City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · June 14, 2021
Minutes
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF URBANA MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Monday, June 14, 2021
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
PLACE: *Held virtually due to Governor’s and Mayoral Emergency Orders
The City Council of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m. via
Zoom.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City
Clerk
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: City Council Members (CM) Chris
Evans, Grace Wilken, Chaundra Bishop, Shirese Hursey, Jaya Kolisetty, James Quisenberry, Maryalice Wu
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten, Darcy Sandefur, Liz Borman, Dave Wesner, Chuck
Lauss, Demond Dade, Elizabeth Hannan, Mrcus Ricci, Lorrie Pearson, Shannon Beranek, Tim Cowan,
Steve Doggett, Bryant Seraphin, Kevin Garcia, Kat Trotter, Will Kolschowski
OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Rev. Dr. Evelyn B. Underwood, Eddie Pratt Jr., Tracy Chong, Allan
Max Axelrod, Banca Nelson, Julie Watkins, Beau Barber, Sarah Nixon, Brandi McCoy
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
With a quorum virtually present, Mayor Marlin called the virtual meeting of the city council to order at
7:16 PM
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
CM Hursey moved to approve the minute of the May 24, 2021 meeting, CM Kolisetty seconded. The
minutes were approved as corrected by roll call vote as follows:
Voting Aye: Bishop, Quisenberry, Kolisetty, Wilken, Evans, Wu, Hursey
The following correction shall be made, CM Wilken’s name does not have an “s” at the end.
C. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Marlin asked that the Mayoral appointments be removed from the agenda for tonight and are
moved to the June 28th meeting in order to allow for further information provided to council regarding
staff reappointments.
D. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT
1. City Workforce Diversity
Elizabeth Hannan presented on the statistics regarding city staff demographics. She shared graphics
that summarized the composition of city staff by gender, race, age, and residency. Moving forward
the city will work to increase diversity over the next few years with the new Director of Diversity.
Questions and discussion ensued.
2. Public Input
Evelyn B Underwood wishes to receive agendas in the future. Wants to see more of the City Staff
hired from the residents of Urbana. Eddie Pratt Jr was unable to participate in public comment via
zoom and was encouraged to email his public comment to the council. Tracy Chong expressed
concerns about the reappointment of Police Chief Seraphin and encouraged the council to review
previous public input objecting to this reappointment. Allan Max Axelrod spoke in support of the
importance of educational programs for low income families and the need to end veteran
homelessness. Bianca Nehan spoke in support of the SWFT program and how investing in
education helps the community. Brandi McCoy spoke in support of the SWFT program. Julie Watkins
expressed concerns about a lack of response to the public input at the CPRB. Expressed hopes
that the Township Property acquisition tensions can be resolved. Beau Barber wanted to echo
support for the SWFT program and discussed how programs like SWFT have helped people he
knows. Sarah Nixon expressed concerns about the reappointments for police staff and objected to
them.
E. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS
CM Kolisetty wanted to clarify that previous conversations have been about appointments but that
council only had access to the list of appointments as of Thursday of last week. Praised the city of
urbana for its uniqueness and looks forward to having conversations about these appointments with
additional information. CM Hursey brought and spoke in support of the previous public comments
about implementing additional street lights and cameras in neighborhoods to reduce violence. CM
Quisenberry thanked public for public comment and discussed how great the Silverwood neighborhood
celebration had been. Supports the continued review of higher level staff reappointments but has
concerns about lower level staff appointments. CM Wilken thanked the public for their input and the
mayor for recognizing the councils need for additional time to review staff appointments. Asked about
moving some appointments to civil service and for additional information regarding the appointment
process. CM Bishop appreciated the work force diversity presentation and echoed the public comment
about the importance of a culture shift when working towards increasing diversity. CM Evans echoed
other council members’ requests for additional information regarding staff reappointments and
provided specificities. CM Wu wants to encourage the council to be open to many solutions to
community violence.
Mayor Marlin clarified that council previously received a draft version of the list of potential
appointments in May and that based off of feedback from that.
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F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
G. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Shirese Hursey)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Ordinance No. 2021-06-019: An Ordinance Amending the Urbana Zoning Map (Europa
House, 802 West Oregon Street / Plan Case No. 2420-M-21) – CD
CM Hursey motioned for approval and CM Wu seconded. Approval by roll call vote as follows:
AYE: Quisenberry, Bishop, Wu, Kolisetty, Wilken, Evans, Hursey
NAY: None
2. REGULAR AGENDA
H. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
None
I. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
None
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Ordinance No. 2021-06-020: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance (Garage at 213 West
Illinois Street / ZBA Case No. 2021-MAJ-02) – CD
Kat Trotter from CD presented with the applicant. Questions from council ensued.
Motion from CM Hursey to approve. Seconded by Kolisetty.
Further discussion ensued.
AYE: Kolisetty, Hursey, Evans, Quisenberry, Bishop
Nay: Wu, Wilken
2. Ordinance No. 2021-06-021: An Ordinance Approving a Sign Variance at Lincoln Square – allow
electronic sign to change every 60 seconds – CD
Marcus Ricci presented with support of the owner James Webster
CM Quisenberry motioned to approve. CM Bishop seconded.
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
3. Ordinance No. 2021-06-022: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order No. 21-01 Re-issuance of
Emergency Order No. 20-05 Alcoholic Liquor – Cocktails “To Go” – Mayor
Mayor Marlin presented. Questions from council and discussion ensued.
Motion to approve by CM Bishop, seconded by CM Hursey.
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AYE: Quisenberry, Hursey, Kolisetty, Evans, Wilken, Bishop, Wu
NAY: None
4. Mayoral Staff Appointments FY22, Effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
Moved to June 28th 2021 council meeting agenda.
5. Board and Commission Appointments
Motion by CM Wilken to approve, seconded by CM Hursey.
Discussion and questions ensued.
Amendment to motion to exclude HRC board appointment by CM Wilken, seconded by CM
Hursey
Board and Commission reappointments (minus HRC, Pete Resnick) vote by roll call:
Aye: Wu, Kolisetty, Evans, Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop
Pete Resnick, HRC reappointment motioned by W and seconded by Hursey.
AYE: Wu, Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop, Hursey, Evans
NAY: None
Abstain due to conflict of interest: Kolisetty
6. DISCUSSION
a. Budget and CIP follow-up
Admin Mitten lead discussion on budget and CIP with department heads available for
questions. CM Wu asked specific questions regarding salary lines in legal and public
works. CM Bishop asked specific questions about cars listed in the budget. CM Wilken
asked about the police training budget line. CM Wu asked about other services for
contractual services. CM Kolisetty asked about the specific budgetary issues regarding
racism and police reform.
At 10:25 PM CM Wu Motioned to extend to 11:00 PM, CM Wilken seconded.
Voting Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry. Voting Nay: None.
With no further business to come before this body, Mayor Marlin declared this virtual meeting adjourned at
10:59 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
__Darcy Sandefur_________ Approved: 06/28/2021
Darcy Sandefer
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UNAPPROVED
Recording Secretary
This meeting was broadcast and recorded HERE.
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Agenda
URBANA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: Monday, June 14, 2021
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
PLACE: * to be held virtually via Zoom, 400 S Vine St, Urbana, IL 61801
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
1. May 24, 2021
C. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
D. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT
1. City Workforce Diversity
2. Public Input
E. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
G. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Shirese Hursey)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
2. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Ordinance No. 2021-06-019: An Ordinance Amending the Urbana Zoning Map
(Europa House, 802 West Oregon Street / Plan Case No. 2420-M-21) - CD
H. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
I. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Ordinance No. 2021-06-020: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance (Garage at 213
West Illinois Street / ZBA Case No. 2021-MAJ-02) - CD
2. Ordinance No. 2021-06-021: An Ordinance Approving a Sign Variance at Lincoln Square
– allow electronic sign to change every 60 seconds - CD
3. Ordinance No. 2021-06-022: An Ordinance Ratifying Emergency Order No. 21-01 Re-
issuance of Emergency Order No. 20-05 Alcoholic Liquor – Cocktails “To Go” - Mayor
4. Mayoral Staff Appointments FY22, Effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
Executive Department
Carol Mitten - City Administrator
Carla Boyd - Human Rights and Equity Officer
Sanford Hess - Information Technology Manager
Community Development Services Department
Lorrie Pearson - Community Development Services Director
Human Resources & Finance Department
Elizabeth Hannan - Human Resources & Finance Director/CFO
Shaennon Clark - Deputy Finance Director
Fire Department
Charles Lauss - Fire Chief
Kent Demond Dade - Deputy Fire Chief
Kyle Hensch - Fire Division Chief
Clinton Weidert - Fire Division Chief
Michael Wallace - Fire Division Chief
Police Department
Bryant Seraphin - Police Chief
Richard Surles - Deputy Police Chief
Jason Norton - Police Lieutenant
Dave Smysor - Police Lieutenant
Matt Bain - Police Lieutenant
James Cory Koker - Police Lieutenant
Public Works
Vince Gustafson - Deputy Public Works Director for Operations
Limited Term Appointment
Andrea Ruedi - Senior Advisor for Integrated Strategy Development (Executive)
Vacant Appointed Positions (currently filled through contracted services)
Public Works Director (PW)
City Engineer (PW)
City Attorney (Executive)
NOTE: Moved to Civil Service
Grants Manager (CD)
5. Board and Commission Appointments
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee – terms ending June 30, 2024
Jeff Marino
Sarthank Prasad
Nancy Westcott
Building Safety Code Board of Appeals – terms ending June 30, 2026
David Crow
Brad Houk
Human Relations Commission – term ending June 30, 2024
Pete Resnick
Sustainability Advisory Commission – term ending June 30, 2024
Stacy Gloss, Chair
Sustainability Advisory Commission – term ending February 20, 2022
Maddy Garbacz, Youth Representative
Urbana Tree Commission – terms ending June 30, 2024
Stewart Berlocher
W.L. Jackson Bird
Bridget McGill
Michael Stevenson
6. DISCUSSION
a. Budget and CIP follow-up
K. 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: Jun 14, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Cunningham Township Board / Urbana City Council
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82674033430
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799,,82674033430# or +13017158592,,82674033430#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215
8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 826 7403 3430
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcUfZ6qwhT
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 the 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.
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 of addressing the business of the City.
Obscene or profane language, or other conduct that threatens to impede the orderly progress of the
business conducted at the meeting is unacceptable.
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. 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.
In order to maintain the efficient and orderly conduct and progress of the 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 engages in the conduct or behavior proscribed under “Verbal Input”. Any member of the
public body participating in the meeting may also 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 conduct or behavior
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 e-mail to the public body for inclusion in the meeting record.
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
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