McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met June 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mayor Michael Turner in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. He explained the Consent Calendar process and invited public participation and 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.

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: Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, Tom Nierman, Wendy Piersall, Bob Seegers, Jr., Gordon Tebo, and Mayor Michael Turner.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Human Resources Director Deb Schober, Chief John Lieb, Deputy Chief Jeffrey Parsons, City Engineer Chris Tiedt, Grants/Communications Manager Terry Willcockson, City Clerk Cindy Smiley, and several members of the Woodstock Police Department.

OTHERS PRESENT: Former Council member RB Thompson

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Recognition – Retirement of Deputy Chief Jeffrey Parsons

Mayor Turner stated this is a bittersweet moment as one of Woodstock’s own is moving on to a great opportunity. He stated it is the City’s honor to recognize the retirement of Deputy Chief Jeffrey Parsons.

Chief Lieb agreed this is a bittersweet moment, noting he wishes to make this recognition, but also does not. He stated Deputy Chief Parsons has definitely earned his “stars and stripes,” spending over 24 years serving the residents and businesses of Woodstock. He stated Deputy Chief Parsons has participated in countless cases, looking for the worst of the worse, noting many of those cases were solved because of him. Chief Lieb stated the City hates to see that experience go, but noted Deputy Chief Parsons is on to bigger and better things, and is ready to take on greater responsibility.

Chief Lieb read a plaque recognizing and honoring Deputy Chief Parsons’ service to the Woodstock Police Department, citing his lifetime commitment to the Woodstock Police Department and Woodstock’s residents.

Deputy Chief Parsons asked his wife and children to join him at the podium, noting they have been by his side for the last 25 years. He thanked the City Councils, past and present, for their support.

He stated he is grateful for everything the City of Woodstock has done for him, thanking the City Council and the City Administration.

Deputy Chief Parsons particularly thanked City Manager Stelford, stating he has been an inspirational leader. He opined it has been very satisfying to come to work knowing he has had the City’s whole support.

He thanked Chief Lieb for taking a chance on him five years ago, noting he would not be standing here this evening without him. He stated Chief Lieb’s leadership is why Woodstock is where it is today. He also thanked past administrations of the Police Department.

Deputy Chief Parsons thanked and recognized the men and women of the Woodstock Police Department, noting the community has no idea how fortunate they are to have this professional police department to keep them safe. He stated he will hold this to his heart as a resident of Woodstock.

He thanked the Woodstock Police Sergeants stating they are the backbone of the Department, and the job will get done because of them. He particularly acknowledged Det. Sgt. Fourdyce for developing his Department. He also thanked and acknowledged the Records Room.

Deputy Chief Parsons acknowledged the City’s impressive staff, particularly the Department of Public Works.

He then talked about recent legislation which will make things more difficult for the Police Department to do. As a Woodstock resident, he urged the City Council to continue to support the Department.

Deputy Chief Parsons then thanked his wife and family for all they have gone through, noting other members of the Police Department and their families will understand this.

Deputy Chief Parsons stated the Police are not evil…they run to evil to protect the community.

Mayor Turner presented Deputy Chief Parsons with a replica Woodstock Clock, thanking him for everything he has done for Woodstock. He stated he will do a great job as Chief of Police for the Village of Pingree Grove. Mayor Turner also thanked the Deputy Chief’s family, stating it is impossible to know what it is like for them when their loved one goes out into the night on a call. He opined it is a testament to them that Deputy Chief Parsons can go on to greater things.

Mayor Turner stated the Woodstock Police Department has his support.

B. Public Comments

Mr. Jeff Redcrow, Pleasant Street, stated a neighbor has a dog that barks and snarls at him when Mr. Redcrow passes his house on the public sidewalk, which concerns him regarding his neighborhood’s safety. He stated this has also frightened his dog, which was on a leash, and other people as they pass the house. Mr. Redcrow stated he has seen a little boy choose to walk in the street rather than the sidewalk in front of this house to avoid the dog.

Mr. Redcrow stated he has tried to speak with the dog’s owner, but was told to walk in the street if he knows what is good for him. He stated the dog owner has yelled at him and used racial slurs.

Mr. Redcrow stated he called the Police Department and was told he should walk in the street.

Mr. Redcrow stated he is a veteran and fought for the right to walk on a public sidewalk. He asked why he cannot walk on the sidewalk and must walk on the street.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Redcrow stated he also called Animal Control and was told as long as the dog is on its property, it can bark.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford stated it is possible Animal Control cannot do anything if the dog remains on its property. He stated he will check with them and also with the Police Department.

Mayor Turner asked Mr. Redcrow to reach out to the City Manager’s Office who will give him more information and provide any possible assistance. He agreed that Mr. Redcrow has a right to walk on the sidewalk and will look into this, including to see if the City can provide any support to the County in resolving this matter.

In response to a question, Mr. Redcrow stated he believes there is an invisible fence, but noted the dog charges and is very aggressive. In response to a question form Councilman Flynn, Mr. Napolitano stated the City has no regulations regarding this type of fence.

Mayor Turner stated he would like to find out if anything can be done to address this situation.

Former Councilman RB Thompson, 626 E. Calhoun Street, wished to commend all involved with the recent PRIDE event, stating it was awesome, opining this will be another great event for Woodstock. He stated the services provided by the City for this event were amazing.

Mr. Thompson noted the City recently blocked off Benton Street for a good reason, but urged the City to look at this closure again. He stated while he agrees with the closure, he opined it is unsafe to turn right onto Judd Street due to an impaired sightline. He urged the Council to seek a solution for this.

Mr. Thompson opined the five-story apartment building at the corner of Rt. 120 and Church Street is aesthetically insufficient.

Noting he had the conceptual idea for the movie mural and advocated for placing a rock face around the wall on the Square, Mr. Thompson stated he has many other ideas for beautifying Woodstock, including for the proposed roundabouts on Rt. 47 and for fixing up Sesquicentennial Park.

Noting people drive by Sesquicentennial Park all the time, he stated the fountain is only used six months out of the year and most do not realize it is there. He opined the park could really be made “sesquicentennial” by adding a rock face to the circle around the fountain and setting a 150-year timeline inside the circle around where the fountain is now, perhaps with a painted mural on the cylinder. Mr. Thompson stated more bricks could be sold as a fundraiser and opined people would go to the site, which could be placed on the walking tour.

Mayor Turner noted he saw something similar when in Arizona recently, opining this could be an excellent idea. Mr. Thompson stated the site could include a QR code, which could be referenced to provide people with more historical information.

Mr. Thompson stated centerpieces could be placed on the roundabouts with rock faces and different pieces of art, opining these would bring people to Woodstock, drawing them through town and down to the Square. He stated he has spoken with Peter Austin, who stated the County would like to have one of these at the Raffel Road roundabout, so this could expand beyond Woodstock.

Mr. Thompson opined murals dress up the area and provide a unique experience. He stated he has many ideas and advocated for getting the Art Commission involved in these projects. He opined the entire community should be involved in this, not just the City of Woodstock.

Mayor Turner acknowledged Mr. Thompson’s 18 years on the City Council, noting the many great things he accomplished. He agreed a great deal more can be done, noting it will be discussed at the next City Council Strategic Planning Meeting.

C. Council Comments

Councilman Flynn echoed Mr. Thompson’s comments regarding the PRIDE event, noting the comments about the event have been amazing, starting with the art installation. He stated the Woodstock PRIDE group and the Chamber of Commerce made this a great event, noting it was an amazing sight when the parade came around the Square. He commended everyone involved.

Noting he had the opportunity to look over the crowd while on the bandstand at the PRIDE event, Mayor Turner stated it was sizeable and festive. He stated this is the kind of event we want in Woodstock, opining it was spectacular. He thanked the PRIDE community, all volunteers, the Woodstock Police Department and Woodstock staff for this great event. He noted through social media, the event reached thousands of people, which was great, positive exposure for Woodstock that did not cost anything, but had an unbelievable impact.

Mayor Turner stated the Food Truck Fest went very well with a happy crowd and great activity.

Mayor Turner stated the City has been notified by Congresswoman Underwood’s office that the Metra Railyard Project has received federal funding in the House Infrastructure Bill. He noted the Senate will now create its version and a joint committee will iron out the final legislation. He expressed the City’s thanks to Congresswoman Underwood.

Councilman Seegers expressed agreement with Mr. Thompson’s comments concerning the Benton Street closure, noting it was difficult to negotiate the corner. He suggested closing Benton Street completely, which would result in the closure of only six additional spaces. Mayor Turner asked Staff to continue to investigate the corner as this may be an issue of public safety.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of the Council or the Public:

• Item D-3 - Ordinance – Reinstatement of Retail Single Use Bag Program by Councilman Nierman

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following comments or questions were forthcoming from the Council or the Public regarding items remaining on the Consent Agenda:

Item D-4 – Award of Contract – Pavement Evaluation by IMS by Councilman Seegers In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Ms. Betz stated Staff has not spoken directly with other communities with similar climates who have used this technology. Mr. Tiedt stated the community at which he previously worked in Illinois successfully used this company and the same technology.

In response to further questions from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Tiedt stated he would not anticipate the previously estimated costs for road improvements to be higher as a result of this evaluation. He stated this technology will allow the City to develop a more conscientious, tailored program for each street. He stated it would be six to nine months before the results will come back to Council.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner concerning whether this will dovetail with the City’s ability to contract to start the work as planned, Ms. Betz stated the City has approximately $13 million of roadway work that is already engineered or in the process of being engineered, based on the 2021 program being deferred by COVID-19. She stated once the remaining engineering is completed, the City will have all that design work to go out for bid and be able to award a contract tentatively in February. She stated this pavement evaluation program will allow the City Administration to provide Council with the information needed to decide the composition of future street maintenance programs, but after the 2022 program has been developed.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Ms. Betz stated the City will own the data.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Ms. Betz stated the proposed technology basically takes an x-ray of the road, rather than relying on core samples, noting it will give the City a much clearer picture of the conditions of the roads. She stated a core sample is just a snapshot of that one small area, which may not be indicative of the entire road.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Piersall, Ms. Betz stated this process could possibly help the City avoid change orders, which usually result from a base failure that was not anticipated.

Mayor Turner opined spending $82,000 to get additional information on a $60 million project is a good expenditure, thanking the Department of Public Works for identifying this technology. He noted this will help manage the costs of the project.

Item D-7 – Ordinance – TIF Redevelopment Agreement – 1760 Kilkenny Court In response to questions from Councilman Seegers concerning the value of the property and buildings in question, Mr. Anderson stated the bank was consulted, noting they will set the value of the finished building compared to other industrial buildings. He stated the numbers provided in the pro forma are reasonable. Mr. Stelford stated the rebate is transferrable and could be assigned should the company go out of business or be sold. He stated if the company should go into receivership, it is likely the bank would step in and receive the benefits. Mr. Stelford stated this type of agreement is designed to give the company some type of control over the property tax bill, providing additional information.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-2, and D-4 through D-7 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

June 1, 2021, City Council Meeting Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3958 3959

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Police Pension Board of Trustees Minutes January 12, 2021 

Transportation Commission Minutes January 20, 2021 

Environmental Commission Minutes February 4, 2021 

Old Courthouse & Sheriff’s House Commission Minutes February 8, 2021 

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes March 22, 2021

Library Board of Trustees Minutes and Report April 8, 2021 

Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report April 2021 

Economic Development Commission Minutes May 6, 2021 

Plan Commission Minutes May 17, 2021 

Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission Minutes May 18, 2021

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 181

1. Resolution – Mayor Emeritus – Approval of Resolution 21-R-12, identified as Document 1, A Resolution Declaring June 30, 2021, Dr. Brian Sager Day and Granting the Honorary Position of Mayor Emeritus to Dr. Brian Sager.

2. Award of Contract – Purchase of Two WWTP Pickup Trucks – Approval to purchase two Ford F-250 pickup trucks from Currie Motors, Frankfurt, IL through the Suburban Purchasing Contract (SPC) program for the total price of $59,912.

4. Award of Contract – Pavement Evaluation by IMS – Authorization to award a contract to Infrastructure Management Services to provide Professional Services Pavement Data Collection and Evaluation Services for a total cost not to exceed $82,851, which includes Task Activities 1-9, 10, 12, 13, and 13f as identified within their proposal.

5. Award of Contract – Phosphorus Discharge Optimization Plan – Approval to award a contract to Trotter and Associates, Inc. for the creation of a Phosphorus Discharge Optimization Plan at a total cost not to exceed $39,000.

6. Agreement – Die Cast Site – Environmental Consulting Group, Inc. - Approval of an agreement with Environmental Consulting Group, Inc. for Site Investigation Activities and Environmental Consulting Services at a cost of $12,960 and to authorize the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk to execute, deliver and undertake any and all actions as may be required to implement its terms, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

7. Ordinance – TIF Redevelopment Agreement – 1760 Kilkenny Court – Adoption of Ordinance 21-O-37, identified as Document 3, Ann Ordinance of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, Approving a Redevelopment Agreement by and Between the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois and Molding Automation Concepts, Inc. and authorizing the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk to execute, deliver, and undertake any and all actions as may be required to implement its terms, subject to final review and approval by the City’s TIF Legal Counsel.

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

Item D-3 – Ordinance – Reinstatement of Retail Single Use Bag Program Councilman Nierman stated while he agrees that plastic and paper bags are a problem, it is his feeling the City’s Ordinance does not really change anything. He stated he has spoken with people and with store clerks and employees of the stores and found a consensus that it is another way for the City to make money. He opined it is penalizing shoppers for not bringing their own bags suggesting that stores be encouraged to do a rewards program. He stated several people have quit working at Menards due to the bag tax because people took their anger out on them. Councilman Nierman stated he is all for recycling, but opined the City should try to sell it in a more positive manner.

Mayor Turner stated without question there are split opinions on this issue. He stated when this first came before the Council, he shared some concerns and was skeptical it would really have an impact. He decided it was similar to the recycling effort that began in the 70s and 80s with some people not liking it, stating he views this as an advancement in recycling to clean up the environment and the community.

Mayor Turner stated at the time he said this is a perfect tax – a person does not have to pay it and can avoid it by bringing his or her own bag. He stated he would like to see it presented in a positive way that the City is trying to do something environmentally friendly by guiding behavior for the betterment of the community. He stated he is in favor of the program, but understands the feelings of those who are not.

Councilman Seegers stated the program irritates him as a resident. He noted the revenue stream is not significant, so it is not a revenue source. He suggested if the City wishes to get bags off the street, shoppers should be charged a dime when they take a bag and given a nickel when they bring it back.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers as to why the City did not just go to requiring paper bags, Mr. Anderson stated some of the retailers did not want to go to paper. Councilman Nierman stated he has learned paper bags actually cause more environmental damage than plastic.

Councilman Seegers stated it would be his suggestion if the City wishes to make a difference, it should buy the bags back. Mr. Stelford opined with a program such as that suggested by Councilman Seegers, it would not just be Woodstock’s bags that would be coming back, it would be bags from other communities as well.

Mayor Turner emphasized this is not a revenue generator at all for the City of Woodstock and was never intended as such, with Councilman Tebo noting the funds go back into the City’s Environmental Fund. Mayor Turner stated the goal and intent of the program was not to raise money, but to lessen the trash, improve the environment, and guide actions, as people generally agree that fewer plastic bags is a positive thing. He noted this program gives the consumer a choice of using a reusable bag or paying $.10 for a single-use bag.

Councilwoman Piersall reminded those present when the original ordinance was passed, it was anticipated that a bag tax would be passed at the state level. She stated Council decided the City would pass one first to have the funds go to the City’s Environmental Fund rather than the state. Mayor Turner agreed this was a big reason for the City doing it, as the state was going to institute a single-use bag fee, noting it was felt the City should do it to gain control of the issue and receive the small revenue for the Environmental Fund.

Councilman Tebo opined the Council must show leadership, noting it is difficult to do these things, recalling the original recycling debate. He further opined it is better to show leadership and do something rather than letting it go. He noted it was agreed the program would be re-evaluated once it has been in place for a while.

Councilman Nierman suggested taking some of the revenue to clean streets and to educate the public on the environment. Mayor Turner stated it would be a good idea to show how this money is being used.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer stated she is thrilled to support this, noting the goal is to create good consumer habits. She stated paying the $.10 only has to be irritating the first time a person forgets his or her bag.

Councilman Flynn noted he was told MAC Automation went to neighboring Walmart to ask when they would be cleaning up the plastic bags that had blown onto their property. He also stated cashiers at Walmart asked him when the City would be reinstating the bag program, because people are getting so many bags. He noted when Council toured the water treatment plant, they learned that bags are the main reason the City’s equipment gets clogged and damaged, which costs significant amounts to repair. He opined using reusable bags is just a matter of training and will save money down the road.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer noted the Environmental Defenders have stated if anyone cannot afford to purchase a reusable bag, they will provide one. She agreed the program is trying to create good habits.

Councilman Nierman opined the City should educate the public a lot stronger.

Councilwoman Piersall stated there is a huge need for an electronics recycling program, suggesting perhaps the funds could go to something like that.

Mayor Turner asked Staff to look at some specific usage ideas that have an impact, including messaging.

Councilman Tebo praised the discussion Council had on this topic with all sides heard. Mayor Turner stated it is his intent that Council discussion be open and wide ranging.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by D. Flynn, to approve Ordinance 21-O-38, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Reinstating the Retail Single-Use Bag Program.

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

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There are no additions, deletions, or corrections to the tentative future agendas.

ADJOURN

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the Special City Council Workshop on Monday, June 28, 2021, at 3:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, W. Piersall, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

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