McHenry Times

Woodstock City Council met Tuesday, Dec. 6.

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 as provided by Woodstock:

MINUTES 

WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL 

December 6, 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, December 6, 2016 in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Sager welcomed those present, explained the consent calendar process and invited public participation.

Acting City Clerk Terry Willcockson 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: Maureen Larson, Mark Saladin, Joseph Starzynski, RB Thompson, and Mayor Brian Sager.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Daniel Hart, Michael Turner

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, City Planner Nancy Baker, and Grant Writer Terry Willcockson (serving as Acting City Clerk).

OTHERS PRESENT: Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commission Chair Dennis Sandquist (arriving at 7:35 PM), Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commissioner Jim Prindiville, Transportation Commission Chair Andrew Celentano, and Isabel’s Restaurant Owner Mary Witt.

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Public Comment There was no Public Comment forthcoming.

Council Comment M. Saladin thanked staff for the recent tour conducted with Phoenix Woodworking. He commented how important it is to remain familiar with local businesses and provide this kind of City interest and support.

RB Thompson commented that although he was not available to attend the recent Lighting of the Square activities, he understood it was the most popular Lighting event ever, with an estimated 3,000 viewers in attendance. M. Larson thanked Staff for all the work involved in mounting these successful events.

CONSENT AGENDA Motion by M. Larson, second by M. Saladin, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda.

The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda by Councilmembers:

• Item E3—Property Tax Ordinance - Tax Levy by M. Saladin

• Item E5—Resolution – Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Ownership by Mayor Sager

In response to an inquiry from Mayor Sager, there were no questions or comments on any of the items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

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

B. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

November 1, 2016 Economic Development Visioning Workshop November 15, 2016 Regular Meeting November 15, 2016 Executive Session

C. WARRANTS: #3738 #3739 #3740

D. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Building and Zoning Report October 2016 Police Department Report October 2016 Opera House Report November 2016

E. MANAGER’S REPORT NO. 80

1. Ordinance – Isabel’s Liquor License

a) Approval of an Ordinance Amending Section 3.3.6., Classification of Licenses, Number and Fees of the Woodstock City Code, increasing the number of Class D liquor licenses by one, and reducing the number of Class A-6 liquor licenses by one for Brickstone, 201Main Street, and b) Authorize issuance of a Class D liquor license to Isabel’s Family Restaurant, 1110 N. Seminary Avenue, contingent upon fulfillment of all identified requirements.

2. Agreement – Maintenance and Management Services – GHD Services Inc.

a) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with GHD Services Inc. for Maintenance and Management Services for the Woodstock Landfill, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office, and

b) Approval to commit $37,000 over the next two calendar years based upon the anticipated scope of work needed to satisfy USEPA requirements to maintain compliance.

4. Resolution – Old Courthouse Window Change Order 002

Adoption of a Resolution authorizing Change Order 002 resulting in an increase to the Old Courthouse Window Replacement contract of $2,132.10 to install an electronic entry system.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda Items B through E4 with the exception of Item E3. Ayes: M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Hart, M. Turner. Motion carried.

Item E3—Property Tax Ordinance – Tax Levy M. Saladin stated he only wished to acknowledge the importance of this Agenda Item, feeling it should not be passed on Consent without comment. He reaffirmed to the public that the calculation for this levy is designed to only capture increased revenue from new growth.

When requested to comment, City Manager Stelford stated that the City is once again holding the tax levy flat for residents. This amounts to over $3.4 million in tax savings for residents, compared to what the City could have legally levied during the past six years. He stated that further tax savings for this year, that will be experienced in the coming year, are as yet unknown.

Motion by M. Saladin, second by J. Starzynski, to adopt Item E3. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Larson, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Hart, M. Turner. Motion carried.

Item E5—Resolution – Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Ownership Mayor Sager shared that this Resolution was the result of discussion on this topic by both City Council and by the appointed Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commission. He pointed out that Document 5 was edited very slightly from what had been originally seen in the packet, and all Council members had received the corrected copy for review prior to the meeting.

RB Thompson expressed slight concern over the use of the term “in perpetuity” when committing to ownership of these buildings, questioning if that would prevent consideration if buyers came forward in the future.

Mayor Sager opined that the language in this Resolution reflects intent of the sitting Council members and this Council has no control over what future bodies may decide. He stated this Resolution reflects what is currently believed to be the right approach and desired course of action, but this Council cannot determine what may be right or necessary in the future.

M. Larson questioned the wording of paragraph #2 and the “black and white” nature of the phrase “private ownership is not profitable,” suggesting this might be too limiting. Mayor Sager asked for input from Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commissioner Jim Prindiville in response to this concern.

Advisory Commissioner Jim Prindiville, 214 W. Judd Street, came to the podium, stating he wished to express his views as an individual, although these views were not necessarily reflective of the majority of the Advisory Commission as a whole. He opined that the Resolution as presented was too limiting with its focus on use as an arts center. While this use was supported heavily by an online public survey the Commission had conducted, he believed the audience responding was skewed towards arts usage and therefore not a valid representation. He stated his belief that philanthropists such as those working with Chicago Community Trust may wish to invest in this building for much broader purposes, citing their desire to see Chicago as an international hub for agriculture.

Mayor Sager responded that the Resolution under consideration reflected two separate Resolutions provided to Staff by the Advisory Commission, which had been combined into one single Resolution; however, the language of the Resolutions had been voted on by the Commission and reflected their overall recommendation. J. Prindiville agreed that while this vote had not been unanimous, it did pass with a majority of the Commission approving.

Discussion ensued between Mayor Sager and J. Prindiville, clarifying J. Prindiville’s concerns about the Resolution under consideration. M. Saladin asked Staff if the included language regarding arts usage for the building would be beneficial, or limiting, in terms of grants and fundraising initiatives. City Planner N. Baker responded that the groups working to raise funds expressed the need for ownership commitment and general usage in order to proceed with future fundraising. The use as an arts center is actually a benefit in this regard, as this usage has wider appeal for grant funding than some other uses.

J. Prindiville countered that while it’s true that the arts work everywhere and such usage is not hard to justify, it was still his belief that there are greater opportunities for this building that will not be able to be considered by continuing this current use. He suggested consideration for some type of incubator or co-working space is definitely desirable.

Mayor Sager pointed out that during the past year, those involved in planning for the buildings’ future have considered many uses—among them, educational, business and medical. J. Prindiville responded that in his opinion, the Advisory Commission was just getting started with this investigation and he felt strongly that agriculture was a major area of interest for potential use. Mayor Sager responded that, based on his personal experience in the fields of education and agriculture, he did not view this type of focus as sustainable or practical in these buildings.

J. Prindiville stated that the Advisory Commission has not yet begun any fundraising activity, but members are very interested in talking to philanthropists. They are further interested in talking to the McHenry County Bar Association, as this is a civic building, and there are possibilities for a museum that could be supported by such groups. He agreed that determining long-term ownership is critical to move forward, but would like to remain open to more ideas on usage. J. Starzynski opined that donors want to know what use is planned before committing funds.

Mayor Sager offered several changes in the Resolution language to reflect the removal of reference to usage. M. Saladin stated he was not concerned with the usage references as they were shown. RB Thompson asked for input from the Advisory Commission Chair as he arrived during this discussion.

Advisory Commission Chair D. Sandquist came to the podium and shared that while the Commission held some diverse opinions on usage for the buildings, they had voted unanimously on the ownership part of the Resolution. He stated that the restaurant in the building has a great deal of community support, is a long-established use, and showed strong interest in the survey results. He further expressed belief that public sector grants, such as potential Community Development Block Grant applications, could benefit from showing building uses. He stated his awareness that Friends of the Old Courthouse believes ownership is critical for their fundraising efforts to proceed, and that usage is also an important criterion depending on the audience.

Mayor Sager then offered several options to Council to revise the Resolution or postpone discussion, but stated his view that the Resolution reflected what the Advisory Commission had recommended. M. Larson opined that arts usage should be part of the equation, but not the entire focus. Mayor Sager pointed out that there are active businesses already operating in the building and it is appropriate that the commitment to these uses be stated, but this does not preclude additional space uses yet to be determined.

M. Saladin opined that if this Resolution is what the Advisory Commission is recommending he respects the majority of the Commission and agrees it is important to recognize Woodstock Public House restaurant in this way. J. Starzynski agreed, wondering if reference to these current uses was subsequently omitted from the Resolution if that could actually hamper these businesses.

Mayor Sager expressed concern over the direction of the conversation. He opined that this Resolution was designed to show intent and to move the process forward. He added that, while things may come to light, for now, in service to Staff and the community members involved, it was important to consider the Resolution as presented and he did not feel it tied their hands in any way. M. Saladin pointed out that the document in question is a Resolution, not an Ordinance.

RB Thompson asked D. Sandquist if the Advisory Commission was ready to start raising money for the Old Courthouse; D. Sandquist responded that they have had conversations with Friends of the Old Courthouse in this regard, as well as City Staff regarding grant opportunities. RB Thompson responded that this Resolution would be a step in the right direction for those purposes. D. Sandquist added that consideration of adding a co-working space to the building is a definite interest for future research and this addition was reflected in the Resolution language that included the phrase “but not limited to” with respect to arts and restaurant usage. M. Larson requested the removal of the term “all” in the final paragraph.

Mayor Sager summarized this discussion, recommending the Resolution under consideration be amended on its face as follows:

• Paragraph #2 to read: WHEREAS, the Advisory Commission has reviewed reports from the Urban Land Institute and Artspace Inc. which indicate that profitability from private ownership is potentially challenging and unsustainable; and

• Final paragraph: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that future use scenarios of the Old Courthouse should incorporate, but not be limited to, a restaurant use and an arts center use as generally described in the Artspace Creative Spaces Report.

Mayor Sager then proposed that, according to small body rules, Council could agree to these proposed changes in Resolution language through consensus.

In response to Mayor Sager’s request for public comment, Julie Miller, 695 Silver Creek Road, came to the podium. J. Miller identified herself as a Friends of the Old Courthouse board member. She thanked the Council for the enlightening discussion and expressed the feeling of her board that the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House belong together and should be viewed as one entity. She shared that this board is poised to begin contacting major donors and believes that offering general uses for the buildings is essential, including continued use as an arts center and restaurant, and potential additions for micro retail and co-working/incubator space. J. Miller offered the support of her board for what both groups are recommending for these buildings.

There being no further comment from the public, a motion to approve the Resolution as amended was called by Mayor Sager. Motion to approve made by M. Larson, second by M. Saladin. Ayes: J. Starzynski, RB Thompson, M. Larson, M. Saladin, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Hart, M. Turner.

RB Thompson expressed his personal displeasure at the identity of the building as the Old Courthouse, as it was technically the Former McHenry County Courthouse. Mayor Sager pointed out that this has been the building’s identity for many years and it would be problematic to change at this point. He thanked the Advisory Commission and Friends of the Old Courthouse for all their efforts.

DISCUSSION ITEM:

6. Transmittal of Second Quarter Financial Reports

Assistant City Manager/Finance Director P. Christensen affirmed that the City is doing very well in terms of its financial standing at the end of the Second Quarter. Sales tax figures indicate an increase of 24.4%; this figure does reflect a one-time income boost, but even without that, sales taxes show an increase of 8 to 9% which is still very strong.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS M. Larson requested a future discussion item regarding procedures and policies around the Lighting of the Square event. She received an email expressing several valid concerns and would like to discuss the following: placement and quantity of lighting; extending the sound system; potential for closing streets to make the event more pedestrian friendly; and possible expansion of the event through Promote Woodstock. She suggested it would be best to include the public in this discussion and RB Thompson recommended including businesses as well.

Mayor Sager concurred and asked that Policies & Procedures Regarding Lighting of the Square Event be added to the December 20, 2016 City Council Agenda as a discussion item.

ADJOURN Motion by M. Saladin, second by M. Larson to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to a Special City Council Workshop on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Stage Left Café. Ayes: RB Thompson, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Hart, M. Turner. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry Willcockson Acting City Clerk