McHenry Times

Woodstock City Council met April 4.

Here is the minutes as provided by the Council:

The regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Brian Sager on Tuesday, April 4, 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, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano and Library Director Nick Weber.

OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk Cindy Smiley

A. FLOOR DISCUSSION Proclamation – National Public Library Week Mayor Sager stated this evening the City is honored to recognize National Library Week and the Woodstock Public Library. Without objection, the City Council approved the Proclamation Honoring National Library Week and the Woodstock Public Library. Mayor Sager placed the proclamation into the record

PROCLAMATION HONORING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK and the WOODSTOCK PUBLIC LIBRARY

WHEREAS, in the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions, and musical instruments, and a non-profit organization formed to encourage people to read in their increasing leisure time, resulting in efforts that established National Library Week in 1958; and 

WHEREAS, since then, the American Library Association has sponsored National Library Week annually to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support; and 

WHEREAS, National Library Week is being observed across the country this year from April 9 - 15, 2017 with the theme Libraries Transform; and

WHEREAS, over the past several decades, the role of public libraries has expanded to include far more than printed literature with libraries becoming a community focal point for education, entertainment, and social connection; and 

WHEREAS, during National Library Week, we pay special tribute to our beloved Woodstock Public Library and encourage all community members to call or visit the Library and show their appreciation to Library staff members on Tuesday, April 11th, designated as National Library Workers’ Day; and 

WHEREAS, the Woodstock Public Library, that last year celebrated its 125th Anniversary, provides proof of National Library Week’s theme on a daily basis, being an integral and transforming part of our community by serving every part of our populace through over 300,000 in-person visits and almost 1 million on-line contacts yearly.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Woodstock, on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, applauds the role of the American Library Association in promoting National Library Week, once again expresses our individual and collective gratitude, and pledges our continued support for the Woodstock Public Library, its staff and volunteer members of the Library Board. 

APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this 4th day of April, 2017.

Mayor Sager presented the Proclamation to Library Director Nick Weber noting it is the City’s honor to recognize the Woodstock Public Library and asking Mr. Weber to relay to the library staff how much the City Council appreciates their efforts.

Public Comment Jason Alfonso, 718 Pleasant, stated there is a parking issue on Pleasant Street when he parks in front of his neighbor’s house. He stated his neighbor objects to this and has called the Police numerous times. He noted the Police have told him he is doing nothing wrong, yet the neighbor continues to harass him and call the Police.

Mr. Alfonso explained why he must park in front of his neighbor’s house so that other neighbors can access their driveways. He stated he has tried to work with his neighbor to no avail and requested assistance from the City Council to resolve this situation.

Noting he and others with the City have spoken with Mr. Alfonso, Mayor Sager thanked him for coming forward this evening. He stated Public Works Director Jeff Van Landuyt and Police Chief John Lieb have been working with Mr. Alfonso and his neighbor to resolve this issue. He stated the City knows what must be done and will try to get people to work together. Mayor Sager stated this is public parking and cannot be reserved selectively, and also the street cannot be blocked off, noting Mr. Alfonso is parking within the law. He stated the City will continue to work to resolve this situation.

Wendy Piersall stated she is present this evening because she wishes to have it entered into the record how much she loves Woodstock. She stated her husband moved his business to Woodstock from Crystal Lake noting when she told her daughter they were moving, she would not speak to Mrs. Piersall. Mrs. Piersall stated after a couple of days, the daughter told her if they were moving to Woodstock that would be ok.

Mrs. Piersall stated her family feels Woodstock is a wonderful, amazing community, citing many of its attributes and amenities, and stated she wished everyone on the Council to know that her family realizes this doesn’t just happen by accident, but because of the leadership of the City. Mrs. Piersall stated she wished to thank the Council for this leadership.

Council Comments Councilman Turner stated he recently took his first trip to Springfield with other City representatives for the purpose of lobbying on behalf of the City. He stated the way the world works is this is the way to meet the people who make the decisions in the State legislature to get things done. He noted to get things done for the City on the State level, there are groups of legislators the City must be able to get in the door to talk with and to connect with.

Mr. Turner stated the City’s Legislative Advocate Joyce Nardulli is an extraordinary person who is well-connected in Springfield who allows the City to connect with the people who make the decisions. He noted the discussions between Woodstock’s representatives and those people would not have occurred if not for her.

Councilman Turner stated, in addition, the City representatives would not have received the same reception from these decision makers if not for Mayor Sager, noting without the knowledge he brings to the table, the City would not have gotten the time with the people who make the decisions. Noting the City’s group did get the time with these people, Mr. Turner stated they indicated that while other projects are being cut, the Route 47 project is one of the highest priorities. He stated without the skills of Mayor Sager, the City would not be in this position.

J. Starzynski indicated he also made the trip to Springfield and was told by many that Woodstock is doing all the right things to get ready for this project and to move it forward.

B. PUBLIC HEARING: FY2017/2018 BUDGET 

Mayor Sager stated the FY2017/2018 Budget has been prepared by City Staff following multiple public Council Budget Workshops. He stated the Budget document has been available for review by the Public on-line and via computer at the Public Library.

Mayor Sager stated the purpose of this Public Hearing is to open the floor to the Public to make comments on the Budget. He stated Council will take these comments into consideration during the final Budget Workshop along with all other information to develop the Budget that will be considered for approval at the April 18th City Council meeting.

Mayor Sager opened the Public Hearing at 7:21 PM

Mayor Sager stated the FY2017/2018 Budget is $3,000,000 less than the City’s budget of 10 years ago. He noted the property tax levy is 6.9% less than the tax levy of 10 years ago and also the City’s portion of the property tax bill is 1.54% less than it was 10 years ago.

Mayor Sager stated he feels the City has done a good job of managing the finances of the City.

Mayor Sager requested comments or questions from the public.

There being no comments or questions from the public, motion by M. Larson, second by M. Turner, to close the FY2017/2018 Budget Public Hearing. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Hart, Larson, Saladin, Starzynski, Thompson, Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried unanimously. The FY2017/2018 Budget Public Hearing was closed at 7:25 PM.

CONSENT AGENDA 

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin, to approve the Consent Agenda. There were no items removed from the Consent Agenda. There were no questions or comments on the items on the Consent Agenda forthcoming from the City Council or the Public.

Mayor Sager affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items C through F-2 as follows:

C. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 

March 21, 2017 Regular Meeting

D. WARRANTS: 3754 3755 

E. MINUTES AND REPORTS: Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report February 2017 

F. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 87

1. Ordinance – Mitchel and Stewart Traffic Controls Approval of Ordinance 17-O-28, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Providing for an Amendment to the Woodstock City Code Providing for Revisions to Various Traffic Schedules, providing for revisions to traffic control at the intersections of Mitchell Street and Stewart Avenue as well as Muriel Street and Stewart Avenue providing for the removal of Yield Signs followed by the installation of Stop Signs.

2. Ordinance – Special Use – Truck Stops Approval of Ordinance 17-O-29, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the City of Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance Relating to Truck Stops.

A roll call vote was taken to approve Consent Agenda Items C through F-2. 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.

DISCUSSION ITEMS: 

There were no Discussion Items on this evening’s Agenda.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

There was a brief discussion of the Bull Valley Boundary Agreement Agenda Item. RB Thompson wished to commend Library Director Nick Weber on the improvements that have been made to the Library during his tenure. Mayor Sager recognized members of Boy Scout Troop 153 and asked them to introduce themselves and their families. He thanked them for their attendance this evening.

ADJOURN 

Motion by M. Saladin, second by M. Larson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the April 13, 2017 City Council Budget Workshop at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers of 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 7:31 PM.