By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – The Normal Town Council Monday night paved the way for a possible property rights lawsuit pitting the town against one of its new council members.
The council voted unanimously not to waive $11,904 in sewer connection fees for 15.44 acres owned by council member Stan Nord at 2012 W. College Ave.
Nord’s attorney Ryan Powers told the council it’s not fair the town didn’t bill the previous property owners.
“Why did the other owners get a free pass, but Mr. Nord doesn’t? That’s a question we want to ask the council and the town,” said Powers.
Council member Chemberly Cummings blasted Nord for placing business interests ahead of community’s needs.
“It’s a little surprising when you have somebody who’s parading and being a bean counter for every dollar that we collect and spend in this community, and as an elected official, do not want to at least say, ‘You know what? I understand what’s going on here. It will be for the betterment of my community. I understand the importance of the sewer, the sewer tap-on, our growth,’ and (he) just says ‘I’m special. I don’t want to pay it.'”
Nord’s council ally Karyn Smith failed to get a second on her motion to waive the fees.
“I think for $11,000, I question whether or not there is a legitimate reason for us to pursue this matter,” said Smith.
Smith said she wound up voting with the rest of the council so Nord can develop the property and challenge the fees in court.
Nord recused himself from voting, or discussing the matter.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
