City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · June 21, 2021
Minutes
COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE MINUTES
DATE: Monday, June 21, 2021
TIME: 6 :00pm
PLACE: *Held virtually due to Governor’s and Mayoral Emergency Declarations
400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
The City Council Committee of The Whole of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday,
June 21, 2021, at 6:00pm via Zoom.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City
Clerk
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE: City Council Members (CM),
Maryalice Wu, Christopher Evans, Shirese Hursey, Jaya Kolisetty, Chaundra Bishop, Grace Wilken, James
Quisenberry
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Carol Mitten, Chuck Lauss, Carla Boyd, Bryant Seraphin, Tim Cowan,
William Kolschosky, Lorrie Pearson, Scott Tess, Shannon Beranek, Elizabeth Hannan
OTHERS PRESENT VIA ZOOM: Celeste Choate
Chair: Jaya Kolisetty, Ward 4
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
With a quorum virtually present, Chair Kolisetty called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to
order at 6:03pm, following a Public Hearing on the sale of City-owned real estate.
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
CM Wu motioned to approve the minutes for the June 7th meeting. CM Bishop seconded.
Aye: Evans, Kolisetty, Wu, Hursey, Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop
Nay: None.
3. Additions to the Agenda
*motion to move council comment to follow public comment by Wilken, seconded by Bishop.
Nay: Wu, Hursey
Aye: Bishop, Wilken, Evans, Quisenberry
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. Presentation on Cameras in Ward 3 – CM Hursey
Linda Turnbill
CM Hursey
Questions and discussion ensued.
b. Public Input
Marilyn Hinsen resident of Cunningham township owned building expressed objections to the
situation regarding the expected move out. Angela Williams expressed concerns about the
financial burden that being forced to move out of the township purchased property. Joshua
Payne requested that the council support a more involved anti-violence organizing and use
ARP funding to address violence. Mark Pellmore CEO of Buisness Elevator talked about the
importance of investing in mental health care and antiviolence measures. Minnie Pearson said
Josh Payne said what she intended to. James Corbin lowered his hand. Wayne Williams
expressed concerns about the process of appointments and appointments being shifted to
civil service and urged caution. Kanittha Fay expressed the importance of council connecting
with other committee.
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*Motion by Quisenberry to recess to discuss Cunningham Township meeting seconded by Wu.
Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
*Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Cunningham township board to order at 6:30.
Meeting convened to announce that the Cunningham township public hearing and regular
meeting will be rescheduled for Monday June 28 at 6 pm.
Resumed public input: Charles Davidson expressed concerns about the violence in this community being
worse than it ever has been before. Rev Dr. Evelyn Underwood brought up gunshot detection system being
implemented in Bloomington Normal. Agrees with supporting First Followers organizers to help
address the violence. James Corbin works at first followers and wanted to address the increasing violence
here. Encouraged the support of education and mental health services in a wraparound care model.
Brian Dunn seconded James Corbin’s caution about cameras risks. Discussed the benefits of hybrid
meeting models and the importance of maintaining accessibility. Dean Hazen read his written statements
regarding his support of the reappointment of the UPD staff appointments. Beau Barber shared
information about the cons with putting cameras in neighborhoods, stressed that the solution lies in
investing in community programs. Tracey Chong expressed concerns about police office accountability
and the reappointment process. Brandi McCoy express disappointment at the unresponsiveness of the
council to the community support of the SWFT program. Dan Morgan reminded folks of the Alleyah
Lewis case and how the offices locally have been denigrated. Eddie Pratt Jr. talked about the importance
of unity to address community violence.
*CM Wilken Motioned to extend public comment by 45 minutes. Seconded by Evans.
Aye: Quisenberry, Bishop, Wilken, Kolisetty, Wu, Evans, Hursey
Nay: None
Nick Rohm spoke in support of SWFT and community investment to solve community violence. Minnie
Pearson encouraged the community to work collaboratively to end the violence. Sarah Blanco expressed
the importance of a democratic process regarding staff reappointments. Allan Max Axelrod spoke in
support of collaborative community efforts to address community violence and the investment of
programs like SWFT. Provided an update on the utility shut off. Benjamin Stone expressed that some of
the positions listed on staff appointments should not be up for appointment but that there should be
additional accountability for police positions. Jessica McClellan spoke in support of the council backing
the UPD. Becky Rowe spoke in support of the UPD command staff and urged the council to reappoint
and then develop their plan as a council. Serenity Dodge spoke in support of cameras. Dennis Roberts
wanted to encourage the council to lean into the appointment process and wished Urbana a happy
birthday. Rohn Koester spoke to the issues with modern policing. Lena Andrus Walker expressed concern
about the installation of cameras within neighborhoods in Urbana. Matt Stuckey spoke in support of
cameras and in support of police officers. Justin Michael Hendrix presented multiple ways to approach the
problems of policing. Sarah Nixon expressed concerns about the petition circulated and presented to
council regarding CM Hursey presentation on cameras. Objected to cameras being installed and
suggested the council consider other options. Rita Conerly expressed concerns about cameras, echoed
support for gunshot detection technology. Echoed support of investing in SWFT.
5. Staff Report
Mayor Marlin: City of Urbana plans to open on Tuesday July 6th to the public again and will return to in
person public meetings. New seating in the council chamber along with new tech.
6. Discussion
a. Review of public safety with a focus on racial equity and social justice – CM Kolisetty and
CM Bishop
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CM Kolisetty gave chair to Wu to participate in the discussion. CM Kolisetty and CM
Bishop wanted to facilitate a conversation about alternatives to policing prior to voting on
the budget. CM Kolisetty suggested using an alternative response model like One Door. CM
Bishop expressed the need for analysis of need and success of an alternative response model
being implemented in Urbana. CM Evans brought up a 2013 study by the community justice
task force that examined alternative response models for public safety. CM Wilken asked for
clarity on the budget items specifically being discussed. Mayor Marlin provided clarification
on the budgetary items. CM Wu discussed the collaboration required for a model like One
Door to work. CM Hursey echoed the importance of finding a model that works for Urbana.
7. Ordinance No. 2021-06-023: An Ordinance Amending the FY 21 Budget – Finance
Presented by Elizabeth Hannan. Motioned to approve to send before council by CM Wu, seconded by
CM Hursey. Discussion ensued.
Aye: Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop, Wu, Hursey, Evans, Kolisetty
Nay: None
8. Ordinance No. 2021-06-024: An Ordinance Adopting the FY 22 Budget – Finance
Presented by Elizabeth Hannan from finance. CM Wu Motioned to approve to send before council
seconded by CM Hursey.
CM Wilken motioned to send with no recommendation for approval. Seconded by CM Hursey.
Discussion ensued.
CM Wu motioned to amend with a recommendation for approval with staff recommendation to change
an allocation of approximately $184,000 from the budget to be set aside for an external evaluation of
public safety. Seconded by Hursey.
Aye: Quisenberry, Bishop, Wu, Hursey, Evans, Kolisetty, Wilken.
Nay: None
CM Wilken proposed an amendment to the budget to include some language for the budget no
recourses financial or otherwise for mayoral appointed positions being moved to civil service as of June
1st, 2021 that was moved without prior council approval. Seconded by Bishop. Discussion ensued.
Nay: Quisenberry, Kolisetty, Hursey, Evans, Wu
Aye: Wilken, Bishop.
Motion failed.
CM Wilken proposed amendment to provide legal support for council and designate staff time. CM
Wilken removed this amendment.
Motioned by CM Wu to extend to 11pm. Seconded by Quisenberry.
Vote aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry.
Nay: None
9. Resolution No. 2021-06-024R: A Resolution Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan (2021) –
Exec/PW
Wu motioned to approve to send to city council with recommendation for approval, Hursey seconded.
Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wiken, Quisenberry
Nay: None
10. Resolution No. 2021-06-025R: A Resolution Approving a City of Urbana Community Development
Block Grant Program Agreement for RPC Senior Repair Program - CD
Motioned by CM Quisenberry to approve to bring to council with approval on the consent agenda.
Seconded by CM Wu.
Aye: Wilken, Bishop, Quisenberry, Wu, Hursey, Evans, Kolisetty
Nay: None
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11. Resolution No. 2021-06-026R: A Resolution to Approve an Amendment to a Tornado Siren
Intergovernmental Agreement - Exec
CM Wu motioned to approve to bring to consent agenda city council. Seconded by cm bishop.
Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
Nay: None
12. Ordinance No. 2021-06-025: An Ordinance Authorizing Sale of City-Owned Real Estate – PW
*Motion to move the last two items on the agenda to the council agenda for presentation
due to time. Moved by Quisenberry and seconded by Bishop.
Aye: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop
Nay: None
13. Resolution No. 2021-06-027R: A Resolution Adopting the Supplemental State Motor Fuel Tax
Resolution for Lincoln Avenue/Springfield Avenue Resurfacing Project - PW
14. Council Input and Communications (following public comment)
CM Hursey expressed that the city invests in many local programs and the lack of data being submitted
to the council in regard to cameras being ineffective. Spoke to severity of the violence locally. CM
Quisenberry thanked the public for coming out and engaging with the council in these important
decisions. Thanked city staff for their support in council tours of facilities. CM Wilken thanked the
public for their participation. Heard the concerns regarding violence and community safety. Expressed
the importance of multifaceted approach to care. CM Wu felt that many of the topics covered in public
comment are areas of focus for the council in the coming meetings. CM Bishop wished Urbana a Happy
Birthday. Wanted to clarify that she is a rep of ward 5 and does not have the goal of disrupting the
public safety departments and wants to work to improve public safety.
15. Adjournment
With no further business before the committee, Chair Kolisetty adjourned the virtual meeting at
10:58pm.
Darcy Sandefur
Recording Secretary
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Minutes approved: 07/06/2021
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Agenda
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
OF THE WHOLE MEETING
DATE: Monday, June 21, 2021
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
PLACE: *To be held virtually via Zoom, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
A G E N DA
Chair: Jaya Kolisetty – Ward 4
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. June 7, 2021
3. Additions to the Agenda
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. Presentation on Cameras in Ward 3 – CM Hursey
b. Public Input
5. Staff Report
6. Discussion
a. Review of public safety with a focus on racial equity and social justice – CM Kolisetty and
CM Bishop
7. Ordinance No. 2021-06-023: An Ordinance Amending the FY 21 Budget - Finance
8. Ordinance No. 2021-06-024: An Ordinance Adopting the FY 22 Budget - Finance
9. Resolution No. 2021-06-024R: A Resolution Adopting the Capital Improvement Plan (2021) –
Exec/PW
10. Resolution No. 2021-06-025R: A Resolution Approving a City of Urbana Community
Development Block Grant Program Agreement for RPC Senior Repair Program - CD
11. Resolution No. 2021-06-026R: A Resolution to Approve an Amendment to a Tornado Siren
Intergovernmental Agreement - Exec
12. Ordinance No. 2021-06-025: An Ordinance Authorizing Sale of City-Owned Real Estate – PW
a. 902 Eads Street
b. 1108 Eads Street
c. 909 North Lincoln Avenue
d. 911 North Lincoln Avenue
13. Resolution No. 2021-06-027R: A Resolution Adopting the Supplemental State Motor Fuel Tax
Resolution for Lincoln Avenue/Springfield Avenue Resurfacing Project - PW
14. Council Input and Communications
15. 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 21, 2021 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Hearing / Cunningham Township Board / Committee of the Whole
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89022899250
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799, 89022899250# or +13017158592, 89022899250#
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 +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1
669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 890 2289 9250
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keGKADzZL2
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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