McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council Met March 16.

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 Mayor Brian Sager in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. Mayor Sager noted this meeting of the Woodstock City Council is being held under the Governor’s Emergency Declaration with Council members attending in person and remotely, and those attending at City Hall observing social distancing. He stated it is being livestreamed as is the City’s policy. Inviting all to participate, Mayor Sager explained the procedures to be used by those attending remotely, including City Council, City Staff, and the Public, to join today’s meeting, and how comments may be made and questions asked. Mayor Sager explained the Consent Calendar.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, Gordon Tebo, Michael Turner, and Mayor Brian Sager.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT ATTENDING REMOTELY: Jim Prindiville.

COUNCIL ABSENT: none

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 Deputy Public Works Director Brent Aymond.

Mayor Sager 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. Proclamations

1. Women’s History Month

Mayor Sager stated he is pleased to put forth a proclamation honoring Women’s History Month in Woodstock. He gave credit to Communications Manager Terry Willcockson for crafting the proclamation. Noting there is no better introduction to the proclamation than the words contained in Ms. Willcockson’s Staff Report, Mayor Sager read from the report, noting Woodstock wishes to recognize the contributions of women in the community.

Without objection, the City Council approved and accepted the Proclamation Honoring March as Women’s History Month – March 2021

Mayor Sager read the Proclamation for all to hear as follows:

PROCLAMATION

Honoring

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH MARCH 2021

WHEREAS, the President, and United States Congress, established March as Women’s History Month in 1987 and has continued this honor every year since then; and,

WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and,

WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play critical economic, cultural, and social roles in every sphere of the life of the Nation by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working inside and outside of the home; and,

WHEREAS, American women have played a unique role throughout the history of the Nation by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force of the Nation; and,

WHEREAS, American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in our Nation; and,

WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and,

WHEREAS, American women serve our country courageously in the military; and,

WHEREAS, American women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and especially the peace movement, creating a more fair and just society for all; and,

WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of American women has been overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Woodstock, on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, wishes to extend our appreciation for women’s ongoing contributions, and offers sincere gratitude to all women of our community for their bravery, nurturance, and stalwart efforts, during this year of pandemic mitigations and distancing challenges, and in all the years that follow.

APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this 16th day of March 2021.

S/S Brian Sager, Ph.D., Mayor

S/S Cindy Smiley, City Clerk

Mayor Sager stated with significant gratitude to those present in the Council Chambers, those attending via Zoom, and those who work in and for the community, he is pleased to extend this proclamation in honor of Women’s History Month.

2. Music in the Schools

A Trip Around the Sun video concert was presented by District 200 music students.

Mayor Sager extended his appreciation to District 200, the music teachers and the students who participated in this Trip Around the Sun concert, thanking them for sharing this tonight. He stated he is pleased to say that Woodstock is incredibly supportive of the District 200 music programs and is grateful to the individuals dedicated to presenting music to our community.

Without object, the City Council approved and accepted the Proclamation – Music in Our Schools Month – March 2021.

Mayor Sager read the proclamation for all to hear as follows:

PROCLAMATION

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH

MARCH 2021

WHEREAS, music is a universal language that speaks to all people; and

WHEREAS, the residents of the City of Woodstock have a long history of supporting the musical arts as evidenced by the upcoming 137th season of the Woodstock City Band, as well as numerous musical concerts and programs conducted at the Woodstock Opera House; and

WHEREAS, the study of music contributes to the development of young people through heightened skills in listening, reading, self-expression and creativity; and

WHEREAS, the study of music is basic to a complete education and provides a competitive edge for successful educational reform while engaging students in individual and group activities which develop creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and evaluation skills; and

WHEREAS, music education helps students acquire skills in the production and performance of music and gives them an understanding of history and culture; and

WHEREAS, music and other arts significantly enhance the morale and quality of the school environments; and

WHEREAS, music programs should be maintained and improved for all students, regardless of their socio-economic status or their abilities.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois endorses the observance of the month of March as

MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH

APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois on this 16th day of March 2021.

S/S Brian Sager, Ph.D., Mayor

S/S Cindy Smiley, City Clerk

Mayor Sager once again thanked all involved with the concert.

B. 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 M. Turner, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, there were no items removed from the Consent Agenda by the City Council or the Public:

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

Mayor Sager affirmed the Consent Agenda to include all items A through D-3 as follows:

A. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

March 2, 2021 City Council Meeting

B. WARRANTS #3945 #3946

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS

Woodstock Arts Commission Minutes February 1, 2021 D. MANAGER’S REPORT NO. 175:

1. Ordinance – 2020 Property Tax Levy Abatement – Approval of Ordinance 21-O-16, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Abating a Portion of the 2020 Property Tax Levy for the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, and authorization for the City Administration to file this Ordinance with the McHenry County Clerk.

2. Agreement – Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Intergovernmental Agreement - Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Regarding the Provision of Fire Code Inspection and Enforcement Services, identified as Document 2.

3. Award of Contract – Woodstock Opera House Lightning Suppression – Approval of award of contract to HLP Systems Inc., Libertyville, IL, to install a new lightning suppression system for the Woodstock Opera House at a cost of $24,500.

A roll call vote was taken on items A through D-3.

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

V. DISCUSSION ITEMS

1. Benton Street 2021 Closure

Mayor Sager noted the report prepared by Staff containing information on this item including in the packet. He stated Councilman Turner wished to make comments.

Councilman Turner noted two years ago the boardwalk was implemented on Benton Street which has been very successful. He stated last year, with the onset of the pandemic, Council made the decision to be aggressive with the closure of Benton Street so restaurants could operate outside. He stated he sees Benton Street as something that has evolved over the last eight to ten years and has the potential to serve as a gathering place for the community, and for the bars and restaurants to have an outdoor presence. He opined the picture with the lights contained in the packet captures what may be the best looking area in town and shows with activity, lights, and investment it has growth potential, opining it has great potential even beyond last year.

Councilman Turner opined the direction going forward should be to continue to use the area as a seasonal closure area and improve upon what was done last year. He further opined the City should make an investment in things to enhance the area and then the businesses would invest in their particular areas with the City’s approval.

Councilman Turner noted the recent discussions he, Mayor Sager, and Staff had with some of the business owners and Danielle Gulli of the Chamber of Commerce concerning what they saw for the coming summer. He noted one of the business owners, Mark Bezik stated he would invest in some drawings and concepts to look at. Councilman Turner stated whether they wished to do this would ultimately be up to the business owners.

Councilman Turner opined Council’s discussion should be do we want to move forward with closure, what is the configuration of that, and what does it look like.

Mayor Sager opined there have been some nice efforts made on Benton Street, noting many would like to see more of this. He stated the questions are: Is there willingness on behalf of the City Council to close Benton Street in totality from the intersection of Judd and Benton to the railroad tracks? Does Council believe it is worthy of the City to consider taking some opportunity with regard to TIF funds to invest in things such as areas of division, planters, overhead shading, light fixtures, etc.? Is Council willing to have Staff proceed with discussions with local businesses? He stated another point for future consideration is whether this should be made permanent, noting this is not to be decided at this meeting.

Mayor Sager stated if the answer is yes to these questions, Council would not be engaged in picking out the specific designs, but rather Staff would work with the local businesses to make sure there is the right design. He stated if the decision is made to proceed, investments should be made in things that will last a number of years, noting some of the businesses have indicated they would invest in distinctive seating or dividers.

Noting the City has already made an investment in the boardwalks, Mayor Sager stated these would go out to other businesses in the City for their use, describing this further.

Mr. Stelford stated Staff is interested in getting feedback in regards to the direction Council would like to proceed with this project. He commended Staff for their work in pulling this together quickly, noting they will continue to work on this project with Council support.

Mayor Sager stated as the City is coming out of this very difficult time, if there is something the City can do to assist the businesses and continue something the people have enjoyed, elevating it, that could be a good thing. He asked if there is a willingness among the Council for a seasonal closure.

Councilwoman Piersall stated she would be supportive of everything that has been discussed, noting the investment made by the City in 2020 made a big difference to the businesses, so there is already a track record of success.

Councilman Tebo stated it would be good to help the businesses, noting this would also promote the City, as the area is visible from Route 120 and Metra commuter trains. He opined this would be a good idea.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer stated overall she feels this is a huge asset to the community, expressing support “with a lot of caveats.” She opined the focus should be on facade improvements, with the inclusion of the proposed mural. She was surprised at the suggestion of so many add-ons as the project is already successful, stating she wishes to make sure everything is done the right way and is long lasting. She stated she would like more discussion of the proposed improvements, but expressed support for the seasonal closure of the street.

Councilman Flynn expressed support of an entertainment-style district. He stated his wish to make sure the City knows the location of all utilities and anything else that might be in the ground before proceeding with digging or burying utilities, and to repair or replace any sidewalk that is in bad condition. Councilman Flynn opined the decorative streetlights that are on the Square should be extended along Benton Street. He also opined the City should be sure the businesses are aligned with whatever is decided.

Mayor Sager stated it is not expected that everything will be done in one phase, but rather could be done over three or four years if necessary to really improve this area.

Councilman Flynn opined there must be a long-term plan in place to work toward to make sure the money invested today is not torn out by future investments.

Councilman Prindiville agreed it is important to not lose sight of the underlying infrastructure. He stated it is appropriate to invest in this segment of the economy in this year of COVID-19. He noted the City is three years into this process, opining this would be another step in the process. He stated this is a good idea and it is positive for the Downtown business community to make this step this year.

Mayor Sager asked for consensus from the City Council on the following: Closure of the street as defined for the summer period; agreement that Staff should continue to work with local businesses to develop a plan not for just this year, but a multi-year plan; willingness to look at TIF funds for the improvements needed; agreement that Staff would look broadly at the improvements needed to be made to ensure the City is making these investments in a thoughtful, well-planned manner.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer stated the City must come to an agreement concerning garbage enclosures in that area. She opined the public should be able to have drinks in this area with no food. Mayor Sager agreed that this is part of the plan.

Discussion followed of the tables to be provided by the businesses with Councilman Tebo opining they should be standardized and aesthetically pleasing. Mayor Sager stated this is a question and is part of the discussion between Staff and the businesses, noting one business owner has stated it is confusing to the public if all tables are the same, describing this further. Councilman Turner opined the tables do not all need to be the same, but should look nice.

Councilman Turner stated it is the intent to utilize fencing and/or planter separators, with each restaurant getting their own defined space. He stated his wish to “dress up” the area further, such as with more lights. He stated he does not believe the utilities will be buried due to the cost, noting the City is looking at options for enhancements without drilling into the ground. Councilman Turner expressed agreement that the facade needs to be addressed, expressing support for a mural. He opined the sails or some type of covering probably would not happen this year.

Brief discussion ensued of the mural. Mayor Sager opined enthusiasm could be generated by seeing the mural go up while people are present this season. Councilman Turner advocated for the City offering funding and opening this up to ideas to be brought to the Council. Mayor Sager noted the City has an Arts Commission that should be involved in this process.

In response to a question from Mayor Sager, it was the consensus of the City Council to proceed as previously indicated by the Mayor.

2. Quarterly Financial Reports for the Third Quarter of FY20/21:

a. Third Quarter Revenues and Expenditures Report

b. Third Quarter Investment Report

Mr. Christensen stated the City is doing remarkably well considering what is going on with COVID 19. He noted the sales tax is 1.1% below budget, the building business is strong, and water revenues are strong, stating the City is in a good financial position. Councilwoman Piersall wished to point out the City cut back on positions because of COVID-19 and safety, but that those positions are needed in a normal year.

Mayor Sager thanked Mr. Christensen and City Staff for their diligence in fiscal oversight.

3. Transmittal of FY21/22 Budget

Mr. Stelford thanked City Staff for their hard work in creation of the proposed FY21/22 Budget, noting this has been very challenging this year due to COVID-19. He stated Staff listened to Council and incorporated their direction into the proposed Budget, noting final adjustments will be made following the next Budget Workshop. He also stated changes will have to be made to the FY21/22 Budget due to the American Rescue Plan, noting it appears there will be some restrictions on this Federal funding which will impact the Budget.

In response to a question from Councilman Turner, Mr. Stelford estimated $1.0 million in City revenue losses could be eligible for use of this funding. Mr. Christensen agreed with this amount, but noted it is very complicated. Mr. Stelford noted the carryover of reduced revenue losses in FY21/22 should not be viewed as structural, but rather one caused by the pandemic, opining the revenue will return when the pandemic is over. He stated some cuts have been included to reduce expenses, but nothing has been proposed that would result in reductions to service levels for our residents.

Mayor Sager stated Staff continues to be fiscally responsible while remaining committed to providing a balanced budget and holding the line in terms of taxes, especially the forgoing of PTELL. He opined at some point this will have to change, but this is not the year to do that based upon COVID-19 recovery. He stated Staff should be given a tremendous amount of credit for making it possible to continue this for ten years.

Discussion continued of state and federal COVID-19 funds with Mayor Sager noting the City is waiting for clarification on many things so the City can use these funds appropriately.

4. Schedule City Council Workshop – Budget Workshop #3

Following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to hold the final Council Budget Workshop at 1:30 PM on Friday, April 9, 2021 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilwoman Lohmeyer suggested the following items for placement on a future agenda:

1) Re-enacting the Single Use Bag Ordinance

2) Update on Neighborhood Redevelopment Strategic Area Program

3) Opera House Programming Discussion

A brief discussion ensued. Mayor Sager noted the Single Use Bag Ordinance cannot be re-enacted until the moratorium regarding reusable bags is lifted by the State. Concerning Opera House programming, Mr. Stelford stated this is a challenging time, noting because of COVID-19, the number of people allowed in the auditorium is limited and not large enough to support the majority of events usually held at the Opera House. Mayor Sager noted the City has extended the opportunity for alcohol sales at the Opera House. It was agreed to add Councilwoman Lohmeyer’s suggested items to a future agenda, when appropriate.

VII. ADJOURN

Motion by G. Tebo, and second by D. Flynn, to adjourn this City Council meeting to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting to be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 8:13 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/42791/f_-_03-16-21_city_council_minutes_-_part_1_of_1.pdf