City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · October 4, 2021
Minutes
COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE MINUTES
DATE: Monday, October 4, 2021
TIME: 7 : 0 0 pm
PLACE: *Via ZOOM, 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,
October 4, 2021, at 7:00pm virtually via ZOOM.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PHYSICALLY PRESENT: Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor; Phyllis D. Clark, City
Clerk
ELECETED OFFICIALS VIRTUALLY PRESENT: CM Maryalice Wu, CM Christopher Evans, CM
Shirese Hursey, CM Jaya Kolisetty, CM Bishop, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jason Liggett, Darcy Sandefur, Carol Mitten, Dave Wesner, Andrea Ruedi, Carla
Boyd, Bryant Seraphin, Cory Koker, Braeden Belcher, Elizabeth Hannan
OTHERS PRESENT: Ricardo Diaz (president of CPRB)
Chair: Shirese Hursey, Ward 3
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
With a quorum present, Chair Hursey called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to order at
7:59 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
CM Wu motioned to approve the minutes for the September 20th meetings. CM Kolisetty seconded.
CM Wilken: will be voting present as she was unable to pick up her packet.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop
NAY:
PRESENT: Wilken
3. Additions to the Agenda
None.
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. CPRB Resolution Update – Executive
Presented by Carla Boyd the Human Rights and Equity Officer for the City of Urbana, serves as staff
representative for the CPRB. To ensure public was updated on recommendation of CPRB in regards to
code of membership. The CBRB would like to strike section C that prohibits those with prior felony
convictions from serving on the CPRB.
CM Wilken asked about the legality of this change being implemented as it is in the FOP contract. CM
Wilken asked for any additional precedent. CM Wu asked for clarification about which item was tied in
CPRB. CM Kolisetty asked for clarification on if the Council could not do it or could not implement it.
Ricardo Diaz wanted to reiterate the CPRB stance that excluding those with felony convictions from
serving on the CPRB being a bad idea. CM Evans asked legal if they could do a side letter for the FOP
contract. Mayor Marlin reminded that this is the presentation item section of the agenda and advised
that further discussion could be done on a future agenda. CM Wilken asked why the CPRB letter was
included in this contract and also asked if it is reasonable to expect that it will be in future negotiations.
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b. Comprehensive Plan Update and 2005 Comprehensive Plan Assessment – CD
Presented by Andrea Ruedi and Lily Wilcock from community development. Andrea Ruedi provided a
timeline for imagine Urbana. Provided data on project so far to measure engagement. Lily Wilcock
presented on 2005 Comprehensive plan review following an intensive case study. Presented on lessons
learned from analyzing this plan. CM Wilken thanked staff for their effort and asked for a specific
example of how to utilize this example in city plans. CM Kolisetty asked about the shift from
community wide focus.
c. Push Tax – CM Hursey, Wayne Williams, and Thomas Condon (Peterson, Johnson &
Murray)
CM Hursey introduced Wayne Williams, the Cunningham Township Assessor. Thomas Condon atty.
previously presented on this at the Illinois Municipal League. Explained that the push tax is a tax it’s a
penny for push on the player of the video gaming terminal. Passed by city of Waukegan and Oakpark.
Both cities are currently in litigation regarding. Explained that revenue can be used to help address
community needs. Tax of a cent every time a game is played. CM Kolisetty asked about impact on folks
who already have a gambling problem.
d. Public Input
Giovana Dibenedetto spoke in support of ALPR to address community violence and fears. Lilly Dibenedetto
via Video spoke to the realities of kids living in neighborhoods impacted by community violence. Minnie
Pearson spoke in support of ALPR on behalf of the NAACP of Champaign Urbana and offered to hold joint
townhall meetings with NAACP and the city to address community concerns about ALPR. CK Gunsalus
thanked council for service and appreciated how they represented themselves in the earlier meeting amidst
high tensions. Expressed concerns about loss of institutional memory of input from residents to the
comprehensive plan about changes needing to be made. Separate imagine Urbana process from
comprehensive plan revision process. Need to build better bridges to neighborhoods to conduct meetings to
address different needs. Direct plan commission to address these needs relating to comprehensive plan.
Angel Johnson wants to speak to Mayor Marlin about her business not being able to receive funding as a
home daycare. Wants more information on ALPR cameras. Tracy Chong expressed concerns about FOP
contracts clause about CPRB being untrue. Julie Watkins urged council to do what they can to stop evictions.
Urged public to listen to Frances Rigburn’s previous public comment. Mary Pat McGuire asked what the
actual applicable connection is between the Comp plan and Imagine Urbana. Eddie Pratt Jr. expressed
concern that the ALPR cameras would not adequately address the violence. Spoke to the need to strengthen
infrastructure. Collin Dodson spoke in support of an eviction moratorium. Expressed frustration with the
local rental assistance administering entities. Allan Max Axelrod expressed concerns about what will be done
with camera footage and who will have access. Colum Wilson of the CPRB wanted to inform council of their
support for removing the felony restriction. Hopes to hear police reason for not wanting to allow residents
with former felony convictions on the CPRB. George expressed concerns about the eviction moratorium
ending. Called upon the Urbana elected to pass a resolution to ask that the sheriff not resume evictions.
Linda Turnbill thanked council for their work. Echoed support for ALPR. Hrant Kebantsi expressed concerns
about the eviction moratorium expiring. Urged council to call upon the sheriff to not enforce evictions.
Sarah Nixon spoke in opposition to the ALPR. Urged council to instead adopt policies that outline future
obligations to transparency. Alexander Rogers expressed concerns about the eviction moratorium expiring
and urged the sheriff to not enforce evictions. Spoke in opposition to ALDR. Arthur Paganini spoke in
opositiong to the ALPR. Expressed concerns about the eviction moratorium. Drake Materre spoke in
opposition to ALPR. Urged council to pursue other solutions to solving community violence. Expressed
concerns about the eviction moratorium ending. Serena Dodge spoke in support of cameras and ALPR.
*CM Wilken motioned to extend public comment 10 minutes. Seconded by CM Bishop.
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
Melinda Eldress feels ALPR should be evenly distributed within city to avoid racial profiling and disparity.
Wayne Williams spoke against cameras in our community, but given the recent increase in violence he
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does support the ALDR because they are less invasive.
5. Staff Report
Carol Mitten is saving her staff report for next week.
6. Resolution No. 2021-09-043R: A Resolution Approving the Urbana HOME Consortium
Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO Developer PY
2020) – CD
Presented by Braeden Belcher. Grant funds are a reallocation from a previous project that was
completed under budget. In order for these HUD funds to not be lost, City staff reached out to Habitat.
CM Wu asked how many affordable rental units first followers was able to produce. CM Wilken asked
for clarification about why there is money left over.
Motion to approve by CM Wu for the regular agenda. Seconded by CM Quisenberry.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Evans, Hursey, Wu, Bishop, Kolisetty, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
7. Ordinance No. 2021-09-044: An Ordinance Revising the FY2022 Annual Budget (Budget
Amendment #3) – HR/Finance
Presented by Elizabeth Hannan. Mayor Marlin summarized what ALPR purchase consists of and their
essential function. Hannah explained the budget amendment would allow unused funds from last year’s
budget to be allocated for this year’s budget to be used for the ALPR. Chief Seraphin explained how
ALPR model works.
*Motion to extend meeting to 10:45 pm by CM Wu seconded by CM Quisenberry.
AYE: Evans, Quisenberry, Wilken, Wu, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty
NAY: None.
Motion to approve by CM Wu to move to council with no recommendation to the regular agenda.
Seconded by CM Quisenberry.
CM Wu thanked the Chief and Mayor for answering many questions she had. Expressed concerns about
the number of ALPR in other communities. Expressed concerns about duration of time data is kept.
CM Quisenberry expressed the importance of access audits. Advised that they can always be removed.
CM Kolisetty appreciates the City’s desire to respond quickly. Urged caution in regards to the 4th
amendment and personal privacy. Expressed a need for policies to be in place prior to investment. CM
Wilken agrees with urgent need to address community violence. Does not feel ALPR will address
violent crime. Wants to see more information on policy and research prior to approval. Does not feel
there is adequate information to make decision, Feels policy should come before.
*Motion by CM Wu to extend meeting to 11 pm seconded by CM Kolisetty.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Quisenberry, Bishop, Wilken
NAY: None
Mayor Marlin clarified that implementation will not happen overnight and that there would be time
while in queue for tech. CM Evans thanked Chief. Expressed importance of heavily weighing this
decision. It impacts everyone. Expressed concerns about lack of information. Asked that flock safety
provide statistics. Asked that city create and provide a policy for public inspection.
*Motion to send to council with no recommendation rescinded.
CM Wu motioned to keep item in committee. Seconded by CM Quisenberry.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wilken, Kolisetty, Wu, Evans, Bishop, Quisenberry
NAY: Hursey
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8. Council Input and Communications
CM Kolisetty expressed frustration with co-responder model public hearing. Looking forward to
participating in the rock and roll to school community event. Provided local domestic violence hotline
number. CM Wu wanted to let public know that lighting is going to be accounted for in this budget
under infrastructure improvements. Thanked public for input regarding rental assistance entities. CM
Wilken wanted to address eviction moratorium, wants to look into what the council can do. Expressed
frustration about how co-responder model was presented in public hearing. Wants a follow up on
scheduling of council priorities discussion. Mayor Marlin corrected that its 2 Mil dollar set aside for
infrastructure. Actively looking for facilitator for council priority session. CM Bishop willing to
collaborate with CM Wilken to address eviction moratorium.
15. Adjournment
Chair Hursey adjourned the meeting at 10:56 p.m.
Darcy Sandefur
Recording Secretary
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Minutes approved: 10/18/2021
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Agenda
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
OF THE WHOLE MEETING
DATE: Monday, October 4, 2021
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: *To be held virtually via Zoom, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
A G E N DA
Chair: Shirese Hursey – Ward 3
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. September 20th, 2021
3. Additions to the Agenda
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. CPRB Resolution Update – Executive
b. Comprehensive Plan Update and 2005 Comprehensive Plan Assessment - CD
c. Push Tax – CM Hursey, Wayne Williams, and Thomas Condon (Peterson, Johnson
& Murray)
d. Public Input
5. Staff Report
6. Resolution No. 2021-09-043R: A Resolution Approving the Urbana HOME Consortium
Community Housing Development Organization Agreement (Habitat CHDO Developer PY
2020) - CD
7. Ordinance No. 2021-09-044: An Ordinance Revising the FY2022 Annual Budget (Budget
Amendment #3) – HR/Finance
8. Council Input and Communications
9. 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: Oct 4, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Public Hearing followed by Committee of the Whole
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85475859505
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799, 85475859505# or +19292056099, 85475859505#
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: 854 7585 9505
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kl5DQ1EhZ
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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