Normal council approves emergency ordinance in response to COVID-19

Posted on March 23, 2020

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – The Normal Town Council approved an ordinance Monday night that grants emergency decision-making powers for Mayor Chris Koos and City Manager Pam Reece.

The ordinance passed 7-0, but council members removed the most controversial part of the ordinance. Section 11 would’ve granted Koos the power to set a curfew and ban the sale of guns, ammunition, and alcohol.

“I heard the concerns tonight and there were a lot of concerns about personal freedoms and rights,” said the mayor. “I will say the town has no authority to supersede the Illinois Constitution or U.S. Constitution.”

The ordinance allows the mayor and city manager to make decisions outside the typical scope of the personnel code, procurement policy, etc., as needed during the pandemic crisis. For example, Reece can modify the use of sick leave for non-union employees or close town facilities to protect the health of employees and the public.

The emergency declaration will continue for the duration of the governor’s disaster proclamation which was issued March 9.

Meanwhile, the Bloomington City Council was supposed to enact an emergency ordinance Monday night, but the meeting was canceled due to technical difficulties. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled later this week.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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