City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingUrbana, IL · March 7, 2022
Minutes
COMMITTEE OF THE
WHOLE MINUTES
DATE: Monday, March 7th, 2022
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,
March 7th, 2022, 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 Chaundra Bishop, CM Grace Wilken, CM James Quisenberry
ELECTED OFFICIALS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Darcy Sandefur, Carol Mitten, Dave Wesner, Bourema Ouedraogo, Shannon Beranek,
Sheila Dodd, William Kolschowsky,
OTHERS PRESENT: Patrick Thompson, VEYA Inc.; Ashlee McLaughlin, CCRPC;
Chair: Grace Wilken, Ward 6
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
With a quorum virtually present, Chair Wilken called the meeting of the Committee of the Whole to
order at 7:00 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. February 21st, 2022
Presented by Chair Wilken.
Motion to approve by CM Wu and seconded by CM Bishop.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
b. Strategic Goal-Setting Session February 22nd, 2022
Presented by Chair Wilken.
Motion to approve as corrected by CM Bishop and seconded by CM Kolisetty.
CM Wilken provided corrections prior to meeting via email.
CM Wilken proposed an amendment removing strategy two title as it appears “Enhance and Expand
Public Safety”
Discussion ensued.
CM Evans seconded.
Further discussion ensued.
Page 1 of 5
Vote by roll call on amendment:
AYE: Evans, Wilken
NAY: Wu, Hursey, Bishop, Quisenberry
PRESENT: Kolisetty
Vote by roll call to approve minutes:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Bishop, Quisenberry
NAY: Wilken
PRESENT: Kolisetty
3. Additions to the Agenda
None
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. Contracting with African American Businesses – Patrick Thompson and CMs Evans and
Wilken
Presented by Patrick Thompson. CM Evans provided an introduction for Mr. Patrick Thompson
founder of VEYA, Inc, a construction company specializing in concrete work. Wants the City to hire a
director of diversity specializing in economic development who would work to create economic
opportunities for minority businesses. Provided statistics detailing numbers of minority owned
businesses and their representation in contracts. Stressed the importance of enacting social and policy
changes to better support diversifying City contract recipients. Questions and discussion ensued.
b. Public Input
Rev. Dr. Evelyn Underwood thanked council for bringing Mr. Thompsons presentation to council
tonight. Stressed the importance of supporting minority businesses. Julie Watkins expressed concern
about previous week’s presentation about possible allocation of COVID response funds. Expressed
disagreement with utilizing COVID funds for a building. Brandi McCoy expressed concerns about
UPD use of force and Taser review policy and previous questions. Spoke in support of increasing traffic
safety with additional stop signs and street lights. Spoke in support of prioritizing affordable housing
and wants to see more information about resources. Allan Max Axelrod provided an update on the
Utility shut-off moratorium campaign. Spoke in support of the city adopting a dedicated focus to
prioritize minority owned businesses. Spoke in support of supporting programs like SWFT. Angel
Johnson spoke in support of Mr. Thompson’s presentation. Expressed concerns about attempts made
previously to seek City support for her businesses. Tracy Chong expressed concerns about UPD
changes to CPRB Taser review policy. Inquired about the status of the advisory committee for public
safety. CM Jaya Kolisetty read on behalf of Sarah Nixon (attached).
5. Staff Report
None.
Page 2 of 5
6. Ordinance No. 2022-03-010: An Ordinance Amending Schedule H of Section 23-93 of the
Urbana Local Traffic Code Requiring Stop Signs at a Certain Intersection (Ogelthorpe Avenue
at Rainbow View; Montgomery Street at Rainbow View; Michigan Avenue at Ogelthorpe
Avenue; Michigan Avenue at Abercorn Street; Michigan Avenues at Montgomery Street) – PW
Presented by Shannon Beranek of Public Works. Following a survey of residents in the area reviewing
traffic concerns, the outlined intersections are currently uncontrolled. Traffic commission, as well as
residents who initially submitted commentary, support the installation of stop signs. Questions and
discussion ensued.
Motion to approve to consent agenda by CM Wu and seconded by CM Hursey.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Quisenberry, Wilken, Bishop, Kolisetty, Hursey, Evans, Wu
NAY: None.
7. Resolution No. 2022-03-026R: A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a DCEO Grant
(Nevada Street Lighting Project) – CD
Presented by Shannon Beranek of Public Works. Due to lack of staff and time, this grant was not
previously executed fully after being awarded. Grant is a reimbursement based grant to pay for a portion
of the previously expended costs on the street lighting project. There will be a subsequent grant for a
separate street lighting project on Matthew Street at a future meeting. Questions and discussion ensued.
Motion to approve to consent agenda by CM Bishop and seconded by CM Wu.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None.
8. Resolution No. 2022-03-024R: A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Volume Cap in
Connection with Private Activity Bond Issues, Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, and
Related Matters (Private Bond Cap Allocation – Assist Programs, Series 2022) – CD
Presented with Resolution No. 2022-02-025R together by Community Development Director Sheila
Dodd. This is a tax exempt bond that the City may grant towards priorities. Previous investments have
been made in Crystal View Townhomes and Prairie Green Apartments. There is no fiscal impact with
these items, but instead is a designation for how the municipality shall designate the state funds. Must be
executed by May 1st or the state will make their own designation. Discussion and questions ensued.
Motion to approve to regular agenda by CM Hursey and seconded by CM Wu.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None.
Page 3 of 5
9. Resolution No. 2022-03-025R: A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Volume Cap in
Connection with Private Activity Bond Issues, Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, and
Related Matters (Private Bond Cap Allocation – IDHA, Series 2022) – CD
Presented with item eight above.
Motion to approve to regular agenda by CM Hursey and seconded by CM Wu.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Quisenberry, Bishop, Hursey, Wu, Kolisetty, Wilken, Evans
NAY: None.
10. Council Input and Communications
CM Quisenberry shared that on 21st and 28th he will be on a work trip and does not anticipate
disruptions to his attendance but wishes to have another member chair in the event that he is unable to
attend. Mayor Marlin explained that the public safety advisory committee has been rolled into the
public safety review. The council just submitted a request for qualifications for that safety review.
Provided clarity about the EQUAL project and urged residents who wish to see updates to
infrastructure to provide input.
Motion for a 5 minute recesses by CM Wilken and seconded by CM Bishop.
Vote by roll call:
AYE: Wu, Evans, Hursey, Kolisetty, Bishop, Wilken, Quisenberry
NAY: None
Will return at 9:10 PM.
11. Discussion
a. Public Input Survey and Plan for ARPA Concept Place
Presented by William Kolschowsky from the Executive Department. Shared a PowerPoint presentation
detailing process on ARPA Public Input Plan following the last RPC presentation. Shared a timeline of
the process to date and upcoming steps. Explained the opportunities and methods for the public to
provide public input on ARPA allocations. Shared the priority areas the public may provide input on
and the prompts designed to organize the input. Outlined the community organizations patterning with
the City to aide in collecting public input. Ashlee McLaughlin from Champaign County Regional
Planning was present to help in answering questions. Council asked questions and offered suggested
edits.
b. Continuing Conversation on Council Goals – CMs Wilken and Kolisetty
CM Kolisetty introduced the discussion. CM Kolisetty expressed the desire to not rush this process and
the idea of continuing the discussion during council meetings. Council members shared their thoughts
on continuing this item at future meetings. Some council members expressed that the goals are not
meant to be perfect but instead are working goals and that this item should be introduced at
Committee and then later Council for approval. Some Council members expressed the desire to spend
additional time on the structuring of goals with relation to their priority. Some Council members
expressed a desire to see specific items revisited and prioritized. Council began discussing restructuring
of previously draft goals. Council asked staff to prepare a draft set of goals following the last session to
come before Council at the next committee meeting to work from. Council members asked for
procedural guidance on future decision making in later discussions.
Page 4 of 5
12. Adjournment
With no further business before the committee of the whole Chair Wilken adjourned the meeting at
9:52 PM
Darcy Sandefur
Recording Secretary
This meeting was video recorded and is viewable on-demand HERE.
Minutes approved: 03/21/2022
Page 5 of 5
Sandefur, Darcy
From:·
Sent:
SN <prairienestmail@gmail.com>
Monday, March 07, 2022 5:06 PM 1
:l 1
}i
To: ! Kolisetty, Jaya ,
Cc:·. !City Council; Marlin, Diane; Mitten; Carol; Ashlee Mc Laughlin
Subject: Fwd: Urb~na ARPA recovery funds
. ?"**.tma1I FromAirExterilal Source***.·.
Use caution:when clickhig on links 'Or O enin .attachments.·.· · :
Dear Jaya,
I am unable to attend this evening's City Council meeting due to a meeting conflict, but am writing.
to you as my alderperson to request that my public comment please be read into the meeting .
record, as follows:
Dear City Council,
My name is Sarah Nixon. I would like to commend the efforts of Ms Ashlee Mc Laughlin at the
Regional Planning Commission, who .I understand is managing the process of gathering public
input related to Urbana's ARPA 'funding spending.·
Ms Mc Laughlin has expended time and effort on two occasions (most recently earlier today) ·
· to hear and respond to my concerns about Urbana's lack of comprehensively coordinated ·
services and resources for child arid adult victims of court system failure, law enforcement ·
failure, and failure of social service agencies to work together effectively to address family .. · ·
violence and·related issues, which encompass.a nexus of serious issues including child abuse,
partner abuse, mental health injuries, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, legal
ramifications, too-frequent failures by law enforcement and the courts; and more~
I initially spoke with Ms Mc Laughlin a month ago about my concern, on behalf of survivors in
the commuri1ty of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, that Urbana (and Champaign -
· indeed, Champaign County as a whole) critically needs a Family Justice Center - a "one-stop- .
· stop" center that provides, under one roof, wraparound services for victims of family · ·
· .violence. Ms Mc Laughlin has been responsive and helpful, _and has taken the time to give me ·
support and suggestions in my quest to see a Champaign County Family Justice Center
materialize.
I appreciate her willingness to engage with the problem, and I urge you all on City Council to;
in turn - please - visit the Alliance For Hope lnternational's webpage at·
www.allianceforhope.com, for detailed information on the philosophy and rationale behind .
the Family Justice Center concept, and to learn, practically., how Urbana I Champaign / the
County can go about planning and establishing one for our community.
· It's doable. And we need to do it.
1
Agenda
URBANA CITY COUNCIL
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING
DATE: Monday, March 7th, 2022
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: Grace Wilken – Ward 6
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting
a. February 21st, 2022
b. Strategic Goal-Setting Session February 22nd, 2022
3. Additions to the Agenda
4. Public Input and Presentations
a. Contracting with African American Businesses – Patrick Thompson and CMs
Evans and Wilken
b. Public Input
5. Staff Report
6. Ordinance No. 2022-03-010: An Ordinance Amending Schedule H of Section 23-93 of the
Urbana Local Traffic Code Requiring Stop Signs at a Certain Intersection (Ogelthorpe Avenue at
Rainbow View; Montgomery Street at Rainbow View; Michigan Avenue at Ogelthorpe Avenue;
Michigan Avenue at Abercorn Street; Michigan Avenues at Montgomery Street) – PW
7. Resolution No. 2022-03-026R: A Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a DCEO Grant
(Nevada Street Lighting Project) – CD
8. Resolution No. 2022-03-024R: A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Volume Cap in
Connection with Private Activity Bond Issues, Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, and
Related Matters (Private Bond Cap Allocation – Assist Programs, Series 2022) – CD
9. Resolution No. 2022-03-025R: A Resolution Approving the Transfer of Volume Cap in
Connection with Private Activity Bond Issues, Single-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, and
Related Matters (Private Bond Cap Allocation – IDHA, Series 2022) – CD
10. Council Input and Communications
11. Discussion
a. Public Input Survey and Plan for the ARPA Concept Plan
b. Continuing Conversation on Council Goals – CMs Wilken and Kolisetty
12. 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: Mar 7, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87902177938
Or one tap mobile:
US: +13126266799, 87902177938# or +13017158592, 87902177938#
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: 879 0217 7938
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keInXROEKv
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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