McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met April 4.

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, April 4, 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 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, 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, IT Director Dan McElmeel, Library Director Nick Weber, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. 

OTHERS PRESENT: Cultural and Social Awareness Commissioner Abdul Akel. 

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION 

A. Proclamations1. Retirement of Lisa Miller 

Noting this proclamation is to honor Lisa Miller upon her retirement, Mayor Turner stated she was unable to be here this evening. He asked Library Director Nick Weber to join him at the podium to accept the Proclamation on Ms. Miller's behalf. 

Without objection, the City Council approved and adopted a Proclamation Honoring Lisa Miller, which was met with hearty applause. Mayor Turner read the proclamation for all to hear. He asked Mr. Weber to extend the City and the Council's thanks for Ms. Miller's years of service, and for all she did for the community. 

Mr. Weber noted one of the reasons Ms. Miller chose to retire was to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, which is where she is this evening. On her behalf, he extended her regrets for being unable to attend, and her thanks and appreciation to the Mayor and City Council and to the City. 

2. Diversity Month 

Mayor Turner stated this proclamation is to recognize Diversity Month, asking Cultural and Social Awareness Commission member A. Akel to join him at the podium. 

Without objection, the City Council approved and accepted a Proclamation Honoring Diversity Month 2023, which was met with hearty applause. Noting this is a special moment, Commissioner Akel accepted the Proclamation, and thanked the Mayor and City Council. 

B. Public Hearing – FY23/24 Budget 

Mayor Turner noted this is the Public Hearing for the City's FY23/24 Budget. 

Motion by D. Flynn, second by G. Tebo, to open the Public Hearing on the City of Woodstock FY23/24 Budget. 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 Public Hearing was opened at 7:10 PM 

Mayor Turner noted all Councilmembers were present for the Public Hearing and invited anyone wishing to provide input or comments on the FY23/24 Budget to come forward to the podium. 

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public. 

Motion by W. Piersall, second by L. Lohmeyer, to close the Public Hearing. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, W. Piersall, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. 

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:13 PM. 

C. Presentation – Houseal Lavigne – Comprehensive Plan Update 

Noting the Comprehensive Plan is one of the most important plans for the City, Mayor Turner stated it was last updated in 2008. He stated this is not the final plan and not the time for debate, but rather an important part of the process being conducted by Houseal Lavigne. Mr. Stelford stated it is key for the City to go through this process, noting he and Staff look forward to working with Houseal Lavigne. 

Trisha Parks, Senior Planner with Houseal Lavigne, provided an update of the Comprehensive Plan process, summarizing the memo found in the Council packet. She described the planning process and the tasks to be completed in development of the City's Comprehensive Plan. She stated the memo provides a baseline of existing conditions and where Woodstock is today, and sets the stage for what the Comprehensive Plan Update can accomplish. 

Ms. Parks then provided information on and a summary of the Public Outreach that has been conducted to obtain input from residents and stakeholders, noting there were 518 points of engagement. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Ms. Parks stated they are happy with the level of engagement. 

Ms. Parks stated also included in the memo is a summary of the key themes heard during public outreach including: 

Support growth Support arts and culture Expand commercial uses Establish youth and family-oriented activities

Need for affordable housing Enhance parks and open space Need for diverse housing options Protect natural resources

Embrace diversity 

Improve active and public transportation options Improve traffic flow and congestion 

She then highlighted past plans, studies, and reports that have been adopted by the City and overlapping entities, summarizing this information and its relevance to the Woodstock Comprehensive Plan. 

Ms. Parks provided an overview of Woodstock's demographics and market sectors including population, age, housing, income, and employment, noting each provides key data. She stated they examined land use data, which helps to guide the form and character of the Comprehensive Plan, noting 13 land use categories were identified. She stated they also identified existing conditions and development issues and opportunities, noting some to be the Die Cast site, expanding commercial options, repositioning the commercial corridors, and the need for housing diversity. 

Regarding Transportation and Mobility, Ms. Parks noted this section describes the existing transportation system looking at all different modes of transportation and provided information on the Transportation and Mobility Issues and Opportunities identified. 

Moving on to Community Facilities and Services, Ms. Parks stated this section of the memo inventories Woodstock's community facilities and services, documenting recent improvements and existing upgrade needs. She then provided information on the identified issues and opportunities. 

Ms. Parks then reviewed Recreation and Tourism, noting this section discusses recreational opportunities and highlights Woodstock's tourist activities and attractions, and identified its issues and opportunities. 

The presentation turned to Natural Areas and the issues and opportunities, one of which was to protect watersheds. Mayor Turner stated the City of Woodstock works hard to protect its water resources. 

In response to questions from Mayor Turner, Ms. Parks confirmed these are the key issues heard through public engagement and supported by the data. She stated retail would be a smaller footprint rather than larger parcels, with multi-family integrated in commercial corridors with a mixed use. 

Regarding the need for a hotel, Mayor Turner noted this is understood by Council and Staff, and they are working hard to find one. He opined the feedback regarding entryways and recreation are validating. 

Referencing the memo provided to Council, Councilman Tebo asked if the City limits new apartment buildings. Mr. Stelford stated they can have, based on proper zoning, up to 24 units without the need for a Special Use Permit or Planned Unit Development. 

In response to questions from Councilman Tebo, Ms. Parks stated at this point in the process they are looking at existing conditions in Woodstock. She noted the recommendations in the plan will be Woodstock specific, but will come from Houseal Lavigne's deep experience. 

In response to questions from Councilman Seegers, Ms. Parks stated the engagement response was what they expect to see in a community of Woodstock's size. She stated they do not take any person's comments over another's. She stated those who commented were not asked how their suggestions could be paid for. She stated at this point they do not wish to limit the responses, so the goals are irrespective of whether they can be supported in the City's budget. She stated the final Plan will address those that are unreasonable. 

Ms. Parks then communicated the next steps in the process, highlighting a Community Visioning Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, April 11th at the Woodstock Moose Lodge. 

Ms. Parks noted the other milestones in the process, stating it should be completed by late summer/early fall of this year. Mayor Turner stated he is looking for Houseal Lavigne's feedback and Staff's input, urging Staff to be active and thoughtful in their input. 

Discussion ensued in response to Councilman Nierman's suggestion of holding additional workshops. In response to Mayor Turner's questions, Mr. Stelford described the opportunities for public engagement which have taken place thus far. Ms. Parks stated what Houseal Lavigne has heard so far has given them an idea of the issues and opportunities in the community at present. The Visioning Workshop will help them understand what the community's vision for Woodstock's future should be. Noting the City has actively promoted the opportunities on social media and in the Woodstock Independent, Mayor Turner stated he is comfortable with having one Visioning Workshop. He asked Mr. Stelford to discuss this further with Houseal Lavigne, 

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

E. Council Comment Mayor Turner noted a change to item D-1 to include the deletion of only one liquor license, that being the Class A-7 liquor license held by ShadowView Brewing. City Attorney Schlossberg confirmed it is appropriate for this change. 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

Motion by D. Flynn, second by T. Nierman, 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, there were no questions or comments forthcoming from the Council or the Public regarding 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 D-6 as follows: 

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 21, 2023 City Council Minutes 

B. WARRANTS: 4046 4047 

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

Economic Development Commission Special Mtg. Minutes February 13, 2023

Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes  March 2, 2023 

Plan Commission Meeting Minutes February 16, 2023 

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 223: 

1. Ordinance Class E6 Liquor License - Woodstock Theatre - Approval of Ordinance 23-0-19, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 3, Liquor Control, of the Woodstock City Code, which adds one Class E-6 liquor license for Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main Street, and deletes one Class A-7 liquor license held by ShadowView Brewing, contingent upon fulfillment of all identified requirements. 

2. Ordinance - Commencement of Terms - Approval of Ordinance 23-0-20, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Amending Title 1, Chapter 5, Mayor and City Council of the Woodstock Municipal Code to clarify the terms for newly-elected officials to commence at the first regular meeting in May, if the election results are available. 

3. Contract Award - Woodstock Water Works - Funbrellas Installation – Approval to award a contract for the installation of Funbrellas, including concrete work, to Fiesta Pools, Inc., Woodstock, IL, at a total cost of $5,318 and to ratify the purchase agreement for the procurement of two Funbrellas from Anchor Industries Inc., Evansville, IN at a total cost of $10,865.60. 

4. Contract Award - Woodstock Water Works - Starting Pool Slide Repairs - Approval to award a contract, utilizing Home Rule Authority and waiving of bids, for repairs to the starting pool for the waterslide at Woodstock Water Works to IPS, Inc., Sandwich, IL, at a total cost not to exceed $9,757 and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract. 

5. Contract Award – IT System Backups - Approval to award a contract to Unitrends for physical appliance backups, cloud storage and ongoing support through January 2027, at a total cost not to exceed $71,300 and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract. 

6. Maintenance Agreement – The Land Conservancy - Approval of a professional services agreement, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County to provide management and restoration services for City-owned parkland areas, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with a term of three (3) years at a cost not to exceed $15,000 annually. 

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. 

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Noting the Council Budget Workshop scheduled for April 10th, Mayor Turner opined it is one of the Council's most important meetings. 

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

ADJOURN 

Motion D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to a Special City Council Budget Workshop on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 3:00 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 7:52 PM.