McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met March 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, Bob Seegers, Jr., Gordon Tebo, and Mayor Michael Turner.

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, Chief John Lieb, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano,

Recreation Director Dave Zinnen, Communications & Grants Manager Terry Willcockson, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. City Planner Darrell Moore entered the Chambers and joined the proceedings at 7:20 PM.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Presentation – Real Woodstock Update

Melissa McMahon gave an update on the efforts undertaken by Real Woodstock from July 2021 through February 2022.

Ms. McMahon reviewed the activity on Real Woodstock’s social media platforms, noting the number of users on the group’s website was 22,018, up 129% since the last update, with 28,408 sessions, up 133%. She stated Real Woodstock has 12,898 followers on Facebook, providing comparisons with other area media. Noting the dates and events during which there were spikes on the page, Ms. McMahon stated there may be 5,000 people watching at one time during these events/dates. She noted Real Woodstock also has 1,685 Instagram followers and 2,845 YouTube subscribers.

Ms. McMahon then talked about the reach and engagement realized from the T-Mobile Winner Reveal, noting Woodstock received the equivalent of a five-minute commercial on national broadcast television.

Ms. McMahon provided information on advertising efforts including with partners STAR 105.5 and the Woodstock Independent, noting Real Woodstock leveraged 105.5 advertising to get spots for the Woodstock Opera House and shared Independent ads with the Recreation Department and the Opera House. She noted the large digital billboards located on Rt. 47 and Rt. 31 providing 1,080 messages a day on things such as the Lighting of the Square, Groundhog Days, and the Opera House.

She then talked about the exposure Real Woodstock gained for the City surrounding Groundhog Days including in studio and on-site exposure with Fox 39 (Rockford) and WGN, and check-ins on Real Woodstock Live from the region, around the State, other States, Europe, and Australia.

Ms. McMahon provided more in-depth information Real Woodstock’ s website, noting since its launch on February 15, 2021, it has gained 22,172 users and 56,159 page views. She also noted Real Woodstock has distributed 8,000 Community Guides, 10,000 Visitor’s Guides, and continues to be a presence at community events. Ms. McMahon provided information on Real Woodstock’s partnership with the Chicago Wolves, including arena takeovers at all 22 games of the 2021/2022 season, with an average attendance of 6,432 per game.

Mayor Turner thanked Ms. McMahon for the presentation commending Real Woodstock for the efforts and activity the group puts forth, opining it continues to pay off for Woodstock.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer expressed appreciation for the update, stating she has received comments on what a great job Real Woodstock is doing.

Mayor Turner urged Ms. McMahon to continue to push Real Woodstock’s partners, look at other places to be in action, and continue the connection to businesses, especially pushing for exposure as Woodstock looks to the summer and exiting COVID-19. He noted the purpose of Real Woodstock is for the businesses to use it to promote themselves. Ms. McMahon stated she would like businesses

to know they can submit their information for inclusion on the Real Woodstock website.

B. Public Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

C. Council Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the City Council.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by D. Flynn, second by B. Seegers, 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 – Special Use Permit – 1411 S. Eastwood Drive by Councilwoman Piersall.

Item D-5 – Award of Lease – Woodstock Water Works Concessions – Napoli Pizza 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 – Ordinance – Sign Setback Variation for Aldi, 1270 Lake Avenue In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Napolitano confirmed there are no City utilities located under the sign in question.

Item D-6 – Award of Contract – McConnell Road Water Tower – T-Mobile In response to a question from Councilwoman Piersall, Mr. Christensen stated this wireless antenna is in addition to the one considered for placement on the Square.

Item D-7 – Purchase – Stationary Automated License Plate Reader System

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford stated the $22,500 annual maintenance fee is for all eight readers. Mayor Turner opined this is an efficient cost for all eight, stating he is happy to see this on the agenda.

There were no further Council or Public comments or questions.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-3, and D-6 through D-9 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

February 14, 2022 City Council Workshop Minutes

February 14, 2022 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3992 3993

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Historic Preservation Commission Minutes November 22, 2021 Police Pension Board Minutes January 6, 2022 Plan Commission Minutes January 20, 2022 Cultural and Social Awareness Commission Minutes January 24, 2022

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 198:

1. Resolution – Tax Increment Financing State Legislation – Approval of Resolution 22-R-04, identified as Document 1, A Resolution of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois in Support of Tax Increment Financing.

2. Resolution – IDOT Motor Fuel Tax Funds - Approval of Resolution 22-R-05, identified as Document 2, A Resolution for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code, which appropriates $1,056,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds from May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023.

3. Ordinance – Sign Setback Variation for Aldi, 1270 Lake Avenue – Adoption of Ordinance 22-O-12, identified as Document 3, An Ordinance Granting a Variation of Freestanding Sign Setback from 10 Fee to 8.7 Feet for Aldi Grocery Store, 1270 Lake Avenue.

6. Award of Contract – McConnell Road Water Tower – T-Mobile – Authorization for the City Manager to approve and execute a site agreement between the City of Woodstock and T-Mobile Central LLC to install and operate a wireless antenna on the McConnell Road Water Tower.

7. Purchase – Stationary Automated License Plate Reader – Approval to purchase and install the Flock Safety ALPR system for a total not to exceed $28,500 with an annual maintenance/retainer fee of $22,500 in the following years from the Police Operating Budget.

8. Purchase – Services for Interior Painting of the Police Facility along with Replacement of Break Room Flooring - Approval for the Purchase of Services for the Repair and Painting of the Interior for the Police Department for a total not to exceed $32,400, with the work being completed by Adas Interior Remodeling Inc., Crystal Lake, Illinois.

9. Award of Contract – City Hall Concrete Stairs – Authorization to award a contract for services to Gehrke Constructions, Inc., Dekalb, IL for replacement of the concrete basement stairs in City Hall.

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-4 - Special Use Permit – 1411 S. Eastwood Drive

Providing background on when the request for the original Special Use Permit (SUP) for this business came before Council, Councilwoman Piersall stated she did not vote for it at that time because she felt the security plan was inadequate.

She noted she appreciates the difficult situation the business owner is in because of the state of Illinois, but stated she is uncomfortable with this request to put trailers behind a fence on Rt. 47, opining it is not secure.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford stated as part of the process, the State will have to review the security plan and agree that it meets the State’s requirements.

Noting this is a legal business and he is sensitive to what is going on with the State, Mayor Turner stated he, too, is concerned with the look of trailers on Rt. 47.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Stelford stated the petitioner has the right to infuse and transport, but based on the existing City approvals, must build a building, which is not supported by the current business plan, and is the reason why they are asking for temporary relief with the trailers. He stated it is assumed when a full license is finally approved, the building would be constructed at that time.

Councilman Seegers stated the issue of odor has been raised be some people. In response, Mr. Napolitano stated there should be little, if any, odor with the infusion and transporting process. He stated odors can arise with the growing process, noting there are measures that can be implemented to minimize this. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, City Attorney Schlossberg confirmed the City has the power to rescind the SUP should issues such as this arise. Councilman Seegers stated while he is not enamored with a facility such as this at the proposed location, he stated his approval would center around the odor issue.

Councilman Nierman stated, he, too, questions the location of trailers on Rt. 47, stating he would like something more than evergreens for screening, suggesting earth-tone slats in the fencing to shield the view.

In response to Councilman Nierman’s question, Mr. Napolitano stated the petitioner has indicated if the business is not granted a grower’s license by the State, it is their plan to purchase one, explaining further how this is possible.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Piersall, Mr. Napolitano provided information on what was provided for the previous request for the SUP.

Councilwoman Piersall stated when the requests from the three cannabis businesses, including this one, were approved by Council, it was clear that this was a preliminary approval with the petitioners needing to show they were working with the City. She noted it was likely that none of the three would receive State licenses, stating to her the approvals were a promise that the City would work with them and continue the process if they received a license. She opined it was not an approval to set up shop in Woodstock.

Mayor Turner stated he, too, has received comments from concerned neighbors about possible odors and wishes to make sure the businesses in close proximity are not affected.

Lance Shalzi, Architect for petitioner Six Labs, stated he understands Council’s concerns, but they already have a craft growing facility in Michigan, having gone through the process to set that up. He stated there are no odors associated with the infusion process, explaining this process further. He stated the craft growing facility will have an extensive $1 - $2 million HVAC system to control the climate and odors, noting businesses and wetlands surround the site, not residential.

Mr. Shalzi stated they do have an infuser/transporter license, with the grow facility license not expected from the State until 2023, which is why the requested term for the amendment is two years. He noted they are committed to do whatever is needed, stating if they do not receive a license from the State, they will buy a license.

Noting the trailers will be used for storage and supplies, Mr. Shalzi stated it is not sure they will be needed and, if they are, how many. He stated they are temporary and will be removed once the growing is started.

Mayor Turner opined the master plan for the growing facility is not enough for what is being requested this evening, agreeing with Councilman Nierman concerning the fencing and the evergreens proposed to screen the trailers.

In response to a question from Councilman Turner, Mr. Shalzi stated they are not proceeding with construction of the building immediately, as they wish to get up and running to generate revenue right now. He stated the long-term plan is to include a dispensary, noting the project will be phased until a grow facility license is obtained.

Councilwoman Piersall expressed a security concern with the activity taking place in the existing building, which has a lot of access. Mr. Shalzi described the security measures that would be put in place within the existing building, including blacked-out windows with wire mesh, no glass doors, and motion sensor alarms. Mayor Turner opined the facility seems like a target considering the product inside.

Mayor Turner stated the aesthetics are a concern for him. Noting this is a cannabis-related business on a major thoroughfare, he stated he wants the neighboring businesses to be comfortable with this. He stated he is not comfortable with the site plan presented with this request, noting he would like to see a better site plan. He stated he would like to see a more clearly defined plan with the shielding of the trailers from Rt. 47 and also on the north and south sides, and also a more clearly defined security design. Mayor Turner stated Council can take action this evening or defer the item to give the petitioner time to present this information.

Councilwoman Piersall stated she would like to see a security plan specific to this request before taking action.

In response to questions from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Shalzi stated the containers are leased 40 ft. long shipping containers, which will be located 12 feet from the building with 6 feet between them.

In response to a question from Councilman Nierman, Mr. Shalzi stated it is not planned to remove the miniature golf amenities at this time. Mayor Turner opined this will be open to criticism, noting even though they are not accessible, the image of the amenities in front of a cannabis-related facility is questionable.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Shalzi stated the trailers are placed close to the building, but could be placed further back, noting he could talk with his client about this. He stated he could also talk with the client about whether one wing of the existing building could be sufficient for their operation with no need for the trailers.

Noting this is a request for temporary placement of the trailers, Councilman Flynn asked if these requirements are placed on this petitioner, will Council place similar requirements on other businesses along Rt. 47. Mayor Turner stated if a business requires a SUP, it will be similarly reviewed for similar requirements. Councilman Flynn noted cars have been parked in this area for the last few years.

In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Shalzi stated there have been no break-ins at their facility in Michigan.

Expressing support of the petitioner’s business, Councilwoman Lohmeyer opined perhaps there is more to the proposal than is being shown this evening, stating she would like to see more of the aesthetics for the site prior to voting.

Mayor Turner opened the floor for Public Comment.

Arlene Lynes, 1280 Mitchell, thanked Council for looking at this proposal in depth. She stated she has some hesitancy with this business when she thinks about the investment made by neighboring business owners on this section of Rt. 47. Stating her biggest concern is the blacked out, wire mesh covered windows as described by Mr. Shalzi. She asked that good renderings of what the building would like be provided and asked Council to consider this very carefully.

Mayor Turner asked if there was interest to defer the vote to allow the petitioner time to provide more detailed information on the appearance of the fencing and screening and also the element of removal of the golf amenities and any other items brought up this evening.

Councilman Tebo stated he would like to see temporary renderings for the next two years, permanent renderings of the site and a better idea of the security plan.

It was the consensus of the Council to defer the vote unless Mr. Shalzi wished to proceed this evening.

Mr. Shalzi stated he also wished to defer the vote, stating he will also clarify whether the trailers are needed. In response to Mr. Shalzi’s question, Mayor Turner stated the next Council meeting is March 15.

In response to a question from Councilwoman Lohmeyer, Mayor Turner stated the question of the security plan and the golf amenities would remain even if the request for the temporary trailers is removed.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Napolitano stated the issue of odors will be addressed at the building permit phase.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by G. Tebo, to defer Item D-4 – Ordinance – Special Use Permit – 1411 S. Eastwood Drive – An Ordinance Granting an Amendment to the Special Use Permit granted by Ordinance 20-O-56 to allow Cannabis Infusion and Transporting on a temporary basis.

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 Lease – Woodstock Water Works Concessions – Napoli Pizza Stating Napoli’s has done an outstanding job at Woodstock Water Works (WWW) and he has no issue with their being awarded the lease, Mayor Turner asked whether the City wishes to enter into a three-year contract or a two-year contract. He stated his question has to do with the potential improvements that have been discussed for WWW and how it may be operated in the future, which may be better served with a two-year extendable lease.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Baker stated they do own the equipment, but a two-year lease would not put undue harm on their investment, noting this will be their 14th year at WWW and they wish to expand as well.

A discussion ensued to a two-year lease vs. a three-year lease. Mayor Turner opined two-years would give the City more flexibility for what it wishes to do in the future. Councilman Nierman opined a longer lease has advantages to both partners, but changing to a two-year lease at this time would be going back on the bid, opining this is not a good practice. Councilwoman Piersall wondered if other businesses would have bid if it was for a two-year lease, with Ms. Baker opining they do not have the equipment so would not have bid.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Ms. Gulli stated she does not think a two-year lease vs. a three-year lease will matter in visualizing what has been discussed for the future of WWW. She noted the Bakers have been very flexible in trying new things.

Mr. Zinnen agreed the Bakers have been very flexible, including adding food trucks and liquor sales, opining they will remain flexible. He stated the facility has been and will remain flexible about trying new things.

In response to questions from Ms. Gulli, Mr. Zinnen stated discussions have not taken place regarding alcohol exclusivity, but they are planned. Ms. Baker stated they would be open to partnering with other vendors, but would have concerns with direct competitors.

Mayor Turner stated Ms. Gulli, Mr. Zinnen, and the Council seem comfortable with a three-year lease, so he is also.

Motion by Mayor Turner, second by D. Flynn, to authorize the City Administration to execute a three-year lease for the operation of the concessions at Woodstock Water Works to Shaun and Brigitte Baker of Napoli Pizza with the City of Woodstock receiving compensation of $3,800 for the 2022 season; $3,800 for the 2023 season; and $3,800 for the 2024 season plus 20% of the alcohol sales during events that alcohol is served at Woodstock Water Works.

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.

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Turner stated the next item on the Agenda is an Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Real Estate – the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body, specifically the Old Courthouse tenants.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by W. Piersall, to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing:

Real Estate (Open Meetings Act: 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6)

The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body as allowed by 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6).

Old Courthouse Tenants

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 8:34 PM.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

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, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director for Strategy and Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director for Business Development Danielle Gulli, City Planner Darrell Moore, 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 B. Seegers, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, March 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 10:03 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/45666/f_-_03-01-22_city_council_minutes.pdf