McHenry Times

The Woodstock City Council met Sept. 20 to honor Fire Chief Ralph Webster.

Here is the meeting's agenda, as provided by the city:

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.

MINUTES WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL September 20, 2016 City Council Chambers

The regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Brian Sager on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Sager welcomed those present, explained the consent calendar process, and invited public participation.

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

A roll call was taken.

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

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Chief of Police John Lieb, City Engineer Al Wilson, IT Manager Dan McElmeel, and Opera House Box Office Manager Daniel Campbell.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Proclamation – Retirement of Chief Webster from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Mayor Sager stated it was with a tremendous amount of gratitude that the City recognizes Chief Ralph Webster who has served the community for many years in a variety of capacities. He noted that Chief Webster has chosen to retire from the fire service at this time and that it is his honor to recognize a valued colleague and great friend.

At Mayor Sager’s request and without objection, the City Council approved a proclamation honoring Chief Webster.

Mayor Sager noted that Chief Webster has been dedicated to serving the community for many years, stating it was a labor of love and service. He stated he knows it was a difficult decision to retire, but at the same time, it was softened by knowing there are still many opportunities before Chief Webster to contribute, and his service to the community will continue in a different direction.

Mayor Sager read the proclamation for those present placed it in the record. He then presented it to Chief Webster. Mrs. Webster was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Councilman Turner.

PROCLAMATION HONORING FIRE CHIEF RALPH WEBSTER

WHEREAS, Chief Ralph Webster is retiring after 33 years in emergency services and firefighting, and 25 years as Woodstock’s Fire Chief; and

WHEREAS, Chief Ralph Webster offered safety and security to the entire Woodstock region, protecting 85 square miles of homes and property, and supervising fire station facilities on East Judd Street, Dean Street, and Raffel Road with a staff of over 80 full-time, part-time and administrative personnel including an Administrative Assistant, Deputy Chief, Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighter/Paramedics, Firefighter/EMTs, Apprentices, and Cadets; and

WHEREAS, Chief Ralph Webster implemented and expanded numerous community fire safety initiatives that served the residents of Woodstock, among them an Emergency Services Academy and Cadet/Apprenticeship program; a scholarship program in honor of a fallen firefighter; CPR classes offered to area organizations; child safety seat inspections; premise alert program for special needs residents; reflective house number program; residential and commercial lock box safety key program; and an extensive seat belt awareness campaign; and

WHEREAS, Chief Ralph Webster is a glowing example of the value of education in all aspects of public service, having earned a Master’s Degree in Management; being licensed as a Paramedic and Fire Officer III; graduating from Executive Fire Officer training; participating in the Leadership Greater McHenry County program; serving as Adjunct Faculty at McHenry County College; and sharing his insight and expertise in leadership positions with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois Firefighter Life Safety Task Force, and Illinois Fire Safety Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Chief Ralph Webster, not only upholds, but lives the motto Service Before Self, demonstrating his broad range of talents and skills by serving two elected terms as Woodstock City Councilman; acting as Vice President for Gavers Community Cancer Foundation; participating in countless community events such as Touch-a-Truck, Little League, and Happy Tails fundraisers; selflessly altering his appearance for St. Baldrick’s Day; impressing food lovers with a 1st Place Award in the Groundhog Days Chili-Cook-off; and delighting onlookers by joining other community leaders as they were driven fearlessly around the Woodstock Square by a blindfolded magician.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Woodstock, on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, extends heartfelt gratitude, congratulations and commendation to Chief Ralph Webster for faithfully serving the residents and businesses of the Woodstock community for over three decades; and, knowing that his service also involved significant sacrifices on behalf of his family, thanks his wife Sheri and their sons Tyler and Tate, and wishes all the very best of health and happiness in Ralph’s well-deserved retirement years.

APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this 20th day of September, 2016.

S/S Brian Sager, Ph.D., Mayor S/S Cindy Smiley, City Clerk

Chief Webster was recognized with a standing ovation by those present.

Chief Webster stated it has been his honor to serve the residents of Woodstock and there is no greater privilege than to serve the people whom he grew up alongside.

Mayor Sager introduced and thanked Chief Webster’s family for sharing him with the community.

Councilman Turner also recognized and thanked Chief Webster for his leadership as a Council member for the City, noting his influence is still felt today.

Public Comment Ms. Demaris McNabb, daughter of the resident living next door to 315 W. Judd, asked for an update on the status of that property. She noted staff has been unable to give them a definitive date for the sale.

At the request of Mayor Sager, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg gave an update, stating it is hoped the sale will happen any day. She stated it was necessary for the City to vacate the alley to complete the closing. The sales contract is currently being reviewed by the purchaser’s attorney. Ms. Schlossberg stated the sale was originally planned for the beginning of September, but was delayed when the alley issue arose.

Ms. McNabb noted she will come to each meeting asking the same question until this is resolved. Mayor Sager stated she is welcome to come, but noted her direct line of communication for timely information would be to contact the City’s staff.

Ms. McNabb thanked Council for their time.

Council Comment M. Saladin stated the City has recently been notified that its AA bond rating was confirmed. He noted the report has much positive information about Woodstock and asked that excerpts of it be placed on the City’s website.

M. Larson noted that Jaci Krandel has announced the closing of Jaci’s Cookies. She wished to acknowledge Ms. Krandel’s place in making Woodstock a better community, stating she will be missed.

RB Thompson stated the Square is becoming more beautiful with the stone veneer.

Mayor Sager reminded those present that the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the State of the City Luncheon on Thursday. He stated staff and the Mayor will be providing an update on the state of the City, particularly pertaining to Economic Development.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by RB Thompson, second by M. Turner, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.

The following items were removed from the Consent agenda at the request of Councilmembers:

• Item E-2 – Resolution – Support for Route 53/120 Project by J. Starzynski

Mayor Sager asked if any members of the Council or members of the Public had any questions or comments on any of the items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

Item E-5 – Ordinance – Re-Plat #4 at Maples at the Sonatas M. Larson wished to note that a resident has requested to have trees planted in the Sonatas. She noted the previous agreement indicated that this should happen. She stated this was discussed and agreed to at the Plan Commission level and she wished to have the Council acknowledge that the builder did agree to this.

Item E-6 - Agreement – Safe Routes to Schools Program Mayor Sager stated the City has been fortunate to participate in this program for three periods, building new sidewalks in the City as a result. He drew attention to the staff report, stating he wishes to make sure everyone is aware of how these funds will be distributed over two fiscal years. He stated the project will be let on September 22 with construction scheduled to begin in March or April of 2017. He further noted the grant awarded to the City is in the amount of $140,000 of the total $299,182 project cost, stating this means the local share will be $159,182. Mayor Sager stated there is $230,000 in the CIP for sidewalk projects, but only a portion of these funds would be utilized this fiscal year for construction.

At the request of Mayor Sager, City Manager Stelford continued to provide information on this item, stating this is a multi-year project with some funds approved and expended in this fiscal year. He stated staff will be coming back to Council in the next fiscal year for the additional funding, but noted Council is committing those dollars tonight for approval and expenditure in the next fiscal year.

In response to a question from R. Stelford, J. Van Landuyt stated the majority of construction will take place in the next fiscal year.

Mayor Sager reiterated that funding and construction for this project will take place over two fiscal years.

Item E-9 – Waiver of Competitive Bids and Award of Bid – Hill Street Water Tower Repairs Mayor Sager stated it is unfortunate that this vandalism causing damage to the Hill Street Water Tower occurred. He noted the individuals responsible for this damage have been identified.

R. Stelford stated Sgt. Fourdyce apprehended one of the young men and subsequently identified the other, both of whom have been charged. He noted this will be turned over to the insurance company who will seek restitution. Mr. Stelford stated the City is responsible for the $1,000 deductible, which will be returned should the insurance company be successful in getting full restitution.

There were no further questions or comments from the Council or the Public on the items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

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

B. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

September 6, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes

C. WARRANTS: 3728 3729

D. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes – June 15, 2016 Woodstock Opera House Monthly Report – May-August 2016 Department of Public Works Monthly Report – August 2016

E. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 75

1. Resolution – Support for Fox River Clean Up - Approval of Resolution 16-R-16, identified as Document No. 1, A Resolution in Support of the Village of Johnsburg’s Efforts to Clean Up the Fox River.

3. Ordinance – Year End Budget Amendments FY15/16 – Approval of Ordinance 16-O-53, identified as Document No. 3, An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Budget for the City of Woodstock.

4. Agreement – TicketReturn Online Tickets – Approval of authorization for the City Administration to Execute a Contract with TicketReturn for the Sale of Online Tickets and the Processing of Credit Transactions Subject to Final Review and Approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

5. Ordinance – Re-Plat #4 at Maples at the Sonatas – Approval of Ordinance 16-O- 54, identified as Document No. 5, An Ordinance Approving a Final Plat of Subdivision for the Maples at the Sonatas Re-Plat 4.

6. Agreement – Safe Routes to Schools Program - Approval of the following:

a) Authorization to Execute a Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation Pertaining to Safe Routes to Schools committing $159,182 in local funding to secure $140,000 in grant proceeds, and b) Approval of a Construction Engineering Agreement with Hampton Lenzini and Renwick for services related to the construction of sidewalk on Tappan Street, Meadow Avenue, Summit Avenue, and Clay Street for an amount not-to-exceed $44,530,36.

7. Ordinance – Purchase of 2016 Case 321F Compact Wheel Loader and Disposal

of Surplus Equipment a) Approval of authorization of the purchase of a 2016 Case 321F Compact Wheel Loader from Burris Equipment, Waukegan, IL utilizing pricing received from the National Joint Powers Alliance for the total bid price of $77,129, and b) Approval of authorization for the purchase of after-market materials bucket to be purchased at a later date, at a cost not to exceed $7,500 resulting in a total purchase price not to exceed $84,629, and

c) Adoption of Ordinance 16-O-55, identified as Document No. 7, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Personal Property Owned by the City of Woodstock, designating the 1999 Volvo L35D as surplus property and authorizing and directing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law.

8. Award of Bid – Holiday Lighting Installation 2016 & 2017 – Approval of Award of Contract for services to install, maintain, and remove holiday lights for the 2016 and 2017 seasons to Temple Display Ltd. for the annual bid price of $25,245 for both the 2016 and the 2017 seasons.

9. Waiver of Competitive Bids and Award of Bid – Hill Street Water Tower

Repairs - Approval of the following: a. Waiver of the requirement for competitive bids. b. Award of contract for repairs to the Hill Street Water Tower to Water Tower Clean & Coat Inc., for a total bid price of $26,000 to clean and repair the water tank surface.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda Items B through E-1 and E-3 through E-9. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

Item E-2 – Resolution – Support for Route 53/120 Project J. Starzynski stated he has done some research on this item and believes the exact methodology of the expansion of this roadway has not yet been determined. He stated he has read that some cities are opposed to the project, as the expense could be quite great, and there is some concern that the project may never proceed. Mr. Starzynski stated his concern is in not knowing what the expense might be and how the project may impact McHenry County. He also stated his concern that the continuation of the road in question might impact environmentally-sensitive areas such as Volo Bog and Glacier.

Citing a portion of the proposed resolution, Mr. Starzynski stated he talked with people involved with Hackmatack who find it interesting that the resolution uses a wildlife refuge to promote the expansion of a roadway. He stated he realizes that expansion of the roadway is needed for Economic Development and commerce, but doesn’t think that the effect it will have on McHenry County is known.

Mayor Sager stated he has a great deal of respect for environmental concerns and cited the Council’s approval this evening of item E-1 – Support of the Fox River Clean-up and noted that Council has approved a great many of items that promote environmental resources and issues. He stated that balance is the critical element. He noted that McHenry County has been greatly overlooked in regard to highway improvements to the detriment of economic development and jobs. He stated the challenge is to balance environmental issues with the preparation for future growth and further noted McHenry County has not been prepared thus far because it has not had the ear of Springfield or did not support road initiatives. Mayor Sager continued stating that those in the County are beginning to correct this and wish to make sure the County is looked at for future impact. He noted the voices of those in McHenry County need to be heard in protecting the environment also and noted there will be environmental studies connected with these roadway improvements.

M. Saladin stated the Board of the MCEDC unanimously approved a resolution in support of this initiative. He noted that Board is made up of business leaders from all sectors. Mr. Saladin then stated these improvements would have an impact on Woodstock and the City should take a more regional approach, noting he looks at this from the viewpoint of the business owners and the people of McHenry County.

RB Thompson noted the City will also want support for future roadway improvements that will directly benefit Woodstock.

M. Turner stated he is not in favor of ignoring concerns regarding the environment, but noted there are many rules and regulations concerning environmental issues which should not be controlling things to the point where government shuts down and cannot approve projects which are needed. He stated approving this item would say the City of Woodstock and McHenry County needs and wants this project to proceed. He noted things cannot be built without some effect on the environment but opined the rules and regulations will mitigate this.

J. Starzynski noted the impact to the environment has not been determined as the environmental study has not been done on either Lake or McHenry County.

M. Saladin stated some preliminary work has already been done on the northern portion of the project with the rights-of-way being chosen and depicted on the maps.

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin to approve Resolution 16-R-17, identified as Document No. 2, Resolution Supporting the Construction of the Illinois Route 53/120 Project in Lake County, Illinois.

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

DISCUSSION ITEMS

10. Pavement Management Taskforce Report Mayor Sager stated this Taskforce was a collaborative effort on behalf of a number of people, whom he acknowledged, stating he is grateful for their service. He stated he is pleased with the depth and breadth of the report, noting the Taskforce accomplished what the Council asked them to do. Mayor Sager stated he is also grateful for the leadership of the City staff. He noted that as a result of this project, the City has developed a strong collaborative relationship with the other neighboring forms of government. He opined that this is the only way the City can make improvements in street repair and construction.

Mayor Sager noted the Taskforce was asked to look at a number of things, including new technology, additional lobbying efforts, bonding/debt opportunities, new revenues, and collaborative efforts with other units of government. He stated the Taskforce was also authorized to work with Baxter & Woodman.

Mayor Sager stated the report is very thorough but this issue is complicated and overwhelming when it comes to the associated costs. He noted that everyone has a desire for everything to be done quickly and that is just not possible. He further noted the needed improvements probably will not be able to be done in the terms of all the Council members but it is appropriate to take an aggressive and dedicated approach to pavement management.

Mayor Sager stated this brings the discussion to the staff report and what this means in this fiscal year and the next, FY17/18. He noted the task should be taken a step at a time so as not to be overwhelming.

R. Stelford also thanked the members of the Taskforce, stating this was a learning experience for himself as well. He stated as part of bringing it to the Council, it was felt that it might be best to look at some of the top recommendations and discuss those. He noted a special workshop dedicated to infrastructure should be held to discuss prioritization, what is best for the community, and where should the dollars be spent first. He noted members of the Taskforce would be invited to attend and would share their perspectives.

Mr. Stelford specifically thanked the City’s representatives on the Taskforce including Joe Starzynski, Jeff Van Landuyt, Paul Christensen, Andrew Celentano, and Chairman Al Wilson. He also expressed the City’s gratitude to Diane Lukas whose assistance was invaluable.

In response to a question from M. Saladin, R. Stelford stated the representatives from the other units of government indicated their entities are also facing the same challenges. He stated it was interesting to note that some of the younger communities with newer infrastructure are experiencing the same challenges, as those being experienced by the communities with older infrastructure.

In response to a question from J. Starzynski, R. Stelford stated because the City has made a decision to be fiscally conservative and has been operating very efficiently, this has resulted in surpluses, which are being transferred into the CIP Fund. He noted these funds have been used to fund one-time projects rather than recurring expenses because of the variable nature of these surpluses.

In response to a question from M. Turner, Mr. Stelford stated there was a point in time where resurfacing was funded through MFT. He noted the City broke away from this approach, so that it could have more flexibility in how the funds are used to increase funding.

In response to a question from M. Turner, J. Van Landuyt stated the City can currently resurface 3 miles per year with the goal being seven. Mr. Turner noted this means there is a gap of between $1.2 million and $1.4 million, which is the number that must be kept in mind. Mr. Turner noted if the City wishes to have better roads, there will be an associated cost. He noted these additional funds can be realized through growth, cuts from other areas, or a revenue enhancement. He stated the City can also choose to do nothing and leave the streets program as is. Mr. Turner stated the public must be asked what they are willing to tolerate. He stated he is willing to consider the concept of a revenue enhancement if the revenue goes totally to roads and the enhancement has a sunset. He noted if the City can close the gap, it will be able to get ahead.

Mayor Sager stated this would mean the City needs to make a $1.25 million investment on top of what is already being spent, noting this is a real cost that must be accommodated. In response to a question from Mayor Sager, R. Stelford stated there is definitely a funding gap if the City is going to meet the expectations of its residents.

M. Turner stated he is completely opposed to any action that would impact property taxes although he could support some other type of revenue enhancement.

Mayor Sager stated it is important to note that the report identifies that the City should focus on the roads that are not in the worse condition, which seems counter to common sense and will result in some questions from many people. He stated the City must change its approach to better maintain the higher quality roads to extend their useful life and noted it is important to make this investment.

M. Larson noted her appreciation of the structure of the report, which helped quantify what the Council is looking at and helps to make decisions in an objective way. She stated the decision is purposeful and systematic as to which roads to do first. Councilwoman Larson asked whether using the restorative seal approach would change the findings of the initial report giving additional years to the roads that were identified to be in poor condition in that document. J. Van Landuyt replied that it would not give additional life to those roads, but will add five to seven years of life to the roads that were done in the past two or three years. R. Stelford noted this would also slow the speed of deterioration longer down the road as more roads were treated with the restorative seal. In response to a question from M. Larson, J. Van Landuyt stated the cost for this process would be $.82 per sq. yd. M. Saladin noted that Dorr Township used this process on Dean Street. Mayor Sager requested that new technology be discussed at a workshop should one be scheduled. M. Saladin opined that the City should make a decision to do this as things cannot continue to deteriorate. P. Christensen noted that it would cost approximately $40,000 to extend the life of $2.0 million worth of paving.

M. Larson stated she is still frustrated that Prevailing Wage impacts this conversation, noting the City would be able to get more miles of paving without this requirement. M. Turner stated this is increasing the costs by 20-25% which means the City could do another $250,000 to $300,000 worth of paving if not for Prevailing Wage which is the reality of why this law does not work.

Mayor Sager stated it is also important to note that there are some things in terms of enforcement that the City should do such as weight restrictions on our streets. He noted the City has been lenient thus far to be supportive of businesses, but there is a very real cost to this leniency. He stated this is an opportunity to look at enforcement and placement of weight limitations on our streets.

Mayor Sager stated another thing the City could do better is the oversight on new road construction. He stated it was disappointing to him that there were contractors who did not follow the plans concerning the depth of the new roads that were under construction. He stated the City must do a better job of oversight, even if it means we must have additional staff. He noted this happened in years past and came out in the report.

Mayor Sager encouraged members of the public to read and study the Taskforce report, which is available on the City’s website, at the Public Library, and at City Hall.

P. Christensen briefly discussed some of the things the Taskforce was recommending for immediate implementation, including the transfer of surplus funds in the CIP. He noted it is strongly recommended to implement the restorative program to extend the life of the pavement on those roads resurfaced in the last two years.

In response to a question from Council, J. Van Landuyt stated Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Algonquin have used this product with good results. He noted this is a single-source product and provided additional information on how it works to extend the life of the pavement by five to seven years. He noted the $40,000 previously mentioned would cover all of the streets resurfaced in the last two years. He again noted this would be protecting $2,000,000 worth of work for $40,000, stating this would be about 6 miles of streets.

Mayor Sager noted that some decisions will be made as part of the normal budgeting process. He stated staff has made some recommendations which can be implemented more immediately this fiscal year. He identified these recommendations as:

1) Adopt a budget amendment to authorize the application of restorative seal on recently

resurfaced roads; 2) Authorize funding to complete the required engineering for both FY16/17 and FY17/18 within the same fiscal year to facilitate collaborative bidding with neighboring communities (economies of scale); 3) Direct staff to continue to work with other neighboring community partners to encourage

collaborative bidding on road projects and joint resurfacing contracts; 4) Authorize the City’s Legislative Advocate to lobby for the recommended changes at the State level that would be beneficial for the City’s infrastructure as identified in the Taskforce report; 5) Conduct a Special Workshop with the City Council to identify and further review

strategies for the City’s infrastructure; 6) Forward an ordinance for Council’s consideration that would impose weight restrictions on certain City streets and to continue to investigate other streets where weight restrictions may be imposed without being detrimental to business; 7) Develop an educational article for the next City Scene and for placement on the City’s web page reporting the Taskforce’s findings and outlined the City’s plans for addressing infrastructure needs; 8) Direct the Department of Public Works to continue meeting with other municipal representatives to establish partnerships and to continue to explore opportunities for collaboration; 9) Direct staff to review the City’s development process and refine the City’s existing system to ensure proper construction of the City’s new roads prior to being turned over to the City.

Mayor Sager then noted the recommendations of the Taskforce for the next fiscal year, FY17/18: 1) Implement the prioritization method for resurfacing as adopted by the City Council to

extend the lifetime of the City’s roadways; 2) Work with the City’s garbage hauler to determine possible changes in service delivery

methods to reduce the negative impact on the City’s roads.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, it was the unanimous consensus of the City Council to support these recommendations and to direct staff to move forward to bring some of these to the Council for action in the near term. Mayor Sager confirmed that staff understood the direction affirmed by this consensus.

Mayor Sager noted that it must be understood that this should be balanced with roadways that are in bad shape, as those cannot be totally abandoned.

Brief discussion followed of the methods used in Europe to build new roadways with it being noted that the City is using asphalt due to cost.

M. Saladin stated when talks are begun concerning weight limitations, the business that use those roads must be identified to determine how they use those roads, noting this cannot put someone out of business.

Mayor Sager stated any specific programs involving weight limits must come back to Council for consideration.

A brief discussion followed of roadways, which do not have curb and gutter with it being noted that the Taskforce report being discussed this evening does not address that issue. J. Van Landuyt did note that the City has adopted the Complete Streets Program, but noted that curb and gutter has not been worked on in recent years in order to resurface more streets. He stated the City is now beginning to work on curb and gutter as this affects the streets also, noting that new curb and gutter is not being installed, however, in favor of repairing areas with bad curb and gutter.

In response to a question from M. Larson, R. Stelford stated the Taskforce did discuss bringing street resurfacing in-house but found this would require collaborations between municipalities. Mr. Stelford opined that these relationships are just beginning and currently there is not support for taking on this level of risk. He noted there is a significant capital investment required and concerns about finding properly trained staff to perform these jobs. J. Van Landuyt stated he met with some of the communities that do their own paving and noted some of them are getting out of this function as they do not believe it is efficient. He stated that these municipalities also expressed that employees who are trained to do this work go to paving companies that are able to pay more. He noted the better solution is to create a consortium, but agreed there is no interest among the other municipalities at this time.

Mayor Sager stated this is a challenge, but this is a first step that can lead to other collaborative efforts in bidding and economies of scale and also the scheduling of the improvements more efficiently. Further discussions can lead to other alternatives that can lead to more efficiencies. M. Turner asked that this not be taken off the table and to be creative. P. Christensen stated the Taskforce will continue to meet.

Mayor Sager again commended the members of the Taskforce for their work.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS In response to a request from Mayor Sager that the Council members choose a date at which everyone would be available to attend a Special City Council Economic Development Visioning Workshop, it was the consensus of Council that this be scheduled for 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 1.

Mayor Sager indicated there have been some informal discussions concerning the creation of murals to improve the aesthetics of the Square and to take advantage of the natural spaces. He noted that Councilman Thompson has been an advocate of this for some time. He displayed depictions of murals that could be placed along the pedway, noting if this project moves forward there are a myriad of details, but that the underlying concept would be to fund this through donations. Mayor Sager stated this will come before the City Council at a later date.

There were no additions or corrections to the Future Agenda Items.

ADJOURN Motion by M. Saladin, second by M. Larson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 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 8:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Smiley City Clerk