McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Nov. 16.

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, 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.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Darrin Flynn, Tom Nierman, Wendy Piersall, Bob Seegers, Jr., Gordon Tebo, and Mayor Michael Turner.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Lohmeyer.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, Chief John Lieb, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, Grants/Communications Manager Terry Willcockson, Economic Development Coordinator Krista Coltrin, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

Mayor Turner welcomed members of a Cub Scout troop and their parents to the meeting, stating he met with them prior to the meeting to talk about how the City government works.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Presentation – Transmittal of FY20/21 Audit Report

Jim Savio of Sikich LLC presented the results of the City’s annual audit. He thanked Mr. Stelford and Mr. Christensen for their assistance in the audit process, noting they met all the key deadlines.

Mr. Savio reviewed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, highlighting the various sections within the report. He stated their firm’s Independent Auditors’ Report provides an unmodified opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be given to the financial statement users.

Mr. Savio then noted the governmental funds’ financial statements include the City’s general fund with an unassigned fund balance of $5.6 million at the end of the fiscal year, which remains unchanged from last year and is in accordance with the City’s fund balance policy.

Mr. Savio then provided information on the City’s various pension plans. He stated as of December 31, 2020, IMRF is 98% funded while the funded ratio for the Police Pension fund increased to 76%.

He talked about the Auditor’s Communication to the City Council noting, it is a required communication by auditing standards and stated there were no delays and no disagreements with Staff, and no material weaknesses identified.

There were no questions forthcoming from Staff for Mr. Savio.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford stated the report is evidence the City is in good financial shape and performed very well, particularly regarding pensions. He stated even through the pandemic the City did very well through active management of the City’s finances and by cutting costs.

Mayor Turner noted the annual audit is absolutely critical because it is part of the checks and balances on the City to be sure it is doing what it says it is. He noted the City of Woodstock is one of the most stable municipalities in the State of Illinois, a statement which is based on fact. He stated the Council, Staff, and city residents should be very proud of how the City has performed in the past, especially during the past 12 months.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Savio noted the average police pension funding percentage downstate is 55%, while the City of Woodstock is above 70%.

Councilman Seegers stated Mr. Stelford and Mr. Christensen did a fantastic job managing a budget of this size during the pandemic. He expressed his thanks to them and to the other Department Directors for carrying the City through this crisis successfully.

B. Public Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

C. Council Comments

Councilman Tebo thanked the Council members who contributed to the children’s Christmas decorations. Noting there are eight attractions which will be placed in and around the Park in the Square on November 30th, he stated they will provide photo opportunities for families and visibility for Woodstock as the Christmas Town.

Mayor Turner thanked Councilman Tebo for spearheading this project.

Councilwoman Piersall commended the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission for the wonderful job it has done in developing and hosting the Diversity Celebration Sundays. She stated this past weekend the event hosted a panel on Understanding Race, noting she is proud of the work this Commission is doing and proud of Woodstock for making these events a priority.

Councilwoman Piersall commended Ms. Willcockson for her work on the Arts Gala, stating it was a beautiful event which will help support a grants fund for the arts in honor of Mayor Emeritus Sager.

Councilman Flynn stated a member of the community has toured the Old Firehouse and is in the infancy of creating an idea in collaboration with the Creative Woodstock proposal. He opined this should be discussed by Council at some point to determine how the City can do something bigger.

Cheri Helmick stated she has toured the Old Firehouse with Ms. Coltrin, Councilwoman Piersall, and Councilman Flynn to look at it as another opportunity for taking art to the next step to fill in the gap for professional artists and to create events on the Square and serve the community. She expressed her hope to bring in bigger organizations such as the Illinois Arts Council to create an umbrella for small artists.

Mayor Turner thanked her, stating this will be considered for future discussion by the Council.

Mayor Turner also thanked Ms. Willcockson for her efforts on the Arts Gala, stating he really enjoyed it as it was a truly unique, extraordinary event.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by D. Flynn, second by W. Piersall, to approve the Consent Agenda.

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

Item D-4 – Ordinance – Variation Approval, 512 Clay Street by Councilman Nierman Item D-7 – Award of Contract – Opera House Window Emergency Repairs by Councilman Nierman

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

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-3, D-5, D-6, and D-8 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

November 2, 2021 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3979 3980

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Human Resources Monthly Report September 2021

Human Resources Monthly Report October 2021

Police Department Monthly Report September 2021

Environmental Commission Minutes October 7, 2021

Opera House Advisory Commission Minutes October 19, 2021

Police Pension Board Minutes October 12, 2021

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 181:

1. Contract Extension – Audit Contract with Sikich LLP – Approval to accept Sikich LLP’s proposal to provide auditing services to the City of Woodstock for four additional years with the option of two additional one-year terms at the City’s discretion.

2. Contract – Extension – Granicus Live Stream Support – Authorization to approve a contract extension for product support with Granicus for the next five years for a total price of $47,730.15.

3. Resolution – Removal/Disposal of Contaminated Soil & Site Restoration at 830 Lake Avenue – Approval of Resolution 21-R-24, identified as Document 1, A Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Contract for Soil Removal at 830 Lake Avenue, authorizing Change Order #1 to the contract with Orivne, Inc. increasing the original contract amount by $9,613.62 to $57,283.62. Including the consultants, reporting, and testing, the total cost for the soil removal and remediation work is 76,151.67.

5. Façade Improvements, 101 E. Church Street – Approval to allocate up to 50% of exterior improvement costs (not to exceed $1,595) from TIF#1 funding for new awnings at 101 East Church Street.

6. Resolution – Change Order #1 Opera House Fire Alarm System Upgrade – Adoption of Resolution 21-R-25, identified as Document 3, A Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Contract for Opera House Fire Alarm System Upgrade approving Change Order #1 to the contract with Associated Electrical Contractors, LLC with a net increase of $10,515.19 to the original contract amount.

8. Purchase – Data Retrieval Devise – Cellebrite – Approval to purchase the Cellebrite UFED system for a total not to exceed $31,500 from Cellebrite, Inc. of Parsippany, New Jersey from the General – CIP Fund using budgetary savings from other line items and/or available fund balance.

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

Item D-4 – Ordinance – Variation Approval, 512 Clay Street

Opining this facility is outgrowing its location, Councilman Nierman expressed concern if Council approves this request, it would be opening the City up to future precedent concerns with other businesses because of the parking issues. Mayor Turner stated unlike courts of law, the City Council does not have a legal obligation to follow precedent.

Councilman Seegers expressed concern with approving this request for a variance given that this property has already received variances in the past and now is asking for something that further reduces available parking.

In response to Council’s questions, discussion ensued of the evolution of the current request. Attorney Craig Krandel, representing the petitioner, clarified approval of Option A is being requested. Mr. Moore stated the petitioner’s tenant requires more space and while the petitioner had various ideas, they ultimately decided on Option A, which was the smallest expansion option.

He stated the Plan Commission expressed a concern with parking, as did neighbors who appeared at the meeting. He noted the additional space would not be used to increase staff, but rather for storage only. Mr. Krandel stated since appearing before the Plan Commission, the petitioner has secured five additional parking spaces in the Thompson Appliance lot meaning, approval would result in increased parking in the area. He stated the setbacks are in line with the previously granted variance.

In response to Councilman Seegers expressed concern that a new owner could use the space for additional staffing, City Attorney Schlossberg stated Council could place a condition on the approval.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Moore stated the Plan Commission expressed concern about the loss of parking and also whether a hardship exists.

In response to Councilman Nierman’s statement that parking must be an issue if the neighbors came forward to object, Mr. Krandel noted the parking lease with Thompson’s is a new factor.

Mr. Krandel stated the request before the Council is for a small addition, noting there is nowhere else to go. He opined this may be the last move, noting the property has been in the City for a long time and provides great services to the community and surrounding area. He stated the first variance was granted in 2002. He stated the two parking spaces that were to be lost have never been used for parking because of their location and the five new spots would be a significant benefit. A brief discussion ensued of the net gain in parking compared to the requirements. Mayor Turner noted with no approval the parking would stay the same, but with approval there would be a gain in parking.

A brief discussion ensued of the parking lease. In response to concerns expressed by Councilman Seegers, Mayor Turner stated the City could require submittal of the parking lease agreement. City Attorney Schlossberg suggested a condition could state that the petitioner be required to provide a certain number of parking spaces to the satisfaction of the City Manager.

Noting the previous parking discussions she has participated in as a member of the City Council, Councilwoman Piersall stated she does not have an issue with that, especially because more parking will be added. In response to her question, Mr. Krandel showed the new location for the dumpster, which will be near the previous location with access remaining the same.

Councilman Tebo noted Council will be dealing with parking issues when it talks about the proposed development for the Die Cast site. Mayor Turner agreed, opining any variance request for this property beyond this will not be practical as the Council deals with managing parking in the area. Mr. Krandel stated he believes this will be the last move to add more space to the facility. He suggested placing signage in the area directing people to where additional parking is available. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Krandel stated the petitioner would agree to provide the City Manager with a copy of the parking lease with Thompson’s.

There were no Public comments forthcoming.

Mayor Turner stated he is in support of this variance at this particular time and in this manner specific to this situation. He stated Council did find a hardship that would form the basis of making this change.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by G. Tebo, to approve Ordinance 21-O-62, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Granting Variations from UDO Sections 7A.5 (Bulk and Area Standards) and Section 9.8 (Schedule of Required Parking) to Allow a 600 Square Foot Addition at the Northeast Corner of the Property at 512 Clay Street, based on the finding of fact that a hardship does exist and the proposal will not have an undue deleterious effect, is the minimum needed to remedy the hardship, and is consistent with the intent and purpose of the Ordinance as well as the Woodstock City Code and plans adopted by the City, and with the condition that additional parking must be procured and maintained as reviewed and approved by the City Manager.

Mayor Turner stated it is important to note the thoughtful consideration of the Plan Commission is not dismissed by the fact the City Council is also giving thoughtful consideration, noting that is the process. He stated the Plan Commission determines its thoughts and opinions, and the City Council determines its thoughts and opinions, with each body making a determination of what they think is the right thing at the time, which is part of the process.

There were no questions forthcoming from the Council or the Public on the motion.

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

Item D-7 – Award of Contract – Opera House Window Emergency Repairs Councilman Nierman expressed concern with hiring a company to inspect the Opera House windows and then hiring the same company to repair the windows, opining it is strange the City could not take another three weeks to get other proposals.

Ms. Betz explained the windows in question were found during the inspection of all the windows in preparation for a window repair project next year. She stated their condition warranted immediate emergency repair as there was concern they would not last through the winter, causing the need to board up the Opera House windows. She stated it was known there was some deterioration of the windows, hence the proposed project, but the severity of the deterioration was not known until the inspection.

Discussion ensued of the timing of the building inspection and whether it was needed earlier. Mr. Stelford explained the Opera House formerly had a professional Building Manager until his retirement at which time that role was centralized, opining there may be a downside to this approach, particularly with a historic building such as the Opera House.

In response to Councilman Nierman’s expressed belief there could be a local company that can do this work, Ms. Betz stated because of the historic nature of the building, this is pretty specific work. Mr. Christensen stated the cost reflects the costs to restore old, historic windows and also for the environmental remediation required by the state and federal EPA.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, noting the windows of the Old Courthouse were replicated rather than restored, thus saving money, Ms. Betz stated the Opera House and the Old Courthouse are on different historic registers. She stated the National Register, which the Opera House is on, stipulates restoration, noting the City did not wish to impact the historic registry.

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by D. Flynn, to approve a contract with Heritage Restoration & Design, Inc., Peoria, IL, to complete urgent and immediate window repairs to six windows at the Historic Opera House for an amount not to exceed $69,693.88.

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

V. DISCUSSION

1. Old Courthouse Plans & Cost Estimates

Old Courthouse Plans

Mayor Turner stated while this is not final approval, Council is being asked to set parameters to be used in the final costing for the project. He stated there are three items for discussion: a geothermal system, a second elevator, and recreation or renovation of the original Courtroom ceiling.

Mr. Moore agreed, noting these items must be wrapped up in order to finalize the estimates and bring back a budget to Council, which will include a guaranteed maximum price.

Discussion ensued regarding the proposed geothermal system. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Christensen and Mr. Moore provided additional information. They stated the cost savings by using geothermal has not yet been determined because it is not known what the cost of cooling and heating the building will be, but they opined it is expected that geothermal will result in significant savings. They stated one of the advantages of geothermal is that it will provide more space in the building. Mr. Christensen stated Staff is working with ComEd on a rebate program, noting it is hoped this will offset some of the additional costs. He stated the $300,000 cost noted in the Staff Report is the cost differential for geothermal versus a conventional system, explaining this further. In response to further questions, Mr. Christiansen noted the parking lot will be out of service for approximately two months.

In response to questions from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Christensen stated the system will eventually pay for itself, probably within 10 to 15 years. He explained why the system will be advantageous for the tenants. He stated the maintenance on a geothermal system should be lower than on a conventional system.

Councilman Seegers expressed doubt concerning the payoff time for this project as expressed at the last Council meeting. Councilman Seegers opined a geothermal system would be a great investment in light of the cost savings, even if the City is not able to secure rebates from ComEd.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, discussion ensued of the possibility of sharing the geothermal fields with another building and the possibility of including a fee in the tenants’ leases for the system.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Christensen stated if Council reaches a consensus on a geothermal system, the cost should not change much, and Staff will go ahead with the installation of a test well.

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, it was the consensus of the City Council to proceed with the inclusion of a geothermal system in the plans for the Old Courthouse Project.

Discussion then ensued regarding a second elevator in the project.

Stating he realizes the cost and disruption involved in putting in a second elevator, Mayor Turner expressed concern about not putting one in now, during construction, and finding the need for one in the future. He opined it may be worthwhile to include a second elevator now. Councilwoman Piersall opined the tenants should weigh-in on this issue.

Councilman Flynn opined the elevator will not only be used for people, but also for the transportation of food and garbage, resulting in a lot of wear and tear on a single elevator. Noting even with two elevators, Mr. Christensen stated in order to avoid this one of the elevators will have to be designated “passenger” and the other “freight.” He stated there is not enough room available to install a true freight elevator.

Discussion followed of various scenarios including a stair lift, a garbage chute, and a dumbwaiter. Mr. Moore noted a material lift is being included to take items from street level to the lower level to serve MobCraft and possibly a future dumbwaiter to serve a future restaurant in the Sheriff’s House. He stated an external garbage chute would not be appropriate.

After providing various scenarios that could happen, Councilman Flynn opined one elevator is not enough, advocating for putting a second one in during this construction.

In response to questions from Councilman Tebo, a discussion ensued of when and who will use the elevator. Councilman Tebo opined the City may be looking for a problem it does not have, stating he is not sure a second elevator is needed. Mayor Turner stated if a second elevator is not needed now, it may be needed if there is a different use in the building, opining a second elevator may add value to the building. He noted the cost of a second elevator is only 3 to 4% of the total project cost. Councilman Flynn opined if the tenants are busy and there is a large event in the Courtroom, a second elevator would definitely be needed.

Councilwoman Piersall agreed a second elevator may be needed under that scenario, but stated it is hard to justify the cost for a second elevator if it is only needed once or twice a week. In response to her question, Mr. Christensen stated architect Gary Anderson feels one elevator is enough as does the construction manager.

Mayor Turner opined Staff should get feedback from the tenants and come back to Council with that information, if it is contrary to Council’s decision this evening.

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, it was the majority consensus of the Council to include one elevator in the project. Council noted Staff should reach out to Ethereal Confections for their input, including asking if they will bear some of the cost of a second elevator if they wish to have one included.

A brief discussion of the Courtroom ceiling ensued following which there were no comments forthcoming from the Public. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, it was the consensus of the City Council that a replica of the Courtroom ceiling be included in the project.

Cost Estimate

Mr. Christensen stated the budget figures have changed from those preliminary numbers provided by Gary Anderson. He noted the new figures are a result of an increase in the cost of construction, a more in-depth and accurate estimate, and a change in the scope of work due to the complete renovation of the Public House space, which will provide a much more viable space long-term. He emphasized that these figures are still not set in stone and could change.

Mr. Christensen stated the project will use TIF funds and a 20-year bond, with the need to increase the debt term by five years, but still paying the debt utilizing TIF #2. He stated it may be necessary to go to the General Fund in the first few years, after which there will be enough money in the TIF to meet the anticipated debt service payments. Mr. Christensen stated while the bond payment will remain the same, the rents will increase, which will pay dividends to the people of Woodstock and can be used for other things.

A discussion ensued between Mr. Christensen and Councilman Seegers as to whether the project will be paid off in 20 years, with Councilman Seegers opining the net revenue from the building will not pay for it. Mayor Turner requested that Council receive a follow-up report on how the project would be funded over the 20 years.

Mr. Christensen explained the City will reapply for additional Historic Tax Credits as a result of the projected cost increases.

2. Benton Street Mural

Acknowledging the Staff Report, Mayor Turner stated he feels it is important to allow flexibility for the artist doing the work on this project. He stated he favors encouraging artistic creativity, wishing to see what the arts community has to say regarding themes. Mayor Turner stated he would like to see artists come up with ideas to bring to the Council for its reaction. Mayor Turner noted he does not like the idea put forth in the Staff report to use mounted panels attached to the building rather than painting on the building itself, stating he prefers the historic building to be seen.

Ms. Coltrin stated she has been doing a lot of research for this project, providing information on murals in other communities. She stated the Arts Commission is working with NIU on an Arts Development Plan for the community, noting following input from the arts community and residents, an inventory of mural sites will be presented for the City Council’s consideration. She opined the Arts Development Plan will be in place after the first of the year and would help support a larger mural program for the City.

She opined making decisions for a Benton Street mural is a little bit ahead of this process, noting in speaking with other communities, she found this would be part of a mural program rather than just one site. She talked about how this type of program is handled in other communities, including establishing a fund and building relationships with artists, following which a call for artists would be put out to meet established parameters based upon the Arts Development Plan.

Ms. Coltrin opined the Historic Preservation Commission may not favor painting directly on the historic building now that the false façade has been taken down. She noted in her research she found that many communities steer clear of painting on brick in a historic district.

In response to Councilwoman Piersall’s statement, it was not planned to hold off on the Benton Street mural until the Arts Development Plan was in place, Ms. Coltrin noted she has done extensive research since then. In response to Mayor Turner’s question as to what would change should the Benton Street mural wait, Councilwoman Piersall stated the question would be about painting directly on the historic building. Ms. Coltrin stated in addition an inventory of sites would be established, noting this would allow the City to look at a plan with a variety of sites and interesting ideas for types of installations and themes.

Mayor Turner stated he is supportive of an Arts Development Plan and of getting insight from the artists and the community. He stated in looking at the Benton Street mural he looks at it as a proposal to enhance this area with a mural using façade improvement funds. He opined there does not need to be a formal program in place to accomplish this goal.

Mayor Turner expressed his hope to get several submissions for this particular location that Council can review and choose from. He opined waiting to go through the process of developing a program will delay the Benton Street mural until 2023, which is not his vision.

In response to Councilman Flynn’s question as to what she sees as a timeline, opining the mural could not be started until spring, Ms. Coltrin stated it probably would push it back. She noted another question that must be addressed is maintenance, as the mural will be on private property.

Mayor Turner exited the Chambers and left the proceedings at 9:20 PM.

Ms. Coltrin suggested using an RFP to cast a wide enough net, noting there is an organization that can assist the City with this process. A brief discussion ensued regarding Wall Dogs, with Ms. Coltrin noting they have a waiting list.

Mayor Turner returned to the Chambers and rejoined the proceedings at 9:23 PM.

Councilman Tebo expressed his support of the Arts Commission. He noted the mural in the pedway was completed without such a Commission and expressed agreement with Mayor Turner that the Benton Street mural may not have to be part of it.

Noting he has seen something similar in Annapolis, Councilman Tebo stated he would like to investigate the panel idea further, suggesting historic photos for the Benton Street building. He stated he wishes to be sure Council looks at everything.

Mayor Turner stated the artists can submit whatever they wish, including the requirements for maintenance. He stated he does not wish to tell them anything specific, wanting all possibilities.

Councilwoman Piersall stated one of the questions identified in the Staff Report is who will serve as Project Manager. She opined Ms. Coltrin does not have time to serve in that capacity.

In response to Mayor Turner’s question, Ms. Willcockson talked about the development and creation of the pedway mural, for which she served as Project Manager, stating it was an incredibly time intensive undertaking. She noted there were many differences in that project than what is being talked about tonight.

Mayor Turner stated this is something that needs to be explored, noting he still leans to looking to Staff to manage the project, but this could change with more information.

He stated there are questions to be answered concerning maintenance, including cost, timeframe, and whether the cost be absorbed by the City.

Councilman Flynn stated he is leaning toward the panels, opining they would enhance the historic structure.

Councilwoman Piersall stated how the work will be maintained would be required by the RFP.

Mayor Turner opined there is enough defined and there is a desire to move forward, stating he would like the Arts Commission to take the information from Council and further define the project, noting Council is not making a commitment to move forward at this time. He stated he would like to do this sooner rather than later, but not wait until every item is answered for this particular space.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Piersall, Ms. Coltrin opined an RFP could be ready for distribution soon, noting she would like to work with not for profits in how to cast the widest net to get spectacular proposals. Councilwoman Piersall stated if the RFP could go out and the deadline pushed out until mid-January, information should be available from the Arts Development Plan. Ms. Coltrin stated interviews for the Arts Development Plan will be done in January with preliminary information to follow.

A member of the Public urged Council to make sure any artist who suggests panels is experienced with them.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner and following a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to state in the RFP that Council has had a discussion of $20,000 for the project and costs will be a consideration.

3. Bird Scooters

Noting this company approached the City, Mayor Turner described these scooters and his experience with them in other communities. He stated a pro to having these in Woodstock would be they are environmentally friendly, while the cons include their being left on the sidewalk and the inability to use them on the bricks and on roadways such as Rt. 47 and Rt. 14.

Discussion followed of the minimal revenue that could result and geofencing, which would mitigate clutter and location issues.

Councilwoman Piersall questioned why the company approached the City when the bike program was not used. In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Stelford stated there would be a financial penalty to the user should a scooter be left in an inappropriate location. Councilman Nierman opined the Square is too small for this.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, it was the consensus of the City Council not to pursue the proposal for bird scooters at this time.

AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Turner stated he will meet with Mr. Stelford and Joyce Nardulli to discuss an aggressive program to include Woodstock in the infrastructure bill, including the extension of the Rt. 47 improvements from Rt. 120 to Charles Road. He asked Mr. Stelford to generate other ideas also. Mayor Turner noted it may be necessary to make a trip to Springfield for this.

There were no further additions, deletions, or corrections to the tentative Future Agendas.

ADJOURN

Motion by D. Flynn, second by B. Seegers, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: D. Flynn, T. Nierman, W. Piersall, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: L. Lohmeyer. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/42941/f_-_11-16-21_city_council_minutes.pdf