McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met April 19.

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.

Mayor Turner stated this evening there will be an Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of the sale or lease of City property. City Attorney Schlossberg confirmed this is allowed by the Open Meetings Act.

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, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Human Resources Director Debbie Schober, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Library Director Nick Weber, City Planner Darrell Moore, Communications Manager/Grant Writer Terry Willcockson, Economic Development Coordinator Krista Coltrin and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. Recreation Director Dave Zinnen joined the proceedings at 7:06 PM.

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Proclamation – Public Service Recognition Week

Mayor Turner stated in this room and this building and across the entire Staff, the City is full of people dedicated to public service. He stated those in an elected role know they cannot do what they do without these public servants, stating he is proud to offer this proclamation.

Without objection, the City Council approved and adopted Proclamation Honoring Public Service Week May 1 - May 7, 2022. Mayor Turner read the Proclamation for all to hear.

Mr. Stelford commended all of the City’s public servants for what they do for Woodstock every day.

Mayor Turner recognized student Ingrid Gay who is interested in Public Service and is shadowing Terry Willcockson, welcoming her to the meeting. He noted she completed a 50-hour service project at the Public Library, reorganizing the Children’s Area.

B. Public Comments

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public

C. Council Comments

Councilman Seegers asked the Council members to recognize the entire Staff of the City from Mr. Stelford on down, which was met with hearty applause.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, 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-3 – Ordinance – Dissolution of the Transportation Commission by Councilwoman Piersall at the request of Andrew Celentano.

Item D-4 – Ordinance – Approval of FY22/23 Budget by Councilman Tebo at the request of Molly Oakford.

Item D-13 – Consultant Selection – Comprehensive Branding by Councilwoman Lohmeyer at the request of Molly Oakford.

Item D-15 – Benton Street Mural Project by Councilwoman Piersall at the request of Molly Oakford.

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.

Regarding the agenda items requesting revolving loans from the City, Councilwoman Piersall asked if the Revolving Loan Fund has a finite amount of funds to use to help small businesses. Expressing her appreciation for all these businesses and their investment in the community, she questioned providing three loans to one business, suggesting the City consider placing a limit on the number of loans per business.

Mr. Anderson stated the total amount allocated for these loans will exceed the amount in the fund by $10,000, noting it will be necessary to allocate additional money to the fund. He stated there is a maximum amount that can be allocated to one business, noting the request to which Councilwoman Piersall referred to does not exceed that amount.

In response to questions from the Council, Mr. Stelford stated a transfer to allocate additional funds to the Revolving Loan Fund will be required and will be brought to Council as a budget amendment. He provided information on the creation of the Revolving Loan Fund, noting it was established at the suggestion of several business owners in response to the Dodd/Frank Act, which made it difficult for small businesses to secure traditional financing from a bank.

In response to Councilman Seegers’ concern that the interest rate encourages anyone to come to the City for a loan, Mayor Turner stated the requests are vetted by Staff and then must go to the Economic Development Commission before coming to the City Council for approval. Mr. Stelford noted there are additional parameters in place to secure City funding, such as job creation or retention.

Councilman Seegers asked that the Revolving Loan Program be placed on a future agenda for discussion.

Item 14 – Consultant Selection – Comprehensive Plan by Councilman Flynn In response to Councilman Flynn’s question regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Mr. Stelford confirmed the City is also working on the needed steps to review funding options for the development of Master Parks and Arts Plans.

Item 13 – Consultant Selection – Comprehensive Branding by Councilman Flynn In response to Councilman Flynn’s question concerning conducting the Branding Project concurrently with the Comprehensive Plan Project, Ms. Gulli stated Staff has had discussions with the consultant on the Comprehensive Plan Project about tying them together. She noted the studies for both projects require community input, so it makes sense to coordinate these together. Mayor Turner noted there are efficiencies in doing these at the same time.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-2, D-5 – D-12, and D-14

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

April 5, 2022 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 3999 4000

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Economic Development Commission Minutes April 7, 2022

Plan Commission Minutes February 17, 2022

Human Resources Monthly Report March 2022

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 201:

1. Ordinance – Liquor Licenses – Quarterly License Fee Installments Option – Approval of Ordinance 22-O-22, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending the City’s Liquor Control Code Regarding Term of Licenses by Liquor License Holders.

2. Ordinance – Plan Commission – Reduction in Membership – Approval of Ordinance 22-O-23, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 12, Plan Commission, of Title 2, Boards and Commissions of the Woodstock City Code to Reduce the Number of Plan Commission Members from Nine to Seven.

5. FY22/23 Salary Structure and Schedule of Authorized Positions – Approval of the following FY22/23 Budget Items:

1) Exhibit III – City of Woodstock FY22/23 Salary Structure for Non Represented Employees, identified as Document 5, and

2) Exhibit IV – City of Woodstock FY22/23 Schedule of Authorized Positions, identified as Document 6.

6. Ordinance – FY22/23 Water/Sewer Rates – Approval of Ordinance 22-O-24, identified as Document 7, An Ordinance Amending Portions of Title 6, Chapter 4 of the City Code of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, Pertaining to Water and Sewer Rates.

7. Hotel/Motel Tax Funding Disbursements – Approval of the FY22/23 Hotel/Motel Use Tax Tourism Grant Recommendations authorizing disbursement of funds to local non-profit organizations.

8. Purchase – Decorative Lighting – Madison Street Roundabout – Approval to purchase decorative street and pedestrian lights necessary to complete the Madison Street Roundabout project from Steiner Electric for a cost of $175,843.39.

9. Purchase – Submersible Well Pump Motor – Authorization to purchase a submersible well pump motor from Layne Christensen Company for a cost of $76,750.

10. Resolution – Revolving Loan Fund – Boss Straws – Approval of Resolution 22-R 09, identified as Document 9, A Resolution Authorizing a Loan Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and EnviroSip, LLC (DBA Boss Straw) providing $36,950 or 50% of $73,900 project cost, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

11. Resolution – Revolving Loan Fund – My Little Bow Peeps Shop – Approval of Resolution 22-R-10, identified as Document 10, A Resolution Authorizing a Loan Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and My Little Bow Peeps Shop providing $50,000 or 25% of the $200,000 project cost, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

12. Resolution – Revolving Loan Funds – Liquid Blues – Approval of Resolution 22-O 11, identified as Document 11, A Resolution Authorizing a Loan Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and Liquid Blues providing $20,000 or 40% of the $50,000 project cost subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

14. Consultant Selection – Comprehensive Plan – Authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract with Houseal Lavigne, Chicago, IL to provide professional services necessary to update the City of Woodstock’s Comprehensive Plan for an amount not to exceed $137,750.

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 – Dissolution of the Transportation Commission Councilwoman Piersall yielded the floor to the member of the Public who requested this item to be removed.

Andrew Celentano, Woodstock, stated he has been on the Transportation Commission for 11 years, serving as Chairman for the last 8 years. Noting the Proclamation honoring Public Service, he commended City Staff under Mr. Stelford’s leadership and thanked him for that leadership.

He stated he stepped away from the Transportation Commission because of the complicated issues involved with transportation at this time, which became too much for the Commission as they did not have the expertise to deal with them and did not feel they were qualified enough to move recommendations forward to the City Council. Mr. Celentano opined the Commission might be able to be reconfigured as a Transportation Task Force noting some of the members may be willing to serve on that.

Mr. Celentano stated all Commission members contributed to the success the Commission had with the high school students, noting the students will be appearing before the Council at the next meeting.

He thanked the City for allowing him to serve as Chairman.

Mayor Turner thanked Mr. Celentano for the work he has done, stating he has provided great public service to the community and was an exemplary Chairman. He agreed it may be better to reconfigure this Commission.

Councilman Tebo thanked Mr. Celentano for his service. In response to his question, Mr. Celentano stated he did not know whether the high school project will continue. Mayor Turner asked Mr. Stelford to investigate this, opining perhaps the Task Force people would like to help with this, which Mr. Celentano confirmed.

Mayor Turner noted the updated Ordinance, which has been provided to the Council.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve Ordinance 22-O-25, identified by Mayor Turner as the updated Ordinance, An Ordinance Amending Title 2, Boards and Commissions of the Woodstock City Code, authorizing the dissolution of the Transportation Commission.

There were no questions from the City Council or the Public regarding 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. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

Item D-4 – Ordinance – Approval of FY22/23 Budget

Councilman Tebo yielded the floor to the member of the Public who requested this item to be removed.

Dr. Molly Oakford, Woodstock, addressed the Council on the FY22/23 Budget, asking why the City is increasing its Budget by 50% when District 200 is trying to cut its Budget by combining high school athletic programs.

Mayor Turner responded the City’s Operating Budget did not increase by 50%, noting the City did a lot of bonding for the Enhanced Streets Project for example, and also received $3.4 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, which gives the impression the Budget was increased by 50%, but it was not.

Noting a 58.3% increase in video gaming, Dr. Oakford opined the City is dependent upon this dedicated source of revenue, the detail for which is not included in the Budget report. Mr. Christensen disputed this, noting where this information can be found in the report. Mayor Turner disputed Dr. Oakford’s figures with he and Mr. Stelford explaining them. Mayor Turner noted the City spends $30 million in the Operating Budget with just a little over 1% of this from video gaming. Councilwoman Piersall stated video gaming has not increased by 50%+, but rather people were unable to gamble due to COVID-19, decreasing the amount during that time.

Dr. Oakford opined video gaming revenue is a dedicated source of income for the City, but is an expense to Woodstock as it removes money that would be coming into and spent within the community.

Councilman Seegers stated the City has a fiscal responsibility to manage the City’s funds and this is a revenue source for the City. He opined if Woodstock did not allow video gaming, people would take their money to other communities where it is allowed.

Dr. Oakford then opined the City’s payroll is extremely high, citing the new positions and new department and opining the City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to control spending.

Mayor Turner stated when reviewing staffing, one should go back to 2007 when the City was operating on a skeleton crew. He noted the City now has the opportunity to add staff, including at the Opera House and the Department of Public Works. Mayor Turner opined Council’s fiduciary responsibility is to make sure it is spending the City’s money wisely, stating he is comfortable with the proposed Budget.

Councilman Tebo stated the primary reason for combining the athletic programs are the problems presented by lower participation and difficulty in getting qualified coaches, not to reduce D200’s budget.

There were no further comments forthcoming from the Public.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by B. Seegers, to approve Ordinance 22-O-26, identified as Document 4, An Ordinance Adopting the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

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-13 – Consultant Selection – Comprehensive Branding

Councilwoman Lohmeyer yielded the floor to the member of the Public who requested removal of this item.

Dr. Molly Oakford asked why the City needs a firm to do this project, opining it could be done in house by the new Executive Director of Business Development and Marketing Department.

Ms. Gulli stated the City has a very complex blend of brands with 13 different images and venues, which will be able to be put together in a branding master plan, noting this is outside the City’s skill set. She stated this will then be used by City Staff, including the Marketing Department, in a variety of ways, noting this will save the City money, citing the example of designing and creating the City Scene in-house.

In response to Dr. Oakford’s question regarding the purpose of this program, Ms. Gulli stated it will create an identity that everyone associates with Woodstock, which will help generate revenue bringing in more users.

Mayor Turner noted this is a one-time project looking to grow Woodstock’s brand. He stated Ms. Gulli and her team will execute the plan developed by the consultant, stating it is a way to connect with people and companies who may want to move here. Noting it will bring together the elements of what Woodstock is, he opined it is a positive effort.

Ms. Gulli noted the Real Woodstock branding was the difference in why Woodstock was selected by T-Mobile for the Hometown Techover, stating it made T-Mobile confident Woodstock could get the job done. She further opined developers will look at Woodstock the same way.

Speaker, Bull Valley resident, opined an expenditure such as this is a very important thing, talking about his experience of how a branding program in Addison elevated it to a “go to place,” opining it will make Woodstock a better town and is a good idea.

There were no further Council or Public comments.

Motion by L. Lohmeyer, second by D. Flynn, to approve authorization for the City Administration to contract for services with North Star Place Branding & Marketing to complete a Comprehensive Branding project for a cost not to exceed $92,000.

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.

Item D-15 – Artist Selection – Benton Street Mural Project

Councilwoman Piersall yielded the floor to the member of the Public who requested removal of this item.

Dr. Molly Oakford stated she asked this item be removed because it is an expenditure of TIF funds, opining the TIF is for infrastructure. Stating she has been before Council many times noting the dangers of the obstacles and cobblestones on the Square, she stated she is not opposed to the mural, but wonders when Council will address these obstacles to provide safe ambulation.

Dr. Oakford opined this would have been a nice project for District 200 art students, asking why TIF funds must be spent on a mural. She stated the City should also address the curbs around the Square so they are standard and noted the rails also present a hazard.

Stating he is open to review of this, Mayor Turner asked Staff to investigate this.

In response to Councilman Tebo’s question, Councilwoman Piersall confirmed the recommendation from the Arts Commission is for Mauricio Ramirez’s second submission.

Councilwoman Piersall then provided Council with information about why this submission was chosen, stating the Arts Commission recommended Mr. Ramirez for several reasons. Noting he has art all over the world, she stated having this level of artist come to Woodstock will attract a higher call for artists in the future and will elevate Woodstock’s arts program. She noted he was the only artist who came to Woodstock and also the only artist who created a coloring page for students and offered an opportunity for the public to participate in the painting. She stated his talent and dedication to the project and the involvement of the community make this an easy choice.

Councilwoman Piersall commended Ms. Coltrin for all her hard work on this project, stating this mural would not have happened without her.

There were no further comments from the Public.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, to approve the selection of the work submitted by Mauricio Ramirez and an award of the $12,000 artist stipend to complete the Benton Street Mural Project, with this award funded by the FY22/23 Budget, TIF#2 Fund, line item #42-00-7-721, Streetscape Improvements.

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 – Old Courthouse Space/RFP

Mayor Turner noted the presentation from Creative Woodstock concerning rental of space in the Old Courthouse with occupancy in about one year. He noted that is the only proposal for that space, stating it remains an option for him.

Mayor Turner stated it is his opinion Council should discuss and then ask Staff to go out to market with an RFP for potential other ideas for this space revolving around public use and activity and art and art activity, noting this is his main focus. He opined the City should have multiple options and should broaden the opportunities to people to bring in ideas. Mayor Turner stated Staff should drive this RFP, soliciting other organizations to come in with proposals. He stated the other element driving this request is the ongoing increase to the cost of the renovations for the building requiring Council to maximize revenue generated from this space. He asked if Council is supportive of directing Staff to develop and issue an RFP for this space.

Councilman Seegers opined it is good business to try to create as many opportunities as possible. He further opined the tenants should be supplying surety of payment.

Councilman Nierman stated the City should get the maximum return.

Councilwoman Piersall noted Creative Woodstock has agreed to pay market rent and is willing to pay what the others are paying, so this should not be an issue. She pointed out that when the Public was surveyed, they stated by far they want an arts component. She also pointed out the Old Courthouse Commission vehemently opposed to turning the Old Courthouse into office space. She stated she is ok with, but not thrilled, with going out for an RFP, but wants parameters in place, stating the City is not interested in office space and this must be public space. She stated every other space in the building will be businesses where people must pay, opining the taxpayers want a part of this building to be a space where they do not have to pay to be there.

Councilman Tebo strongly agreed with Councilwoman Piersall, noting whenever it was talked about, the Public stated they want art space. He stated he does not have a problem if another entity provides a public art space, but noted Creative Woodstock meets all the requirements of the other tenants. He noted it is not being suggested to find something better for the other tenants.

Mayor Turner stated he is not abandoning a public use arts space, noting if Creative Woodstock is the best entity that meets that, the City should go with this, stating he is committed to a public use with an arts focus. He opined an opportunity should be given to other entities to come forward to see what they can offer.

Councilwoman Piersall stated if Council finds something they wish to put in the Old Courthouse that does not mean Creative Woodcock cannot be put elsewhere, opining a way can be found to bring this idea to life.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer opined it is Council’s responsibility to remain open minded, noting she does not want to close the door on what might be out there.

Councilman Flynn agreed with Councilwoman Lohmeyer, noting the scope of the project has changed and opining the City needs to look at what else is out there.

Noting it will be a year until tenants move in, Mayor Turner stated there is a six-month window to survey opportunities. He asked that Staff cast a broad net within the arts community.

The floor was opened for Public comment.

Nick Weber, Library Director, stated while it is true there is time, that is not really the whole picture. He stated Creative Woodstock is looking for grant dollars, noting it is easy to miss deadlines and opining pushing the project backward risks missing opportunities to get grants.

Noting the City is embracing being intergenerational, he urged Council to consider at this point the only piece of the Old Courthouse that is particularly intergenerational is Creative Woodstock, talking about the programs it will feature for all ages.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Weber stated Creative Woodstock is not relying on grants. He noted they are part of the first one to three years’ funding, but after that Creative Woodstock will become self-sufficient.

Noting residents have expressed a concern with the amount of money being put into the Old Courthouse, Mayor Turner stated these costs are something the City must invest in, but wonders if the goals could be accomplished with an entity that is not dependent on grants.

When looking for something else, Mr. Weber asked Council to keep in mind Creative Woodstock is synergizing really well with the other tenants in the building and with some of the other activities on the Square and at the Opera House. He stated that is what he envisions for this space, opining this is critical to what this space should be.

Mayor Turner stated part of the assessment for him is the likelihood of success, opining it is Council’s responsibility to look at options.

It was the consensus of the City Council that Mr. Stelford and Staff draw up a plan for what this might look like and circulate it to the Council, simultaneous with beginning to look at where it will be sent.

Noting the research she has done on arts programs in other communities, Ms. Coltrin opined supporting non-profits is probably a better alternative as it provides the opportunity to leverage staff creativity and grants. She stated in working on the arts plan she has found there are many professional artists here who are interested in having an organization to work with that is not the municipality. She stated if the City is looking for a space where its residents come in for art, the Old Courthouse is probably a good location, noting perhaps there is a better space for professional artists. She further opined it would be a good idea to look at how Woodstock could support non profits with a program similar to the Hotel/Motel Tax Program if it is looking to be the premier arts center in the region.

Stating the City Council is very supportive of Woodstock becoming an arts community, Mayor Turner challenged Staff to seek this out and consider this an open canvas.

There were no further Public Comments.

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, as allowed by Real Estate – Open Meetings Act: 5ILCS 120/2(c)(6). He confirmed with City Attorney Schlossberg that this is appropriate and permitted by the Open Meetings Act.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, 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 8:51 PM.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

The City Council returned to Open Session at 10:02 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 City Clerk Cindy Smiley

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Turner stated it is likely the City Manager’s Performance Evaluation will be moved to the May 17th meeting. There were no additions or deletions to the tentative Future Agenda items.

ADJOURN

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock 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.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM

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