NORMAL - A Chicago consulting firm has been hired to help the Uptown Normal Business Association decide if creating a business improvement district is right for the area.

Normal City Council members approved hiring S.B. Friedman & Co. for $8,500 at Monday's meeting. The town is paying the cost since the UNBA doesn't have the funds.

Uptown Marketing Manager Nora Dukowitz said businesses want more information about a business improvement district to see if they want to move forward with the idea. Business improvement districts typically assess a tax within a set district and use the money for such things as snow removal, trash pickup and marketing for the area.

S.B. Friedman & Co. will do a phone conference, review existing plans, tour the area, meet with key stakeholders and give an educational presentation about BIDs, also known as special service areas.

In another matter, the council also approved the First Assembly of God master plan, which will bring a new sanctuary to the east of the church at 800 E. Vernon Ave., and a new parking lot to the west.