McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council Met March 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Deputy Mayor Turner in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. Deputy Mayor Turner noted this meeting of the Woodstock City Council is being held under the Governor’s Emergency Declaration with Council members attending remotely and those attending at City Hall observing social distancing. He stated it is being livestreamed as is the City’s policy, including livestreaming of the Council members who are attending remotely. Inviting all to participate, Deputy Mayor Turner explained the procedures to be used by the City Council, City Staff, and the Public to join today’s meeting, including how comments may be made and questions asked. Deputy Mayor Turner explained the Consent Calendar.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Deputy Mayor Michael Turner.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT ATTENDING REMOTELY: Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, Jim Prindiville, and Gordon Tebo.

COUNCIL ABSENT: Mayor Brian Sager

STAFF PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: City Manager Roscoe Stelford and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

STAFF ATTENDING REMOTELY: Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, IT Director Dan McElmeel, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Building and Zoning Department Director Joe Napolitano, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, and Opera House Managing Director Daniel Campbell.

Deputy Mayor Turner noted the presence of a quorum under the revised rules of the Governor during this COVID-19 emergency. City Clerk Smiley confirmed the agenda before the Council is a true and correct copy of the published agenda.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Public Comment

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

C. Council Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the City Council.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by W. Piersall, second by G. Tebo, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, the following items were removed from the Consent Agenda by the City Council or the Public:

Item D-3 – Resolution – Repealing TIF Inducement Resolution 18-R-24 by Councilman Prindiville. 

Item D-4 – Resolution – TIF Inducement – 101 S. Jefferson Street by Councilman Prindiville.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, there were no questions forthcoming from the Public or the City Council concerning items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

Deputy Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-2 and D-5 as follows:

A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

February 2, 2021 City Council Budget Workshop

February 16, 2021 City Council Meeting

B. WARRANTS #3943 #3944

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS

Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes January 20, 2021 Opera House Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes February 16, 2020 Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report January 2021

D. MANAGER’S REPORT NO. 174:

1. Resolution – Maintenance of Streets and Highways – IDOT MFT - Approval of Resolution 21-R-05, identified as Document 1, Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code, which appropriates $1,004,500 of Motor Fuel Tax funds from May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022.

2. Resolution – TIF Inducement – 725 Lake Avenue - Approval of Resolution 21-R-06, identified as Document 2, A Resolution of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, to Induce the Redevelopment of Certain Property within the Woodstock TIF #2 Downtown & Route 47 (725 Lake Ave).

5. Ordinance - Opera House Surplus Designation - Approval of Ordinance 21-O-15, identified as Document 5, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the City of Woodstock, designating miscellaneous equipment as surplus property and authorizing and directing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law.

A roll call vote was taken on items A through D-2 and D-5.

Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, W. Piersall, J. Prindiville, G. Tebo, and Deputy Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Mayor B. Sager. Motion carried.

Item D-3 – Resolution – Repealing TIF Inducement Resolution 18-R-24

Councilman Prindiville recused himself from the discussion of Items D-3 and D-4, leaving the proceedings and dropping from the Zoom meeting at 7:10 PM.

Councilman Flynn recused himself from the discussion of Items D-3 and D-4, leaving the proceedings and dropping from the Zoom meeting at 7:10 PM.

City Manager Stelford confirmed that Councilmembers Prindiville and Flynn were no longer connected on the Zoom call.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, City Attorney Schlossberg confirmed the appropriateness of the procedure used to recuse the Council members and confirmed the presence of a quorum to allow the meeting to proceed. She further confirmed that a four-person affirmative vote would be needed in order for a matter to pass.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve Resolution 21-R-07, identified as Document 3, A Resolution of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, Repealing Resolution No 18-R-24 Inducing the Redevelopment of Certain Property Within Woodstock TIF #2 – Downtown & Route 47 Redevelopment Project Area.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, City Attorney Schlossberg explained the various reasons a Council member may recuse him or herself, noting there is no obligation to state the reason.

Deputy Mayor Turner stated he has had conversations with both Council members and is comfortable with their reasons for recusal to eliminate any perceived conflict and to meet any requirement of State statute.

Deputy Mayor Turner stated the proposed resolution ceases an agreement for this property, noting further action will be taken up by Item D-4.

Mr. Stelford noted the first developer is not interested in pursuing this project, so the Administration is recommending rescinding the previous Inducement Resolution, stating there is interest on the property from another developer, which is reflected in Item D-4.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, there were no questions or comments forthcoming from the Public.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: L. Lohmeyer, W. Piersall, G. Tebo, and Deputy Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Flynn, J. Prindiville, and Mayor B. Sager. Motion carried.

Item D-4 – Resolution – TIF Inducement – 101 S. Jefferson Street

Deputy Mayor Turner stated as indicated in the Staff Report, there is interest in this property by a local investment firm, which includes Councilman Prindiville, so it is appropriate for him to recuse himself from this discussion. Noting the property in question is 101 S. Jefferson, commonly known as the Pioneer Center, Deputy Mayor Turner stated it is his understanding that Mr. Prindiville has an interest in this property, as happens with other developers in the TIF District. He stated the proposed action is to approve an Inducement Resolution, which states that upon passage from this point forward, expenses incurred by the developer may be reimbursable from a future TIF agreement. He stated Council is to consider whether it wishes that this parcel be developed and is willing to consider the “starting of the clock.” He noted it is important for Council to understand the City is not being asked to approve any development on this parcel or the payment of any money regarding this parcel at this time, stating that would depend upon a formal proposal being made at some future date. He emphasized it is important to note Council is approving an Inducement Resolution, not a project or payment of TIF dollars.

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

Deputy Mayor Turner asked for comments from City Attorney Schlossberg on the appropriateness of this action, which involves a sitting Council member who will leave Council on May 4th. Ms. Schlossberg stated as a Council member, Mr. Prindiville could not enter into a contract with the City, as it is prohibited. She stated that is not what the proposed action is for consideration tonight; however, noting it is an Inducement Resolution, which establishes this as the date after which expenses can be eligible for reimbursement. She stated she looked at State statute and talked with TIF Council and noted Councilman Prindiville appropriately recused himself. She noted it was also recommended the City add Section 5 to the Resolution to make it very clear that as long as Mr. Prindiville sits on the Council, there will be no capability to enter into a TIF Incentive Contract.

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

Deputy Mayor Turner opined this is the 2nd most important parcel in the Downtown community, noting it is a sizeable parcel. He stated he had conversations with Mr. Prindiville to understand his goal and intent for the parcel, just as he would do with any other developer, noting Council should understand the intent and goal for the parcel. Deputy Mayor Turner opined the Pioneer Center property is a tremendous opportunity for substantial development. He stated looking into the future it is his firm desire to see something unique and substantial on this property, opining Council should set this expectation with any developer, advocating for a mixed use, multi-use building with first floor commercial. He stated he was pleased to hear this met with Councilman Prindiville’s view as well.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, there were no questions or comments forthcoming from the Public.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve Resolution 21-R-08, identified as Document 4, A Resolution of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, to Induce the Redevelopment of Certain Property within the Woodstock TIF #2 - Downtown and Route 47 Redevelopment Project Area (101 S. Jefferson St.).

There were no questions or comments forthcoming concerning the motion.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: L. Lohmeyer, W. Piersall, G. Tebo, and Deputy Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: D. Flynn, J. Prindiville, and Mayor B. Sager. Motion carried.

Noting the presence of a quorum, Deputy Mayor Turner stated the motion passed by the required number of members voting affirmatively.

Councilman Prindiville and Councilman Flynn rejoined the proceedings via Zoom at 7:34 PM.

V. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Snow Removal on Recreational Paths and Sidewalks

Deputy Mayor Turner stated this item was placed on the Agenda at the request of members of the public, noting it has previously been discussed during his tenure on the City Council.

Public Works Director Betz made a presentation on Snow Removal on Sidewalks and the Recreational Path providing information on the current level of snow removal performed by multiple divisions of the Public Works Department including the sidewalks in the Downtown, at City facilities, and in City parks. She also provided information on the priority order of snow removal and the various things that determine the level of overlap in these priorities.

Focusing on public sidewalks, she then provided information on the priority level and secondary level of public sidewalks and which divisions are responsible for these and on the time needed and the number of Staff members necessary for the snow and ice removal on these. She stated the Parks and Facilities Division is responsible for snow removal in Emricson Park and would have oversight of the Recreation Path.

Concerning the Recreation Path, Ms. Betz noted the City Administration and City Council receive a number of request each year for clearing of the path. She provided photos of the Rec Path as it appeared in mid-February.

Ms. Betz then discussed operational considerations that must be overcome with snow removal, noting the challenges are staffing and equipment. She provided a cost comparison and analysis of in-house snow removal using City staff vs. an external contractor, and a one-time equipment purchase vs. equipment rental. Ms. Betz stated equipment purchase cost would range from $15,000 to $70,000; and if snow removal is handled in-house by City Staff, cost would be $375 per snow event. She noted that cost for snow removal by an external contractor would be $525 per snow event. Ms. Betz stated other things that should be considered are icing and drifting, which could require additional removal. She reviewed the concerns regarding liability, noting the City would be protected by tort immunity.

Ms. Betz stated she also reached out to other communities in McHenry County and Janesville, Wisconsin to survey those communities on their sidewalk/recreation path snow removal policies, noting all communities provided some level of snow removal on public sidewalks.

Ms. Betz then provided information on the future rec/bike path proposed for Woodstock, noting this will expand the multi-use trails in Woodstock.

Ms. Betz stated Staff is requesting direction on whether to pursue short-term options, long-term options, or both for snow and ice removal on the Emricson Park Rec Path, and whether to provide snow and ice removal on any future rec paths planned for development in Woodstock.

Deputy Mayor Turner stated he would like to get a sense of direction from Council, noting this would not be final, as budget considerations must be considered and discussed next fall. He further noted decisions cannot be made tonight on the purchase of equipment or the use of an outside contractor.

Deputy Mayor Turner opened the floor for Council questions.

In response to Councilman Prindiville’s questions concerning the purchase of equipment and the City’s existing equipment, Ms. Betz stated the City’s skid loader was purchased in 1992 and is heavily utilized. She noted because of its age, maintenance costs are high for this piece of equipment. She stated a new skid steer would become the primary vehicle, which would be used in all seasons, with the older one used for backup, noting this would be of value to the Department and would lower maintenance costs.

In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Stelford stated a new skid steer is in the Streets’ replacement schedule within the CIP was planned for funding for the next year. Councilman Flynn opined the City should be looking at this long-term, noting the higher use would come into balance with purchasing new equipment, expressing support for this option.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Lohmeyer, Ms. Betz estimated there are 10 to 15 snow events per year on average. In response to a question from Councilwoman Lohmeyer concerning what timing would look like should the outside contractor option be chosen, Ms. Betz stated the Administration and Council would have to discuss the desired level of service.

In response to questions from Councilwoman Piersall, Ms. Betz stated sidewalk snow removal on the Square is performed using a Kubota tractor with the skid steer used in other areas of the Downtown. She stated the using the broom attachment on the Rec Path is only effective with a depth of one inch of snow or less, so this equipment would have to be used regularly during larger events or after events with little accumulation. Ms. Betz stated another option could be a tractor with a snow blower attachment. She stated a UTV could be used year-round for Parks, but not for Streets, noting it would be most desirable to find a piece of equipment that would be versatile and benefit multiple divisions. Councilwoman Piersall stated everything is iced over, which would prevent anything from being done this year.

Councilwoman Piersall stated she has been working with the Age-Friendly Task Force, noting walkable sidewalks are a high priority to make Woodstock age friendly. She stated as Woodstock does not have a sidewalk clearing ordinance, private sidewalks are not getting cleared. Noting this is important this time of year because there is so much ice, yet the weather is getting nice, she opined when sidewalks and paths are cleared many more people will come out to use them. She noted the South Street parking lot in Emricson Park is very icy, requesting that this lot be cleared better. She also noted some sidewalks going into the Park are groomed rather than cleared. She opined it is very dangerous to have so many areas with ice.

Councilwoman Piersall opined the area around Rt. 47 is a very high priority for her, expressing her wish that this be included in Council’s recommendation for this project.

Councilman Tebo inquired as to the method used should the City choose to use an outside contractor Would the contractor be called when needed? At what level? What happens if there is not a snow event, but rather heavy drifting? In response, Ms. Betz stated these would be operational decisions with determinations made similar to those made now for Downtown snow removal, noting in that case the contractor asked for 12-to-24-hour notice, so planning must be done accordingly for a snow event. She stated this also would be determined by where the path is placed among the City’s priorities.

Deputy Mayor Turner asked for Council’s discussion regarding issues which they wish to have addressed, a preliminary direction for Staff for Council’s further consideration and discussion, and the timing of when Staff must know regarding equipment purchase or outsourcing. He asked if an outside contractor is something Council wishes to discuss further and what options Council wishes Staff to investigate. He also asked when Staff would come back for further Council discussion and a firm direction for the winter of ‘21/’22.

Deputy Mayor Turner opined the goal should not be the absolute clearing of all sidewalks all the time, noting Woodstock is in Northern Illinois. He opined the City does not have the ability to have the sidewalks be the way we would like them to be all the time. He asked strategically what is trying to be accomplished. Deputy Mayor Turner stated he likes the plan that is used for the Downtown Square, which is pedestrian driven as opposed to Route 47 which is a vehicle-driven area. He stated the question is in regards to Council directing Staff to extend these services to the Rec Path and how will that be funded. He stated Council should also consider the value of the purchase of a skid steer to the Department of Public Works, asking which options Council would choose.

In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Ms. Betz stated there is not one time of the year that is better than another for the purchase of equipment as it is through a State purchasing program. Councilman Flynn opined the City should look long-term making a purchase that can be used year round and move the older equipment to backup status.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer opined snow removal is an amenity the City should offer. She agreed the City should look long-term with an equipment purchase, being a good idea sooner rather than later, noting it can be used in other areas. She expressed support with purchasing equipment to allow this to be done in-house.

Councilwoman Piersall asked about the different pieces of equipment, including their functions and costs and how they could support other needs of the department. Ms. Betz provided information on the equipment, opining neither is better than the other for this task, with one costing more. She stated some are limited by the attachments offered, noting Staff would make sure the equipment chosen would have the proper attachments.

In response to Councilwoman Piersall’s further questions concerning equipment choices, including which one would benefit the City more, Deputy Mayor Turner stated these are credible questions which must be answered, noting no decision is to be made tonight. He asked that this be looked at later in the year with a more detailed analysis of the various equipment and the differences between them provided at that time.

Councilman Tebo stated Woodstock is an age-friendly community, expressing concern with the Rec Path with its many elevations, which allow icy areas. He stated he would be hesitant to walk the path even if it were cleared. He stated there are many sidewalks around the Square which provide a one mile route, noting he uses these on his one- or two-mile walk. Councilman Tebo opined the City should look at developing published routes using the sidewalks around the Square that it already clears. He noted he is not against talking about the Rec Path, but thinks a safe plan can be developed using downtown sidewalks. He stated he would like to look at some other options.

Councilman Prindiville expressed support of Councilman Tebo’s idea. He opined an outside contractor could be retained for the Rec Path for one year as an experiment to see how people would react. He stated in terms of the project overall, he is strongly in favor of the long-term approach, with the intention of providing the community with paths that are clear and accessible year-round, opining whether this includes the Rec Path is to be determined. Councilman Prindiville opined the Rt. 47 corridor and Lake Avenue should be areas the City is committed to clear. He further opined the City should buy equipment that will clear the snow in the worst-case scenario including a snow blower.

Concerning priorities, Councilman Prindiville opined some paths might not be cleared immediately and might have multiple accumulations.

Councilwoman Piersall agreed there are some places in Emricson Park which are not easy to clear. She noted if sidewalks around the Square are used, private sidewalks will have to be cleared, absent an ordinance requiring the clearing of private sidewalks or the City would have to take on the jobs private property owners should be doing.

Councilman Tebo expressed agreement with Councilman Prindiville, opining the long-term solution is the bike path. In response to Councilwoman Piersall’s comment, he talked about the walk he recently took without walking on any private sidewalks. He suggested making maps of these various routes, opining money need not be spent on Emricson Park in the winter.

Deputy Mayor Turner stated Councilman Tebo’s comments are well taken, agreeing clearing of Emricson Park could be difficult due to the elevations. He stated the question should be asked where the City can use its money and Staff to maximize the impact for the greatest number of people. Looking at the map provided in the Staff report, Deputy Mayor Turner outlined a route around and outside the Square that would create a walking path and not require a lot of additional Staff time or dollars, asking Ms. Betz to work on this, including costs and tine. He also asked that further analysis be made of equipment pluses and minuses, including value to the City as outlined by Councilwoman Piersall. He also expressed interest in Councilman Prindiville’s idea of outsourcing one-year of clearing the Rec Path, but opined it is probably time to purchase a new skid steer. He also asked that in addition to the Rec Path, further investigation be made to other possible routes using other parts of the community as discussed and also a Downtown to Emricson Park loop. He asked staff to come up with some scenarios and share those with Council in the future.

Opining this could be covered by a grant, Councilwoman Piersall requested that Grant Writer Terry Wilcockson investigate this possibility.

In response to a question from Deputy Mayor Turner, it was the consensus of the City Council that Staff investigate equipment options and options for various walking paths as discussed.

Deputy Mayor Turner opened the floor to Public Comment.

Greg Amato, Redwing Drive, expressed agreement with Councilman Tebo, noting he also is a Downtown walker and opining there is always something different to look at. He stated he can vary his route and it is always cleared and salted. Mr. Amato stated the Emricson Park Rec Path would have to be cleared multiple times per day because of drifting, whereas the downtown is always clear.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no additions or deletions to the Future Agenda Items.

VII. ADJOURN

Motion by G. Tebo, and second by J. Prindiville, to adjourn this City Council meeting to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting to be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, W. Piersall, J. Prindiville, G. Tebo, and Deputy Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Mayor B. Sager. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/42781/f_-_03-02-21_city_council_minutes.pdf