McHenry Times

The Woodstock City Council met May 17.

The city of Woodstock operates under the council-manager form of government that combines the political leadership of an elected mayor and six city council members with an appointed city manager. The city council oversees all activities in the city and serves the needs of city residents. City council meetings are held at 7:00 p.m.on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun St.

Here are the minutes of the May 17 meeting as provided by Woodstock:

The regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Brian Sager on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Sager welcomed those present and explained the consent calendar process and invited public participation.

City Clerk Smiley confirmed that the agenda before the Council is a true and correct copy of the published agenda.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniel Hart, RB Thompson, Maureen Larson, Joseph Starzynski, Michael Turner, and Mayor Brian Sager

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Saladin

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Finance Director Paul Christensen, Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Planning and Zoning Department Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Nancy Baker, IT Manager Dan McElmeel, Fleet Supervisor Rob Lamz, Deputy Chief of Police John Lieb, Police Sgt. Rob Pritchard, Police Sgt. Jeff Parsons, Police Sgt. Joshua Fourdyce, and Police Department Office Manager Tamara Reed.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Proclamation Honoring Police Chief Robert Lowen

Mayor Sager stated this evening the City has the bittersweet duty to provide a proclamation honoring Police Chief Robert Lowen upon his retirement. He stated Chief Lowen and his wife, Debbie, have made a very important decision which is a sad one for Woodstock because he has devoted more than 10 years of his life to Woodstock and has done a stellar job as the Chief of Police. Mayor Sager stated the City wishes to say thank you for that service and let him know that we wish him to enjoy every minute of his retirement but also that we are sad to say good-bye.

Without objection, the Proclamation Honoring Chief Robert Lowen upon his retirement was approved and accepted by the City Council.

Councilmembers Turner and Thompson joined Mayor Sager at the podium upon which the Mayor asked Chief and Mrs. Lowen to join them.

Mayor Sager read the proclamation and presented it to Chief Lowen, with flowers being presented to Mrs. Lowen.

Chief Lowen thanked the Mayor for his kind words. He stated he very much enjoyed working for the City of Woodstock, noting this was a difficult decision. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for their support of the Police Department during his tenure. Chief Lowen stated he has worked for two professional City Managers during his time in Woodstock who put together exceptional management teams. He also noted that these City Managers and the professional teams did an excellent job in managing the City during very difficult economic times. He thanked City Manager Roscoe Stelford for his tremendous support and encouragement.

Chief Lowen stated he could not be more proud of Woodstock’s Police Department, noting they make thousands of contacts with the public each year with very few complaints. Chief Lowen stated the Woodstock Police Department solved every major crime which occurred during his tenure. He stated the Department has respect across not only McHenry County but also throughout Northern Illinois.

Chief Lowen stated he is delighted that Deputy Chief John Lieb will move the department forward as the next Chief of Police for the City of Woodstock.

Chief Lowen then acknowledged his fellow Department Directors and the employees of the City of Woodstock. He noted that many times everything they do for the City and its residents is taken for granted, but there is not a better, more professional crew.

Lastly, Chief Lowen acknowledged and thanked his wife, stating she has been there for him for the past 39 years.

Chief Lowen closed by stating he has had a 45-year career in law enforcement and would do it all again.

Mayor Sager again thanked Chief Lowen and also Mrs. Lowen for their service to Woodstock 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. He thanked Mrs. Lowen and the Chief’s family for their sacrifice in putting up with the countless hours that the Chief was away from them dedicating himself to the City and its residents. He then presented Chief Lowen with a replica of the Sesquicentennial Park clock stating life is full of time and we have a choice as to how we spend it.

He thanked Chief Lowen for his dedicated services and the time he spent with us.

Chief Lowen and Mrs. Lowen were recognized with hearty applause.

Mayor Sager then noted the opportunity to recognize another Chief stating he is pleased and honored that Deputy Chief John Lieb has made the conscious decision to serve as Woodstock’s next Chief of Police. He stated he is happy and proud that the Deputy Chief will be the next Chief, noting the Department could not be in better hands in the past and in the future.

Mayor Sager also made the announcement of the advancement of Rob Lamz, a long-term employee with the Department of Public Works who has been promoted to Fleet Supervisor.

Public Comment

Joe stated according to the agenda anyone wishing to address the City Council must provide his or her name and address for the record. He noted he shares the opinion of the Attorney General that an address is not required to speak to a public body. He asked that the City of Woodstock take a more passive tone.

Mayor Sager stated he always adds “if you are willing to do so” when inviting public comment and asking for a name and address, reminding Joe that he did so this evening.

Joe stated he wants people to be more involved and is concerned that people may feel they will suffer from retaliation.

Joe then stated he has questions concerning Home Rule and has submitted requests for information and not been able to find the information. He asked how the gains in the specific areas to be counted in the Special Census are calculated against the losses in the rest of the City. Mayor Sager stated this would be up to the U.S. Census Bureau. Joe stated that the Census Bureau will not provide that information to him, stating they have a contract with the City. Mayor Sager referred this matter to the City Manager who will try to obtain the requested information for Joe.

Joe then referenced the Downers Grove Policy which was discussed at the last City Council meeting requesting that the City consider an emergency contingency be added to provide for an advisory referendum before implementation of a tax increase. Mayor Sager stated his opinion that the resolution that will be considered at the future meeting does allow for an emergency contingency concerning the implementation of a tax adjustment. In response to a question from Joe, Mayor Sager stated the Council is not interested in including the referenda process in the policy.

M. Turner noted the possibility of a referendum is a continual process that is always possible. He stated the Council made a determination that there will be no set threshold for an advisory referendum.

Joe noted his interest in increasing public involvement and his opinion that the petition process discussed in the Downers Grove Policy would do this. Mayor Sager stated the Public Hearing that is proposed to be included in the policy that Council will be considering in the future is a more beneficial opportunity for the public to interact on this issue in his opinion.

M. Turner noted out of the 200+ Home Rule communities in the State of Illinois, only one other has a Policy like the one the City Council will be considering.

Bill Batjes, 510 Leah Lane, requested that the City look into the many individuals that are soliciting in his neighborhood trying to sell electricity. City Manager Stelford noted the City does not allow such solicitation and requested that Mr. Batjes or his neighbors contact City Hall with information as to who is soliciting, stating the City will follow-up with them.

Council Comments

M. Larson reminded those present that Artspace is happening tomorrow and Thursday, noting this is an opportunity for the public to find out how the arts can be better incorporated in the City and the Woodstock Square. She noted her appreciation to the McHenry County Community Foundation for a grant which supported this process.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Larson, to approve Consent Agenda Items B through E-7 as indicated.

Mayor Sager asked if there were any questions or comments on the Consent Agenda items.

Item E-5 – UDO Amendment

M. Larson stated she requested and noted it was very complicated to get the appropriate language together. She stated she appreciates the efforts of Nancy Baker and the Plan Commission.

Mayor Sager agreed that this has taken great effort, noting this is the first time this has had an indepth review and took a strong look at electrical signage and yard signage in the context of protecting freedom of speech. In addition, he noted there are court cases that could affect this.

Item E-6 – Facade Improvement

In response to a question from a member of the public, Mayor Sager stated this item is for approval to utilize facade improvement funds for 100-108 N. Benton, 150-107 N. Jefferson, and 216 Main Street.

In response to further questioning, N. Baker stated all of these addresses are within the historic district. She explained the improvements that will be made at each of the locations, noting nothing historic will be removed and the work will not affect the historic appearances or will bring the buildings back to their historic appearances for the appropriate decades.

Item E-7 – Sheriff’s House Historical Marker

M. Larson thanked Ms. Spaltro for her efforts on this project. She questioned the language that is proposed for the plaque and requested that it be looked at further.

Kathleen Spaltro, 143 Lawrence Avenue, discussed the origin of this project and how it was proposed to commemorate the stay of Eugene V. Debs at the Sheriff’s House. She provided the criteria for acceptance by the Illinois State Historical Society stating what is on the marker must be of national importance.

Ms. Spaltro opined that the proposed language would not be approved and provided more information on the history of Mr. Debs, the Pullman Strike, and the resulting court case which resulted in his incarceration in the Sheriff’s House. She noted this changed Debs who went on to become a national leader, running for president five times. She also discussed why this is of national importance and her opinion that additional language reflecting this should be included on the plaque.

Ms. Spaltro stated there are plans for a Pullman National Park in Chicago and noted this historic designation could offer the City the opportunity to join with this event that will be getting a great deal of publicity and national attention.

A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the language proposed for the plaque with Mayor Sager providing information on how the proposed language was developed. M. Larson stated she would like the plaque to tell some sort of story that would be of interest to the people and does not think the language is there yet. She wishes it to tell a more compelling story.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, the majority of the Councilmembers felt it appropriate to move forward with this item on the consent calendar, including support of the plaque at a cost of $1,700. M. Larson stated she was supportive of the plaque, including the cost, but wishes to have the wording revisited. Ms. Spaltro stated the wording is simply the wording for the application and must be approved by the Illinois State Historical Society, which she feels is unlikely. She noted it is likely that there will be negotiations between the Society and the City.

She recommended approving the plaque this evening and letting the City and the Historical Society work out the wording.

Mayor Sager agreed, stating the story is very engaging and complicated, noting his wish to make sure the plaque will draw people into the building to tell its story as well.

In response to another question from Mayor Sager concerning Council’s wish, it was the consensus of the Council to move forward with this item on the consent calendar, including support of the plaque at a cost of $1,700. For the record, Mayor Sager stated this item can remain on the Consent Calendar and be approved as presented because the recommendation of the staff remains unchanged.

B. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

May 3, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes

May 3, 2016 Executive Session Minutes

C. WARRANTS: 3712 3713

D. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Public Works Monthly Report – April 2016

Recreation Department Monthly Report – April 2016

Economic Development Monthly Report – May 2016

Economic Development Commission Minutes – March 8, 2016

Environmental Commission Minutes – April 7, 2016

Cultural and Social Awareness/Environmental Commission Joint Meeting Minutes – April 7, 2016

Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commission Minutes – April 18, 2016

Cultural and Social Awareness/Environmental Commission Joint Meeting Minutes – May 5, 2016

Historic Preservation Commission – February 22, 2016

E. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 68

1. Award of Contract – Fine Screen Repair – Approval of the following:

a) Waiver of the requirement for competitive bidding and award of contract in the amount of $4,500 to DPS Equipment Services Inc. for the repair of the fine screen at the southwest side Water Treatment Plant;

b) Waiver of the requirement for competitive bidding and award of contract in the amount of $11,585 to Ley & Associates for the parts necessary for the repair of the fine screen.

2. Purchase – Ice Control Salt - Approval of a two-year contract for the purchase of bulk rock salt to be supplied throughout the winters of FY16/17 and FY17/18 by Compass Minerals Inc., at a unit price of $61.87 per ton.

3. Award of Contract – HVAC Preventative Maintenance - Approval of award of contract for HVAC preventative maintenance, including an annual preventative maintenance service contract in the amount of $17,200, a regular hourly rate guarantee of $95, an emergency hourly rate guarantee of $142.50, and parts discount of 10%, to the lowest responsible bidder, Geostar Mechanical Inc.

4. Award of Contract – Water Booster Station Repairs – Approval of award of contract for the replacement of the rotating element and impellor in one of the pumps in the Borden Street water booster station to HydroAire Service for an amount not-to exceed $28,300.

5. UDO Amendment – Adoption of Ordinance 16-O-36, identified as Document No. 1, An Ordinance Approving Test Amendments to Chapter 13 of the Unified Development Ordinance.

6. Facade Improvement – Approval of allocation of Facade Improvement Funds in the amount of $797 for property located at 100-108 N. Benton Street, $2,113 for property located at 105-107 N. Jefferson Street, and $1,255 for restoration of the sign plus an additional amount not to exceed $1,500 for clock restoration for property located at 216 Main Street.

7. Sheriff’s House Historical Marker – Approval of the submission of an application to the Illinois Historical Society for a historic marker with certain proposed language and the expenditure of $1,700 for the purchase of the marker.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda items B through E-7. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Saladin. Motion carried.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by M. Turner, second by RB Thompson, to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing:

Personnel (Open Meetings Act: 5ILCS 120/2)(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.

City Manager’s Performance Evaluation

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: None. Absentees: M. Saladin. Abstentions: None. Motion carried.

The Woodstock City Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:02PM.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

The City Council returned to Open Session at 9:33PM.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniel Hart, Maureen Larson, Joseph Starzynski, RB Thompson, Michael Turner, and Mayor Sager.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mark Saladin

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford and City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no items added or removed from the Tentative Future Agendas.

ADJOURN

Motion by M. Turner, second by RB Thompson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: M. Saladin. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m