City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · September 13, 2021
Minutes
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Monday, September 13, 2021
TIME: 7 : 0 0 pm
PLACE: *Remotely Via Zoom, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
The City Council of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session remotely via zoom Monday,
September 13, 2021, at 7:00pm following a Cunningham Township meeting.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City
Clerk
ELECTED OFFICIALS VIRTUALLY PRESENT: CM Maryalice Wu, CM Christopher Evans, CM
Shirese Hursey, CM Jaya Kolisetty CM Chaundra Bishop, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Darcy Sandefur, Dave Wesner, Sheila Dodd, Carol Mitten, Ben Ghert,
Michelle Brooks, Elizabeth Hannan, Lorrie Pearson
OTHERS PRESENT:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
With a quorum virtually present, Chair Mayor Marlin called the meeting of the Urbana City Council to
order at 7:30 PM.
2. Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes
None
3. Additions to the Agenda
Motion by CM Wu to move item 2b from regular agenda to first item on new business. Seconded by
CM Bishop.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None.
Motion by CM Wilken to to add discussion at end for council priorities. Seconded by CM Bishop.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
4. Public Input and Presentations
Public Input
Allan Max Axelrod hoped to distribute CTSO lit on eviction prevention. Tracy Chong
expressed concerns about police contract and timing. Melinda Carr read sections of her letter
previously sent to council about the UPD use of force policy, Chris Hanson expressed
concerns about the fop contract legality. Julie Watkins expressed concerns about Fop
contract. Sarah Nixon spoke against FOP contract. Sherry Langendorf as read by CM Wilken
said that the council is not there to run the city.
5. Council Input and Communications (following public comment)
CM Kolisetty thoughts are with family of the victim who passed in an auto accident in ward 4. Thanked
staff for their work on bike to work day. Wanted to note she’s hearing the public comments on FOP
contract. Is still committed to a review of public safety. Has concerns about the felony conviction
barrier to serving on the CPRB. CM Wilken also wanted to thank public for their input. Agrees with the
call for accountability and transparency and is continuing to work to uphold those values. CM Quisenberry
wanted to add that when the council holds closed sessions that they are having good discussions and
have been learning every step of the way. CM Bishop acknowledged many of the council ran on
platforms of change and wanted to ask the public for grace as the council works through what does and
doesn’t work. Change doesn’t happen overnight or in 4 months and that they have the next 4 years to
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continue to work towards change.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
7. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Maryalice Wu)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Resolution No. 2021-09-038R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of Urbana
Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Family Service of Champaign
County Project No. 2021-CSSP-01) – CD
b. Resolution No. 2021-09-039R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of Urbana
Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Champaign County Health
Care Consumers COVID-19 Assistance) – CD
Presented by CM Maryalice Wu.
Motion to approve consent agenda by CM Wu. Seconded by CM Kolidetty.
Vote as follows:
AYE: Evans, Wu, Bishop, Kolisetty, Quisenberry, Wilken, Hursey
NAY: None
2. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Resolution No. 2021-09-040R: A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement with
Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #70 (Term of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023) – HR/Finance
Presented by Ben Gehrt, Dave Wesner, Michelle Brooks, and Carol Mitten.
Motion to approve by CM Wu and seconded by CM Hursey.
CM Wilken asked questions about timeline and why there wasn’t more involvement with council
and public. CM Wilken asking about enacting this retroactively. CM Wilken asked about voting
present. CM Hursey asked about false claims being filed with CPRB and consequences. CM Wu
asked about interest arbitration. CM Evans spoke in opposition to passing this FOP contract. CM
Quisenberry asked about tie. CM Wilken asked about CPRB side letter. CM Kolisetty noted the
positive changes included in this contract and also expressed frustration with the process. Expressed
a desire for change.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Quisenberry, Hursey, Kolisetty
NAY: Evans, Bishop
PRESENT: Wilken
8. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
None
9. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Mayor Marlin thanked Community Development Director Lorrie Pearson for her service to the City of
Urbana and wished her the best in her new role with the Champaign County Forrest Preserve.
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Ordinance No. 2021-08-038: An Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2
(Administration), Sections 2-42 (Appointment), 2-43 (Term), 2-70 (Appointment), 2-99
(Civil Service System); Chapter 5 (Building, Fire, and Flood Safety Codes), Section 5-12
(Appointment); and Chapter 25 (Vegetation), Section 25-48 (Appointment) – HR/Finance
Presented by Elizabeth Hannan.
Motion to approve by CM Quisenberry. Seconded by CM Wu.
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CM Wilken asked about positions being retained as appointments versus changing,
specifically the zoning administrator. Asked for clarity for section 3 regarding liabilities and
courts. Asked about procedural given later agenda item specifically the zoning administrator
item.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Quisenberry
NAY: Wilken
b. Ordinance No. 2021-09-039: An Ordinance amending the Urbana Zoning Ordinance wiith
changes to Article XI (Administration, Enforcement, Amendments and Fees) and other
relevant sections to change how the Zoning Administrator is appointed (Plan Case 2426-T-
21) – CD
Presented by Lorrie Pearson.
Motion to approve by CM Wu. Seconded by CM Quisenberry.
CM Wu asked about the community development director acting as zoning administrator
and who would be providing direction to board. Asked about where all zoning amendments
go before council.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Quisenberry
NAY: Wilken
c. Mayoral Appointments
i. a. Housing Authority of Champaign County – term ending June 30, 2024
Leslie (Peter) McFarland
Motion by CM Hursey to approve. Seconded by CM Wilken.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
ii. b. Interim Director of Community Development Services pursuant to 65 ILCS
5/3.1-30-5(d) – term ending February 28, 2022
Sheila Dodd
Motion by CM Wu to approve. Seconded by CM Hursey.
CM Wu asked about grants development receiving staff support with Sheila
assuming the director of community development appointment. CM Wilken asked
about Sheila Dodd becoming zoning administrator. Asked about pay for doing two
jobs. Asked for clarity on plan to replace.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
11. DISCUSSION
a. ARPA & Council Priorities
City Administrator Carol Mitten provided an update on the ARPA funding concept plan and
IGA with RPC. First quarterly report was made to US treasury department.
CM Bishop asked for Mitten to repeat last bit. CM Quisenberry asked for clarity on what
opportunities for council and public input there will be in the allocation of ARPA funding.
CM Wilken asked for clarity on who will be the main role in deciding priorities of spending.
Asked if the quarterly report is shareable. CM Evans asked how much the City is paying RPC
for this IGA. CM Bishop asked about the comprehensive plan comments being viewable to
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start moving forward with ARPA funding priorities. CM Hursey reminded that this is an
opportunity to make an infrastructure improvement as this isn’t a continual revenue source
and is a onetime grant. Asked if council is thinking in the context of the growth of Urbana.
CM Quisenberry asked for access to the public input to assess who’s been able to voice their
input, and also for a timeline from RPC. Hopes to have a study session with RPC after
completion of public input. Asked when the deadline for spending and allocating is. CM
Evans connected CM Hursey and CM Bishops ideas and also thanked the council for their
diligence. CM Kolisetty urged the council to set the council priorities prior to allocation of
ARPA funds. CM Wilken urged council to brainstorm council priorities and receive public
input on them and then move towards ARPA allocation process. CM Wilken asked other
council about future discussion for council priorities.
*Motion to extend meeting to 10:30 PM by CM Hursey seconded by CM WU
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop
NAY: Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
12. ADOURNMENT
With no further business before the committee, Chair Mayor Marlin adjourned the meeting at 10:30
p.m.
Darcy Sandefur
Recording Secretary
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Minutes approved: 10/11/2021
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Agenda
URBANA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DATE: Monday, September 13, 2021
TIME: 7:00 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
C. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
D. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT
1. Public Input
E. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
G. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Maryalice Wu)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Resolution No. 2021-09-038R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of
Urbana Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Family Service of
Champaign County Project No. 2021-CSSP-01) – CD
b. Resolution No. 2021-09-039R: A Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to a City of
Urbana Community Development Block Grant Program Agreement (Champaign County
Health Care Consumers COVID-19 Assistance) – CD
2. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Resolution No. 2021-09-040R: A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining
Agreement with Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #70 (Term of July 1, 2020 through June
30, 2023) – HR/Finance
b. Ordinance No. 2021-08-038: An Ordinance Amending City Code Chapter 2
(Administration), Sections 2-42 (Appointment), 2-43 (Term), 2-70 (Appointment), 2-99
(Civil Service System); Chapter 5 (Building, Fire, and Flood Safety Codes), Section 5-12
(Appointment); and Chapter 25 (Vegetation), Section 25-48 (Appointment) – HR/Finance
H. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
I. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Ordinance No. 2021-09-039: An Ordinance amending the Urbana Zoning
Ordinance wiith changes to Article XI (Administration, Enforcement, Amendments
and Fees) and other relevant sections to change how the Zoning Administrator is
appointed (Plan Case 2426-T-21) – CD
2. Mayoral Appointments
a. Housing Authority of Champaign County – term ending June 30, 2024
Leslie (Peter) McFarland
b. Interim Director of Community Development Services pursuant to 65 ILCS
5/3.1-30-5(d) – term ending February 28, 2022
Sheila Dodd
K. ADJOURNMENT
* Pursuant to the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation and the Declaration of Emergency for the
City of Urbana, Illinois related to the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with changes to the
Open Meetings Act (Public Act (P.A. 101-0640), it has been determined that an in-person public
meeting is not prudent or safe at this time. Members of the public body will attend remotely using
Zoom Webinar. Members of the public may attend via Zoom or view meetings remotely on Urbana
Public Television through Comcast Xfinity on Channels 6 and 1096, i3 Broadband on channel 6,
AT&T U-Verse on channel 99 and streamed on the web (https://livestream.com/urbana).
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Sep 13, 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/86815412015
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799, 86815412015# or +19292056099, 86815412015#
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 +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900
6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 868 1541 2015
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcW8YUl3v4
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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