McHenry Times

Woodstock City Council met March 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Sager welcomed those present and explained the consent calendar process and invited public participation. He noted, as is the City’s policy, this evening’s meeting is being live- streamed with a recording archived should members of the public wish to view it in the future.

Chief Deputy City Clerk Howie confirmed the agenda before the Council was a true and correct copy of the published agenda.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Hart, Maureen Larson, Jim Prindiville, Mark Saladin, Gordon Tebo, 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, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Grant Writer/Communications Manager Terry Willcockson and Executive Assistant/Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

OTHERS PRESENT: None.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Public Comment

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

Council Comment

Mayor Sager thanked Director Van Landuyt and the Department of Public Works for their exceptional job on maintaining the streets with respect to potholes, which are not just in Woodstock. He extended his sincere thanks and respect to the department during the difficult weather situations experienced this season.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

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

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, the following items were removed from the Consent Agenda by the Council or a member of the Public:

Item D1, Liquor License Waiver of Moratorium for Oliver’s Bar & Grill by Councilman Hart.

Item D5, Award of Contract – Remove and Reconstruct Community Event Sign by Councilman Saladin.

Mayor Sager affirmed the Consent Agenda to include Items A – D7 with the exception of Items D1 and D5, as follows:

A. MINUTES:

January 14, 2019 City Council Budget Workshop #1 February 10, 2019 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: #3846 #3847

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Opera House Advisory Board Minutes February 2019

Police Department Report January 2019

D. MANAGER’S REPORT NO. 129

2. Ordinance – Purchase of Plow Truck and Surplus Equipment (129b)

a) Authorization to order and purchase a replacement dump truck and equipment through the Sourcewell joint purchasing program, Bid Number 081716-PMC from JX Enterprises Peterbilt, Rockford, IL, upfit by Bonnell Industries, Dixon, IL for a delivered unit price of $188,977, and

b) Approval of an Ordinance designating the 2006 International 7400 as surplus property, and authorizing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law, including but not limited for sale to the highest bidder on www.GovDeals.com, recycling, donation, and/or disposal.

3. Ordinance – Purchase of Pick Up Truck and Surplus Equipment (129c)

a) Authorization to purchase a pickup truck under the Suburban Purchasing Contract from Roesch Ford, Bensenville, IL for the total price of $49,979 for the completed unit which includes a service body and

b) Approval of an Ordinance designating the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado as surplus property, and authorizing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law, including but not limited to sale to the highest bidder on www.GovDeals.com, recycling, donation, and/or disposal.

4. Ordinance – Designation of Surplus Equipment (129d)

Approval of an Ordinance designating miscellaneous equipment as surplus property and authorizing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law, including but not limited to sale to the highest bidder on www.GovDeals.com, recycling, donation, and/or disposal.

6. Resolution – ComEd Green Region Program Application (129f)

a) Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Application to the 2019 ComEd Green Region Program for Pollinator Meadow at Emricson Park; and

b) Authorization to Enter into a Conditional Contract for Purchase of Property.

7. Agreement – City of Marengo Technology Services (129g)

Authorization to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Woodstock and the City of Marengo to provide construction review, inspections, and information technology services.

Councilman Hart recused himself and exited the Council Chambers at 7:10 PM.

Item D-1 - Waiver – Liquor License Waiver of Moratorium – Oliver’s Bar & Grill

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Saladin authorizing a waiver to the moratorium on the acceptance of an application for a Class A-6V (Restaurant/Caterer) liquor license for Oliver’s Bar & Grill, 228 Main Street, Woodstock with the understanding this is not a guarantee of license approval and that it is a one-time waiver for the identified location only.

J. Prindiville stated he understands the importance of this type of liquor license at this location; however, he noted that he will not vote for a liquor license if video gaming is included. Mayor Sager asked if there were any comments from the public. Hearing none, he confirmed that this approval would only allow application to apply for a liquor license.

A roll call vote was taken on Item D1. Ayes: M. Larson, J. Prindiville, M. Saladin, G. Tebo, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Hart. Motion carried.

Councilman Hart returned to Council Chambers at 7:13 PM.

Item D-5 - Award of Contract – Remove and Reconstruct Community Event Sign

Councilman Saladin reminded Council that he was absent at the last meeting when this item was on the agenda. He recently noticed the old community events sign on Rt. 47; he said the current condition is sometimes difficult to read, and he believes the proposed sign would be a favorable update. Councilman Tebo agreed that this new sign would be a good upgrade for this location. He said the City is currently spending over $10,000 per year for labor to maintain the current sign. In response to a question regarding future costs for the proposed sign, P. Christensen stated that there is an annual cost of $300-400 for the Verizon card. J. Van Landuyt believes the technology will be supported going forward, as some costs may decrease over time. P. Christensen stated the LED lights may get dimmer over time; however, it is believed that the sign will last a minimum of 10-12 years.

Councilwoman Larson mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce currently manages the events sign. And, Director Van Landuyt added that Public Works’ staff members go out on site every Monday to manually change the sign’s message. R. Stelford stated the City will have a conversation with the Chamber prior to redirecting management of the sign before any changes are made. He added that this sign would allow for multiple messages, which opens up new opportunities for the City and community events.

Mayor Sager reiterated that the City will have discussions with the Chamber of Commerce to decide on the best way to manage a new sign going forward. Councilwoman Larson said she is still torn; she’s trying to determine what’s best for the City, as the proposed sign is not a huge savings. Councilman Turner said he is comfortable with the electronic nature of the sign at this location; however, he’s struggling with the costs. It seems like a lot of money to him, but he can understand both sides, and he does see the value; functionality of the sign and multiple messaging is a significant benefit. He added that both the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses value events sign and this new sign presents a great opportunity. Councilman Turner reminded Council that some concern was raised at the last meeting; however, in general, Council is trying to do the right thing. He also noted that the current sign looks old and is barely noticeable.

Councilwoman Larson said the new design looks very nice, and she asked if the LED screen can be swapped out if it ages. In response, J. Van Landuyt confirmed that this is correct. Councilwoman Larson mentioned that she received an email from a concerned resident about possible flashing, animations, and scrolling on the electronic sign. R. Stelford stated that there is a Sign Ordinance which states what is and is not allowed.

Resident Dean Lovewell, 324 Dean Street, thanked Council for the additional time to consider the electronic sign. He’s grateful for the time that’s been spent researching the sign. Mr. Lovewell mentioned three topics of concern; popularity, efficacy of digital signage, and the cost savings. Mr. Lovewell went on to support his displeasure in this type of advertising. He mentioned several events in Woodstock that are well attended without digital signage. He pointed out many of the trivial messages that are displayed in front of schools and other locations, and that after a short time; no one looks at the signs any longer. Although he’s not completely opposed to the cost of a new sign, he believes this is not a cost savings or cost effective, and it could be more of a distraction and threat to drivers’ safety.

Mayor Sager thanked Mr. Lovewell for his comments. Mayor Sager asked staff to comment on some of these questions. In response to one of Mr. Lovewell’s questions, City Manager Stelford said the City does pay electric on this type of sign, which is captured via revenues from cost to rent the sign. With regard to software, P. Christensen answered that there is no software maintenance cost, just the wireless cost which is the same as the portable signs the City operates. In addition, this will not store data and is not really something that would get hacked into. In regards to damage to the sign, it would be considered City property and subject to the City’s insurance coverage.

Councilman Turner stated the importance of maintaining the sign should it malfunction or get damaged. In response to Councilman Turner’s question, Director Van Landuyt said there is a 5- year warranty on the sign. He added that if the sign is malfunctioning, the City will be certain to have it repaired in a timely manner. Councilman Turner stated the manufacturer needs to stand behind their warranty.

In response to further questions from Mr. Lovewell, Mayor Sager said the City has a Comprehensive Plan along with a Sign Ordinance in place. There will be much discussion pertaining to what types of changes, if any, need to take place going forward. D. Lovewell doesn’t see certainty in recovery of costs and he doesn’t believe this is ready for approval.

Councilman Saladin asked if the location is safe from IDOT takings. It was confirmed that this is a safe location for the City. Councilman Prindiville said he appreciated all the comments, especially from Mr. Lovewell. His perspective in civic identity is very important, along with general esthetics. He believes this sign would be a great improvement as it ties in with the identity in Woodstock. He believes the business community, and the community at large, are very supportive of this sign; this will provide a better impression of the City. He supports this project and he believes that this is the new reality.

Councilman Hart stated that he is not in favor of the electronic sign as it shifts away from the message the City is giving, as a whole. He believes a new sign is needed, but not a digital sign. Mayor Sager mentioned changeable/electronic signs, consistency, branding, the continuity element, along with upholding the historic preservation of our community. He mentioned that staff continues to study how this might be addressed; such as the pillars and ironwork on the Square, and the mural and the pedway. It is his hope that developers will help to pay for some of these upgrades going forward. Mayor Sager said the costs to construct and maintain must be considered; however, he doesn’t believe there is a threat to safety due to distraction. He does; however, believe that the City has to acknowledge the opportunity to get the messages out to the public, such as promoting events as well as awareness of problems or issues as they arise. He agreed that Groundhog Day was a great success, but a lot of social media and advertising was involved for that event along with most other community events. Mayor Sager said he is willing to support the electronic sign, even with the cost. Councilman Tebo said this was not a movement to save money; instead, he was looking at this in a positive nature.

Motion by Councilman Saladin, second by Councilman Prindiville, to award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder; Correct Digital Displays, Sheridan, IL at a total cost of $87,001 to remove and reconstruct the Community Event Sign to include two (2) single face electronic message boards.

Ayes: J. Prindiville, M. Saladin, G. Tebo, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: D. Hart and M. Larson. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

J. Van Landuyt added that the completion date is set for May 10, 2019.

With regard to the Transmittal of Third Quarter Financial Reports, Councilman Prindiville mentioned the investment report and the fact that some banks are paying higher rates on CDs. He asked why the City doesn’t invest more with these banks. R. Stelford explained the reasoning of being capped at $250K as a result of FDIC insurance. P. Christensen added some further information. In response to Councilman Prindiville’s question, Mr. Christensen said the City has three brokers at this time, Home State Bank, 5th Third Bank, and another entity out of Oak Brook. He added that the City is always looking for the best rates. The City’s Senior Accountant handles the City’s cash management.

Mayor Sager thanked staff for their efforts on this responsibility.

Mayor Sager asked Council Members to look at their calendars in the hopes of scheduling a Budget Workshop in April. He added that there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed budget at the April 2nd City Council meeting with an opportunity to approve the Budget at the April 16th Council meeting. The Budget Meeting was set for Monday, April 15, 3:00 PM, in Council Chambers.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Following a brief discussion, it was noted that Council will be scheduling a future Workshop to discuss Route 47, along with several other topics in the near future.

Mayor Sager stated that he is joining the McHenry County Council of Governments in meetings in Springfield tomorrow. He added that he appreciates the input and assistance from a5 in producing a new brochure that he’ll be sharing. Mayor Sager said the City has worked closely with Omar at IDOT, who is an integral partner for the City, and we are very happy with his support from the Department. He went on to say that it is their effort to talk to legislators and staff members along with members of the Governor’s staff; the Capitol Bill is a high priority for him. Councilman Turner extended his best wishes to Mayor Sager.

ADJOURN

Motion by M. Turner, second by M. Larson, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Ayes: D. Hart, M. Larson, J. Prindiville, M. Saladin, G. Tebo, M. Turner, and Mayor Sager. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/26371/f_-_3-5-19_city_council_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf