McHenry Times

Woodstock City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 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 as provided by Woodstock:

MINUTES WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL February 7, 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, February 7, 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, Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Police Chief John Lieb, Library Director Nick Weber, Opera House Managing Director John Scharres, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, IT Manager Dan McElmeel, City Planner Nancy Baker, and Grant Writer Terry Willcockson.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Public Comments Lou Ness, 477 W. Jackson, stated she and her partner settled in Woodstock because it is a friendly community and purchased a home on West Jackson Street because it is a friendly neighborhood. Noting there is a variety of housing including owner-occupied, multi-family rental, and single- family rental, she described how over the years many families have come to her with complaints concerning their rental property, including sewage in the basements and mold in their homes. She stated she had been invited into some of the rental properties and observed these issues first-hand. Ms. Ness stated she wants to see decent rental units available to the people of Woodstock and wants landlords to take responsibility for sustaining decent rental housing in Woodstock.

She stated she and the renters have spoken with City staff and the Health Department numerous times in the past concerning this and was told there was little that could be done because the City, at that time, was not Home Rule. Noting the City recently attained Home Rule status and with it additional powers to address these issues, Ms. Ness urged the City Council to create a taskforce to study what may now be done and then take appropriate action to ensure all people in the City of Woodstock have decent, safe places to live.

Mayor Sager agreed this is a difficult situation. He stated the City Council and City Staff have heard many such complaints over the years. He noted the City has tried to intervene to the extent allowed by law as a non-Home Rule community. He explained some of the restrictions imposed on the City and why further action could not be taken at that time. He stated the City has taken some landlords to court, but noted that some have learned the court systems give them time to remedy the situation and have taken advantage of this time to the detriment of their tenants.

Mayor Sager stated at the last City Council meeting, Council took action, which supports Home Rule and renewed the City’s ordinances with Home Rule authority so that this evening’s meeting is the first meeting as a Home Rule community. Mayor Sager stated prior to the last meeting, however, the City Council held a Home Rule Workshop to discuss various subjects, which the City can now address as a Home Rule community, including landlord/tenant issues. Mayor Sager stated the current Council has made a commitment to address these issues quickly.

Councilman Turner opined creation of a taskforce may not be the best course of action, as this would add another layer, which could actually delay action. Noting a discussion of this issue has taken place on a regular basis, he opined there has been enough information provided for Council’s consideration, so this can be addressed fairly quickly.

Councilwoman Larson supported involving the tenants and urged publication of when this will be discussed.

Ms. Ness thanked Council for its consideration and action.

Nick Weber, 606 Park Street, stated he was speaking as a resident of Woodstock, not as an employee of the City. Noting his recent attendance at the People in Need seminar at MCC, he urged all to attend next year as this is a very worthwhile event where one can meet and connect with individuals wishing to make McHenry County a better place. At the seminar, Mr. Weber learned it is important to let his elected officials know when they are doing something right and stated he wished to thank the City Council members for their efforts to create the Old Fire Station Assistance Center on behalf of the community. He congratulated them on the success of this project and stated his wish that the City do other things to make Woodstock a welcoming place for all.

Laura Witlox, 2901 Brahms, founder of Keep Woodstock Beautiful, invited the community to this year’s clean-up, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. She stated Matrix IV is again partnering in this event.

Council Comment Mayor Sager expressed his gratitude to the members of the Groundhog Day Committee and others for their significant efforts to, once again, organize this event for the community. He stated they did a wonderful job promoting the event and getting the media here. Mayor Sager also noted a5’s efforts to gain coverage for the City, showing Woodstock as a welcoming community. He also thanked the merchants for making everyone welcome.

Councilman Thompson acknowledged and thanked Bob Hudgins for his many years of returning to Woodstock for Groundhog Days and the Johnsons for once again providing free screenings of the movie.

Mayor Sager introduced members of Boy Scout Troop 153, thanking them for their attendance at this evening’s meeting. He noted there was another troop present earlier, recognizing Chief John Lieb for bringing them to City Hall. Chief Lieb stated they were Arrow of Light Scouts who will soon cross over to become Boy Scouts.

CONSENT AGENDA Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin, to approve the Consent Agenda.

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

• Item E-1 – Ordinance – Liquor License, LaTrinidad Restaurant by D. Hart

• Item E-2 – Resolution – Creative Services Incubator by M. Saladin at the request of Scott

Gessert

Mayor Sager requested any questions or comments concerning remaining items on the Consent Agenda.

Item E-4 – Ordinance – Parking on Blakely Street Councilman Thompson described the various parking configurations on Blakely Street and in the surrounding area.

Noting the e-mails that Council members have received from residents in this area, M. Larson invited anyone present to speak concerning this issue.

A general discussion ensued between the Council and residents Angela Hughey, 614 Blakely; Rodney Townsend, 524 Blakely; Judy Corson, 638 Blakely; Jessica Hurting, 644 Blakely; and Rita Unzner, 316 Blakely.

Ms. Hughey opined the current parking situation is unsafe, noting she has had to make people back down Blakely when trying to turn onto that street from South Street. She further opined most of the problems are caused by hospital employees.

Mayor Sager noted the City has been dealing with this situation over a number of years, stating the problems come from the high school, the hospital, and the Alano Club. He stated the City has tried a number of measures to ameliorate the problem. He stated the proposal on the table is a result of a survey and noted Council is considering a recommendation to extend the parking restrictions that now exist during certain times on school days.

Discussion ensued of enforcement with Mayor Sager stating the Police Department will be expected to enforce the restrictions as much as possible.

Chief Lieb stated the Police Department has been reticent to enforce the parking regulations in this area for the past several months while the dialog has been going on. He stated, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, parking enforcement on the Square is provided by the Community Service Officer, while parking enforcement in the area being discussed this evening will have to be provided by patrol officers, as they are available.

The residents opined the on-street spaces are being used by hospital employees. Mayor Sager discussed the conversations that have been held with individuals at the hospital and the Alano Club in an effort to resolve this situation. He stated it is hoped the proposal being considered this evening will do that, but can be reviewed if it does not. He noted, however, this is public parking and the City cannot prohibit hospital employees or those visiting the Alano Club from parking.

Discussions continued regarding various other possible parking configurations, enforcement, and signage.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager as to whether the residents wished to move forward with the current recommendation to extend and enforce the restrictions as they currently exist during school times on a permanent basis throughout the week or whether they wish the City to continue to explore other parking options, the residents stated they wished to move forward with the current recommendation.

Item E-5 – Ordinance – Traffic Controls in the Maples at Sonatas In response to a question from Councilwoman Larson, there were no residents present for this agenda item and no public comment was forthcoming.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Larson, J. Van Landuyt stated the neighbors were not notified as these are new streets that warrant signage based on their configuration.

Item E-3 – Resolution – Support for the 2015-2019 McHenry County Consolidated Plan Amendment Councilman Saladin stated it is important to note that it was City Staff who brought this to the County’s attention to change this for the benefit of the Old Courthouse.

Mayor Sager affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items B, C, D, and E-3 through E-5 as follows:

B. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

January 13, 2017 Budget Workshop Minutes January 17, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes

C. WARRANTS: 3746 3747

D. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Woodstock Opera House Monthly Report January 2017 Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report December 2016

E. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 83

3. Resolution – Support for the 2015-2019 McHenry County Consolidated Plan Amendment – Approval of Resolution 17-R-03, identified as Document No. 2, A Resolution Recommending the Amendment of the McHenry County 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan to Allow the Addition of Activities Related to Historic Preservation, supporting the utilization of CDBG funds for historic preservation.

4. Ordinance – Parking on Blakely Street – Approval of Ordinance 17-O-06, identified as Document 3, An Ordinance Providing for an Amendment to the City Code of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois Providing for the Revision of Certain Traffic Regulations, authorizing revisions to parking on Blakely Street from Forest to South to remove the reference to “on school days” and extend the parking restrictions year-round during the weekdays.

5. Ordinance – Traffic Controls in the Maples at Sonatas – Approval of Ordinance 17-O-07, identified as Document 4, An Ordinance Providing for an Amendment to the Woodstock City Code Providing for Revisions to Various Traffic Schedules, pertaining to traffic regulations for new and existing City streets in the Maples at Sonatas, authorizing the placement of stop signs.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda Items B, C, D, and E3 through E-5. 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 E-1 – Waiver - Liquor License, La Trinidad Restaurant Councilman D. Hart recused himself and exited the Council Chambers at 7:52 PM.

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin to approve a waiver of the moratorium on the acceptance of an application for a Class A-2 (Restaurant) Liquor License for La Trinidad Restaurant, 2085 S. Eastwood Drive, with the understanding this is not a guarantee of license approval and that it is a one-time waiver for this location only.

In response to a question from Councilman Thompson, Mayor Sager confirmed that this is for a second, separate business for the owner of Supermarket La Trinidad located on Davis Road.

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 6-0.

Councilman D. Hart returned to the Council Chambers and rejoined the proceedings at 7:56 PM.

Item E-2 – Resolution – Creative Services Incubator In response to a question from Scott Gessert, Mayor Sager clarified that this action is for an extension of the Agreement with EMH Consulting Group approved last year to continue the Creative Services Incubator with no request for additional funding. He further clarified that this action will allow for the extension of the opportunities offered by EMH to the public with no additional funds provided by the City.

Motion by M. Saladin, second by M. Larson to approve Resolution 17-R-04, identified as Document 1, A Resolution Approving an Extension Agreement with EMH Consulting Group to Establish a Creative Services Incubator Program in the City of Woodstock, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

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.

F. DISCUSSION ITEMS FY17/18 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) City Manager Stelford stated his appreciation to the Department Directors and City Staff for their efforts to create this comprehensive list of capital improvement projects that will make Woodstock a better place. He noted this list was created for Council review and prioritization. He stated that it is not possible for the City to fund all projects in the CIP and this process will allow for prioritization for placement for funding in the FY17/18 Budget.

Mayor Sager stated it would be wonderful to be able to fund all projects in the CIP but noted this is not possible due to limited resources. He noted it is important for Council to identify projects to move forward for the benefit of the community as the members look at the Budget for the upcoming year. He stated that some projects require planning, which must also be considered.

Mayor Sager thanked City Staff for their efforts on creating this document and invited Council comments.

In response to a question from M. Turner, Mr. Stelford stated of the “A” projects, 5 or 6 are for bond payments in the amount of approximately $1 million, leaving approximately $4.5 million across all funds. In response to further questioning, Mr. Stelford confirmed that funds in the Utility Fund can only be spent on items in the Utility Fund.

Mayor Sager stated his belief that all agree there is a high priority in trying to put more dollars into street improvements, noting there are distinct needs resulting from environmental conditions and the economic downturn. He reminded those present of the workshop held to discuss street maintenance at which time new approaches were adopted including the wish to invest more into streets using funds from the General Fund.

Discussion ensued of one of those approaches, the use of Reclaimate, and the funds being proposed for this project. J. Van Landuyt stated decisions concerning the usage of this product are being made based on the experiences of other communities who have been using it for many years. In response to a suggestion from Councilman Turner that the funds for this item be increased, Mr. Van Landuyt stated the amount suggested is based on the number of streets on which the product can be used, as it cannot be used on all streets.

A brief discussion of the mural project ensued with Mayor Sager noting the upcoming meeting was scheduled to discuss this item further. He expressed his support of the mural project, but noted his feeling that it should not be paid for with municipal funds, but rather through donations.

Councilman Thompson opined the project to replace 22 lamp posts in the Park in the Square should be raised to an A ranking. Discussion ensued. Councilman Turner applauded Councilman Thompson’s efforts to move forward the enhancements to the Square, most especially the stone façade on the wall. He stated further efforts, including the replacement of the lamp posts must be balanced with the needs of the Old Courthouse Project as funds for all of these projects come out of the TIF. He opined the Old Courthouse still needs substantial infrastructure improvements.

Councilman Thompson stated the Old Courthouse project will require funds for many years to come and opined the City should take a one-year interlude from funding those projects to work on other projects such as the lamp posts and burying utility cables on Benton Street. Discussion followed of these projects.

Mayor Sager noted he is supportive of burying the utility cables at some point but stated planning would be required to move this forward. He stated his opinion; the lights should be phased in. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Van Landuyt confirmed the costs of the lamp posts at approximately $10,000 each. He further noted the cost of burying the utility cables is unknown and the time needed to complete such a project is also unknown. Mayor Sager opined this is why planning and analysis of that project is needed before committing to funding.

Councilman Turner noted there are some creative concepts and ideas for this street, which would improve it greatly, opining there is great potential for this area. Mayor Sager noted this is the type of visionary work that could take place with planning, which he would support.

Councilman Saladin reminded those present that the CIP Program must be looked at in full as to how the priorities are reached. He stated it is difficult for him to say what should be an A priority. Noting the Directors create the document and have knowledge of all areas, including projects such as water and sewer and water treatment needs for example, he opined that Council can give input from the public. He further noted Council has made a commitment to the Old Courthouse. Mayor Sager noted there are many projects included in the CIP that are basic, routine maintenance and mechanical items.

Councilwoman Larson agreed stating she is grateful for the City’s professional staff who keep an eye on things such as wastewater treatment and water treatment, for example, and plan for the future. She stated the lights are not a priority for her at this time. She opined investing in the Old Courthouse is important and, perhaps, investing in Benton Street.

In response to a question from Councilman Thompson, City Planner Nancy Baker stated the cost of putting new windows on two sides of the Old Courthouse is approximately $210,000. In response to a comment from Councilman Thompson that this money should be put into the lamp post project, Mayor Sager stated if Council is in agreement to elevate the lamp post project to an A priority, Staff could investigate funding options. With this information, a decision could be made during the budgeting process. Councilman Turner stated he is willing to listen to Staff concerning this item, including Ms. Baker’s thoughts.

Further discussion continued on the Old Courthouse project including the funds budgeted for it and other projects on the Square. Mayor Sager noted the City has made a sound investment in the Old Courthouse while simultaneously investing in streetscape improvements, doing one without the exclusion of the other, making the best use of TIF District funds. He stated he does not wish to stop momentum on the Old Courthouse Project, but is willing to look at the lighting project further.

It was the consensus of the City Council to look into the lamp post project as discussed for future review during the budgeting process.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Larson, Mr. Van Landuyt stated much work needs to be done in Emricson Park, noting the amount placed in the CIP document can be used for anything deemed appropriate. He stated after winter is over, the paving in the Park will be examined to determine what needs to be done.

Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to see how much of the Emricson Park roadway can be paved with the funds allocated.

Councilman Turner opined the fence behind home plate at the Dream Field needs improvement. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that this be looked at. Mr. Van Landuyt noted that funding had been placed in the CIP for this, but will not be approved until May 1st, making it difficult to complete work on the fence due to field scheduling.

It was the consensus of the City Council that this project be done as soon as possible, noting funds have already been placed in the CIP.

It response to a question from Mayor Sager for public input, Laura Witlox urged Council to keep in mind that Keep Woodstock Beautiful is supportive of any small projects with which they could help. There were no other questions or comments forthcoming from the public concerning the FY17/18 Capital Improvement Program.

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 21, 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 8:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Smiley, City Clerk