City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · November 8, 2021
Minutes
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
DATE: Monday, November 8, 2021
TIME: 7: 0 0 pm
PLACE: *Virtually Via Zoom, 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL 61801
The City Council of the City of Urbana, Illinois, met in regular session Monday, November 8, 2021, at
7:00pm.
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, Bourema Ouedraogo, Sheila Dodd,
Carol Mitten, Breaden Belcher, Kevin Garcia
OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Sacks, CK Gunsalus, Lois Steinberg
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 7:45 PM following a Cunningham Township meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
October 11th and 25th City Council Minutes and October 28th and 29th Town Hall Minutes
Motion to approve as corrected by CM Wu. Seconded by CM Wilken.
CM Wilken provided corrections via email.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
3. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
4. CLOSED SESSION: Property Acquisition Issues, Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (5)
*Motion to enter closed session by CM Bishop and seconded by CM Hursey.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry, Mayor Marlin
NAY: None
Entered closed session at 7:49 PM.
*Motion to return to open session by CM Wu and seconded by CM Hursey.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry, Mayor Marlin
NAY: None
Returned from closed session at 8:30 PM
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5. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT
a. Youth Programing Social Services Staff Report
Presented by Sheila Dodd and Breaden Belcher of the Community Development department. Explained
how social service grants program has been structured in previous years and how it’s been restructured.
Grant opportunity seeks to meet the needs of low income Urbana families.
b. Voices of West Urbana Petition Presentation
Presentation by community members Erik Sacks, CK Gunsalus, and Lois Steinberg. Voices of West
Urbana is a grassroots organization of neighbors to express concerns about West Urbana. Outlined what
the petition circulated asked for and what residents were calling upon the City of Urbana to do. Goal is
to promote growth while honoring the historic character of the neighborhood. Kevin Garcia from the
Community Development department helped answer questions about current zoning. Questions and
discussion ensued.
c. Public Input: Jeff Evosovich an operator from the landscape recycling center is looking to the city for
some sort of recognition or appreciation for their continued service and dedication throughout the
pandemic. Cale Beccue city of Urbana arborist spoke in support of wage increases for public works
employees. David Osterbur with the city of Urbana is asking for a fair contract. Jason Scott president of
AFSCME and Urbana employee spoke in support of fair contract and increased wages. David Guth
spoke in support of ALPR. Theresa Michealson thanked the city for their effort to bring groundbreaking
for hotel Royer. Spoke in opposition to council’s previous actions to reduce funding to EDC and VCC.
Dennis Roberts spoke in support of Voices of West Urbana proposals. Takela Lucas works for the city of
Urbana and spoke in support of fair wages and a fair agreement. Allan Max Axelrod spoke in opposition
to ALPR, spoke in support of AFSCME, spoke in support of multiple voices being heard in Ward 3.
Sarah Butler a city of Urbana employee spoke in support of higher wages and a fair contract. Nathan
Sonnenschein spoke in support of the petition for voices of West Urbana. Rev Dr. Evelyn Underwood spoke
on systemic structural racism. Brandi McCoy spoke in opposition to ALPR and advocated for fair
compensation. Sarah Nixon spoke in support of increased transparency and accountability for the city
council. CM Kolisetty read letter of support for voices of West Urbana neighborhood Paul Hixson. CM Kolisetty read a
letter in opposition to ALPR and gunshot detectors by Mark Enslen. CM Kolisetty shared that two of her constituents
asked her to share that they are in favor of ALPR. CM Quisenberry read a letter from Linda and John Minor in support
of ALPR. CM Wilken read a letter from Julia Gurth in support of ALPR. CM Wilken read a letter of opposition to
ALPR by Rita Connerly. CM Wu read a letter in support of ALPR by Sharon Foley. CM Hursey read a letter in
support of ALPR by Teri Von Thadden.
6. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS
CM Bishop acknowledged comments made by City Workers and appreciates their work. CM Wilken
thanked and acknowledged city staff for their input. CM Quisenberry thanked City staff for their work
and public comment. Asked about public input guidelines. Explained what closed session was regarding.
CM Kolisetty thanked City staff for their work. Provided further clarification about purpose of earlier
closed session. Understands the need for prompt action in response to gun violence and underlined the
importance of public input as council hears ALPR. CM Wu thanked public for input and engagement
with process. Thanked City staff for their work. Thanked residents of her neighborhood for their efforts
in collection of petition signatures. CM Evans acknowledged City employees who provided public input
and wanted them to know they’re appreciated. Also thanked other public input providers. Announced
town hall at Pour Bros on Nov 15th. CM Hursey thanked City staff for their work. Thanked Dave for
fixing the lights in her subdivision. Read a resolution previously passed by Urbana City Council
addressing racism and made comments on rights to privacy.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
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8. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Chaundra Bishop – Ward 5)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
None.
2. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Ordinance No. 2021-10-046: An Ordinance Authorizing Sale of City-Owned Real Estate: 1407
Wiley Drive (92-21-16-352-006), 809 South Glover Avenue (92-21-16-181-007), 1811 East Florida
Avenue (92-21-16-481-061) – PW
Presented by CM Bishop.
Motion to approve by CM Kolisetty and seconded by CM Wu.
Discussion ensued.
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Quisenberry
NAY: Wilken
9. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
None.
10. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
Carol Mitten provided reminder that on December 2nd and 3rd there will be Council goal setting meetings.
On Tuesday the communications plan for the Equity and Quality of life project will be presented at the
BPAC meeting. Questions followed.
*Motion to extend meeting to 10:45 PM by CM Wu and seconded by CM Kolisetty.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
11. NEW BUSINESS
a. Ordinance No. 2021-11-047: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance (Accessory
Parking at 1005 Philo Rd. / ZBA Case No. 2021-MAJ-07) – CD
Presented by Kat Trotter from the Community Development Department. Ordinance to
allow accessory parking on Philo Rd for petitioner at residence. Questions and discussion
ensued.
Motion to approve by CM Kolisetty and seconded by CM Quisneberry.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Quisenberry, Hursey, Bishop, Kolisetty, Wilken
NAY: None
*COW Special Meeting items scheduled to follow CC meeting have been moved to the next COW
meeting on 11/15/2021.
12. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business before the Urbana City Council Chair Marlin adjourned this meeting at 10:42
P.M.
Darcy Sandefur Minutes approved: 11/22/2021
Recording Secretary
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Page 3 of 3
Agenda
URBANA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
DATE: Monday, November 8, 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
1. October 11th, 2021
2. October 25th, 2021
3. October 28th and 29th, 2021 – Joint Town Hall Meetings
C. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
D. CLOSED SESSION: Property Acquisition Issues, Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (5)
E. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INPUT
1. Youth Programing Social Services Staff Report – CD
2. Voices of West Urbana Petition – CM Wu and CM Kolisetty
3. Public Input
F. COUNCIL INPUT AND COMMUNICATIONS
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
H. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Committee Of The Whole (Council Member Chaundra Bishop – Ward 5)
1. CONSENT AGENDA
2. REGULAR AGENDA
a. Ordinance No. 2021-10-046: An Ordinance Authorizing Sale of City-Owned Real Estate:
1407 Wiley Drive (92-21-16-352-006), 809 South Glover Avenue (92-21-16-181-007), 1811
East Florida Avenue (92-21-16-481-061) – PW
I. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
J. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
K. NEW BUSINESS
1. Ordinance No. 2021-11-047: An Ordinance Approving a Major Variance
(Accessory Parking at 1005 Philo Rd. / ZBA Case No. 2021-MAJ-07) – CD
L. 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: Nov 8, 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/85809724020
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799, 85809724020# or +13017158592, 85809724020#
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: 858 0972 4020
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kehhNs7V9P
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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