From the City Manager's Desk: |
|
|
City Manager Pamela Reece
|
| Weathering the Wild, Together |
This past weekend’s storm impacted Normal, Bloomington and residents across McLean County. The tornadoes on Friday, April 17 created a wild ride, and we are deeply grateful no one was seriously injured.
We saw damage to homes, impacted trees and downed power lines. If you experienced damage of any kind on your personal property, complete the Self-Report Public Damage Report. Please complete the form even if you no longer need assistance. This information is vital for our communities to qualify for help from the state or federal governments.
|
|
|
Thank you to public safety first responders and hats off to all who worked long days over the weekend. Utility crews restored power, and Town crews cleared debris from streets, parks and Constitution Trail, helping restore safety and normalcy as quickly as possible. This week, in addition to regularly scheduled curbside collections, additional Town crews have been assisting with brush and bulk waste collection.
|
|
|
Storm aside, we're nearly one month into the new fiscal year and already covering a lot of ground. Parks & Recreation Master Planning is underway. With spring here, we're starting new projects, from water main replacements to adding new playgrounds and enhancing public spaces.
May is sure to bring flowers, along with the kickoff of Normal LIVE music at Uptown Circle. Stay tuned as we install art in the Sculpture Garden. Plus, Town teams are planning summer fun with fireworks, festivals, events and more.
Mark your calendars for June 7 and plan to attend the Town's Route 66 Centennial Celebration, a roadside picnic extravaganza in honor of the Mother Road's 100th anniversary.
|
Parks & Recreation wants to hear from you! Share your voice, take the Survey |
Participate in an open house at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 29 at the Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St. in One Normal Plaza off Beech Street.
|
On April 20, the Normal Town Council took the following actions:
|
|
|
- Accepted bids for the 2026 Sump Pump Discharge and Storm Sewer Improvements Project to address drainage concerns related to sump pump discharges
- Awarded a bid and approved a budget adjustment for the Linden Street Water Main Improvement Project which will replace a six-inch water main and improve valves, fire hydrants and water services
- Authorized a three-year agreement for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display
- Approved a professional services agreement for insurance broker services for employee benefits
- Waived the formal bidding process and approved a contract for the Fire Department Headquarters Apparatus Bay Resurfacing Project
- Conditionally approved the Bramble Hall Subdivision Final Plat at 300 W. Willow, permitting the construction of a multifamily structure near campus in a time when new housing is in high demand
- Awarded a contract for the purchase of a modular playground unit and poured in place rubber surfacing for Rosa Parks Commons to replace equipment installed in 2005
- Authorized the purchase of equipment from National Fitness Campaign and the installation of a fitness court studio
-
Took several actions on the Uptown Renewal Tax Increment Redevelopment Project Area to encourage new development and reinvestment within the Uptown North district
- Initiated a zoning text amendment for battery energy storage systems, directing the Planning Commission to begin the public input process
-
Approved an appointment to the Bloomington-Normal Asahikawa Sister Cities Committee
|
| Sump pumps that outlet onto streets and sidewalks cause the pavement to deteriorate because of constant moisture.
|
The Fitness Court Studio at Rosa Parks Commons will provide a year-round, outdoor, accessible unique
fitness space, providing opportunities to improve
physical fitness, emotional and mental health and pursue healthy, active living.
|
|
|
Above: Community input helped select planned improvements for Rosa Parks Commons, including a new playground structure and poured-in-place rubber surface. The project includes new sidewalks and improved pathways for accessibility. Demolition of the existing structure is planned for July.
|
|
|
April 23: The Foxtail Film Festival 2026 kicks off with a feature-length documentary from a Central-Illinois based filmmaker.
|
| | April 30: The last day to get Early Bird Pricing for Pool Passes.
|
|
|
Enjoy "From the Farm to a Healthy Me" |
On April 9, the Children's Discovery Museum opened its brand-new “From the Farm to a Healthy Me” exhibit to the public, bringing hands-on learning, interactive play and fresh opportunities for connection to the community.
|
| |
Above: Mayor Chris Koos and Fundraising Co-Chair Larry Dietz help a museum patron cut the ribbon.
|
| Above: A family checks out the carrots and other vegetables in the Toddler Garden.
|
|
|
Above: A museum visitor checks out the pigs on the farm.
|
| Above: A museum visitor reaches to "turn on the water" for the pigs.
|
|
|
| Above: A young consumer uses the self-check station at the Wonder Market.
Left: A young boy enjoys driving the tractor on the farm.
|
|
Above: A food truck worker serves a customer a triple-dip cone of ice cream, made possible by the cows on the farm (and in the background).
|
|
|
Get news delivered right to your inbox |
| |
|
| Don't miss an email! In your inbox, tag the Normal Now emails as Primary (Google) or Focused (Outlook) to ensure you get them as soon as they are delivered.
|
|
|
|
Thank you for being part of our community! We want to hear from you! Let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to see in future editions of Normal Now.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
Town of Normal Communications Dept | Normal, IL 61761 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
| | |
|
|
