McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met March 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, March 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 TJ Clifton, 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, IT Director Dan McElmeel, City Engineer Chris Tiedt, City Planner Darrell Moore, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

OTHERS PRESENT: Cultural and Social Awareness Commissioners John Kendall and Jose Rivera.

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

A. Proclamations

1. Women's History Month Mayor Turner stated this is a proclamation recognizing Women's History Month in the City of Woodstock, inviting Cultural and Social Awareness Commissioners Kendall and Rivera to join him at the podium.

Without objection, the City Council approved and adopted a Proclamation Honoring Women's History Month March 2023. Mayor Turner read the proclamation for all to hear. Mr. Kendall and Mr. Rivera accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission, which was met with hearty applause.

Mayor Turner stated it is his honor on behalf of the City of Woodstock to honor Women's History Month. He expressed the City's appreciation for the work of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission.

B. Public Comment There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

C. Council Comment There were no comments forthcoming from the Council.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following items were removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of Council or the Public:

• Item D-1 Ordinance - 1140 Dean Street - Planned Unit Development (PUD) by Mayor Turner;

• Item D-7 - Contract Award - 2023 Downtown Brick Replacement Program by Councilman Nierman; and

• Item D-9 - Contract Award – Website Redesign – 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 C-4 - Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report by Councilwoman Lohmeyer Councilwoman Lohmeyer extended her congratulations and thanks to Officer Lucas Schmidt who has been recognized as McHenry County's Officer of the Year for 2022 by the McHenry County Chiefs of Police Association. She opined the description of his honor was very moving and something the City does not often hear of, but knows exists. She stated the courage and bravery he displayed makes her proud to live in Woodstock.

Item D-8 - Contract Award – OpenGov Cloud-Based Permitting, Licensing, and Asset Management Software by Councilman Seegers

Noting his experience with software conversion and the cost of this proposed item, Councilman Seegers stated he is comfortable with it as long as Staff is. In response to Councilman Seegers' questions, Mr. Christensen stated the package includes all upgrades, is highly adaptable, and is used by many municipalities in the area. Councilman Seegers commended Staff for their work on this item. Mayor Turner noted the purpose of this item is to help the City be more efficient as a service provider, employer, and organization, opining it will be something that will help the community.

There were no further comments or questions forthcoming from the Council or the Public on items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

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 C, D-2 through D-6, and D- 8 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

March 7, 2023 City Council Minutes November 4, 2022 City Council Special Meeting Minutes - Die Cast Presentations

B. WARRANTS: 4044 4045

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

Board of Police Commissioners Minutes December 5, 2022 Board of Police Commissioners Minutes March 6, 2023 Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14, 2023Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report January 2023

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 222:

2. Resolution-Local Public Agency Agreement-Raffel Road - Approval of a Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation and Resolution 23-R-05, identified as Document 2, A Resolution Confirming Authorization for Funding Commitment Pertaining to the Resurfacing of Raffel Road.

3. Resolution - TIF #2 Inducement 142-144 Washington Street – Approval of Resolution 23-R-06, identified as Document 3, A Resolution to Induce the Redevelopment of Certain Property Within the Woodstock TIF #2 Downtown and Route 47 for 142-144 Washington Street.

4. Resolution - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Provider - Approval of Resolution 23-R-07, identified as Document 4, A Resolution Authorizing Individuals to Act on Behalf of the City of Woodstock's Deferred Compensation Plan and authorizing the City Manager to alter the deferred compensation plan to a new provider, Corebridge Financial, and execute any and all documents necessary to complete this changeover.

5. Contract Award - Woodstock Water Works Baby Pool Fence - Approval to award a contract, utilizing Home Rule Authority and waiving of bids, for fence replacement around the Woodstock Water Works baby pool to Complete Fence, Cortland, IL, for a total cost of $17,895 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for these services.

6. Contract Award - Woodstock Water Works - Diving Board - Approval to award a contract, utilizing Home Rule Authority and waiving of bids, for complete diving board replacement at the Woodstock Water Works lap pool to Fiesta Pools, Inc., Woodstock, IL, for a total cost of $36,296.50 and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for these services.

8. Contract Award - OpenGov Cloud-Based Permitting, Licensing and Asset Management Software – Approval of the proposal from OpenGov and authorization for the City Manager to execute a three-year contract for professional services and maintenance for a price of $462,000, upon final review by the City Attorney's Office.

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-1 - Ordinances - 1140 Dean Street - Planned Unit Development (PUD) Mayor Turner noted the process to be followed this evening, stating it is important to note that special use requirements and standards are defined in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with very clear parameters, which Council considers as to whether to grant a Special Use Permit (SUP), noting Council will follow these guidelines.

In response to questions from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford confirmed Council may consult with the City Attorney during this process. City Attorney Clifton stated the guidelines referred to by Mayor Turner are the criteria the City has already approved and use to evaluate any proposal.

Petitioner Brady Coleman offered a presentation on his proposal for the subject property, noting he originally looked at it for offices, but could not obtain funding. He is also aware that several other people had tried to purchase the property for development, but could not make it happen. He stated he felt with his background in construction he could develop it successfully.

He stated he is not proposing three or four units, as those numbers did not satisfy the bank and they would not fund it. Mr. Coleman stated he has also been talking with the County, looking into affordable housing and found there was a great need for one-bedroom efficiency units. He stated he is open to any use for the building as long as it makes sense and is financially feasible.

Mayor Turner asked for clarification on the siding proposed for the building, stating his understanding that his proposal is to not fully rehab the siding all around. Mr. Coleman stated initially he will rehab the front of the building with Hardie board siding as well as adding gables and will do the rest of the siding as the building fills in. He stated he will retrim any wood that needs it and will change out the other side with Hardie board during the first three years. In response to Mayor Turner's question as to whether the City has a mechanism by which the petitioner can be held to this commitment, Mr. Stelford stated enforcement would be a challenge, with which City Attorney Clifton agreed.

In response to Mayor Turner's questions, Mr. Coleman called attention to the driveway and parking lot on the site plan, noting they will be repaired and resealed, and stated there will be no gravel.

In response to Council's questions regarding financing, Mr. Coleman confirmed his financing matches up with the plan he is presenting this evening, stating this is the plan approved by the bank in order to obtain financing. He stated he did check with eight other banks, with no other bank interested in the property.

In response to Council's questions regarding the plan, Mr. Coleman stated the patios will be 8'x10', noted the detached garage will be used for storage only, and explained the parking spaces further. He confirmed there is a unit above the garage, describing how it is accessed.

In response to questions from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Coleman confirmed he has looked at a lower density plan and discussed this with the banks, noting it was not an option. He stated, in addition, according to the County, there is a demand for one-bedroom or efficiencies not two- bedroom, higher-rent units. He opined the surrounding area supports the proposed density, noting the church across the street and current traffic, and also the townhouses on Dean Street and higher density units less than a mile away.

Reading from the PUD standards, Mayor Turner asked about buffering. Mr. Coleman stated it is planned to fence along the rear and right side of the property with a six-foot privacy fence. He stated the property already contains many trees, but shrubbery will be added.

The floor was opened for Public Comment.

Art Karagianis, 1211 Mitchell Street, noted the petition which was presented at the Plan Commission meeting for inclusion in the Public Record, stating all 40 signees were opposed to the project.

Mr. Karagianis stated the subject property is in an area of single-family homes, opining there are no multi-family dwellings nearby. He expressed concern with the increased use of sewer and water this proposal will create in the area. He also opined three years is a long time for the project to be going on. He also took issue with the statement it has been vacant for years, noting Dr. Goins saw five or six patients per week up until last October, opining he took care of the building.

Mr. Karagianis questioned whether there will be enough parking for the number of units proposed. Noting the units will be 600 to 700 sf., he stated perhaps he should apply for a permit to turn his garage into an apartment.

Noting Woodstock already has 40% rental housing, Mr. Karagianis questioned whether there is, indeed a shortage of this type of housing and opined the City should not be zoning to fit someone's financial plan. He expressed concerns for the neighbors and also other neighborhoods who might face this in the future should this be allowed.

Dr. Molly Oakford, 1341 Winslow Circle, expressed concern about a six-unit rental property in this residential area. She opined the question is not about the best use of the building, it is about the best use of the neighborhood.

Noting she looked at the packet and at the Special Use Permit criteria, she took issue with why some of them are a criterion for a SUP. Noting they require that a project will not impair, she opined the petitioner should cite the benefits which need to occur. She opined this zoning should happen because it benefits the residents of the neighborhood. She noted the people in the neighborhood who signed the petition, stating they are strongly opposed to this project and that it is not beneficial to them. She urged Council to listen to the residents.

There was no further Public Comment.

In response to Council's questions regarding parking, Mr. Coleman stated there will be a total of 8 bedrooms in the development with 10 parking spaces, including one ADA spot, showing their location on the site plan, including parking for the garage apartment. He stated there is no current plan to assign parking, but that could be done, noting each unit will get one space with the others shared. In response to Councilman Flynn's observation that there could be four spaces created in the driveway to serve the three-bedroom apartment, Mr. Coleman stated he would consider this. Councilwoman Piersall stated the requirement is for 7 spaces. It was confirmed on-street parking is available in front of the building. Mayor Turner expressed his concern with parking despite the City's requirement. In response to his question, Mr. Stelford stated parking is not allowed on the grass by City Code.

In response to Mayor Turner's questions, Mr. Coleman described the current state of the property and his rehab plans in greater detail.

In response to Mayor Turner's question, there was no further comment forthcoming from the Public.

The floor was opened for Council discussion.

Mayor Turner stated Council has heard from the petitioner and the public and read the Staff report. He noted this is an important project to the neighborhood and the developer, and must be considered from all sides, opining it is not an easy decision for the Council.

Mayor Turner stated this is an old building, and absent some development, it has the potential to remain unused. He stated he looks at this as having an objective statement of ordinances and criteria to which Council has to apply subjective assessments and opinions. Mayor Turner noted his concerns as they relate to Section 4.4.6B of the criteria. He noted the area around the subject parcel is almost all R and R1B, expressing his concern this will conflict with neighboring land uses and will conflict with neighboring properties, stating he is weighing this against the developer's interests and having an unused building. Mayor Turner stated he is concerned about whether there will be substantial buffering and whether there will be a negative impact. He stated the zoning maps make it difficult for him to have this particular parcel in this general area.

Noting the mention in the packet about some confusion about other multi-family units in this area, Councilwoman Piersall stated she knows there are a lot of multi-family units in the area, opining this is not unusual in Woodstock and the neighborhoods have not been negatively impacted by it.

Agreeing with Councilwoman Piersall's observation, Mayor Turner stated one of his concerns is with "postage-stamp" zoning in Woodstock. Councilwoman Piersall opined this proposal will not negatively impact zoning uses because there are so many such areas close by.

Councilman Flynn stated in speaking with realtors, they stated this is probably the best use of the subject property on Dean Street. In response to his question, Mr. Moore opined this has probably always been one lot. A brief discussion ensued of the distance between the back of the structure on this property and the properties to the rear.

Councilwoman Lohmeyer thanked the petitioner for bringing this project to the City. She stated she has to think about what is best for Woodstock, expressing her concern about possible precedents. She opined this property is on one of the most beautiful gateways to the City, noting areas with density of rental properties often struggle. She also expressed her concern with the number of neighbors who have objections, opining the Council must consider this.

Councilman Nierman stated he walked the property and opined this development will be an improvement. He stated he also hears the neighbors' concerns.

Councilman Seegers stated he is struggling with this request. He opined the current condition of the property is not helping anyone's real estate values nor was it helping real estate values when it was a business. He further opined any improvement should be beneficial to the values of neighboring properties. Councilman Seegers stated he was disappointed; however, that the petitioner was only changing the siding on the front of the building, doing the other sides within a couple of years. He stated he can see how the neighbors would object to the density of the building, wondering if the density can be reduced to reach a middle ground.

Councilman Tebo stated he understands both positions that of the petitioner and that of the neighbors. He stated the City has very specific rules which must be followed. Stating the issue is subjective in many ways, he noted the Plan Commission determined the request met all of the criteria. Regarding traffic and parking, Councilman Tebo opined these are within the ordinance. He stated there could be noise, but that is expected and part of living in a neighborhood. He opined the building will look better with the improvements. He stated as the petitioner has met all requirements, he would not object to the proposal.

Councilwoman Piersall noted the letter of support from the County citing the need for workforce housing, opining there is a demand in Woodstock for this housing. She opined this proposal benefits not just the petitioner, but would benefit Woodstock to have more workforce housing. Councilwoman Piersall expressed her agreement with the Plan Commission that this meets the Special Use approval criteria.

Mayor Turner noted during the discussion of parking, the concept of adding four additional spaces was raised. He suggested, if Council is agreeable, a motion could be made of the addition of four parking spaces, subject to Staff review and with administrative approval, opining the proposal would be improved by additional parking. Mr. Coleman stated he would not object to this.

Stating while he appreciates the petitioner's commitment to complete the siding within two years, Mayor Turner opined Council must pay attention to this. Mr. Coleman stated he is an exterior restoration contractor and described how he will rehab the siding to look brand new. Discussion followed of enforcement with Mr. Clifton stating there would be more recourse with a specific date, noting there is already a penalty within the code. Mr. Stelford opined the quicker improvements can be done the better for the neighborhood and the project as a whole. Mayor Turner opined Council can consider a requirement for additional parking and a commitment for siding improvement with a deadline to be administratively approved. Noting there are potential positives and also legitimate concerns with this proposal, Mayor Turner opined the siding would have to be completed in a finished state. Mr. Coleman stated he could complete restoration of the siding by late summer or early fall of 2023.

There being no further Council discussion, Mayor Turner opened the floor for additional Public comment.

Dr. Oakford came forward wishing to once again support the residents asking Council to hear the people who are living in the neighborhood.

Mayor Turner stated Council has put a lot of thought into this item and considered all sides.

Motion to approve Ordinance 23-0-18, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow a PUD for a 6-unit Residential Development at 1140 Dean Street with the following changes:

1) Addition of four parking spaces subject to Staff review;

2) The exterior be in a finished state, particularly emphasizing the rear of the building, by October 1, 2023.

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

Item D-7- Contract Award - 2023 Downtown Brick Replacement Program Noting his experience with the brick program having written the original one for the City, Councilman Nierman stated the 2023 program does not address the missing and broken up small areas. He advocated for getting special bricks and putting efforts into the broken areas, noting gaps in the Benton street area as an example. He opined this year's program does not focus on the right areas of the Square.

Councilman Flynn opined the City must make sure bricks are not missing in the event areas of the Square.

Mr. Aymond noted when bidding this year's program, the City wished to get "the most bang for the buck," bidding out the larger areas to a contractor with Staff replacing single bricks and smaller areas as this is more cost effective. He stated the plan is also to level uneven areas. He stated Staff also developed the plan looking at how it can be done with the least disruption to businesses. Mr. Aymond stated it is more economical to have a contractor do the large areas and Staff address the smaller areas.

Councilman Nierman expressed concern that Staff cannot complete this because of manpower. Ms. Betz responded that Staff has been out replacing one or two brick gaps as part of a year-round program. Councilman Nierman expressed concern this is not being done, noting he has received complaints. He offered to provide guidance to Staff on replacement of the bricks based upon his experience. In response to Councilman Tebo's question, Mr. Aymond stated the City has received a few complaints.

Mayor Turner opened the floor for Public Comment.

Dr. Oakford recommended performing the analysis and award brick replacement two times per year rather than once. She also recommended replacing the bricks with pavers, opining the bricks are not a safe walkway.

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to award a contract, utilizing Home Rule Authority and waiving of bids, for the Downtown Brick Paver Maintenance and Replacement Program to Midwest Excavators Hampshire, IL, in accordance with the unit prices, as submitted, and not to exceed $25,000 for FY22/23.

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-9-Contract Award – Website Redesign Mayor Turner noted the amounts identified in the agenda were incorrect, while those identified in the Staff Report are correct. He stated the agenda should having identified a contract price of $89,999 and recurring maintenance and hosting costs of $18,988.99.

Councilman Nierman stated he does not have a problem with the prices, but with the on-going maintenance. He stated the Chatbot feature is not worth the additional dollars, opining Revize can do everything it could do.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, there was no Public comment.

Noting Staff has indicated there are other differences, Councilman Seegers asked for further information.

Ms. Gulli gave examples of the various differences, noting how they could benefit residents and Staff. These included: Facility reservations, predictive search, a more robust intranet, flexible single sign-on, opinion polling, live editing, HTML widget for map integration, and flexibility in design capability which allows for continual upgrades. She noted the Chatbot feature is AI technology that will respond in the language of the user and is highly accurate. She noted the proposal would come with continuous tech upgrades. Mayor Turner opined the Chatbot feature would improve the user experience and save Staff time.

Councilman Nierman opined the City is not Amazon and does not need this, stating other communities use Revize, opining it is a nice website.

Noting some municipalities have less expensive sites while others have more expensive, Mayor Turner stated he is comfortable with Staff's assessment.

Councilman Seegers opined ultimately Staff's recommendation could be a cost savings over time.

There was no Public comment.

Motion by L. Lohmeyer, second by D. Flynn, to approve the proposal from CivicPlus and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract for a price of $89,999, with recurring annual maintenance and hosting costs of $18,988.99, which includes a free redesign in five years, subject to final review by the City Attorney.

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

V. DISCUSSION 

1. Quarterly Financial Reports – Transmittal of the following financial reports for the third quarter of FY22/23:

a) Third Quarter Revenues and Expenditures Report b) Third Quarter Investment Report

Mr. Christensen provided information regarding the City's investment policies and how it is protected, including the philosophy under which the City operates to ensure its investments are safe.

2. Transmittal of the FY23/24 Budget Mr. Stelford thanked Staff for their efforts in preparing the proposed FY23/24 Budget, opining it could not have been done without Staff's assistance and knowledge. He stated the proposed FY23/24 Budget has been transmitted to the Council and will be on the City's website tomorrow.

Mr. Stelford stated the proposed FY23/24 Budget meets Council's priorities and incorporates the Strategic Plan and its objectives. He provided brief information on revenues and expenditures as identified in the proposed FY23/24 Budget, noting the City remains below staffing levels of 2006/2007. Mayor Turner opined the fact that the City has stayed below this staffing level for 17 years is extraordinary.

Mr. Stelford stated he is very proud of the proposed FY23/24 Budget document and looks forward to the Budget Workshop on April 10.

Regarding the TIF, Councilman Tebo noted all of the money that is being reinvested. Mayor Turner opined everything that is done to generate activity in the TIF drives revenue for more investment. He further opined the Old Courthouse synergy feeds economic activity.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Councilman Seegers requested that discussion of the Revolving Loan Fund occur before the new Council is seated.

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

ADJOURN

Motion by G. Tebo, second by D. Flynn, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 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 9:17 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/46478/city_council_minutes_3-21-23.pdf