[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6126555,"mediaKeyId","2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31","parentId",2667700,"title","Renters, students and organizers urge Normal council to support HB3687 to lift Illinois rent-control ban","audioSeconds",510,"startMs",1312000,"endMs",1822000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31&start=1312&end=1822","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31/thumbnail_1312000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126555/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Renters-students-and-organizers-urge-Normal-council-to-support-HB3687-to-lift-Illinois-rent-control-ban","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126555-c9d0c95b7df9a4110b578331e266078e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775253407&Signature=izQNCTmZJiLIfa6sl6UwYUsZvTRqAQoVLV6FNtBtb67VDYB4b3BK4fn9WycbVNcPWAhYyOO87Ki8Q~yqZ7lT18~lksgSMRQSNZFAtlYmIh7yu~tloz-fU7KmTyErOfWp-Qe93Sob~a1k6rIFNtZ144ezsI3zlA6YOtdOx11Rt1tdKswizXln7~lAQxiVdQfFQQ-i-8vESPj2D4hD3pij~aafxSdkFayiru7S749673o8Rhq0oe3CBmZ1G7NFbpinjfLJyAkMGrb3U-v7q1yGhNEvCD5~F9S6bBclB4txO6OTOMm~GT~oSRkjlylJJ3kobWj4WIt9eo-yXGu-SUSwlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Normal, IL","date","2025-03-17T16:02:41Z","article","Four public commenters at the March 17 council meeting urged the council to support HB3687, a state measure that would allow local jurisdictions to lift Illinois’s statewide ban on municipal rent control.

James Moldovan, who identified himself as a Bloomington-Normal resident of more than 20 years, cited county and statewide statistics and personal examples: “McLean County is deeply impacted with 31% of renters facing a severe burden,” he said, and noted that rent has risen “55% since 2019.” Moldovan said Illinois ranks fourth nationally for rent hikes and urged the council to publicly stand with renters and support HB3687 before the April 1 mayoral election.

Andrew Franson, a freshman at Illinois State University, said rising rents make it difficult for students to move to and remain in Normal and asked Mayor Coos and council members to engage students and encourage turnout in local elections. “Forty percent of the population of Normal is students,” Franson said, and he asked the council to acknowledge students as a key part of the community.

Rebecca Mangels, who said she teaches at multiple local institutions and runs a nonprofit, described carrying substantial rent burden despite multiple jobs and called on council members to support HB3687 so alumni and students can remain and contribute to the community.

Sonny Garcia, newly hired as the Lift the Ban Coalition McLean County organizer, said last week’s Bloomington actions and an upcoming March 22 day of action seek to pressure legislators to lift the statewide ban so municipalities can consider locally tailored options. Garcia said organizers are inviting mayoral candidates and council members to meet renters at People’s Park on campus to talk about housing issues.

Council did not take action on the request during the meeting; public comment concluded and the council proceeded to other agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Of Normal Liquor Commission & Town Council Meeting March 17th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Four public commenters — residents, students and an organizer with Lift the Ban Coalition — urged the Normal Town Council to publicly support HB3687, which would allow municipalities to lift the statewide ban on rent control established in 1997; speakers cited local rent increases, eviction filings, and student impacts.","taxTitle","Normal, McLean County, Illinois","taxId",4238,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126560,"Council approves omnibus bids, plats, rezoning and reappointments (votes at a glance)",472,704000,1176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31&start=704&end=1176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31/thumbnail_704000.jpg","/articles/6126560/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-approves-omnibus-bids-plats-rezoning-and-reappointments-votes-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126560-f8c159b7f30683a712974eb80c8aaf4b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775253407&Signature=U7uZQGukjXil9jcWSAPO3~FXLGwoPaQ657cZp9T1wz57kXBSe4o26u2k4MsxRi4GwnjPBFJLvKiYnFiSDsaSbtdMnb80DIoUlZ0jAGPkHc~7riry6mQjEioAmiLusMSxxQyIfXQtylQyrYIkmygQ7FviN7OrjOmYDXdVt0XyQkXsUwqvsgOZ5aGcNU9lj3b-rwKrPn--2NGMGM2Y-qdsUrXvU4jeEoooK4ub9v~TIxr-Nk9enFOlq3iDLmhrvNWMX-PSBvfiRjRQ-Y8zEHem5kYBKeOqt1~HlqBfC35Cx80r9wQCEfAdMaD1mLUwiuick~n3wJJ4uc3X61BLdiXM4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council on March 17 adopted several consent and general-order items in a single omnibus vote and approved multiple separate votes on subdivision, zoning and procurement matters.

Items approved under the omnibus motion included: acceptance of the town expenditures report as of March 12, 2025; award of the Delane Drive and Hale Street water main improvement project to Stark Excavating Inc. at a total cost of $928,600; purchase award for a truck-mounted hydraulic valve operator to Koning Body & Equipment at $53,113 (with associated budget adjustments); purchase of five 2025 Ford F-350 trucks from Bob Ridings Fleet Sales for $278,005; purchase and installation of a dump bed for an F-350 from Konig Body and Equipment Inc. for $42,564; and authorization of an agreement with Craig Onsrud to operate the Ironwood Golf Pro Shop and provide private golf lessons. The council also approved an ordinance accepting an early termination settlement with CMN-RUS MetroNet for the franchise agreement and conditionally approved the Grove Street subdivision final plat at 205 North Grove Street through an expedited process.

After omnibus approvals, the council voted on general orders and ordinances: it approved a preliminary subdivision plan and then a conditional final plat for the Pine Street commercial subdivision at 751 Pine Street; it approved an ordinance rezoning property at 404 Normal Avenue; and it authorized publication of the zoning map. Council also approved multiple reappointments to boards and commissions — including appointments to Connect Transit (Bloomington-Normal Transit Authority), the Convention & Visitor Bureau, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals — with specific term expiration dates listed in the meeting record.

Each item was adopted by roll-call votes recorded in the transcript (Aye votes recorded for members present).","At its March 17 meeting, the Normal Town Council approved a set of omnibus consent items and general orders including water main and vehicle purchases, preliminary and final plats for Pine Street commercial subdivision, rezoning at 404 Normal Avenue, publication of the zoning map, and multiple board and commission reappointments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126564,"Council approves $2.78 million contract for Children’s Discovery Museum exhibits; town to be reimbursed by foundation",51,1017000,1068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31&start=1017&end=1068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31/thumbnail_1017000.jpg","/articles/6126564/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-approves-278-million-contract-for-Childrens-Discovery-Museum-exhibits-town-to-be-reimbursed-by-foundation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126564-74150ff90d935f193a3b0c1f574e3611/orig.mp4?Expires=1775253407&Signature=TRpJ6KIb~tZ02WXauts7DZFvoBJmIoKmIGY2YL2PEDRfy4O30fhr61W4Is1Jov5XT~BExvXTgl~jQNQDOrYsFgg3-qdS98vpynG-QWYZGCnGK8IPfAA0zPOj72fxBcrCUQjcOsU0P4SSg91yqDj5ddYJJcP2zpb1L8QJJtsLo5GK6f0UWHtKlquHobm2pk40loFjKEh4uAEpDFn2VDw41wkL19aPJCragRzzLbol3L0Rpu4wCJDM-Z0X9wD55GpQ3jJvjnLDM79sF6xUPityKWK7~ZbdeIAfjc8ogYeTy30g8Ywj4iytraeMw3vMU52nvxi~~lCzIBW8FL82D-ROww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council on March 17 approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Ravenswood Studio Inc. to fabricate exhibits for the second floor of the Children’s Discovery Museum in an amount not to exceed $2,776,775.

Councilmember Smith asked for clarification about the town’s financial exposure. Town staff said the town historically acts as the contract holder for exhibit design, fabrication and installation and is reimbursed by the Discovery Museums Foundation as pledges and funds become available. “We will be reimbursed by the Discovery Museums Foundation,” staff said; the town incurs the expense initially but is not expected to divert $2,776,775 from other town programs such as roads or sidewalks.

The council approved the resolution by roll call.

The contract is for exhibit fabrication as part of the museum’s established exhibits master plan. Staff and council described the town’s role as administrative contract holder and affirmed the museum foundation’s responsibility to reimburse the town when foundation funds are received.","The council authorized a contract with Ravenswood Studio Inc. for exhibit fabrication for the Children's Discovery Museum second floor not to exceed $2,776,775; the town will act as contract holder and be reimbursed by the Discovery Museums Foundation as funds are raised.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126568,"Council updates Route 66 bikeway intergovernmental agreement to pursue grants",23,831000,854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31&start=831&end=854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31/thumbnail_831000.jpg","/articles/6126568/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Council-updates-Route-66-bikeway-intergovernmental-agreement-to-pursue-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126568-4a0a3946090bdc442d90ca445e06aac2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775253407&Signature=ijpP3oEuSYr47uRTlwVTtFQ3jWVtibOe5zCyhetLsfe~QweaUbcImra2vmUhW0nzqQeLTuI5XDsM64EYZ19hFODWMgynA5Rg0Finv6nafVKQcr3Kmju4LUTy7UlXTTOhnE-NMAx7vDZeKS4~HB4qI~Xo53yRM1sC0vOxtI3b41YlpusVSUP0rcog1tGWtwsPwjFXMcgF-8qZCBn89ekmEe184usubgbTz73gReX6X1tCgOOgo2qPE3ygVkr5pK5drw-i~Dl0p8uKyHX4yPv-LPa5L8jt-EgebInUQ6UG2z7S0PIHf2wn9gcuAeZROLDYlHYqXS6khVxuxra4alQ2nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Town Council on March 17 approved an amended intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with McLean County and five other communities to continue cooperative work on the Route 66 bikeway, a framework the council said is intended to pursue grants and coordinate local matching funds.

Councilmember Smith asked whether the updated agreement prescribes specific activities. Town staff responded that the amendment updates a 1999 agreement and is intended to continue a framework for jointly pursuing grants — including Illinois transportation enhancement funds — rather than to prescribe specific projects or locations.

Council members also discussed the town's share of local matching obligations. Staff said Normal’s contribution represents a 30.9% share of the local match for the partnership’s projects. Councilmembers clarified that the projects covered by the IGA are not necessarily located within Normal’s corporate limits; the agreement supports trail expansion throughout McLean County that residents from Normal use.

The council voted to approve the resolution authorizing the amended IGA; the roll call recorded unanimous approval.","Normal approved an amended intergovernmental agreement with McLean County and neighboring communities to continue a framework for pursuing grants and funding local matches to expand the Route 66 bikeway; the agreement does not specify exact project locations or activities.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6126573,"Normal liquor commission lists audit fines, approves new license",135,79000,214000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31&start=79&end=214","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667700-6544524691d72c226414395804be0a31/thumbnail_79000.jpg","/articles/6126573/Normal/McLean-County/Illinois/Normal-liquor-commission-lists-audit-fines-approves-new-license","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126573-2c4817b21f4768fa8e32a8796553d4d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775253407&Signature=N7k4aHD-ckoYwMDUSzXh9Dww7VmKq6Cp4QivHYeOmHdoIv7P8fCH6CLUeSAw2JYz-fXfgw8vAI8speIrG5d9XnOMw~UMcxSKR61sPFIu2ugoryseREabYobTcHGzJLiOKMjDZCttcGH4v1SH5eVu7-DPEme7FQ~SW9W83-aRXcaT8xukuo3kuF5ArTaEtdqL0OPtoA5TNGIK8mABrFo2ofXT4MFfIqEmM7-prC2Pq6Zkj0tJtHwwWBTsuGmGMBeS5uOOcbvY1oR-DyrTWsXY8Z31U8cv1PWH5O7wLbvCk1p8bBdME9cB7TqakI4d~NNxyrk3iVrdsz4HIhAgclXavg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Normal Local Liquor Commission on March 17 listed audit findings that produced multiple fines and approved a new retail liquor license for Real City LLC doing business as Netease at 1531 Fort Jesse Road, Unit 2.

The commission chair summarized results of recent liquor audits, naming several establishments and describing penalties. The chair said the listed businesses received first-offense fines of $250, except for one case, and that most of those fines have been paid while “2 people have yet to pay their fines.” The commission also recorded a second violation for Casey’s Retail Company that carried a $500 fine.

Commission members then voted to grant a new liquor license for Real City LLC d/b/a Netease. A motion to approve was seconded and the roll call recorded unanimous approval.

The commission also approved annual liquor license renewals. The chair noted the licenses are listed in the meeting packet and online; the chair referred to “about 20 liquor licenses under various categories” and later used a different figure, saying “about 120,” and chose not to read the list aloud.

The meeting opened with approval of minutes from a January 21, 2025 special meeting and closed after a motion to adjourn was approved.

For formal actions, the commission recorded motions and roll-call votes on the minutes, the newly issued license, and the renewals.","The Normal Local Liquor Commission reviewed audit findings that produced several first-offense fines, noted one second-offense fine, and approved a new retail liquor license for Real City LLC d/b/a Netease at 1531 Fort Jesse Road #2.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Renters, students and organizers urge Normal council to support HB3687 to lift Illinois rent-control ban

Council approves omnibus bids, plats, rezoning and reappointments (votes at a glance)

Council approves $2.78 million contract for Children’s Discovery Museum exhibits; town to be reimbursed by foundation

Council updates Route 66 bikeway intergovernmental agreement to pursue grants

Normal liquor commission lists audit fines, approves new license