McHenry Times

The Woodstock City Council met June 7.

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 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 June 7 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, June 7, 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, Mark Saladin, Joseph Starzynski, Michael Turner, and Mayor Brian Sager

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Finance Director Paul Christensen, Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, City Engineer Alan Wilson, Librarian Pam Moorhouse, and Grant Writer Terry Willcockson.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

FLOOR DISCUSSION

Public Comment

Lydia Baltalbos, 621 Dean Street, thanked Council for the opportunity to speak. Ms. Baltalbos stated she appreciates the articles which appear in the Northwest Herald and the Woodstock Independent. She stated she believes it is helpful that the meetings are being taped and stated her appreciation for the thoroughness of the minutes, noting they are correct as to her references. Ms. Baltalbos stated on June 21, there will be an open house on the land use plan and she believes also on that same day there will be a landmark vote on the use of water. How water usage affects people in Illinois and the Great Lakes Compact will be reviewed and discussed. Ms. Baltalbos discussed her concerns with water quality and efforts being made to divert Great Lakes’ water. She stated her hope that the City Council would take interest in this.

Joe Tirio stated he appreciates the inclusion of the Home Rule Policy Resolution and the more passive tone pertaining to public comments. Mr. Tirio stated he appreciates the minutes and would like for the City to begin retaining the audio recordings of the minutes.

In response to a request from Mayor Sager, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg stated her office has received an opinion from the Secretary of State confirming that the Local Records Act requires the City to retain records that are official records and in this case, those are the minutes. She further noted this would mean the City is not in violation of the Local Records Act if the recordings are deleted. She further stated there is no requirement in the law that the minutes be a verbatim recording but must memorialize the attendance and the votes and that this is the record of the meeting, not the recording.

Mr. Tirio disagreed with the statement that the recordings may be destroyed and again asked that the recordings be retained and made available to the public.

Council Comments

RB Thompson wished to call attention to the fact that recently at the Illinois High School Association’s state level, Luke Beattie took 2nd place in the 3200, having lost within the last 2 meters of the race. Councilman Thompson noted this is the final race by anyone in the Beattie family, which has been recognized as having the most members and the highest medal count at the state level.

Councilman Thompson also recognized that Marian Central recently took 2nd place in soccer this past Memorial Day and stated Will Maidment placed in the shot put. He mentioned others were recognized for athletic achievements, as well.

M. Turner noted the significant accomplishments of the Beattie family, stating all five children will be attending and competing at Division I schools. He stated this is not only locally and regionally significant, but is very special on a national level as well, noting they have achieved at an unprecedented level. He stated this should be recognized by the Council and offered to reach out to Woodstock High School and help to author this recognition. Without objection, it was the consensus of Council that Councilman Turner pursue this.

RB Thompson noted tomorrow evening will be the beginning of the City Band’s 132nd season.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by J. Starzynski, second by M. Larson, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.

The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda:

- Item D-8 – Home Rule Policy by M. Saladin

- Item D-9 – Dakota Ridge Extension by RB Thompson

RB Thompson noted he wished to ask questions on items 1, 4, and 6 which may result in their removal from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Sager invited him to proceed.

- Item D-1 – Hotel/Motel Tax Funding

In response to a question from RB Thompson, a brief discussion ensued concerning the ownership of the Challenger Learning Center. Mayor Sager noted the Challenger Center building is owned by Aurora University; however, the original not-for-profit is still operating the Challenger Program. In response to further questioning, Mayor Sager stated he does not believe this change in Woodstock City Council ownership of the building would disqualify the Challenger Center from receiving Hotel/Motel Tax funding, as it still represents a not-for-profit that operates to offer the same events and activities.

Councilman Thompson expressed his satisfaction with the Center’s inclusion in the program.

- Item D-4 – Agreement – 

Talia Pavia String Academy RB Thompson noted this item calls for an agreement for space that is being used by Woodstock Celebrates Inc. He further noted WCI has repainted and fixed up this space. Mr. Thompson stated further that this room is attached to the large room that is part of the art display and is connected by an opening rather than a door.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, R. Stelford called Council’s attention to the packet diagram depicting the space, stating there is an entranceway with no door.

RB Thompson stated Ms. Pavia may prefer a door and also that Woodstock Celebrates has been holding their board meetings in and has been working out of that space. He noted they should be informed of this.

Mr. Stelford stated the agreement with Woodstock Celebrates requires that they be provided with a small office space, not a specific space. He further stated that in meetings with representatives of Woodstock Celebrates, the City Administration identified a different room, which he indicated for Council on the packet diagram, as the office which they may use. He stated somehow they did not locate in that room, but in another, which is not what was agreed upon. He noted staff has been reaching out to them to try to get this issue clarified.

In response to a statement by RB Thompson that there is a problem which needs to be resolved, Mayor Sager stated the problem is that Woodstock Celebrates has extended into an area that was not previously discussed, which is problematic.

In response to a question from M. Larson, J. Napolitano stated Ms. Pavia is aware of the door situation and acknowledges this. In response to a question from Mayor Sager, Mr. Napolitano stated Ms. Pavia is satisfied with this situation.

In response to a question from M. Larson, R. Stelford stated the space previously occupied by Ms. Pavia is now being used by NAAC for special presentations and was used by WCI during the Welles’ Celebration.

Discussion continued on the functionality of the spaces with it being noted that the back rooms would be more conducive to office space with the front being more conducive to retail space.

- Item D-6 – Award of Contract – 

Park in the Square Stone Facade In response to a question from RB Thompson, R. Stelford stated the project will include a capstone all around the stone facing of the exterior of the wall.

Mayor Sager asked if there were any questions or comments on any other items.

- Item D-5 – Award of Contract – 

Crack Sealing M. Saladin noted due to the work of the Pavement Management Task Force the City was able to save money on this bid and is able to expand this program. He stated this is a strong indication of cooperation among cities to solve a problem.

- Item D-1 – Hotel/Motel Tax Funding

M. Larson acknowledged and thanked the Hotel/Motel Tax recipients for their efforts to build the city up.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, there were no questions or comments from the public.

As a result of the previous discussion, M. Turner requested removal of the following item from the

Consent Agenda:

- Item D-4 – Agreement – Talia Pavia String Academy

Mayor Sager affirmed the Consent Agenda to include the following items:

A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

May 17, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes

May 17, 2016 Executive Session Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3714 3715 3716

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Environmental Commission Minutes – May 5, 2016

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 69

1. Hotel/Motel Tax Funding – Authorization of disbursement of $57,000 in Hotel/Motel Tax Funds to various applicants as indicated.

2. IMET Agreement – Adoption of Resolution 16-R-10, identified as Document No. 2, A Resolution Authorizing an Extension to the Tolling Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund (IMET).

3. Surplus Property – 315 W. Judd Street – Adoption of Ordinance 16-O-38, identified as Document No. 3, An Ordinance Finding 315 W. Judd to be Surplus Real Estate and Authorizing the Notice for Sale of Said Surplus Real Estate.

5. Award of Contract – Crack Sealing – Approval of award of contract for crack sealing services to the low bidder, SKC Construction, for an amount not to exceed $95,000 with all work completed based on the unit price of $0.33/lineal foot.

6. Award of Contract – Park in the Square Stone Facade - Approval of award of contract for the Park in the Square Stone Façade to the sole bidder, Jimmy’Z Masonry Corporation in the amount of $117,300.

7. Change Order – Seminary Avenue Softener Repair – Adoption of Resolution 16-R-11, identified as Document No. 5, A Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Contract for Emergency Repairs to Softener #3 at the Seminary Avenue Water Treatment Plant.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda items A through D-3, and D5 through D7. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried unanimously.

Item D-4 – Talia Pavia String Academy

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin, to postpone Item D-4 to a time specific, June 21, 2016, to give staff an opportunity to clarify the agreement with the other user and the petitioner. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried unanimously.

Item D-8 – Home Rule Policy

M. Saladin stated this is a topic on which both sides need to be heard, but he wished to make comments. He stated he believes the benefits of Home Rule clearly outweigh any potential risks and is disappointed with the flyer, which is being distributed by Voters in Action. He further stated Home Rule was created by the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention as a provision of Article VII of the Illinois State Constitution. He noted that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were elected by the voters to debate this issue at great length before making it part of the Illinois State Constitution. Councilman Saladin noted there are 13 subsections within the Constitution which deal with control of Home Rule, placing a number of limits upon it. M. Saladin noted that the flyer being distributed by Voters in Action references the fact that he and other councilmembers are “government bureaucrats.” He stated the flyer also seems to be misleading when referring to the timing of what they consider to be the process of looking at this issue. He noted, based upon his understanding, representatives from the group met with Mayor Sager requesting the City take a look at it. He noted Council then discussed this and decided it would be a good idea to take a look at it. He stated there was only one meeting at which it was not discussed and here it is on this evening’s agenda for consideration. Councilman Saladin noted if the group had a timing issue perhaps it was with their publication issues and not with what the Council was doing as the City Government, and that this item was brought forth in a timely fashion. Councilman Saladin stated he guesses he was wrong with respect to the fact that he thought there would be some cooperation with respect to this issue between the City and this group because the flyer went out to the citizens. Councilman Saladin stated when he was elected a year and a half ago, he believes those voters decided to trust him to represent their interests. He noted he has to make decisions for the good of the whole. He further stated he was told by a member of Voters in Action that they did not trust him but noted he was in Menard’s this Saturday discussing taxes with a citizen who told him “Mark, I trust you.” M. Saladin stated there are voters who voted for Maureen Larson, Dan Hart, and himself who trusted them to make these decisions. He noted he thinks he needs to make decisions based on the overwhelming number of voters who voted for him for a second term and to provide them with a voice. They may not lend their voice directly at these meetings because they elected us to make these decisions for the good of the City as a whole. He stated that is his intention. Councilman Saladin stated he believes that Home Rule as a whole is good for the City of Woodstock and that local control is good for the City of Woodstock. He went on to state he has lived in Woodstock his entire life, raising his children here and wants to improve the City. He stated he pays taxes and that his taxes went up also. He noted that the majority of the tax increases are attributed to other taxing bodies not the City. Councilman Saladin noted he does not wish to be tied to a dysfunctional state legislature relative to the powers that are given to the municipality. He noted it is ironic that those opposing Home Role want the City to live by what the legislature tells us we should do as a municipality rather than have local control. Yet, he has not found anywhere in state law that says the City must approve the resolution before it tonight. If the City has a population of 25,000 or more, it is Home Rule according to the State Constitution. The Constitution does not say the City is Home Rule if it enacts some additional legislation to tell the state that it will do the things found in the resolution. M. Saladin stated he can live with the resolution before the Council tonight but the actions of this group have given him pause. M. Turner stated while he believes everyone does not have to agree, the language of the flyer distributed by Voters in Action is highly-inflammatory, in particular the statement “Home Rule always means higher taxes.” He stated this is a very broad statement and a gross generalization. Councilman Turner noted, as was discussed at a previous meeting, the Council could vote in higher taxes at any time if the majority of the body agreed, yet as a body has been the most conscientious about making staff hold to higher standards and lower costs when compared to all of the other taxing bodies on his tax bill. Councilman Turner stated his belief that residents overpay on taxes and that he shares the same goal as the group, that being to lower taxes. He noted, however, his disappointment in the approach taken by Voters in Action given that the Council entered into discussions to meet the concerns of a small, vocal group of citizens. He stated the danger becomes when the flyer lands on people’s doorstep and the recipients think the Council is causing these problems. He stated his opinion that the problems are caused by the government in Springfield, which dictates things to the municipality causing overspending on everything from Prevailing Wage and Workman’s Compensation to pensions. Councilman Turner then stated his belief that this should be changed and the City needs to get out from under Springfield and have as little to do with Springfield as possible. He noted it is his wish for the City to have the opportunity to control its own destiny. Councilman Turner stated the City sends a lot of money to Springfield and noted this census will allow the City to get some of this money back. He stated it is estimated that over five years, the City will get back $400,000.

Councilman Turner stated in his opinion that Voters in Action has the right to distribute the brochure, he also believes, however, it is an inflammatory and reckless approach. M. Turner stated he realizes the fear is possible actions by future Councils, but opined that referendums are inefficient, cost money and time, and slow down government. He further stated that the best referendum is an election every two years and that another referendum is to fill the Council Chambers. He stated if the group is passing out this brochure because Council did not agree to a certain referendum, he finds this approach reckless. He then stated the citizens should do their civic duty and be counted, noting if they do, the City will have more resources to work with and also control its future. He stated this City Council has held the line on taxes and he is bitterly disappointed at where this process has ended up.

M. Larson stated she agrees with everything Councilman Saladin and Councilman Turner have said. She stated she has thought this is a strange fight to pick, stating it is very easy to put this into sound bites if you are against it. She noted that, in her opinion, Home Rule is overwhelming weighted toward the benefits it brings to the residents and the community. She stated she finds it strange that someone who is worried about financial issues is, in effect, asking the City to say no to getting back some of the money that our residents have sent to Springfield. She stated that they are also asking the residents to participate in unfunded mandates and asking them to force the City to bond in the way a non-Home Rule community must. For these reasons, she finds this an odd fight to pick.

Councilwoman Larson stated she firmly supports Home Rule status and feels that it would be overwhelmingly positive for the City. She noted she wishes it were easier to explain how ridiculous it is to want to stay tied to Springfield, which is probably the most dysfunctional body in the country. She urged citizens to be counted.

J. Starzynski stated his feeling that the Home Rule local benefits and the local control it would bring outweigh the fear because this Council has not behaved in a way that should cause fear as evidenced by the City not taking the PTELL for the past several years. He stated if that fear is as tremendous as stated by Voters in Action, he would expect citizens to be here, yet there are only two present. He noted there will be an election in another year and people can vote the Councilmembers out at that time if they are so inclined.

Councilman Starzynski noted the City is trying to shift the tax base by drawing in more commerce. He opined that these businesses and industries would be more inclined to come to Woodstock if they see a Council that is willing to take local control.

D. Hart stated he has more interaction with the public than many of those present and has not had many people bring this issue up. He noted that Voters in Action has only 65 followers on its Facebook page and stated he does not feel there are a lot of people opposed to Home Rule. He then stated when he explains the facts to them they are in agreement with the special census and Home Rule.

RB Thompson stated he feels everyone is missing one component of this issue. He noted that Voters in Action is asking residents not to participate in the Special Census. He asked if this should result in the City being denied Home Rule status, would Voters in Action cover the $400,000 that the City will be denied. He suggested that once Voters in Action agrees to do this, then the City Council should consider the policy they are requesting.

Councilman Thompson stated the Council is being cowed by the actions of this group and, as a result of their action, he will not be voting to pass the Resolution in question.

Mayor Sager opened the floor to public comment.

Joe Tirio opined that it is unfair to characterize that his group does not want Home Rule. He stated they support Home Rule with certain conditions. He stated Voters in Action has knocked on 1,000 doors with every person they have talked to siding with them. He stated perhaps the group should march these people down to City Hall and perhaps they will. He also stated they have many people signed up on their website.

Mr. Tirio stated he understands why the City wants Home Rule and that there are some good things about Home Rule. He stated there are some things where they wish for the people to have more control and it is good to get the $400,000 back from the State. He stated that when it comes time to increase taxes, they want a seat at the table.

Mayor Sager asked Mr. Tirio how he can say his group does not oppose Home Rule when their flyer distinctly communicates their opposition to Home Rule. Mr. Tirio replied they support Home Rule with conditions. Mayor Sager stated that the brochure does not say that. Rather, he stated, it says “Home Rule always means higher taxes,” which is saying they oppose Home Rule. Again, Mr. Tirio stated they are opposed to Home Rule without conditions.

Mayor Sager stated that throughout the brochure, the group is encouraging people not to participate in the Census so that the City is denied Home Rule, so they are obviously against Home Rule.

Mr. Tirio opined that the City Council is causing them to advocate that citizens not participate. In response to Mayor Sager’s question as to how they are causing this, Mr. Tirio stated by not giving the citizens an opportunity to be heard in matters of debt, taxes, and fees.

M. Saladin countered that this item is on the agenda tonight yet the brochure states “if you are reading this that means the City failed to act on this matter or refused to adopt it.” Mr. Tirio asserted that Council has not acted in a timely manner to which Mr. Saladin stated Council is considering the item within two meetings. Mr. Tirio stated he could not get information from the City or the Census Bureau as to the timing of the Census other than that it will occur sometime this summer and so ran out of time. Mayor Sager stated that the communication has always been that it will be dealt with at a June meeting. Mr. Tirio again asserted that he ran out of time to which M. Larson asked if the first meeting in June is out of time to which Mr. Tirio opined that it is.

M. Turner stated the item was just discussed in May and now is being considered at the first meeting in June. He also stated that Mr. Tirio’s group is trying to negotiate with the City Council, which is generous on the part of the elected body since the two people that ran in the last election in support of Home Rule got 63% and 56%, while a person who ran in opposition of Home Rule got 13% of the vote. Councilman Turner opined the feeling that this is a negotiation between two equal political bodies is somewhat of a stretch. He noted, however, that this City Council, led by Mayor Sager, has always strived to be responsive to the needs of the citizens and to encourage discussion with Council on any of a variety of issues. He further opined that Council has demonstrated tremendous good will and flexibility. M. Turner noted the Council has agreed on seven or eight out of the nine items requested by Mr. Tirio’s group and only did not agree with the referendum item. Yet because Council did not agree to every item, the brochure showed up as an inflammatory piece designed to cut the rest of the citizens off from Home Rule. He stated if Voters in Action succeeds, the City will forego $400,000 over the next few years and will have to wait three years for the decennial census at which time the City is very likely to go over the 25,000 threshold. He opined that the City will have also demonstrated to people that it is not a sophisticated community as there are 220 Home Rule communities in the State of Illinois, only three of which have a policy such as that in question and the rest go about their business. Mr. Turner noted that this City Council does not just go about its business but rather attacks costs and spending, and has demonstrated its commitment to do so. He stated this proves Councilwoman Larson’s point that this is an odd fight to pick, particularly since Council has clearly done a great deal to meet the group’s requests.

Mr. Tirio stated in large part this body does do a good job in holding the line on taxes, but then cited spending $48,000 for reusable grocery bags as an example of needless spending, stating this money will come from the Home Rule “thing.” Mayor Sager stated Mr. Tirio is incorrect in his statement that this money will come from Home Rule, noting that it will, instead, come from the Environmental Fund. He further noted that this money will be regenerated through sponsorships and a program by which consumers will pay at the marketplace.

Councilman Turner noted that anyone can go through the budget and cite something with which they disagree, but noted that Council attempts to fund things that have community worth and value and to cut costs on a large scale.

Mr. Tirio stated that Council does do a good job in many cases regarding finances, noting he is proud to live in Woodstock. He stated that the effort of Voters in Action was an opportunity to involve the public in the process.

Scott Gessert, Gerry Street, stated he is surprised and disappointed, noting that the public was appreciative of the group’s efforts. He then noted this is an issue with two sides and stated the flyer invited people to visit the City’s website for more information. He opined that the brochure explains more of the issue, stating he would pass it out again.

Lydia Baltalbos, 621 Dean Street, expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Tirio and Mr. Gessert. She discussed the role she perceives developers and others play in this issue, claiming that members of an organization she identified as the 2010 Coalition and the 2020 Coalition have provided money to candidates and political bodies. At Ms. Baltalbos’ insinuation that members of the City Council have participated in this, Mayor Sager stated this was a lie and asked Ms. Baltalbos to be seated as her comments were out of line and not factual. Mayor Sager stated he does not care if there are 1,000 persons on Voters in Action’s Facebook page or 63 as all are residents and have a right to speak and to circulate whatever they wish to circulate. He commended them for standing up for something in which they believe. He stated his feeling that the City Council has a strong tradition of listening to people and of providing a genuine effort to work with the community. He stated he is proud that people step forward and speak their mind.

Mayor Sager stated he came, and believes the majority of the Council came, in tonight willing to support a policy that had been collectively discussed and so finds it disappointing that prior to consideration of that policy in public tonight this flyer came out. He stated his belief that the flyer contains loaded terminology such as “government bureaucrats” and there is no question that Voters in Action is intending to persuade people that the Council is less than honest or less than capable of or willing to do its job. He opined that this is the purpose of such language.

Mayor Sager stated the publication was not forthright, stating the current policy of Downers Grove had been identified at a previous meeting, yet the publication references the old policy which is no longer in effect. He stated this is not forthright and not right. Mayor Sager further stated it is disingenuous and not right to come to the table, work together and negotiate to reach an appropriate approach, and then to renege on that effort. He stated this is not appropriate, stating timing can be cited as an excuse, but the timing was no different than originally discussed. He stated timing was used as an excuse and is disingenuous.

Mayor Sager stated even so, it is his opinion that it is right for the Council to consider and pass this policy tonight. He noted if Council believes it is in the best interest of the people they represent to consider and pass this policy this evening; he does not believe it would be right to be deterred by the publication, even if it is not forthright and wrong. He noted it must have been the Council’s consensus to do so before this evening; otherwise, they would not be considering the policy tonight. He respectfully asked that Council move forward and consider the resolution in a positive light.

M. Turner stated if this was a negotiation he would get up and walk out, and no way move forward if the other side did this. He noted this is not a negotiation; however, as the Council is an elected body. He stated he agrees 100% with the Mayor. He stated despite the fact that this group’s action may succeed and, without a doubt in his opinion, would damage the City and make it less than it can be, he is hopeful that will not be the case.

Councilman Turner stated he agrees with the Mayor and supports this policy because it is representative government. He stated this is a decision on the part of the body and that it is a good policy. He noted he respects the citizens who brought it forward and will respect the other members of this body, regardless of how they vote. M. Turner stated he joins the Mayor in looking at this as a strategic document that makes the best sense for the City of Woodstock, just as Home Rule does.

M. Larson stated the reason she got into local government was her involvement with the Albert property issue. She noted that with that project, a group of residents got together, did their research, heard many voices that they brought together into one single voice, and indicated to Council that they thought there was a better way and proposed an alternative. She stated throughout the entire process they were nothing but positive and worked with Council toward a positive outcome. She opined that this was local government at its finest. She stated all were positive and respectful with no flame-throwing, no inflammatory language, and no tearing down of the public officials. She noted this was the best outcome possible for the residents and the City.

Councilwoman Larson stated when Voters in Action brought the Downers Grove proposal forward, she thought this was a proposal that was something different about Home Rule. She stated there was a good discussion and she felt everyone was in a good place. She then stated the flyer crossed into something inflammatory that tore down the community instead of building it up.

Noting her disappointment, Councilwoman Larson stated she will vote for the proposal because the facts still apply and the policy is still good. She encouraged anyone wishing to make a difference in their community and in local government to look at this Council because it is the most responsive body anyone could ever work with. She stated the Councilmembers are doing this not because they want to be bureaucrats, but because they love the community and want to make it better.

Motion by Mayor Sager, second by J. Starzynski, to adopt Resolution 16-R-12, identified as Document No. 6, A Resolution Regarding the Exercise of Home Rule Authority, to provide for additional processes and procedures required for Council consideration to increase taxes or implement new taxes subject to Home Rule Authority.

Mayor Sager provided another opportunity for public comment.

Arlene Lynes stated she is not a resident within the boundaries of the City of Woodstock, but is a business owner here. She stated she and her husband have been coming to the City Council meetings for the past year because they wish to hear for themselves what is going on. Ms. Lynes stated the professionalism Councilmembers show at the meetings is outstanding and their professionalism in dealing with the public is outstanding and applauds them for this. She noted she also applauds Voters in Action for stepping up and raising their voice because that is what government is about in the United States.

Ms. Lynes noted that other than individuals with items on the agenda, City Staff, and the press, few people attend the Council meetings. She noted people who are interested and want knowledge can come to the meetings and hear for themselves rather from their neighbors or the papers. She stated she understands their concern about possible future action, but again stated people can attend the meetings, hear for themselves, and express their views. She noted the Council allows all to speak without having to adhere to a three-minute limit. She also noted people with concerns can call their representative, e-mail, or meet with them to share those concerns and obtain additional information.

In response to a question from Andrew Celentano, Mayor Sager stated he does not believe this policy will impede Council’s ability to govern the City.

Mayor Sager provided another opportunity for Council comment.

RB Thompson noted while he is supportive of the policy, he will be voting no because he is offended by the manner in which it was handled.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: D. Hart and RB Thompson. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried 5-2.

Item D-9 – Dakota Ridge Extension

RB Thompson noted the City has a long-standing practice concerning granting extensions for filing a plat and this request is in violation of this practice. He questioned whether Council should consider or approve this request, noting if it is approved perhaps it should be with the rules formerly in effect for developer donations. He also opined perhaps the developer should come back and go through the process again.

Mayor Sager noted that this particular developer has been given a one-time administrative extension, a 24-month extension by the City Council, an extraordinary extension to May 2015, and then another one-year extension to May 2016 which was to be the final extension. Mayor Sager further stated the petitioner has the right to come before the Council to make a petition for another extension. He invited the petitioner to come forward to do so.

Pat Stanton, petitioner, stated he is not comfortable asking for another extension, but feels this is a unique situation. He noted he could have sold the property, but has always finished a project he has started and wishes to finish this one.

Mr. Stanton noted the majority of the delays have been due to the Army Corps of Engineers and detailed these for the Council. He stated he has hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in sewer and water lines for this project and has lost 17 lots. He further stated the rules changed after he began the project causing the expenditure of additional money. Mr. Stanton stated he attempted to work with the Army Corps, but the result was delay after delay.

Mr. Stanton stated this development will bring a lot of tax dollars to the City and asked what will be gained if he is not allowed to finish, noting the property will just sit there.

In response to a question from the Council, Mr. Stanton stated he is through the Corps’ process. In response to further questioning, Mr. Stanton stated he believes an agreement with the Corps is forthcoming once he pays them, which will happen once he receives approval of an extension.

Mayor Sager noted this is an uncommon, extraordinary request which comes at a time when the market is coming out of a downturn. He suggested Council consider the fact that Mr. Stanton has made significant public improvements to the property, which also benefit other projects and has made significant efforts toward environmental clean-up. He also stated Mr. Stanton has been diligent in the process, believes in the project, and is not asking to lower the quality of the product.

He asked that Council be practical, noting if Mr. Stanton’s request is denied, he would have the opportunity to come back with a changed product or let the property sit. Mayor Sager asked, if not him, then who? Mayor Sager opined Mr. Stanton has made his case and he is supportive of his request.

Other Councilmembers expressed their support of this request. Following the suggestion by RB Thompson, it was the consensus of the Council without objection to amend the document being considered on its face to extend the deadline for recording the final plat in Section 1 to June 1, 2018.

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin to adopt Resolution 16-R-13, identified as Document No. 7, A Resolution Granting a Fourth Extension of Time in Which to Record the Dakota Ridge Phase 3 Final Plat, amending the document on its face to extend the deadline to June 1, 2018.

In response to a request by Mayor Sager, there were no public comments.

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

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

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

ADJOURN

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Larson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.