McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order by Mayor Michael Turner at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. He explained the Consent Calendar process, invited public participation, and noted, as is the City's policy, this 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, Gordon Tebo, Bob Seegers Jr., 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, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, 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. Proclamations 

1. Coach Dale Jandron 

Noting Coach Jandron was unable to be present due to coaching commitments, Mayor Turner removed this item from the Agenda, stating it will be placed on the March 7, 2023 Agenda.

B. Presentation 

1. Real Woodstock Quarterly Report 

Melissa McMahon came forward to present the Real Woodstock Quarterly Report covering activities from November 1, 2022 through January 21, 2023. She reviewed the organization's website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube usage, noting activity was up on all platforms. She then reviewed Real Woodstock's advertising on Star 105.5, The Woodstock Independent, and posters in the new train depot.

Ms. McMahon reviewed Woodstock's highlights for this quarter and their reach, and provided additional information on the Real Woodstock website, noting there have been 84,379 new users since its launch in 2020, with Milwaukee as one of the top markets.

She talked about the billboards Real Woodstock has placed at various locations and what they promoted this quarter, and provided more information on the YouTube videos, noting the Groundhog Day video is the top video with more to come. Noting the CTA campaign included a QR code, she stated data shows it received scans from Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Germany as well as cities in Illinois and other states.

Ms. McMahon talked about Woodstock's appearance on the Today Show as the Merriest Main Street, emphasizing its reach of over 49,000 in December. She stated business owners noted customers mentioned they came to Woodstock because they saw it on the Today Show.

She then told the Council about Real Woodstock's digital campaigns with the first being "Enchanting Holiday," noting for every dollar spent on the campaigns, it is estimated $7 is returned to the community with a total impact of $49,000.

Noting Woodstock's choice as a community to be featured on John McGivern's Main Streets on PBS, Ms. McMahon talked about the reach and effect of this, stating one of Woodstock's businesses is now on the Main Street Bus Tour.

Thanking Ms. McMahon for the presentation, Mayor Turner provided information on the genesis of Real Woodstock and the effects he has seen from the organization's campaign over the years, stating the evolution of this marketing campaign has been wonderful. He opined the interconnectivity of the entities create a synergy for Woodstock by harnessing the power of social media.

Ms. McMahon stated Woodstock will be featured throughout the day on Thursday, February 23, as part of the "Your Hometown" series, noting a video featuring Woodstock will also be shown. She also noted the PBS premier of John McGivern's Main Street Woodstock episode is on that date.

C. Public Comments 

Gail Brooks, 112 Cass Street, opined what the City is doing is wonderful. In response to her question as to what "Real Woodstock" means, Mayor Turner provided background on a5, the marketing firm. that developed the program. He stated the owner of that company, John Harris, liked the word “real” because it can mean whatever the user wants it to mean, allowing the user to have his own interpretation. Mayor Turner opined it has proven to be very effective for Woodstock as a brand and tag line, noting the City is continuing to look at branding.

Yvette Partipilo, 315 Dean Street, stated she walks her dog daily and requested that a trash can be placed at the corner of South and Dean Streets. Mr. Stelford will investigate this with the Department of Public Works.

In response to Ms. Partipilo's questions, Mayor Turner confirmed the space between the road and the sidewalk belongs to the City. Mr. Stelford replied the residents are required to maintain this area and the City would not be opposed if they wished to plant flowers in this area as long as they are maintained. Ms. Betz noted these plants would be at the owner's risk, noting the possible effects of snow plowing and the need for removal should any work be necessary. Mayor Turner cautioned the speaker regarding the height of any plantings, noting sight lines.

D. Council Comments 

Councilman Nierman complimented Building and Zoning for their efforts to step up code. enforcement.

Mayor Turner stated Chicago Hubs Realty is scheduled to appear before the Historic Preservation and Plan Commissions for initial presentations of their plan for the Die Cast site in March.

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Anderson stated it is possible they will appear before the City Council in May following their due diligence period and appearance before the Commissions. A brief discussion followed with Staff outlining the next steps and opining groundbreaking could occur sometime this year.

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 item was removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Council or the Public:

• Item D-3 - Ordinance Seasonal Outdoor Seating Permit by Councilman Seegers

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-7 — Change Orders – Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House Project 

In response to a question from Councilman Nierman, Mr. Christensen stated Staff is prepared to bring Council through on another tour of the project on Tuesday, March 7th prior to the next Council meeting.

Noting the proliferation of change orders, Councilwoman Piersall opined there are several on the current list Bulley & Andrews should have caught. She stated she is confident Staff is looking at this, but stated she is increasingly scrutinizing them. Mr. Stelford stated Staff meets regularly with Bulley & Andrews, going through details and options, and trying to obtain a balance between watching costs and having a project the City can be proud of when completed. He stated while he agrees it is frustrating to see all of these change orders, Staff has done a great job based on the challenges inherent with a historic property. Ms. Betz noted there is a cross check between Mr. Christensen and the City Engineer, using his expertise in construction. Councilwoman Piersall agreed Staff is doing a wonderful job and the City will have an amazing venue for many years to come.

Mr. Christensen noted there are still some change orders to come forward at a future meeting. Noting, this is the largest project the City has taken on, Mayor Turner stated it is not finished. He stated it is a valuable asset unique to the City, the County, and the region that will serve for decades. He stated the City has the ability and Council has made the decision to complete this project and get the best product. He opined when the Old Courthouse Center opens, it will be a hub of activity and an economic driver for the city and this needs to be done the right way.

Mr. Christensen stated the building was in much worse condition than anticipated. Mayor Turner noted Staff assesses everything, stating he has confidence in Staff,

Councilman Seegers asked that more detail be provided to Council regarding the change orders, citing the amount of dry wall required, as an example.

Item C.9 - Minutes and Reports - Building & Zoning Year End Report 

In response to questions from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Napolitano provided additional information on building permits issued including a definition of Miscellaneous Permits. He noted there were not a lot of single-home permits issued this year. He stated the application is not broken down by dollars per square foot, as that information is not provided. Mr. Napolitano stated there is no relationship between the number of violations over the years to the landlord compliance program as that project took effect in late 2022, noting Staff has become less patient with violations. Noting Council prompted Staff to do this, Councilman Seegers commended Staff for helping the city to look good.

Item D-5 — Resolution – Revolving Loan Fund – MobCraft Agreement 

Noting his comments do not pertain to the loan for MobCraft specifically, Councilman Seegers stated he would like to be involved with an overhaul of the Revolving Loan Fund. Opining the program is far too objective and the City may not want some companies who may need a revolving loan in general, he stated he would like to be involved in looking at the parameters of the program.

Mayor Turner stated he is supportive of a discussion involving the Revolving Loan Fund, but opined MobCraft is exactly the kind of business the City wants. Councilman Seegers agreed noting his comments were about the Revolving Loan Fund in general. Mayor Turner stated Councilman Seegers' request can be put on a future agenda.

Mayor Turner clarified that additional language has been added to the description of item D-5 on Page 3 of the Agenda, that being "and initiate a transfer necessary to fund the loan from the General Fund." He stated the reason for this is that the Revolving Loan Fund is short on funds, so will require a loan from the General Fund. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Stelford stated whether the amount of funds in the Revolving Loan Fund will be increased will be up to Council and will be part of the Budget discussion. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, City Attorney Schlossberg opined this is appropriate to allow Staff to administer this Fund.

There were no questions forthcoming from the Council or the Public on the motion on the table.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-2 and items D-4 through D-7 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

February 7, 2023 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 4040; 4041

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

Arts Commission Minutes November 30, 2022

Cultural & Social Awareness Commission Minutes January 9, 2023

Environmental Commission Minutes January 5, 2023

Opera House Advisory Commission Minutes January 17, 2023

Parks & Rec Commission Minutes December 13, 2022

Plan Commission Minutes January 19, 2023

Public Library Board Minutes December 8, 2022

Public Library Board Minutes January 12, 2023

Building & Zoning – Year End Report December 2022

1. Board of Police Commission

D. Human Resources Monthly Report

MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 220: 

1. Ordinance - Property Tax Abatements - Approval of various Ordinance authorizing the annual abatement of property taxes related to the City's Alternate Revenue Source and General Obligation Bonds:

a) Approval of Ordinance 23-0-09, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance abating the additional tax imposed by Ordinance Number 16-0-47, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) Series 2016, issued for the purpose of refunding all or a portion of the City's outstanding General Obligation Waterworks and Sewerage Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2008A; and

b) Approval of Ordinance 23-0-10, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance abating the additional tax imposed by Ordinance Number 14-0-35, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources) Series 2014, issued for the purpose of Refunding Series 2005B General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Sources) and Series 2003 General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates issued for constructing roadway improvements and the development of new park sites along with recreation facility improvements for the City of Woodstock; and

c) Approval of Ordinance 23-0-11, identified as Document 3, An Ordinance abating the levy of the additional tax imposed by Ordinance Number 19-0-101 for the purpose of borrowing money and issuing $9,430,000 principal amount General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020A, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, issued for constructing roadway improvements; 

d) Approval of Ordinance 23-0-12, identified as Document 4, An Ordinance abating the levy of property taxes imposed by Ordinance Number 22-0-14 for the purpose of borrowing money and issuing $9,000,000 principal amount Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, issued for renovations to the Old Courthouse.

2. Ordinance - Amendment Liquor Control Code – Movie Theater - Approval of Ordinance 23-0-13, identified as Document 5, An Ordinance Amending The City's Code Chapter 3.3.6(B) And (C) To Create A New License Classification “E-6" For Movie Theater Alcoholic Liquor Sales And Amending A Reference In Chapter 3.3.6(C).

4. Ordinance Old Courthouse Lease - Makity Make Agreement – Approval of Ordinance 23-0-14, identified as Document 7, An Ordinance Authorizing a Lease Agreement Between Woodstock Courthouse LLC and MAKITY MAKE, INC. for the Lease of Second Floor Space in the Old Courthouse at 101 N. Johnson Street, subject to the inclusion of any final changes to the lease agreement that are approved by the City Manager and PNC Bank.

5. Resolution Revolving Loan Fund - MobCraft Agreement - Approval of Resolution 23-R-03, identified as Document 8, A Resolution Authorizing a Loan Agreement between the City of Woodstock and MobCraft Beer Inc., providing for a loan of $68,500 from the Revolving Loan Fund and authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk to execute this loan agreement, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney's Office and initiating a transfer necessary to fund the loan from the General Fund.

6. Resolution - TIF Inducement - 805/823 Lake Avenue and 1010 E. Kimball Avenue - Approval of Resolution 23-R-04, identified as Document 9, A Resolution of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, to Induce the Redevelopment of Certain Property within the Woodstock TIF #2 Downtown & Route 47 (805 and 823 Lake Ave. and 1010 E Kimball Ave.).

7. Change Orders – Old Courthouse & Sheriff's House Projects - Authorization for the City Manager to approve various Change Orders with Bulley & Andrews related to the Old Courthouse & Sheriff's House Renovations in the amount of $262,112.17.

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-Ordinance – Seasonal Outdoor Seating Permit 

Councilman Seegers opined the proposed Ordinance is too loose, noting nothing in the proposed language indicates it is for bars and restaurants, and opining any business could avail itself of outdoor seating. He stated he would like to see the Council be able to vote on every business that wishes to do this.

Mayor Turner noted approval is not automatic, but rather the Ordinance provides for Administrative review giving Staff the ability to review and approve each permit. He opined it could be burdensome for Council to have to consider each request.

Mr. Napolitano stated the Ordinance was written this way because there are businesses that are not specifically a bar or a restaurant, but for which it would be appropriate to have outside seating. Ms. Gulli noted the possibility of outdoor seating for an ice cream parlor as an example of why the language was left vague.

Mr. Stelford noted in the definition section of the proposed ordinance states it is specific for outdoor seating where food and beverage are consumed. He noted there is also a section about denial of a permit.

Mayor Turner opined the ordinance is sufficient with the intent being for Staff to administratively review the requests. He stated not only would it be burdensome on Council to review and approve each request, it would also be burdensome on the businesses.

In response to Councilman Seegers request that the ordinance be amended, Mayor Turner noted this is a time-sensitive item instead favoring voting on the proposed ordinance this evening and making adjustments to the language in the future should they be found necessary.

Councilman Seegers again advocated for adding parameters for approval. Councilman Flynn opined the more specific the ordinance the more boxed in by bureaucracy the City could get. He noted Council has given the City Manager's Office the ability to make these decisions so it can be more efficient and less cumbersome.

Mayor Turner expressed support for the Ordinance as written.

In response to Councilwoman Piersall's view that October 15 is too early to remove outdoor dining, Ms. Gulli noted the businesses chose that date rather than November 1 as suggested by the City.

Ms. Betz commended Mr. Napolitano for taking the lead on this item and putting all of the components together for a permitting process.

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve Ordinance 23-0-15, identified as Document 5, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Business and License Regulations, of the Woodstock City Code to include a new Chapter 24, Public Right-of-Way Seasonal Outdoor Seating Permit.

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 - Draft Strategic Plan Review 

Mayor Turner stated Staff has been working on developing a Strategic Plan and is asking Council to consider the content and to provide feedback to City Staff outside of this meeting following which the Plan will be refined and brought back to Council to go through its specific elements.

Mr. Stelford thanked all Staff involved in discussions for providing thoughts and input on the Plan, opining it was a significant team effort. He noted there are a few items which were debated by Staff as noted in the Staff Report. He stated he and Staff would be happy to meet with Councilmembers individually following which another draft will be produced for Council's review.

Regarding Public input, Mr. Stelford opined there are advantages of obtaining Public input, but noted the community has already been surveyed as part of the Branding and Comprehensive Plan projects and input gained from that could be incorporated into the Strategic Plan. He also noted this is not the end of the Strategic Plan as it will need to be reviewed on an annual basis.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer opined the draft Plan is just vague enough, stating it cannot cover all topics and should be a living, breathing document. Regarding ranking items or placing them in alphabetical order, one of the debated items, Councilwoman Lohmeyer supported ranking.

Councilman Nierman opined the draft Plan is great, but advocated for a shorter document as more people would read it. Ms. Gulli stated Staff has another format in mind that addresses this issue.

Councilman Tebo agreed the current draft is too long.

Councilman Seegers stated Staff has done a great job, opining the draft Plan contains everything a city would want in a Strategic Plan. He agreed that it is just vague enough, Mayor Turner concurred that items should be placed in rank order and that it is a long read, advocating for tightening it up. He opined there is enough specificity without being absolute, providing guidance and a sense of what Woodstock is. He stated it must be a dynamic document that gets updated and used and does not sit on a shelf. Stating he likes the content, Mayor Turner opined it is ready to get to the next version.

Regarding public input, Mayor Turner noted it is open right now. He noted, in addition, the public has had many opportunities to provide input over the last few months, which can be incorporated, stating he is comfortable with not having a specific Strategic Plan input process.

Councilman Flynn suggested condensing the document by having three top points under each section.

Councilwoman Piersall stated this Council has expected a lot of Staff and this document lets Council know Staff has heard them. She opined Staff has given Council everything Council asked for and it is good.

A brief discussion ensued of review of the document with Mayor Turner noting a two-year review would align with Council's elections, noting it could be a review rather than a rewrite.

There were no Public comments forthcoming.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

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

Expressing concern regarding the billboard having to do with gambling on Rt. 47, Councilman Tebo asked Mr. Napolitano to look into what is permitted.

In response to Councilwoman Lohmeyer's question, Mayor Turner provided a synopsis of his and Mr. Stelford's visit to Springfield as part of the MCCG delegation.

ADJOURN 

Motion by G. Tebo, second by D. Flynn, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the Special City Council Budget Workshop on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 2:00 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 9:24 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/46476/city_council_minutes_2-21-23.pdf