McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met May 17.

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: Lisa Lohmeyer

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, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Deputy Director of Public Works Brent Aymond, Chief John Lieb, Deputy Chief Rob Pritchard, Business & Community Development Manager Krista Coltrin, Grants Manager Terry Willcockson, Public Works Staff member John Mecklenberg, City Clerk Cindy Smiley, and members of the Woodstock Police Department and Department of Public Works.

OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano and Parks & Recreation Commission Chairman Mike McCleary.

City Clerk Smiley confirmed the agenda is a true and correct copy of the published agenda. III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Proclamations

Mayor Turner expressed his pleasure to begin this evening with two proclamations – one recognizing the Department of Public Works and one recognizing the Woodstock Police Department – two incredibly important departments of the City.

1. National Public Works Week – May 15th – May 21st

Without objection, the City Council accepted and approved a Proclamation Honoring National Public Works Week 2022 and Woodstock Department of Public Works. Mayor Turner read the proclamation for all to hear, which was met with hearty applause.

Ms. Betz thanked the Mayor and City Council for their support and Mr. Stelford for his encouragement and support. She acknowledged the team of men and women who make up the Department of Public Works, thanking them for all they do and expressing her pride in the Department.

Mr. Aymond thanked Mr. Stelford, the Mayor and the City Council for their support and expressed his appreciation to the residents.

2. National Police Week – May 15th – May 21st

Mayor Turner noted the Woodstock Police Department is an important part of the fabric of the City of Woodstock, stating he is proud to acknowledge the Department with this proclamation.

Without objection, the City Council accepted and approved a Proclamation Honoring National Police Week 2022 and the Woodstock Police Department. Mayor Turner read the Proclamation for all to hear, which was met with hearty applause.

Chief Lieb stated on behalf of the men and women of the Woodstock Police Department, he cannot thank Mr. Stelford, the Mayor, and the City Council enough for the support the Department is given as they go out and do their jobs.

Mayor Turner noted the 24/7 nature of these two departments, acknowledging the challenge this presents to them and their families, and expressing appreciation for their service to the community.

B. Swearing-in Ceremonies: Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano Mayor Turner stated the City is fortunate to have another activity on behalf of the Woodstock Police Department, which is the swearing-in of new officers. He stated he cannot be more pleased these officers chose Woodstock, noting it is his honor to turn this ceremony over to Chief Lieb and Mr. Giordano.

Chief Lieb explained the Department’s lateral program and the steps that were needed to develop and implement the program in Woodstock.

1. Officer Charles Levy

Officer Charles Levy was sworn in by Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano, which was met with hearty applause. His significant other affixed his badge.

2. Officer Dale Frederick

Officer Dale Frederick was sworn in by Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano, which was met with hearty applause. Chairman Giordano affixed his badge in the absence of his wife, who was ill.

3. Officer Chris Zero

Officer Chris Zero was sworn in by Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano, which was met with hearty applause. His father affixed his badge.

Recognizing the families of the members of the Woodstock Police Department, Mayor Turner stated he is honored to thank them on behalf of the City Council. He stated the community holds the Police Department to very high standards, but also holds them in great esteem.

C. Presentation: Project Lead the Way – Parks & Recreation Commission Chairman Mike McCleary and D200 Students Natalie Sheehan and Xander Thomson

Mr. McCleary noted the great relationship the City has had with high school students over the years through Project Lead the Way. He stated the students are here this evening to present a project that ties in with the City’s intergenerational playground project.

Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Thomson stated their project was to develop a solution to the issue of obesity in the community. They stated through their research they found that this is due to lack of exercise and poor nutrition, talking about how these problems affect the community. They then described how they justified this problem by conducting a survey, and their research and search for a solution, noting this led them to the Huntley Fitness Station.

They stated their solution was to develop a fitness trail in Woodstock and began to create the content for the trail for specific muscle groups. Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Thomson provided booklets to the City Council showing the various trail concepts and their costs, describing them in more detail and noting they are ADA compliant and useable for all ages.

Mayor Turner thanked Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Thomson for their presentation opining it was very well done. In response to his questions, Mr. Thomson explained the machines further, stating they would recommend the six-stage trail. He stated this project could be phased, putting in the first four stages and adding the others later, for example.

Councilwoman Piersall commended them on their presentation. In response to her questions, Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Thomson provided information on installation, noting shipping was included in the quotes and the company will work with Public Works on installation. They opined it could be installed on a soft surface, showing slides of the Huntley facility.

Councilman Tebo opined this program is a great learning experience for the students, providing them with skills they will use later in life.

Councilman Nierman stated he would love to see this in Emricson Park.

Councilman Flynn opined this was a great presentation by the students and is a great idea.

Mayor Turner stated he is pleased Ms. Sheehan and Mr. Thomson brought this idea forward and directed Ms. Betz to look at it for the next budget. He asked her to also investigate if the City could begin such a project this year and phase it in.

Mr. McCleary noted the City had a fitness trail at one time years ago which was very well utilized. He opined there may be grants available for such a project for ADA-compliant equipment.

Mayor Turner thanked Ms. Sheehan, Mr. Thomson and Mr. McCleary.

D. Public Comments

Arlene Lynes of Read Between the Lynes, Nancy Lenhart of Hattie and Myrt and Brett Dougherty of Studio D Jewelers approached the podium.

Ms. Lynes stated they are present on behalf of the Woodstock Square Business Collaboration. She talked about the successes of the group including Ladies Night Out and monthly meetings for the final preparations for Sidewalk Sale Days. She stated they wished to make Council aware of their strong business collaborative, thanking them for their investment in the business community. She stated they are requesting to be included in decisions involving the Downtown.

Ms. Lynes noted the impending street projects that will impact the businesses, stating they are aware of the demand by residents and businesses to repair the roads and agreed this is critical. She stated while they appreciate these projects, they will have a significant impact on the Square and Rt. 47 businesses, noting how difficult this will be coming on the heels of the pandemic.

Ms. Lynes stated they are requesting Staff to include them in the future planning.

Mayor Turner stated their concerns are noted and will be considered. Noting Ms. Gulli’s role, he stated he expects her and her staff to take a leadership role with them on decisions that will impact them. He asked Mr. Stelford and his team to consider the feedback from local business on how these projects will impact them.

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, discussion ensued of whether an increase in sales or productivity resulting from funds provided to the business community by the City can be measured. Ms. Lynes stated while she cannot quantify the sales, she consistently hears feedback from people who live outside the community about the marketing efforts the City does. Mr. Dougherty agreed it is difficult to measure but pointed to the events which are supported by Real Woodstock. Ms. Gulli stated the City is working with Real Woodstock and Naturally McHenry County on an AI Program which would track where people come from and where they go. Councilman Flynn talked about the support that came to businesses through the Shop, Save, and Win Program. Ms. Gulli talked about how the Opera House is measuring ticket sales as a result of promotions and the plans to do something similar at the Recreation Department.

Mayor Turner opined the City added resources precisely to deal with the kind of strategic opportunities being talked about this evening. He stated the City must work on the challenges the street projects bring now because they will be a lot more problematic in 2023 with the Rt. 47 improvements. He stated the marketing resources of the City will be used for this.

In response to a previous comment regarding the closure of Dean Street, Ms. Betz noted that street will not be completely closed but will remain open to traffic during construction with delays to be expected. Mayor Turner asked Ms. Betz to work with the contractor to devise strategies for this.

Councilman Flynn stated there must be signage on the detours to direct people to the Square.

Discussion followed of full vs. partial closure of Benton Street. Ms. Betz noted discussions were held with the business owners at which time they supported full closure. Ms. Betz and Mr. Stelford indicated further discussion will take place with the owners regarding garbage pick up.

E. Council Comments

Mayor Turner thanked Councilman Flynn for his coverage of the last meeting. He also thanked the Chamber of Commerce and City Staff for their assistance in preparation for the State of the City event.

There were no comments forthcoming from the City Council.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, there were no items removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Council or the Public:

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

Item D-1 – Ordinance – Amendment to Title 2, Boards & Commissions

In response to a statement from Councilman Seegers concerning the placement of non-residents on the City’s Boards and Commissions, Mayor Turner stated there are times when there are experts in an area who would be helpful to the City, noting these bodies do not have the authority to expend funds.

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

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

April 28, 2022 City Council Special Meeting Minutes

April 28, 2022 Executive Session Minutes

May 3, 2022 City Council Meeting

B. WARRANTS: 4003 4004

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS:

Arts Commission Minutes January 26, 2022 Economic Development Commission Minutes January 26, 2022 Economic Development Commission Minutes March 3, 2022

Environmental Commission Minutes March 3, 2022

Human Resources Department Monthly Report April 2022

Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes January 11, 2022 Police Pension Board Minutes February 24, 2022 Police Pension Board Minutes April 12, 2022

Transportation Commission Minutes January 19, 2022 D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 203:

1. Ordinance – Amendment to Title 2, Boards & Commissions

Approval of Ordinance 22-O-28, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending Title 2, Boards and Commissions of the Woodstock City Code to reduce the number of members required to be City residents for the Arts Commission from six to four.

2. Appointment and Reappointments of Board/Commission Members Acceptance of the Mayor’s Appointments and Reappointments of Board/Commission Members to the City’s Boards and Commissions.

3. Resolution – IMRF Benefit Protection Leave – John Mecklenberg

Approval of Resolution 22-R-12, identified as Document 2, A Resolution Authorizing to Allow Service Credit to an Employee for his Period of Authorized Leave Without Pay.

4. Resolution – Change Order – Madison Street Roundabout

Approval of Resolution 22-R-13, identified as Document 3, A Resolution Authorizing Concurrence of Change Order No. 1 to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Contract for the Madison Street Roundabout Project, which authorizes an increase of $50,000 to the original contract amount of $2,755,453.50, for a revised total of $2,805,453.50.

5. Resolution – Mural Easement Agreement – 220 N. Benton Street

Approval of Resolution 22-R-14, identified as Document 4, A Resolution Authorizing a Mural Easement Agreement Between the City of Woodstock and Benton Place Project, LLC, to allow the creation of a selected artistic mural image to be affixed on the exterior wall of 220 N. Benton Street.

6. Purchase – Landscape Maintenance Equipment

Approval of the purchase of two (2) Kubota F2690 front-mount mowers, two (2) MX6000 Kubota tractors, and one (1) Kubota ZD1211 zero-turn mower from Johnson Tractor, Harvard, IL through the Sourcewell Contract for a total price of $135,941.93.

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

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the tentative future Council agendas.

Mayor Turner acknowledged and congratulated Ms. Betz on her recent promotion to Executive Director of Operations.

ADJOURN

Motion by D. Flynn, second by W. Piersall, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 4:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. A roll call vote was taken. 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 8:17 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/45671/f_-_05-17-22_city_council_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf