McHenry Times

Woodstock City Council met Tuesday, Jan. 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 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 January 17, 2017 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, January 17, 2017 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 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, Police Chief John Lieb, Library Director Nick Weber, and Recreation Director Dave Zinnen.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Proclamation – Groundhog Day Mayor Sager noted this is the City’s annual opportunity to recognize a significant annual event and to host distinguished visitors, including Woodstock Willie. He invited the guests to the podium.

In response to a request for Mayor Sager, without objection, the City Council accepted and approved A Proclamation Declaring February 2, 2017 Groundhog Day in the City of Woodstock.

Mayor Sager read the proclamation and presented it to the Groundhog Day representatives thanking them for maintaining this tradition for the community and acknowledging their many hours organizing this event, which upholds the community bringing many people to Woodstock.

A representative of the Groundhog Day committee thanked the City Council for its support and described some of the activities that will take place at this year’s festival.

Public Comment There was no comment forthcoming from the public.

Council Comment There was no comment forthcoming from the City Council.

B. HOME RULE ORDINANCES Mayor Sager stated this agenda item contains two Home Rule ordinances. He noted, as a result of population growth, the City requested that a Special Census be conducted, as it is appropriate to do so on a regular basis, to ensure the City receives the correct distribution of its share of funds, which is based upon population. Mayor Sager stated this was a partial special census of the areas where growth had occurred since the most recent decennial census.

Mayor Sager stated the Secretary of State has now certified the count based upon the Special Census and has adjusted the City’s population to 25,528 as of September 9, 2016. He called attention to the Certification, which appears in the Council packet and states that, as a result of reaching a population of 25,000, Woodstock automatically became a Home Rule unit of government per State Statutes.

Mayor Sager stated, as a result of becoming Home Rule, the City Council has been advised to adopt the first ordinance, which re-adopts the City Code, with the exception of those areas that require a public hearing, utilizing Home Rule authority. He noted this would approve all previous actions taken by the City Council and extend them as a Home Rule municipality.

Mayor Sager stated the second ordinance addresses procedural and voting requirements. He noted the City Council has determined its wish to maintain the most stringent voting requirements. He stated the proposed ordinance requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the corporate authority for passage of most proposed actions, rather than a majority of the quorum. He again emphasized that it is always Council’s wish to require at least a majority of the elected officials for passage of actions.

Mayor Sager opened the floor to questions and comments from the City Council.

In response to a question from M. Saladin, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg stated the first ordinance proposed does not deal with the UDO, which will be dealt with separately. She noted certain actions pertaining to the UDO would require public hearings and opined it is more appropriate to address these separately.

Mayor Sager opened the floor to the Public. There were no comments or questions forthcoming.

1. Home Rule – City Code Ordinance Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin, to approve Ordinance 17-O-01, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Re-Adopting the City Code of Woodstock, Illinois Pursuant to the Home Rule Powers of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, City Attorney Schlossberg stated that now that the City is Home Rule, it has expanded authority in addition to the authority granted it by State Statute. She stated if there are ever any questions of under what authority the City took action, this ordinance states that in addition to statutory authority, the City also has Home Rule authority. She noted the ordinance also sets a date specific for Home Rule powers to be effective.

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

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.

2. Voting Ordinance Mayor Sager again stated this is a clarification of the City’s self-imposed rules on voting requirements.

Motion by M. Saladin, second by RB Thompson, to approve Ordinance 17-O-02, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Revising Title 1 Chapter 5, Section 1.5.4, Procedures and Rules at Meetings. Of the Woodstock City Code, Regarding Quorum and Voting Requirements for City Council Action.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, City Attorney Schlossberg clarified that upon passage of this ordinance, unless otherwise provided for by state law, in all cases votes of the City Council will require an affirmative vote by the majority of the Corporate Authority or City Council, meaning there must be an affirmative vote of at least four members of the City Council.

Mayor Sager noted this is putting the most stringent requirements on the Council in order to take action.

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

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.

CONSENT AGENDA The following items were removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Council members:

• Item F-1 – Ordinance – Liquor License, Rendezvous Bistro by D. Hart

• Item F-3 – Resolution and Agreement – Nardulli Contract Extension by RB Thompson

Motion by M. Saladin, second by M. Turner, to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.

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

C. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

November 29, 2016 City Council Special Boundary Workshop December 20, 2016 City Council Special Home Rule Workshop December 20, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting

D. WARRANTS: 3743 3744 3745

E. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Transportation Commission Minutes October 19, 2016 Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report November 2016 Human Resources Monthly Report December 2016 Woodstock Opera House Monthly Report December 2016 Woodstock Public Works Department Monthly Report December 2016 Recreation Department Monthly Report December 2016

F. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 82

2. Resolution – IMET - Approval of Resolution 17-R-01, identified as Document 4, A Resolution Authorizing a Second Extension to the Tolling Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund (IMET).

4. Ordinance – Vehicle Impoundment – Approval of Ordinance 17-O-03, identified as Document 6, An Ordinance Amending Article L, Code Hearting Department, in Chapter 7, Municipal Departments, of Title 1, Administration, of the Woodstock City Code Regarding Vehicle Impoundment.

5. Award of Bid – Water Works – Replacement Boat Slide – Award of Bid to Arvidson Pool & Spa for engineering services, required permits, and removal of the existing concrete pedestal and boat slide and the installation of a new boat slide and two palm trees at Woodstock Water Works in the amount of $31,772.

6. Ordinance – Declaration of Surplus Equipment - Approval of Ordinance 17-O-04, identified as Document 7, An Ordinance authorizing the Sale of Personal Property Owned by the City of Woodstock.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda Items C through E, F2, and F4 through F6. 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 F-1 – Ordinance Liquor License, Rendezvous Bistro Councilman D. Hart recused himself and exited the Council Chambers at 7:27 PM.

Mayor Sager introduced Megan Liebetrau, petitioner and owner of Rendezvous Bistro, 2400 Lakeshore Drive. He noted Ms. Liebetrau’s application is in the Council packet for review.

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Larson, to approve Ordinance 17-O-05, identified as Document 3, An Ordinance Amending Section 3.3.6, Classification of Licenses: Number and Fees of the Woodstock City Code, authorizing extension of a Class A-6 liquor license to Rendezvous Bistro, understanding the Class A-6 liquor license for Brett Coleman Catering Inc. at the same location has been withdrawn and contingent upon fulfillment of all identified requirements.

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

Councilman D. Hart returned to the Council Chambers and rejoined the proceedings at 7:30 PM.

Item F-3- Resolution and Agreement – Nardulli Contract Extension RB Thompson questioned the expenditure of $60,000 for this service, noting Ms. Nardulli’s firm is also employed by McHenry County Council of Governments (MCCG), of which the City of Woodstock is a member, and other entities as well. He questioned the value of paying this amount of money for arranging the drive-downs and keeping the City in the loop. He further opined the Rt. 47 improvements will not be completed for many years and questioned whether the City will employ the firm for the next ten years.

Mayor Sager stated it should not be assumed the City will contract with the firm for ten more years, as this is a one-year contract, which is reviewed and voted on each year. He also stated Ms. Nardulli and her staff does not just arrange for drive downs, but work continually on behalf of Woodstock’s needs and wishes. He opined given the circumstances in Springfield and the competitive nature of funding at the state level, it is important to have a presence in Springfield to work on Woodstock’s behalf. Mayor Sager noted Ms. Nardulli and her staff were instrumental in getting the Rt. 14 improvements completed, noting they had been repeatedly stalled and delayed for years prior to her involvement. He also noted some of the efforts the firm has done to move the Rt. 47 project forward, noting this is for the future generations of Woodstock. Mayor Sager stated it is a huge effort to prioritize the City’s projects and efforts considering the intense competition, opining Ms. Nardulli’s efforts have been pivotal.

In response to a question from Councilman Turner concerning Ms. Nardulli’s efforts to move forward the Rt. 14 improvements, Mayor Sager provided additional information stating among other things she made sure the project was continually on the front burner with the right people in Springfield and the process was proceeding appropriately. In addition, Ms. Nardulli arranged for City Staff and the Mayor to come to Springfield and meet with the appropriate people to tell the story of why these improvements were needed and then, once the story was told and there were further questions from the leadership of the State legislature, she and her staff made sure they were answered and addressed in a timely manner so the legislators could make a decision and let the bids for the project. Mayor Sager noted previously this project had been languishing and postponed many times.

M. Turner expressed his support of an open discussion, noting he does not take the expenditure of $60,000 lightly. He noted he is more focused on the outcome however, and wishes to know that the $60,000 is worth it. He opined the Rt. 14 results give him that confidence. M. Turner stated the Rt. 47 improvements are one of the top priorities for the City’s residents and opined in order to get this completed in the way the City wishes, the City needs Ms. Nardulli’s firm’s efforts on its behalf. He stated this investment is necessary to continue to keep the City’s needs at the forefront noting he will support it as long as it is effective.

Mayor Sager noted Ms. Nardulli’s efforts are not focused only on Rt. 47. He stated another major effort has been the funding of State-shared revenue, noting Ms. Nardulli, along with the City Council and City Staff, has been working to ensure that Woodstock’s share of State-shared revenue continues to come back to the City.

Councilwoman Larson discussed her experiences in participating in the drive-down to Springfield, noting Ms. Nardulli and her staff also have Federal connections, which is a bonus and also very important. M. Larson stated she saw Ms. Nardulli in action and opined the City would be invisible without her presence in Springfield. She stated her agreement that $60,000 is a lot of money, but expressed her support of the agreement for Ms. Nardulli’s services.

In response to a question from M. Saladin, City Manager Stelford discussed the method by which Ms. Nardulli reports to the City. He noted City Staff has regular conversations with Ms. Nardulli concerning specific bills that may impact or be of interest to the City, stating some examples of these bills include those concerning public safety pensions and responsible bidder expansion. Mr. Stelford also noted the $60,000 is within the range paid by other municipalities for this work. Councilman Saladin noted the rate proposed in the agreement is the same as the current rate and has not been increased.

Mr. Stelford noted the City receives many compliments from legislators and legislative staff members on Ms. Nardulli’s work.

Councilman Saladin noted it is obvious Ms. Nardulli and her staff have inside information and the ability to gain entrance into places the City may not have access to.

Mayor Sager discussed how the State legislature works and why a legislative advocate is needed.

RB Thompson again noted his feeling that $60,000 is a lot of money and opined Woodstock’s State legislators should represent the City and get things done.

Mayor Sager stated they are getting things done, but noted in order to move the City’s issues forward, they need to be brought to the attention of not just Woodstock’s legislators but other legislators and committee members as well. He noted bills cannot be passed by Woodstock’s representatives alone, so the City must make sure other people are on board as well, stating it is a very competitive situation.

Mayor Sager opened the floor to Public Comment.

Scott Gessert, 810 Gerry Street, asked for a point of clarification concerning MCCG. In response, Councilman Saladin explained that Ms. Nardulli’s firm also works with MCCG of which the City is a member along with the other governmental units in the Council.

Motion by M. Saladin, second by J. Starzynski, to approve Resolution 17-O-02, A Resolution Approving an Agreement with Joyce Nardulli, LLC for Intergovernmental and Legislative Advocacy Professional Services, authorizing the execution of the agreement subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, M. Saladin, J. Starzynski, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: RB Thompson. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried 6-1.

G. DISCUSSION ITEMS

Transmittal – FY17/18 CIP City Manager Stelford noted the CIP document is available on the City’s website and has been placed in the City Council’s Dropbox. He stated this document assesses priorities for the City’s many Capital Improvement Projects. He noted discussion of the CIP program with Council input will take place at the next City Council meeting.

Mr. Stelford noted the CIP is a long-term document where the City Council has the opportunity to assess different types of projects and prioritize them indicating which they recommend moving forward in the budget for the next fiscal year.

Mayor Sager noted this document represents significant dollars for capital improvements as the City looks at the next five years. He noted this document and the prioritization helps sustain the City’s infrastructure and look at possible new improvement projects. He noted it also provides balance in any single year.

Mayor Sager stated the Council will study this document and then discuss it at the next meeting and also at the Budget Workshop.

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

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no changes or additions to the Future Agendas.

ADJOURN Motion by M. Larson, second by RB Thompson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday February 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock 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 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Smiley 

City Clerk