be reviewed by the Development
Design Review Board for consistency with the design guidelines for that district. He provided
background information, proposed development, and comprehensive plan.
The Plan Commission recommended approval with the following conditions:
1. That construction be in general conformance with the attached Site Plan and Elevations, subject to
modifications that may be required by the Design Review Board; and
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2. That the sidewalk along Lincoln Avenue be reconstructed further to the east, on the applicant’s
property and at their expense, and that the applicant provides an access easement to allow the
sidewalk’s use by the public.
3. That a plan for tree protection be implemented during demolition and construction in coordinator
with the city’s Landscape Supervisor.
CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance to council without recommendation after reviewed from
the Design Review Board recommendation. Seconded by CM Hursey. Discussion ensued. Josh Daly
and Jacob Unzicker, representing the applicant, addressed questions from the committee about the
building and its design. After extensive discussion about the esthetics, accessibility, traffic flow, energy
efficiency, tax credit, and demolition options. It was suggested that the owners allow Preservation and
Conservation Association (PACA) to retrieve items. The motion carried by roll call as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
9. Ordinance No. 2020-12-071: An Ordinance Approving a Final Development Plan for a Planned Unit
Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH Development, LLC –
Plan Case 2412-PUD-20)
CM Wu made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-071 to council without the recommendation
upon approval from the Design Review Board. Seconded by CM Roberts and carried by roll call vote
as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
10. Ordinance No. 2020-12-072: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance (Budget
Amendment #4 – Omnibus)
Finance Director Elizabeth Hannan presented Ordinance No. 2020-12-072 with the recommendation
for approval. She provided a summary about the changes and impact to each fund. She also provided a
brief summary for grants, COVID related expenses for city facilities, police uniforms, outdoor
warning siren replacement, Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Fund (VERF) rebudget, Cable TV
Public Education and Government (PEG) fund purchases, TIF 1 closeout, hail damage
reimbursement and COVID related information technology expenses.
After the presentation, Hannan addressed questions about the impact to the General Fund. CM
Roberts made a motion to send Ordinance No. 2020-12-072 to council with the recommendation for
approval. CM Hursey seconded. Motion carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
11. Resolution No. 2020-12-061R: A Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code
(State Motor Fuel Tax for Race Street Resurfacing Project)
Public Works Interim Director Tim Cowan presented Resolution No. 2020-12-061R with the
recommendation for approval. This resolution will allow a budget transfer for the increase cost in the
planning phase of the project from $25,000 to $30,000.
After the presentation, Cowan addressed questions from committee about resurfacing and sidewalk
ramp reconstruction on Race Street, between Washington Street and California Avenue and type of
material to be used.
CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-061R to council with the recommendation
for approval. Seconded by CM Roberts and carried by roll call vote as follows:
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Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
12. Resolution No. 2020-12-062R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants Program
Subrecipient Agreement with CU at Home (FY 2020-2021)
Grants Manager Sheila Dodd presented Resolution No. 2020-12-062R and Resolution No. 2020-12-
063R with recommendation for approval. She began the presentation by giving background
information about the process and the reason why the City of Urbana would be handling the
administrative portion of the grants. Additionally, she said that the total funding would be allocated as
follows: total grant amount in the amount of $194,411, $128,700 to Cunningham Township
Supervisor’s Office to assist with rapid rehousing-tenant based rental assistance, $42,750 for CU
at Home for emergency shelter-essential operations, and the balance will go to the City of Urbana for
Administrative services.
After presentation, Dodd addressed question from committee about agreement and reporting. CM
Miller made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-062R to council with the recommendation for
approval. Seconded by CM Wu and carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
13. Resolution No. 2020-12-063R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants Program
Subrecipient Agreement with Cunningham Township (FY 2020-2021)
CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-063R to council with the recommendation
for approval. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
14. Resolution No. 2020-12-064R: A Resolution Certifying a Community Housing Development
Organization for the Urbana Home Consortium (Habitat July 2020)
Community Development Specialist Alyssa Jaje presented Resolution No. 2020-12-064R, Resolution
No. 2020-12-065R, and Resolution No. 2020-12-065R in omnibus fashion with the recommendation
for approval. She gave a brief summary about the program requirements, certification, proposed
projects, and funding amount.
After presentation, Jaje and Dodd addressed questions from committee about the number of houses
built by Habitat in Urbana. CM Wu made a motion to consider Resolution No. 2020-12-064R,
Resolution No. 2020-12-065R, and Resolution No. 2020-12-066R in omnibus fashion. Seconded by
CM Miller and carried by roll call vote as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
CM Wu made a motion to send Resolutions No. 2020-12-064R, 2020-12-065R, and 2020-12-066R to
council with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Miller and carried by roll call vote
as follows:
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
15. Resolution No. 2020-12-065R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Urbana
Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO
Operating PY 2020)
***Omnibus Vote***
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16. Resolution No. 2020-12-066R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Urbana
Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO
Developer PY 2020)
***Omnibus Vote***
17. Resolution No. 2020-12-067R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a
Community Partnership Agreement (Rosecrance Inc., One Door Program Director)
City Administrator Carol Mitten started the conversation by giving a brief summary about the program,
staffing, and funding. Lieutenant Joel Sanders provided additional information about the pilot program
and expectations. He said that the goal is to provide a comprehensive response to persons in crisis and
their families.
After presentation, Joey Rosecrance, Sanders, Mitten addressed questions about the streamline process,
staffing level, partnership, community involvement, and starting date.
After follow up questions, CM Brown made a motion to send Resolution No. 2020-12-067R to council
with the recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Hursey and carried by roll call vote.
Ayes: Brown, Colbrook, Hursey, Miller, Roberts, Wu
Nays: None
18. Adjournment
With no further business before the committee, Chair Colbrook adjourned the virtual meeting at
10:19pm.
Wendy M. Hundley
Deputy City Clerk
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Minutes approved: January 4, 2021
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Agenda
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE MEETING
DATE: Monday, December 7, 2020
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: *To be held virtually via Zoom, 400 South, Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
AGENDA
Chair: William Colbrook, Ward 6
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. November 2, 2020
3. Additions to the Agenda
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. Public Input
5. Staff Report
6. Ordinance No. 2020-12-068: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-11 (Temporary
Ban of On-Premises Indoor Consumption of Food and Beverages to Include Alcoholic Liquor
within City of Urbana Corporate Limits) – Mayor
7. Ordinance No. 2020-12-069: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order 20-12 (Authorizing
Participation in Urbana & Champaign Sanitary District COVID-19-Related Financial Assistance
Program Regarding Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Utili0ty Bills) – Mayor
8. Ordinance No. 2020-12-070: An Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Development Plan for a
Planned Unit Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH
Development, LLC – Plan Case 2411-PUD-20) – CD
9. Ordinance No. 2020-12-071: An Ordinance Approving a Final Development Plan for a
Planned Unit Development (602 South Lincoln Avenue / CCH Development, LLC & CMH
Development, LLC – Plan Case 2412-PUD-20) – CD
10. Ordinance No. 2020-12-072: An Ordinance Revising the Annual Budget Ordinance (Budget
Amendment #4 – Omnibus) – FIN
11. Resolution No. 2020-12-061R: A Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway
Code (State Motor Fuel Tax for Race Street Resurfacing Project) – PW
12. Resolution No. 2020-12-062R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants
Program Subrecipient Agreement with CU at Home (FY 2020-2021) – CD
13. Resolution No. 2020-12-063R: A Resolution Approving an Emergency Solutions Grants
Program Subrecipient Agreement with Cunningham Township (FY 2020-2021) – CD
14. Resolution No. 2020-12-064R: A Resolution Certifying a Community Housing Development
Organization for the Urbana Home Consortium (Habitat July 2020) – CD
15. Resolution No. 2020-12-065R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an
Urbana Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement
(Habitat CHDO Operating PY 2020) – CD
Page 1 of 4
16. Resolution No. 2020-12-066R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an
Urbana Home Consortium Community Housing Development Organization Agreement
(Habitat CHDO Developer PY 2020) – CD
17. Resolution No. 2020-12-067R: A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a
Community Partnership Agreement (Rosecrance Inc., One Door Program Director) – Exec
18. Adjournment
*Due to the Governor Pritzker and Mayoral Emergency Covid-19 Orders, the Urbana City Council
Chambers will be not be open to the public during this meeting. Council Members will meet
remotely using Zoom Webinar. You may watch the meeting on streaming services, or on Urbana
Public Television, or attend via Zoom.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Dec 7, 2020 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Urbana City Council's Committee of the Whole
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89442807817
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,89442807817# or +19292056099,,89442807817#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253
215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 894 4280 7817
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kgmZSiRXg
PUBLIC INPUT
The City of Urbana welcomes Public Input during open meetings of the City Council, the City Council’s
Committee of the Whole, City Boards and Commissions and other City-sponsored meetings. Our goal is
to foster respect for the meeting process, and respect for all people participating as members of the
public body, city staff, and general public. The City is required to conduct all business during public
meetings. The presiding officer is responsible for conducting those meetings in an orderly and efficient
manner.
Public Input will be taken in the following ways:
Zoom Webinar Participant
Click on the link listed in the agenda to join the Webinar. You must provide your name and email
address in order to join the Webinar. If you wish to speak during Public Input, “raise your hand” and
wait to be called on by the meeting host. You must state your first and last name for the meeting
record. Participants will be muted except when they are called on to speak; video will remain off for all
members of the public when speaking.
Telephone Participant
Call the phone number listed on the Agenda. Enter the Webinar ID followed by the # key. All callers are
muted by default. If you wish to speak, “raise your hand” by pressing *9 once. When you are called on
by the host or presiding officer you will be un-muted. You must state your first name and last name for
the meeting record.
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Email Input
Public comments must be received prior to the closing of the meeting record (at the time of
adjournment unless otherwise noted) at the following: citycouncil@urbanaillinois.us. The subject line
of the email must include the words “PUBLIC INPUT” and the meeting date. Your email will be sent to
all City Council members, the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Clerk. Emailed public comments
labeled as such will be incorporated into the public meeting record, with personal identifying
information redacted. Copies of emails will be posted after the meeting minutes have been
approved.
Written Input
Any member of the public may submit their comments addressed to the members of the public body in
writing. If a person wishes their written comments to be included in the record of Public Input for the
meeting, the writing should so state. Written comments must be received prior to the closing of the
meeting record (at the time of adjournment unless otherwise noted).
Verbal Input
Protocol for Public Input is one of respect for the process, and respect for others. Ridicule, obscene or
profane language, lack of respect for others, and personal attacks are not acceptable behavior. Public
Input shall not be used to air personal grievances. Speakers should address all comments to the public
body as a whole and not to individual members or City staff.
Public comment shall be limited to no more than four (4) minutes per person. The Public Input portion
of the meeting shall total no more than one (1) hour, unless otherwise shortened or extended by
majority vote of the public body members present. The presiding officer or the city clerk or their
designee, shall monitor each speaker's use of time and shall notify the speaker when the allotted time
has expired. All public comments should be addressed to the public body as a whole. A person may
participate and provide Public Input once during a meeting and may not cede time to another person,
or split their time if Public Input is held at two (2) or more different times during a meeting. The
presiding officer may give priority to those persons who indicate they wish to speak on an agenda item
upon which a vote will be taken.
The presiding officer or public body members shall not enter into a dialogue with citizens. Questions
from the public body members shall be for clarification purposes only. Public Input shall not be used as
a time for problem solving or reacting to comments made but, rather, for hearing citizens for
informational purposes only.
Accommodation
If an accommodation is needed to participate in a City meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s
Office at least 48 hours in advance so that special arrangements can be made using one of the following
methods:
Phone: 217.384.2366
Email: CityClerk@urbanaillinois.us
*In order to maintain reasonable decorum at a public meeting, the presiding officer of the meeting
shall have the authority to raise a point of order and provide a verbal warning to a speaker who uses
abusive, harassing, threatening, or defamatory language, or who engages in disorderly conduct that
disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of a meeting. Any member of the public
body participating in the meeting also may raise a point of order with the presiding officer and request
that they provide a verbal warning to a speaker. If the speaker refuses to cease such remarks or
conduct after being warned by the presiding officer, the presiding officer shall have the authority to
mute the speaker’s microphone and/or video presence at the meeting. The presiding officer will
inform the speaker that they may send the remainder of their remarks via email to the public body for
inclusion in the meeting record.
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*Definitions of Types of Language and Conduct That May Warrant Verbal Warning:
“Abusive” means harsh, violent, profane, or derogatory language which would demean the dignity of
an individual or which is intended to humiliate, mock, insult or belittle an individual.
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/abusive-language
“Harassing” means to annoy or bother someone in a constant or repeated way; to make repeated
attacks on another person.
https://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/harass
“Threatening” means to say that you will harm someone or do something unpleasant or unwanted
especially in order to make someone do what you want.
https://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/threaten
“Defamatory” means a statement or communication that tends to harm a person's reputation by
subjecting the person to public contempt, disgrace, or ridicule, or by adversely affecting the person's
business. A statement that is likely to lower that person in the estimation of reasonable people and in
particular to cause that person to be regarded with feelings of hatred, contempt, ridicule, fear, or
dislike.
Black's Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019)
Citations that Authorize the Presiding Officer to Bar Offensive Language During Public Comment:
The following citations provide the legal basis for adopting UCC Section 2-5(b)(1)(d) that allows the
presiding officer of a City Council, Committee of the Whole, or a City-sponsored board or commission
regulate “abusive, harassing, threatening, or defamatory language” during public comment. The
following Attorney General binding opinions and case law essentially classify abusive, “harassing,
threatening and defamatory language as “manner”, not “content”, of speech that can be reasonably
regulated under the First Amendment. UCC Section 2-5(c) (Ordinance No. 2020-09-049. Attorney
General binding opinion numbers 2019 PAC 59187, 2018 PAC 55462, 2016 PAC 45349; Milestone v. City
of Monroe, Wisconsin, 665 F.3d 774, 783-784 (7th Cir. 2011); Vega v. Chicago Board of Education, 338
F.Supp.3d 806, 811 (N.D. Ill. 2018); Sandefur v. Vill. of Hanover Park, 862 F.Supp.2d 840, 847 (N.D. Ill.
2012); I.A. Rana Enterprises, Inc. v. City of Aurora, 630 F.Supp.2d 912, 920-923 (D.C. N.D. 2009).
Persons with disabilities needing special services or accommodations for this meeting should contact the City
of Urbana's Americans with Disabilities Coordinator at 384-2366.
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