McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Sept. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00PM, in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall by Mayor Turner. He explained the Consent Calendar process, invited public participation, and noted, as is the City’s policy, this 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: Darren 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, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, Assistant Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Grants Manager Willcockson, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Presentation – Comprehensive Branding – North Star

Ms. Gulli stated the branding company, North Star, is in Woodstock this week doing the community outreach portion of the comprehensive branding process. She introduced North Star’s representative, Roberto Munoz.

Expressing his pleasure to be in Woodstock and present this evening, Mr. Munoz thanked the City for the warm welcome they received. He stated they will be present in Woodstock until Thursday helping Woodstock with the branding project.

Mr. Munoz then made a presentation entitled Woodstock, IL – Community Branding Introduction. He gave a history of and information on North Star noting they have worked with 250 cities, counties, and municipalities aross the country helping them reach their preferred futures.

Mr. Munoz stated your brand is what they say about you when you’re not around stating it is deeper than a logo talking about branding vs. marketing and noting branding is about putting Woodstock’s best foot forward. Discussing what can be gained from branding, he communities generally become more competitive and see improvement in their overall reputation when all the main sectors of a community are aligned to a common strategy, referred to as its DNA. He gave examples of the impact effective branding has had on other cities

Mr. Munoz then described the process and steps of brand development noting it will be a plan that fits the City’s needs and budget. He talked about what they will be doing to help Woodstock develop a brand and what have been done thus far in the process, including meeting with community focus groups, City Staff, and individual Councilmembers.

Mayor Turner thanked Mr. Munoz for the insightful presentation opining it matches the direction of Council and City Staff to develop a unified message with expectations and pride in the community to attract those who want to invest in in Woodstock.

In response to questions from the Council, Mr. Munoz stated community engagement is a significant part of the process noting they will be meeting with stakeholders both in person and in focus groups and also will be using a community-wide survey.

B. Public Comments

Alex Wimmer, 1421 Westwood Trail, addressed the Council on the need for a City flag, opining the current “city flag” is merely the City Seal on a piece of fabric. Noting his interest in city flags, he described the tenants of their design, providing a handout to Council with associated information. He then showed an example of a proposed Woodstock flag which he designed describing the meaning of each element. He encouraged Council to discuss creation and adoption of a Woodstock city.

A brief discussion followed of how this goes along with the branding project. Expressing the idea as intriquing, Mayor Turner asked Staff and Council to contemplate this idea along with the branding project. Councilmembers expressed their appreciation to Mr. Wimmer for his work on this item.

RB Thompson, 626 E. Calhoun, approached Council to advocate for expanding the use of the rock face that surrounds the Square to other areas of Woodstock, noting it would be a type of branding. He suggested placing the rock face element on the bandstand, around the fountain in Sesquicentennial park, and in the roundabouts being placed around town.

Mr. Thompson also advocated for making the light posts in the Square uniform with speakers facing inward so people can hear. He opined the speakers could have a switch so they can be used when necessary in different parts of the Square, noting the difficulty in hearing the Lighting of the Square ceremony.

Mayor Turner thanked him for his suggestions and noted Staff has been working on the Square sound system. Ms. Betz stated upgrades to the Square electrical system are currently being worked on and responses to an RFP that addresses the Square sound system are due on Friday

C. Council Comments

Noting he came though the Square area on Sunday, Councilman Seegers opined the Square looked wonderful with all the people celebrating Mexican Independence Day. He stated people were happy and engaged in the community which made him proud to be in Woodstock.

Councilman Flynn commended the hard work of Hispanic Connections, a group which wanted to engage the community. He opined it was an amazing event with attendees from all over the area and even other states.

Mayor Turner opined the event is a defining element of what Woodstock is as a community, expressing his pride. He commended the Chamber, Hispanic Connections, and the support given by City Staff and Real Woodstock, and also the attendees from all over.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by G. Tebo, second by L. Lohmeyer, 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-1 – Ordinance – City Code Text Amendments by Councilwoman Piersall

• Item D-2 – Ordinance – Solar Energy Farm – US Route 14 and Lily Pond Road by Councilman Nierman

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-4 – Resolution – OSLAD Grand for Funding

In response to questions from Councilman Flynn, Ms. Willcockson stated the Intergenerational Playground Project has been presented before the Parks and Recreation Commission noting there were no negative comments. She stated the site change came about very recently in preparation of the OSLAD grant application noting it was not possible to present the change to the Commission as its meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. She stated the grant application can be submitted listing the site as the Park as a whole. Noting the availability of water and parking infrastructure at the new location, Ms. Willcockson stated Staff is trying to maximize the budgeted funds by using that site.

Councilman Flynn expressed concern with the new location stating it is near the road that is a cut through in the Park opining the original site would have been safer. In response, Ms. Betz stated the original site would be well over the 40% of the OSLAD grant noting the additional funding would have to come outside the grant and opining site development would probably cost $1.5 million. She stated Staff has ideas to increase safety around the new site which they feel would be at a lower cost and noted reasons the new site would appropriate for new bathrooms.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Ms. Betz stated the new location will come before the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Councilman Flynn opined this is an example of why a Parks Master Plan must be a priority for the City.

Noting the priority of grant funding, Mayor Turner stated the direction is to do what is needed to meet the deadline, being flexible without jeopardizing the grant. He opined sites should be vetted further, including taking other strategic factors into consideration such as Thunder Football.

Item D-5 – Contract Award – Lift Station Telemetry

In response to a question from Councilman Nierman, Mr. Aymond stated the bid was not awarded to the low bidder because it did not have all resources needed by the City such as the ability to measure the flow in the lift station. He stated in his professional opinion the recommended award is warranted.

There were no Public comments or questions on any items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

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

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

September 6, 2022 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 4020 4021

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS

Historic Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 2022 Opera House Advisory Commission Minutes May 2022 Environmental Commission Minutes June 2022 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 2022 Plan Commission Minutes June 2022 Economic Development Commission Minutes July 2022 Human Resources Department Monthly Report June 2022 Human Resources Department Monthly Report July 2022 Human Resources Department Monthly Report August 2022

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 211:

3. Ordinance – FY21/22 Budget Amendments

Approval of Ordinance 22-O-48, identified as Document 4, An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget of the City of Woodstock

4. Resolution – OSLAD Grant for Funding

Approval of Resolution 22-R-24, identified as Document 4, A Resolution Confirming Financial Support for IDNR’s OSLAD Grant Program to Fund Woodstock’s Proposed Intergenerational Inclusive Playground Project.

5. Contract Award – Lift Station Telemetry

Award of contract to Berg-Johnson Associates, Inc., Chicago, IL for Installation of Mission Communications wireless alarm, monitoring and remote-control systems at the two (2) wastewater treatment plants and twenty-two (22) lift stations, including an annual service communication package of $13,702 and a total cost in the current fiscal year not-to-exceed $120,067.

6. Contract Award – Emricson Park – Burying of Overhead Electrical Lines Award of Contract to Associated Electrical Contractors, Woodstock, IL for burying electrical lines at Emricson Park for a cost not-to-exceed $31,615.

7. Contract Award – Lightning Detection Systems for City Parks and Facilities

Award of Contract to Perry Weather, Dallas, TX for lightning detection system installation and software services for a total price of $54,783.

8. Agreement – IGA – IT Services

Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for Information Technology (IT) Services with the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and authorization for the City Manager to execute said agreement subject to final review by the City Attorney.

9. Agreement – Architectural Service Agreement for Old Courthouse with Studio GWA

Approval of an agreement with Studio GWA for architectural services related to the Old Courthouse for an amount of $105,000 and authorization for the City Manager to execute said agreement subject to final review by the City Attorney.

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: Motion carried.

Item - D-1 - Ordinance – City Code Text Amendments

Mayor Turner yielded the floor to Councilwoman Piersall.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by B. Seegers, to divide the question to consider text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance as follows:

• Item D-1A - Table 7.A.4, Allowed and Special Use, to consider cannabis business dispensaries as permitted rather than special uses;

• Item D-1B - Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.6, to consider changes to certain temporary sign requirements to clean-up and clarify inconsistent language and to expand the opportunities for businesses to have signage for special sales and promotions;

• Item D-1C - Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.8.13.G, to reduce the frequency of message changes for electronic message signs from 10 seconds to 6 seconds.

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-1A – Approval of an Ordinance amending Table 7.A.4 Allowed and Special Use Table of the Unified Development Ordinance to Consider Cannabis Business Dispensaries as Permitted Rather than Special Uses

Expressing opposition to this proposed amendment, Councilwoman Piersall expressed her concern about the possible locations at which cannabis dispensaries would be allowed without deliberation by the City Council should the requirement for a Special Use Permit be removed for this use, providing a map depicting where dispensaries could be allowed. She opined the Council should have the opportunity to consider whether a dispensary should be placed near the Square, for example. She noted the City currently does not place a limit on the number of dispensaries allowed. She asked that cannabis dispensaries remain a special use required to come before Council for consideration.

Mayor Turner stated the intent of this amendment was to cut red tape and attract businesses to Woodstock. He further noted a Special Use Permit is a very important right of the Council, stating he understands Councilwoman Piersall’s concerns.

In response to Mayor Turner’s question, Mr. Stelford stated all municipalities were using special use permits when cannabis businesses first came about but now many are moving away from defining this as a special use. Noting these businesses are legal and highly regulated by the state of Illinois and are a huge revenue source, he expressed the City’s wish to be business friendly. Mr. Stelford opined the problems associated with cannabis use will still occur in the community, as it is legal, without the revenue that could be used for them. He noted these licenses are presently difficult to get so the limit is not now a concern but could be in the future.

In response to questions from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Napolitano stated the Special Use process would take 60 days and costs for attorney and application fees. City Schlossberg opined costs could reach $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Mr. Christensen stated the City receives a 3% tax, noting the State cannot disclose sales figures to the City at this time. He confirmed the City could choose to provide a monetary incentive to the businesses should the Special Use requirement remain.

Mayor Turner stated while he appreciates the business-friendly aspect, he does not believe the Special Use requirement is too high a hurdle opining it is an important tool for the City. Noting the potential for the unknown, he stated this provides the opportunity to maintain more oversight. He expressed support for keeping the Special Use requirement at this time, which Councilman Tebo also supported.

Noting Councilman Flynn’s expressed wish to keep a level playing field for businesses, some of which do have the Special Use requirement, City Attorney Schlossberg opined the City would have no liability should it keep the Special Use requirement being considered this evening.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by B. Seegers, to deny Item D-1A, approval of An Ordinance Amending Table 7.A.4 Allowed and Special Use Table of the Unified Development Ordinance to consider cannabis business dispensaries as permitted rather than special uses;

There were no questions forthcoming from the 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-1B – Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.6, of the Unified Development Ordinance to Make Changes to Certain Temporary Sign Requirements Regarding Special Sales and Promotion

Councilwoman Piersall recused herself and exited the Council Chambers at 8:18PM.

Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve Ordinance 22-O-49, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.6 of the Unified Development Ordinance to make changes to certain temporary sign requirements regarding special sales and promotions.

In response to requests from Councilmembers, Mr. Napolitano provided a summary of the proposed ordinance and an overview of the problems which are hoped to be addressed by this amendment. He stated the changes would benefit both the business community and City Staff,

There were no further questions or comments from the Council or the Public.

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

Councilwoman Piersall returned to the Council Chambers and rejoined the proceedings at 8:22PM.

Item D-1C - Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.8.13.G, To Reduce the Frequency of Message Changes for Electronic Message Signs From 10 Seconds to 6 Seconds

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Napolitano provided background information on this item, noting the change is requested by both the business community and the City.

Motion by G. Tebo, second by W. Piersall to approve Ordinance 22-O-50, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13, Sign Controls, 13.8.13G to reduce the frequency of message changes for electronic message signs from 10 seconds to 6 seconds.

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-2 – Solar Farm – US Route 14 and Lily Pond Road

Stating he has no objection to solar power, Councilman Nierman stated for him the question is the location as this is a gateway into the community and opining the site could be used for something better than a solar field. He wondered why it has taken so long for this project to obtain funding if this is an ideal site.

Mayor Turner stated the question is whether to continue with a one-year extension as it discourages other possible uses from coming forward opining the petitioner should give Council reasons to believe this project will move forward.

Mr. Stelford provided a history of this project noting it was started in 2018 and has previously been before the Council for extension.

Councilman Seegers expressed agreement that this is not a good location for this project. He stated he is not opposed to Woodstock having solar farms, but not at this location.

Noting the delay is because of the State not the petitioner, Councilwoman Piersall expressed disagreement that approving an extension for this project would send a bad impression of Woodstock. Stating she is poud of Woodstock’s wonderful environmental history, she cited the work of the Environmental Defenders and the fact that Woodstock was the first to offer curbside recycling in Illinois. She opined approving this request would send the message that this is what Woodstock is about.

Opining Woodstock is progressive and on the cutting edge of the environment, Councilman Tebo stated he is not concerned about a solar farm being on this site coming into town and expressed support for granting the extension.

Petition Tom Ryan of New Leaf, formerly Borrego, provided additional information on the project stating it has been held up due to things beyond their control, explaining this further He opined this is a very good location for the project stating they are prepared to go forward on November with the only thing needed being the Special Use Permit.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner regarding the timeline, Mr. Ryan stated all tests have been completed and construction will take four to six months. He stated a local contractor needs to be found.

The Director of Development for the petitioner provided additional information on the process including the merit-based scoring system now being used. He stated this project will be scored on November 1 opining it has an 80% chance of success which would allow them to move into construction the following construction season in May of 2023.

Stating this is a good site for the project, he stated while rural projects may be desirable from a visual perspective, it is also desirable for the fields to be near the load they are serving. He stated, in addition, there is only one nearby neighbor who has no objection to the project; and the landowner is an advocate for and committed to solar.

Mayor Turner opined solar would be a good image and set Woodstock apart as a city. He expressed concern that they can look awful when they get old, however, asking about the petitioner’s commitment to keep the facility looking good.

The petitioner described the look of the project, including vegetation. He stated they must make a commitment to the state regarding protocols and on-going maintenance.

In response to questions from Councilman Nierman, the petitioner confirmed they also have the Alden Road solar farm but do not have the same requirements for it from the state, including regarding pollinators.

Mayor Turner noted the SUP would give the City management if the petitioner does not keep its word. Noting the proposed site is a gateway, he stated if the solar farm starts to look bad, he would advocate for pulling the permit. They petitioner noted they have a detailed landscape management plan.

In response to questions from the Council, the petitioner stated the panels have a life expectancy of 25 to 40 years after which they are removed noting there is a bond supplied to the City which will cover the term of the farm. He stated they are the developer and will sell the contract to someone else after development is complete.

Councilman Seegers opined the bond is not enough to remove the panels from the ground. In response to his question, the petitioner stated the system owner will be responsible for bond performance. In response to Councilman Seegers’ expressed objection to this, City Attorney Schlossberg opined it would be difficult to remedy. Councilman Seegers opined the City cannot afford a mistake at the entry to the community. He noted the City would not be giving the SUP to the final owner of the field which is a concern. He also expressed concern about the amount of a bond set now for work to be done 25 years in the future. Councilman Nierman agreed, opining they Alden Road field is not being taken care of.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner regarding whether other requests for approval will come before the Council in the future, Mr. Stelford stated this could happen when the time comes to take the field down, for example. ROSCOE – is this how you want this recorded?

In response to a question from Mayor Turner regarding the ability of Council to put conditions on approval of the extension of the SUP, Ms. Schlossberg stated conditions could be placed but the matter would have to come back before the Plan Commission for a public hearing to amend the SUP and then back to the Council for approval.

Jordan Newell, attorney for the petitioner, noted the amount of the bond for decommissioning remains an issue industry-wide. He stated the bond amount can be re-evaluated every five years noting the diligence done by the City in 2018 was intended to put this protection in place. Mayor Turner expressed concern as to whether the current ordinance is sufficient for the future.

The petitioner opined this project is important noting it is one of the highest-value projects based on merit. Noting November 1 is a crucial date, he stated it is critical to extend the SUP if the project is to move forward. Mayor Turner suggested they return to the next meeting in two weeks with a decommissioning plan to answer Council’s concerns.

In response to Councilman Seegers’ questions, the petitioner provided information on Borrego, stating it is the largest developer of solar projects in the country, noting they have a maintenance team, a development team, and a construction team with enormous experience. He stated not only do they build solar projects, but they also work with companies that specialize in ownership. He stated he cannot tell the City who the owner will be in 25 years which is true of all businesses. He stated the transfer of ownership is at construction start so they will not be able to provide this ownership information on October 4.

Mayor Turner requested that more information be supplied to Council regarding any connections that can be made to hold potential owners to any agreements and transfer certain requirements to them. The petitioner stated that is always the intent of their agreements. Mayor Turner asked Ms. Schlossberg and Staff to have involvement in this.

In response to Councilman Seegers’ statement that he would like both New Leaf and subsequent owners to be on the bond, Ms. Schlossberg opined they cannot bond today for 25 years from now. The petitioner noted they place bonds for decommissioning at the building permit.

Mayor Turner suggested postponing this item to the next meeting to give the petitioner the opportunity to provide more information for Council to review regarding the concerns expressed this evening, including regarding bonding and decommissioning.

Discussion turned to landscaping requirements. The petitioner noted they have an updated design to reflect the new requirements which they would be happy to share with Council at the next meeting.. In response to Councilman Flynn’s question, Ms. Schlossberg stated the original ordinance cannot be amended to show the updated landscaping requirements without another Public Hearing.

In response to Councilman Seegers’ questions, the discussion turned to benefits to the community from this project. The petitioner stated the benefit to the City would be increased tax revenue from property taxes and the benefit to residents would be the opportunity to get discounted electricity.

He stated the area would also see economic benefits from the construction and maintenance contracts awarded.

There was no comment forthcoming from the Public.

Motion by W. Piersall, second by D. Flynn, to postpone to time specific, October 4, 2022, Item D 2 – Ordinance – Solar Energy Farm – US Route 14 and Lily Pond Road.

There were no comments forthcoming from the 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.

VI. DISCUSSION – Melissa O’Leary Memorial Fund and Fundraising/Splash Pad

Mayor Turner stated this is discussion of a memorial fund to place a Splash Pad at the Aquatic Center in honor of Melissa O’Leary. He stated he is heartened by the concept of honoring her and creating an improvement to something that was such an important part of her life.

Mr. Stelford talked about Ms. O’Leary noting she was an important part of the Recreation Department and Pool Staff.

Mr. Zinnen provided information on the proposed project which would place a Splash Pad in the sand pit area of Woodstock Waterworks.

Ms. Gulli stated many people have been asking about ways they could contribute to something for Ms. O’Leary. She noted the Recreation Department is talking about changing the Challenge Road Run to the Melissa O’Leary Run.

In response to Councilman Tebo’s questions, Mr. Zinnen stated the Department is in the project of obtaining information from contractors regarding costs. He noted water/sewer and electric service is already at the location. Ms. Betz stated Public Works will work with Mr. Zinnen.

Councilman Flynn stated this would be an amazing gesture for someone who made a huge impact on the community.

Mayor Turner expressed enthusiastic support for the idea with the consensus of the City Council to proceed with project development.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Turner noted the addition of the Solar Field SUP to the October 4 Agenda. There were no further additions, deletions, or corrections to the tentative future Council agendas.

Mayor Turner noted the possible addition of Special Meetings to discuss proposed development of the former Die Cast site.

ADJOURN

Motion by D. Flynn, second by T. Nierman, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to its next regular meeting on Tuesday, October 4, at 7:00PM 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 9:34PM

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/45678/09-20-22_city_council_minutes.pdf