McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Feb. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall by Mayor Michael Turner. 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, Lisa Lohmeyer, Tom Nierman, Wendy Piersall, Gordon Tebo, and Mayor Michael Turner. Councilman Seegers arrived at 7:18 PM.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director of Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Public Hearing – Enterprise Zone Amendments

Mayor Turner stated this Public Hearing is being held to determine whether the Harvard/Woodstock Enterprise Zone and the Harvard/Woodstock Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement between the cities of Harvard and Woodstock and McHenry County should be amended adding the City of Marengo and revising certain incentives, pursuant to the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act, 20ILCS 655/1 et seq; what the boundaries of the Enterprise Zone should be; and whether the name of the Enterprise Zone should be changed to the “McHenry County Enterprise Zone.” He stated the Public Meeting has been properly noticed and anyone wishing to comment may participate and be heard, with opportunities also provided to submit written comments.

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to open the Public Hearing on amendments to the Enterprise Zone.

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

The Public Hearing was opened at 7:03 PM.

Charles Eldredge, Administrator for the Harvard/Woodstock Enterprise Zone, stated the amendment is proposing to take the following actions: add the City of Marengo, modify the boundaries, and revise the name of the Enterprise Zone to the McHenry County Enterprise Zone.

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

Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to close the Public Hearing.

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

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

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:06 PM.

There were no comments or questions forthcoming from the Council on the subject of the Public Hearing.

Motion by D. Flynn, second by W. Piersall to approve Ordinance 22-O-05, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending the Harvard/Woodstock Enterprise Zone Designating Ordinance and the Intergovernmental Agreement between the County of McHenry, the City of Woodstock, and the City of Harvard to Amend, Add the City of Marengo, and Rename the McHenry County Enterprise Zone, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the McHenry County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement, and the City Manager to take any necessary actions required to implement said agreement, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

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

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

B. Public Comments

Greg Amato, Woodstock, called attention to the problem of global warming, opining it is caused by oil, gas, and coal, asking about the strategy to reduce the City’s carbon footprint. Noting other cities have done so, he asked that a strategy be developed should there not be one in place.

Mr. Amato also mentioned an environmental working group regarding water quality. Stating he has reviewed the City’s water quality report, he noted the City meets all federal government requirements for clean water. He stated the report did indicate the City’s water contains 12 chemicals that could be considered dangerous per the group’s work. He stated he would like to see the City use some of the federal money to address this. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Amato stated the group’s study noted the chemicals could be dangerous, but were not necessarily so.

Mayor Turner asked Staff to consider these potential suggestions. He noted the City of Woodstock has taken a positive stance and has been a leader on environmental issues. He stated Staff and the Council are always looking for ways to be energy efficient and noted the City is a leader in the County regarding recycling. In response to Mr. Amato’s comments concerning water quality, it was requested that he forward the information to Mr. Stelford for assessment.

C. Council Comments

Councilwoman Piersall commended Staff on their work on the Emricson Park path, noting it was fully cleared and safe when she went walking on it. In response to questions from Mayor Turner and Councilman Tebo, Ms. Betz stated a contractor has been selected to clear the path in a timely manner with no sand or salt being used.

Mayor Turner recognized Staff, the Groundhog Day Committee, and all the businesses on the Square for their efforts on the Groundhog Day events scheduled for tomorrow.

Mayor Turner highlighted Senator Duckworth’s visit to Woodstock the previous week. Stating it was a fruitful visit, he noted she was here specifically to discuss the Metra railyard project, including funding. He recognized the work of Ms. Gulli and Staff for their efforts in putting together a brochure and PowerPoint slides, as well as drone footage on short notice.

Councilman Seegers entered the Chambers and joined the proceedings at 7:18 PM.

Mayor Turner also recognized Opera House Staff, noting all tech and production went very well. He stated Senator Duckworth was very interested, opining there is momentum for the project. He stated this project also has the interest and support from other entities and McHenry County.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by L. Lohmeyer, second by D. Flynn, 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 Council or the Public:

Item D-5 – Award of Contract – Old Courthouse Interior Demolition & Foundation by Mayor Turner

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

Item D-3 – Resolution – Madison Street Roundabout Project – Bid Concurrence In response to a question from Councilman Tebo regarding the timeline for this project, Ms. Betz stated a project meeting is being set for early April with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter and project completion by the end of the year.

Item D-1 – Ordinances – Property Tax Abatements

In response to a request from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford explained this item further. He stated the plan is for these bonds to be paid using alternate revenue rather than property taxes. He noted every year the City Administration assesses whether there is sufficient alternate revenue available and, if it is substantiated, then the City Administration presents the abatement ordinances for Council’s consideration. If approved, the ordinances are transmitted to the County Clerk so property taxes are not levied for the debt service payments. He confirmed that this is a normal part of how the City manages property tax estimation every year.

There were no further Council or Public comment or questions.

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

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

January 18, 2022 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3988 3989

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Arts Commission Minutes December 13, 2021 Opera House Advisory Board Minutes January 18, 2022

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 196:

1. Ordinance – Property Tax Abatements – Approval of the following Ordinances authorizing the annual abatement of property taxes related to the City’s Alternate Revenue Source and General Obligation Bonds:

a) Ordinance 22-O-06, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Abating the Levy of the Additional Tax Imposed for the Purpose of Borrowing Money and Issuing $2,350,000 Principal Amount General Obligation Waterworks and Sewerage Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources), Series 2016, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, for the Purpose of Refunding All or a Portion of the City’s Outstanding General Obligation Waterworks and Sewerage Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source),Series 2008A.

b) Ordinance 22-O-07, identified as Document 3, An Ordinance Abating the Additional tax imposed by Ordinance Number 14-O-35, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources) Series 2014, Issued for the Purpose of Refunding Series 2005B General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources) and Series 2003 General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates Issued for Constructing Roadway Improvements and Development of New Park Sites Along with Recreation Facility Improvements for the City of Woodstock.

c) Ordinance 22-O-08, identified as Document 4, An Ordinance Abating the Levy of the Additional Tax Imposed for the Purpose of Borrowing Money and Issuing $9,430,000 Principal Amount General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020A, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, Issued for Constructing Roadway Improvements.

2. Ordinance – Sale/Disposal of Surplus Equipment – Approval of Ordinance 22-O 09, identified as Document 5, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the City of Woodstock, designating the equipment described as surplus, and authorizing and directing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law.

3. Resolution – Madison Street Roundabout Project – Bid Concurrence – Approval of Resolution 22-R-01, identified as Document 6, A Resolution Providing Concurrence with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to Award a Contract for the Madison Street Roundabout Project.

4. Resolution – Madison Street Roundabout Project – Updated LPA – Approval of Resolution 22-R-02, identified as Document 7, authorizing the Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk to execute the Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation pertaining to the Madison Street Roundabout Project, as well as approve and execute any other such documents related to the advancement and completion of this project.

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-5 – Award of Contract – Old Courthouse Interior Demolition & Foundation Mayor Turner noted the revised Staff report provided to Council earlier today, stating there has been a change in the figures. He asked for a brief update from Staff on what is being considered this evening.

Mr. Stelford stated final numbers are now available for Bid Package #2, noting Staff is recommending passage of this package with a not-to-exceed amount.

Mr. Christensen provided a brief background of the project and of this request. He stated there is an increase of $70,000 for additional shoring needed for the elevator, noting the necessity of this work.

Mr. Christensen stated there is an issue with the steel bid and as a result, Bulley & Andrews is requesting additional time to evaluate this. He noted it is expected this will be within the budgeted amount and the request is to provide the City Manager with the authority to authorize the structural steel contract once it has been reviewed.

He stated another item still being discussed is the finish for the elevator between stainless steel and bronze. He stated the architect has recommended stainless steel with a wrap, which will result in a savings. Upon further evaluation, this will be brought back to Council at a later date.

Mr. Christensen stated it is also recommended to change the elevator company from Kone to Otis, noting this will be cheaper and the architect agrees with this recommendation.

Mr. Christensen stated another item for discussion is the curtain wall system between the main building and the stairway addition. He stated the architect has suggested replacing the wall with windows on all floor levels, which would raise the cost of this item by $105,000, as the glass would require fire-proof glazing. He stated the options are authorizing the change and the associated $105,000 cost, rejecting the change, or authorizing the use of glass on just the north or south lobby.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Christensen described the area in question, noting the wall separates the lobby and the stairwell area. He stated the architect made a change from the original plans to bring more light into the area and feels it would be more appropriate to use glass windows to take advantage of this. He stated when this was bid, it came back more than anticipated due to the need for it to be fire rated. Noting the three options previously identified, Mr. Moore described the area further, noting the effect each option will have, including view and lighting.

Council discussion ensued of the options, their costs, and visual effects. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mayor Turner stated the public will benefit from this as it will be a drop-off area and is a brand-new feature. Mr. Christensen stated the tenants will also benefit from this area. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Christensen opined glass in the south lobby is essential as it is the main lobby. Mr. Moore agreed the south lobby glass is essential.

In response to questions from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Christensen stated the door is a necessity as it is a firestop. He stated the floor plan is repeated on each level, taking the public to a different business on each level. Mayor Turner noted there are three landings.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer expressed support of using glass in both the north and south lobbies, opining it would be visually appealing and would be worth the cost.

Councilman Nierman suggested the use of light panels to mimic the windows in the north lobby.

Councilwoman Piersall agreed glass in the south lobby is essential, opining any place artistic integrity can be maintained while saving money would be good.

Councilman Tebo agreed that light panels should be investigated as well as the possible use of pictures.

Mayor Turner supported the use of glass in both lobbies, noting the effect sunlight will have in this area throughout the day radiating into the lobby. He stated he is cognizant of the price, but also of the quality, noting the windows will be there for a hundred years. He stated the north end will have less direct light, but it still will be powerful.

Councilman Flynn opined $105,000 is less than a fraction of the total project cost. He supported doing both the north and south, citing aesthetics.

Mr. Christensen noted if only the south is done the estimated difference would be $35,000, not half of the total cost.

Councilman Seegers supported doing both the north and south lobbies.

In response to a suggestion from Councilman Nierman, Mayor Turner supported looking at whether fire-rated glass is needed if the building is sprinklered.

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

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to authorize the City Manager to sign an amendment to AA Document A133-2019, Exhibit A entered into with Bulley & Andrews on October 24, 2021 for Bid Package #2 in the amount not to exceed $2,721,360 and to ratify the amendment signed by the City Manager for Bid Package #1 in the amount of $99,275, reestablishing the $100,000 spending authority for the City Administration, which is authorized to be used for the project, including the costs for the structural steel construction materials, should this exceed the current $450,000 estimate, with the amendment regarding the elevator to change to Otis Elevator as vendor, subject to the parameters as presented by Staff.

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

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. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried.

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Turner stated the next item on the Agenda is an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel - The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body as allowed by 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1), specifically in this case, the City Manager’s Performance Evaluation.

Motion by L. Lohmeyer, second by D. Flynn, to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing:

Personnel (Open Meetings Act: 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body as allowed by 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

City Manager’s Performance Evaluation

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.

The Woodstock City Council adjourned to Executive Session at 7:55 PM.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

The City Council returned to Open Session at 10:45 PM.

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

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

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

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no additions or deletions to the tentative Future Agenda items.

ADJOURN

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 7:00 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.

Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:54 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/45664/f_-_city_council_2-1-22_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf