McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met March 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, 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 livestreamed 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, City Engineer Chris Tiedt, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Communications & Grants Manager Terry Willcockson, City Planner Darrell Moore and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Proclamation – Music in our Schools Month

Mayor Turner stated that the City of Woodstock is honored to partner with District 200 and have the students present this evening to share their music. He added that this evening’s performance is just a small sampling of their abilities. Mayor Turner read the Proclamation to those in attendance.

Mayor Turner thanked the teachers, leaders and parents present. He mentioned how music helps to round out a person in all aspects of life. He commended those involved.

The band students performed a song. Then, members of the Jazz Choir performed.

Mayor Turner thanked the students for their wonderful performances. There was hearty applause by all in attendance.

B. Public Hearing – Pre-Annexation Agreement

Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Pre-Annexation Agreement with Dremac PM, LLC for the Property located at the Southeast Corner of IL Route 47 and Hercules Road.

The Public Hearing opened at 7:19 PM. Mayor Turner asked members of the public to come forward to speak on this item before the City Council. Hearing none, he asked for a motion to close the public hearing, Motion by D. Flynn, seconded by G. Tebo to close the Public Hearing at 7:20 PM. 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.

There was a recommendation on the part of City staff to correct Exhibit C and replace it with an updated exhibit. There were no questions from Council. Motion to approve Ordinance 22-O-13 Authorizing the Execution of a Pre-Annexation Agreement with Dremac PM, LLC for the Property located at the Southeast Corner of IL Route 47 and Hercules Road subject to attorney review and the corrected Exhibit C by Mayor Turner, second by D. Flynn. 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.

B. Public Comments

John LaRocca came forward to share his concerns about sewer problems that have occurred repeatedly at 404 Pleasant Street, which needs to be addressed. Resident Jake Hanetho, 404 Pleasant Street moved into the home in February 2021. He began having sewer backups in August 2021, and then had pipes rodded out and was told the issue was fixed. There was another sewer backup in October and on Christmas Eve of 2021, at which times he had the pipes rodded and was told the issue was repaired. However, as a result of one of the more recent sewer backups, he was informed that the sewer line had collapsed due to a tree in their backyard. He then had the line replaced, rodded and cleaned out 75’ past their property line. Mr. Hanetho stated that the sewer is currently not in service, as there’s another backup; the sixth time in one year. He added that he was informed by the City that there are no documents pertaining to this pipe, so he’s unsure as to what to do at this point. C. Tiedt said Public Works was made aware of this issue this morning and he spoke with staff. Mr. Hanetho said they contacted the City one month ago, at which time he was told that everything was fine. C. Betz said that she will look into this issue and talk to Mr. Hanetho tomorrow. Mayor Turner confirmed that staff will take a look at this and determine a solution.

C. Council Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the City Council.

In response to a comment from G. Tebo, C. Betz said she will keep Council updated on the situation at 404 Pleasant Street.

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 Council or the Public:

Item D-5 – Resolution – Intergenerational Inclusive Playground Funding Commitment by B. Seegers.

In response to questions from Mayor Turner, R. Stelford reviewed the proposed property tax abatements intended to revise the City’s final property tax levy in accordance with Council’s direction to limit any increase to the inflationary amount that would be allowed by PTELL, but not exceed this amount, as well as address the reduction required for the General Obligation (GO) bonds

debt service payment related to the funding utilized by the Water & Sewer Fund. In addition, the GO bonds being proposed tonight represent the required debt financing necessary to fund the 2023 construction for the Enhanced Streets Resurfacing Program. The City Administration is recommending issuing this debt at this time to take advantage of current interest rates, which are expected to rise in the near term. Furthermore, one of the GO debt issuances would be utilized to finance the final bid packages presented tonight for Council’s approval related to the renovations needed for the Old Courthouse & Sheriff’s House, which should represent the total all-in cost.

There were no further Council or Public comments or questions.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-4, and D-6 through D-9 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

March 1, 2022 City Council Minutes

March 1, 2022 City Council Executive Session Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3994 3995

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

1. Board of Police Commissioners December 6, 2021

2. Public Library Board of Trustee Minutes January 13, 2022

3. Public Library Director’s Report December 2021

4. Public Library Director’s Report January 2022

5. Police Department Report January 2022

6. Human Resources Report February 2022

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 199:

1. Ordinance – Bond Parameters – Old Courthouse and 2023 Roads (199a) a) Approval of Ordinance 22-O-14 providing for the issuance of not to exceed $9,000,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois and for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds, and

b) Adoption of Ordinance 22-O-15 providing for the issuance of not to exceed $10,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022B of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois and for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds.

2. Ordinance –Property Tax Abatements (199b) Adoption of Ordinance 22-O-16 Abating a Portion of the 2021 Tax Levy of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, and

Approval of Ordinance 22-O-17 Partially Abating the Levy of the Additional Tax Imposed for the Purpose of Borrowing Money and Issuing $9,385,000 Principal Amount General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, Issued for Constructing Roadway Improvements for the City of Woodstock.

3. Award of Contract – Old Courthouse Construction Bid Packages #3 and #4 (199c)

Authorization for the City Manager to sign an amendment to AIA Document A133-2019, Exhibit A entered into with Bulley & Andrews on October 25, 2021, for Bid Package #3 in the amount not to exceed $52,650 and Bid Package #4 in the amount of $10,742,593.

4. Resolution – Revolving Loan Application – KATLO, Inc. (199d)

Approval of Resolution 22-R-06 to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Revolving Loan Agreement with KATLO, Inc., DBA Public House of Woodstock, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.

6. Award of Contract – Design Engineering – 2023 Street Resurfacing (199f)

Authorization for the City Administration to approve the professional services agreement submitted by Trotter and Associates, Inc. to provide design engineering services for the 2023 Enhanced Streets Resurfacing Program be approved at a total cost not to exceed $785,000.

7. Ordinance – Woodstock Train Station Lease – MBI Staffing (199g)

Approval of Ordinance 22-O-18 Authorizing Execution of a Lease Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and MBI Staffing, LLC for the lease of the Woodstock Train Station and authorizing the Consent to Sublease agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad Company.

8. Award of Contract – Downtown Brick Replacement (199h)

Authorization to award a contract for downtown brick paver maintenance and replacement to the lowest responsible bidder, Copenhaver Construction, Inc. of Gilberts, IL in accordance with the unit prices, as submitted, and not to exceed $25,000 for FY21/22.

9. Façade Improvements – Liquid Blues, 126 N. Benton (199i)

Approval to allocate not more than fifty percent of exterior improvement costs (up to $5,000) from TIF #2 funding for window replacements at 126 North Benton Street.

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 - Resolution – Intergenerational Inclusive Playground Funding Commitment

B. Seegers asked for clarification on the funding and the City’s responsibility. In response, R. Stelford stated that the City would spend up to $400,000. He added that the City doesn’t have costs and the scope of the project is still being refined. T. Willcockson will be working to secure grants for this project. And, with grants, the City has to specify a certain amount to meet any matching requirements which vary based on the grant. R. Stelford said if the economy turns, the City would have to return any grant proceeds, if the project isn’t constructed. B. Seegers said he was comfortable with the $400,000; he had been concerned about the 50% of costs in the event that the project cost was over $1.0 million. It was noted that the City is committing to a dollar amount of $400,000 maximum this evening. Should the City’s responsibility exceed $400,000 at any time, this item would be presented to the City Council.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, to approve Resolution 22-R-07 Intergenerational Inclusive Playground Funding Commitment, with a cost not to exceed $400,000. 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. DISCUSSION

1. Quarterly Financial Reports – Transmittal of the following financial reports for the third quarter of FY21/22:

a) Third Quarter Revenues and Expenditures Report; and

b) Third Quarter Investment Report.

P. Christensen stated that sales tax and other revenue streams are performing above initial projections. There is somewhat of a struggle with interest rates, but, he opined, it makes borrowing more attractive. In response to a question from G. Tebo, P. Christensen said motor fuel tax (MFT) is per gallon and could go down. However, the City also collects sales tax on gasoline, which benefits from increased prices.

2. Transmittal of FY22/23 Budget

R. Stelford thanked City staff for all the work they’ve done to pull the Budget document together; it’s been a team effort. He stated that the Budget is available for review; the Executive Summary is also available. R. Stelford pointed out several of the budget highlights, which includes many changes that are occurring in the City. Council will assist in allocating dollars as they see fit. Staff looks forward to Council’s future review and direction. Mayor Turner said the amount of work that goes into developing the budget is extensive. Staff has put in a tremendous amount of work, and doing this during a period of escalating projects. He appreciates staff rising to the challenge and creating a document that serves Council for the next year. Mayor Turner shared his appreciation to R. Stelford and City staff. He encouraged Council to review the sections that matter to each of them the most.

3. Schedule City Council Workshop – Budget Workshop

There was a consensus by Council to hold the next Budget Workshop on Monday, April 4th, 4:00 – 7:00 PM, with a light dinner served at 5:00 PM after the Smart Growth America Presentation.

Council also agreed that if additional time is needed to review the Budget, they would reconvene on Tuesday, April 5th at 4:00 PM.

Mayor Turner requested 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 D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer. to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussion:

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 7:58 PM.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

The City Council returned to Open Session at 9:04 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, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director for Strategy and Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director for Business Development Danielle Gulli, City Planner Darrell Moore and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

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

ADJOURN

Motion by W. Piersall , second by T. Nierman , to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the Budget/CIP Workshop on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 4:00 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 9:08 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/45667/f_-_03-15-22_city_council_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf