McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met July 18.

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, July 18, 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, Melissa McMahon, Tom Nierman, Bob Seegers, Gordon Tebo, Natalie Ziemba, 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, Chief of Police John Lieb, Human Resources Director Deb Schober, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, City Engineer Chris Tiedt, City Planner Darrell Moore, members of the Woodstock Police Department, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley.

OTHERS PRESENT: Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Ron Giordano

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION 

A. Swearing in of Woodstock Police Officers 

Mayor Turner stated this is a great opportunity and an honor to swear in Police Officers to their new roles with the Woodstock Police Department.

Chief Lieb thanked the Council for allowing time for this to be done in front of the Council, the Public, and the family members of the officers. He stated taking the oath as a police officer is vitally important. Noting a police officer encounters many challenges through his or her career, he stated when this oath is sworn, the officer is saying they will protect individuals to the best they can in Woodstock while maintaining integrity.

1. Detective Sergeant George Kopulos was sworn in by Mayor Turner, with his badge being presented to him by his wife. This was met with hearty applause.

2. Detective Sam Gustafson was sworn in by Mayor Turner, with his badge being presented to him by his wife. This was met with hearty applause.

3. Sergeant Richard Dolan was sworn in by Chairman Ron Giordano, with his badge presented by his daughter. This was met with hearty applause.

4. Officer Jarod Baker was sworn in by Chairman Ron Giordano, with his badge presented by his mother. This was met with hearty applause.

Mayor Turner echoed the comments of Chief Lieb. He thanked the families for being a support system for the police officers. He also thanked all officers of the Woodstock Police Department who keep Woodstock safe.

B. Proclamations 

1. Retirement of Rick Mack, METRA 

Mayor Turner stated Mr. Mack is a friend of Woodstock, noting he has been involved with METRA for 32 years. He stated he has joined City officials in fighting for legislative efforts for investment in Woodstock, noting he is truly an advocate for Woodstock and McHenry County.

Without objection, the City Council approved and adopted A Proclamation Honoring Rick Mack. He read the proclamation for all to hear, presenting it to Mr. Mack, which was met with hearty applause.

Mr. Mack stated his favorite part of his job was working with municipalities, opining the Staff, Mayors, and City Councils of Woodstock are the best. He stated Woodstock is a very welcoming city. He thanked Woodstock for this honor.

2. Disability Pride Month 

Mayor Turner stated this is a proclamation recognizing July 2023 as Disability Pride Month.

Without objection, the City Council approved and adopted A Proclamation Recognizing July 2023 as Disability Pride Month. He read the proclamation for all to hear, presenting it to Ms. Schober, Cultural and Social Awareness Commission liaison.

B. Public Comment 

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

C. Council Comment 

Councilman Nierman thanked City Staff for their work on the Gavers Barndance, stating the event could not have happened without the help of City staff.

Mayor Turner echoed this on behalf of the City, stating it was a terrific event. He opined it is an amazing event because of the commitment of the event committee and the volunteers.

Councilman Tebo thanked Mr. Moore and Mr. Christensen for the tour of the Old Courthouse, opining it is amazing and will be a tremendous asset to the City. Mr. Christensen stated work on this project was truly a team approach.

Mayor Turner thanked City Staff, the Fireworks Committee, and the volunteers for the 4th of July Fireworks celebration.

Mayor Turner noted the groundbreaking for the Woodstock Food Shed Coop, which occurred earlier in the day, stating it is very exciting they are moving forward as this will be an incredible asset to the community.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, there were no items removed from the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following question was forthcoming from the Council or the Public regarding an item remaining on the Consent Agenda.

Item D-10-Purchase Ratification - LED Wall

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Stelford confirmed the LED wall was initially cut from the grant project; but Staff found a very good used one at a great price with the money being available to purchase it.

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through D-11 as follows:

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

June 20, 2023 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 4058 4059 4060

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

Arts Commission Minutes Aril 10, 2023

Arts Commission Minutes. June 12, 2023 

Board of Police Commission Minutes March 6, 2023

Board of Police Commission Minutes June 19, 2023

Human Resources Department Monthly Report February 2023

Human Resources Department Monthly Report March 2023  

Human Resources Department Monthly Report April 2023

Human Resources Department Monthly Report May 2023

Human Resources Department Monthly Report June 2023

Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes May 11, 2023

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 229: 

1. Appointments of Commission Members - Acceptance of the Mayor's Nominations for Appointments to the City's Commissions.

2. Ordinance - Liquor License - Events at Ethereal - Approval of Ordinance 23-0- 38, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 3, Liquor Control of the Woodstock City Code, to create one Class A5 (Banquet Hall/event venue) liquor license to be issued to E3 Artisan, Inc. d/b/a/ Events at Ethereal and removing a Class A7 liquor license (Restaurant/caterer) for BBQ Smokehouse, Inc. formerly at 125 E. Calhoun Street.

3. Ordinance - Liquor License – Double Yolk Café - Approval of Ordinance 23-0-39, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 3, Liquor Control, of the Woodstock City Code to assign one Class D (Restaurant with no bar) liquor license to be issued to Aces Partners, Inc. d/b/a The Double Yolk Café.

4. Resolution - IDOT - MFT Resolution for FY23/24 - Approval of Resolution 23-R- 10, identified as Document 3, A Resolution Authorizing the Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code, which appropriates $1,045,000 of Motor Fuel Tax funds from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.

5. Contract Award – 2023 Sidewalk Cutting - Approval to award a contract for the FY23/24 Sidewalk Cutting Program to the lowest responsible bidder, Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. of Wheeling, Illinois, in accordance with the unit prices, as submitted, and not to exceed $25,000 and to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract subject to final review by the City Attorney.

6. Contract Award – Electrical Improvements at Emricson Park - Approval to award a contract, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving bids, to Associated Electrical Contractors, LLC of Woodstock Illinois to provide electrical repair and installation services at Emricson Park for an amount not to exceed $30,800 and to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract subject to final review by the City Attorney.

7. Contract Award 2023 Pavement Marking Program Approval to award a contract for the 2023 Pavement Marking Program to the lowest responsible bidder, Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. from Pine Grove, Illinois, in accordance with the unit prices as submitted, not to exceed $148,124.31, and to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract subject to final review by the City Attorney.

8. Professional Services Agreement - SRO Agreement with D200 - Approval to execute the Police/High School Liaison Agreement between the Woodstock Community School District 200 and the City of Woodstock for the school year beginning August, 2023 and ending on or about May, 2024.

9. Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs) with Bargaining Units

Approval/affirmation of the following MOUS and authorize the City Manager to execute each of these said agreements:

a. MOU for FOP CBA to create a new pay grade for Evidence Custodian, a new collective bargaining unit full-time position;

b. MOU for Local 150 CBA to hire a Lead Mechanic, a new full-time position, at the 4th step of the current pay grade D and bargain in upcoming negotiations a new pay grade E for this position; and

c. MOU for Local 150 CBA to install GPS in all Public Works vehicles and heavy equipment and outline the impact on employees.

10. Purchase Ratification – LED Wall – Approval to ratify the purchase of an LED Video Light Wall, with installation services, from The AV Professor, LLC for the Woodstock Opera House Main Stage at a cost of $65,100.

11. Expenditure Approval – 2023 Fort Utility Police Interceptor Vehicle – Approval of an expenditure from FY23/24 CIP budget for one (1) 2023 Fort Utility Police Interceptor vehicle for $52,345 through Morrow Brothers Ford, Greenfield, IL, as well as up to $5,000 for all necessary associated equipment and up-fit costs.

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

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Flynn, McMahon, Nierman, Seegers, Tebo, Ziemba and Mayor Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried.

V. DISCUSSION – Bicycle Paths - Dean Street 

Ms. Betz stated the purpose of this item is to bring forward a discussion of placing a bike path on Dean Street, noting this is not proposed to be the only bike path in Woodstock, but would be part of a path system outlined by the Master Bicycle Plan.

Mr. Tiedt noted the City has been discussing bike paths for some time, providing a history of the actions taken over the past few years. He stated with reconstruction of Dean Street last year, it became a good location to implement some of these ideas and policies.

Mr. Tiedt described the proposed path, noting it would extend along Dean Street from Rt. 14 to the Square and would maintain existing on-street parking. He stated it would reduce vehicular speed on the street, calm traffic, increase drivers' awareness of their surroundings, and encourage drivers to stay within their lanes.

Mr. Tiedt provided information on the configuration of the bike path, noting the paths would be five-feet wide in areas where parking is allowed and four feet where there is no parking. He also noted the area of Dean that is not wide enough to incorporate two bike lanes, explaining how bikes and cars can share the road in this area.

Mr. Tiedt stated on June 22nd a public hearing was held to present this plan to the community, noting the feedback was mostly favorable.

Mr. Tiedt stated if Council is in favor of this, the project is already funded as it was included in the pavement striping contract already approved this evening.

In response to questions from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Tiedt stated parking is currently allowed on only one side of Dean Street and there is enough room to allow both bike lanes and this parking. He stated, regarding public input, someone was concerned the plan was not developed by cyclists, noting this individual did not have any suggestions for how the plan could be improved. Councilman Seegers expressed support for the project.

A brief discussion ensued about other locations for bike paths with Mr. Tiedt stating the intent is to expand to other streets, fine tuning the project using experience gained from the Dean Street path.

Ms. Betz noted a concern was expressed by a member of the public regarding traffic enforcement. She stated in talking with Chief Lieb, it was found that the width of the Dean Street lanes will exceed that required by Illinois law, so this plan supports the law.

A brief discussion ensued of regulations and enforcement in various scenarios. Chief Lieb noted if a violation of the law, by either a motorist or a cyclist, is witnessed by a Police Officer, it would be addressed as any violation would be.

In response to questions from Councilwoman Ziemba regarding maintenance, Mr. Tiedt stated this is the City's responsibility. He noted temporary striping placed as part of the reconstruction project, is now faint, and stated Staff did not want to put the regular striping down knowing this discussion was on the horizon. He stated striping is done every year, noting it will be the standard striping with reflectivity added. In response to comments from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Tiedt acknowledged the application of Reclamite does make the striping appear to be duller, stating Staff is working with the contractor to address this issue.

In response to Councilmembers' comments regarding measures to be taken during the introduction of the bike path, Mr. Tiedt stated signage will be placed up and down Dean Street and Staff will look into temporary placement of verticades during training.

The floor was opened for Public Comment.

Phillip Jackson stated he attended the Public Hearing and is not in favor of placing bike paths on Dean Street. He expressed concern about the additional cost required, whether it will fall on taxpayers, and whether there will be even more cost should the City decide to place bike lanes on other streets. He opined these funds should be used for road improvements. He also expressed concern that this will narrow the vehicular lanes too much.

In response, Mr. Tiedt noted this cost was included in the award for the annual Pavement Marking project, noting the striping costs of $0.13 per foot, the additional cost is approximately $2,000. Ms. Betz stated she would expect this always to come out of MFT funds, as that is the source of funds for striping. She stated if this is a priority and a strategy supported by the Council, Staff will want to continue developing a plan, stating it would be evaluated and brought back to Council, if needed.

Mayor Turner noted Council has consistently been asked to make Woodstock more bike friendly, including creating bike paths, stating this is a step in trying to improve the road to accommodate bicycles. He noted the Council has dedicated $56 million to roads and infrastructure, opining the $2,000 in question can be used for bike paths. He provided information on how the $56 million figure was reached, funding options investigated, and the five-year road improvement plan developed. Ms. Betz provided information on the expected improvement in the Pavement Condition Index to result from the Plan.

Mayor Turner emphasized the Council is cognizant of the road issues and has developed a solid plan, stating people have asked for bike lanes in addition to the roads.

Mr. Tiedt noted the increased safety provided by bike lanes. Mr. Jackson advocated for narrower bike lanes.

There were no further comments forthcoming from the Public.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, it was the consensus of the City Council that Staff move forward with the Bicycle Lane project as presented.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

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

ADJOURN 

Motion by B. Seegers, second by T. Nierman, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

Ayes: Flynn, McMahon, Nierman, Seegers, Tebo, Ziemba, and Mayor Turner. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/46485/city_council_minutes_7-18-23.pdf