McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Sept. 19.

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, September 19, 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: Melissa McMahon, Tom Nierman, Bob Seegers, Natalie Ziemba, and Mayor Michael Turner.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Darrin Flynn and Gordon Tebo

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director of Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Opera House Managing Director Daniel Campbell, Marketing Director Heather Arnold, City Engineer Chris Tiedt, City Planner Darrell Moore, Grant Writer Barb Szul, 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. Proclamation: Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15 through 10/15) 

Mayor Turner welcomed members of Hispanic Connections to the podium, stating this Proclamation honors Hispanic Heritage Month. He stated this is timely as the community just enjoyed Mexican Independence Day this past Sunday, which was a tremendous success. He thanked those present who organized the event, noting the time involved, and thanked all who volunteered.

Mayor Turner read the proclamation, which was met with hearty applause, and presented it to Teresa Flores, representing the group.

Ms. Ortiz thanked everyone for the proclamation, noting they have appreciated the support the City has given them and stating they are grateful to be part of the community.

B. Presentations: 

1. Friends of the Opera House 

a. Check Presentation 

Members of the Board of the Friends of the Opera House joined Mayor Turner at the podium. He stated this is a very generous donation from the Friends group, noting this is an incredibly important group. He stated the Opera House is a jewel in the city of Woodstock and a fixture on the Square. He noted the Friends are passionate about this building and put in countless hours to support it, expressing the City's appreciation. He expressed the City's gratitude for this $25,000 donation, noting it will go toward the video wall at the Opera House.

Peggy Hart, President of the Friends of the Opera House, agreed they do have a passion for the Opera House, feeling that it belongs to the citizens of Woodstock. She noted the Friends are dedicated to the Opera House, stating it is their great pleasure to present this donation for the video wall.

John Puzzo stated part of the mission statement of the Friends is their wish to do things that will enhance the experience for Opera House patrons and performers, noting this wall will enhance the performance of every performer on that stage.

b. Recognition of John Puzzo 

Mr. Campbell read a statement expressing Mr. Puzzo's value to the Opera House and thanking him for all he has done. He stated Mr. Puzzo is a true friend of the Opera House who believes everyone in the community should feel it is their Opera House, opining his commitment is real and is contagious.

Noting Mr. Puzzo and a few others created the Friends of the Opera House, Mr. Campbell stated he and the Board have worked tirelessly to make the Opera House what it is. Noting his love of the Opera House, Mr. Campbell stated Mr. Puzzo has given his time and his many skills and talents to maintain the Opera House. Opining everyone should be grateful for his dedication to the community and to the Opera House, Mr. Campbell thanked Mr. Puzzo for his service to the Opera House and for all he has given.

Mr. Puzzo noted his father instilled in him that this is his town, stating he feels that it is his Opera House, opining everyone should take that attitude. He thanked Mr. Campbell for the opportunity to be involved with the Opera House and to serve with the wonderful Board of the Friends of the Opera House.

Mayor Turner stated the City cannot thank Mr. Puzzo enough for all his efforts in service to the Opera House.

C. Public Comment 

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

D. Council Comment 

Mayor Turner extended his thanks to everyone who made the Mexican Independence Day Celebration a success, including the group that led the months' long efforts and commitment to put the event on, all volunteers, performers, the Public Works Department, Marketing Department, Police Department, and the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District. He stated this is a community effort to welcome the thousands of people who flocked to the Square for this great event.

Mayor Turner highlighted this is the Raise the Curtain Week at the Opera House, expressing his appreciation for those involved with this fundraiser.

Mayor Turner stated this is the final meeting for City Clerk Smiley, as she is retiring after many years of service to the City.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

Motion by B. Seegers, second by T. Nierman, to approve the Consent Agenda.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, no items were removed by the Council or the Public.

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following questions or comments were forthcoming from the Council or the Public on the items remaining on the Consent Agenda.

Item D-6- Contract WWW Pool Improvements

Councilwoman McMahon stated she is happy to see the City is investing in these improvements and asked Staff to stay on top of the vendor to be sure the work is completed by the date stated.

Councilman Nierman expressed support that the vendor is local.

Item D-7- Purchase Approval - Valve Insertion Machine & Associated Equipment

Councilman Nierman stated he is pleased the City is taking a proactive step to save money and bring things in-house.

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

A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

September 5, 2023 City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS: 4068 4069

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

Arts Commission Minutes August 14, 2023

Economic Development Commission Minutes July 13, 2023 

Human Resources Monthly Report August 2023

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 233;

1. Ordinance - Surplus Declaration - Approval of Ordinance 23-0-46, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Surplus Vehicle/Equipment, authorizing and directing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law.

2. Resolution - Grant Support - Approval of Resolution 23-R-11, identified as Document 2, A Resolution Confirming Financial Support for a Grant Application to the US. DOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program for a total project amount of $150,000, with a 20% match required from the City.

3. Resolution - McHenry County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan - Approval of Resolution 23-R-12, identified as Document 3, A Resolution Adopting the McHenry County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan as an Official Plan of the City.

4. Real Woodstock Dissolution - Affirm the dissolution of Real Woodstock, Inc. and terminate the Cooperative Marketing Agreement for the creation and operation of Real Woodstock, between the Woodstock Area of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the City of Woodstock.

5. Historic District Residential Assistance Program 301 West Judd Street 

Approval to allocate not more than 50 percent of program-eligible costs (up to $3,788.47) for window replacement at 301 West Judd Street.

6. Contract Award - WWW Pool Improvements - Approval of a contract with Fiesta Pools, Inc., Woodstock, IL, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to perform high diving board replacement, deck caulking, and concrete repair services for the Woodstock Water Works (WWW) recreation and lap pools for a total cost of $52,233.15; and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract subject to final review by the City Attorney.

7. Purchase Approval Valve Insertion Machine & Associated Equipment 

Approval of the purchase of an AVT Valve Insertion Machine and associated equipment from Core & Main Company of Belvidere, IL, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, for an amount not to exceed $75,612.32.

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

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

V. DISCUSSION 

A. DLR - Opera House Improvements 

Mayor Turner noted this is a discussion of the DLR Report on the proposed Opera House improvements. He stated this is a comprehensive, well-done report and expressed his appreciation to Staff for their recommendations and direction on this project. He stated this is a discussion to receive Council's comments.

Mr. Stelford expressed appreciation for Staff's work and for the partnership with DLR and their expertise on historic entertainment facilities, opining their input has been invaluable. He stated this is a $4.6 million spend for the City with $3.0 million covered by a DCEO grant. Mr. Stelford stated the cost to complete all identified improvements is $7+ million, so some items will have to be delayed and noted Staff has done a great job evaluating and recommending the projects to move forward based on operational impacts.

Ms. Gulli stated this is a great example of applying what Staff learned with the Old Courthouse. She noted the City will be conducting the architectural process next. Ms. Gulli expressed her appreciation for Mr. Rodriquez's and Ms. Betz's collaboration in working with her and Director Campbell, stating Staff is eager to move forward.

In response to Mayor Turner's question regarding the timeframe and downtime, Ms. Betz stated once a firm is selected for the architectural process and on board, Staff will bring this back to Council, hopefully on October 19th. She stated, following that, the project will begin and take approximately six months, opining bidding and construction could start in April. Ms. Betz stated the City will know the timeline at that time, which will be communicated to the DCEO. She noted right now the deadline for completion is December 2024 and it is hoped to receive an extension.

Councilman Seegers commended Mr. Campbell, noting he has learned much in his discussions with him and is excited about this project. He also complimented Ms. Gulli and Staff for their work on this project.

Councilwoman Ziemba stated the walkthrough provided by Mr. Campbell and Staff helped her support these expenditures. Opining the Opera House is the jewel of the Square, she stated she thinks of this more as a restoration of a great space. She also commended Mr. Campbell, stating the Opera House is in great hands.

Councilman Nierman also opined the tour of the Opera House was great and suggested putting a video together so the public can see the need and how this project will make it better. Mr. Campbell stated he has already had conversations with Ms. Arnold to discuss a long-term marketing plan to present this to the public.

Noting she has had the privilege of being involved in productions at the Opera House, Councilwoman McMahon stated she is very excited about this project and the changes it will bring for the Opera House and the City. She opined there is a great team in place at the Opera House now. 

Mayor Turner echoed the comments of the Councilmembers. He stated as Council talks about this project, it is important to note the City received a 2/3 grant which allows the City to do much more than it thought possible.

Mayor Turner stated post-COVID he felt there was a way to change how and what the City is doing at the Opera House. He talked about the contributions of Mr. Campbell, Ms. Gulli, and the last and present City Councils to change how things are done without changing the history and the core of the Opera House. He stated it is not his wish to in any way detract from the history and community element of the Opera House.

Mayor Turner stated the evaluation of the building is not about changing its purpose or its history, but about incremental changes of how it is used and marketed. He noted when the Opera House is busy, the restaurants and businesses are busy.

Mayor Turner opined there is momentum between the Opera House, the Old Courthouse and the entire Square, expressing his whole-hearted support for this project. He stated the City has the ability to act sooner rather than later because of its great financial position and Mr. Stelford's and Mr. Christensen's financial oversight.

Councilman Seegers noted the funds the City is using for this project were already budgeted for in the Capital Improvement Program, which Ms. Betz confirmed to be the case. Mayor Turner noted this is an example of what the City does with the CIP, establishing priorities and then re-prioritizing when appropriate. Mr. Christensen noted the City reprioritizes when it has the ability to use grants, because so much more can be done.

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.

Mayor Turner thanked Staff, DLR, and all involved in grant writing for their efforts on this project, noting it is game changing for the City to make this investment.

B. Quarterly Financial Reports - Transmittal of the following financial reports for the first quarter of FY23/24: 

1. First Quarter Revenues and Expenditures Report 

2. First Quarter Investment Report 

Mr. Stelford noted these reports are showing that the economy is starting to slow. He stated the City is not seeing the growth seen a year ago in sales taxes, for example.

Mr. Christensen confirmed the City is starting to see a slowdown, but noted this was anticipated so the City is still seeing the projected budget numbers providing information on sales taxes. He stated building permits are down by approximately one-half, probably as a result of the slowdown in the economy and the fact that people have already fixed up their homes during the pandemic.

Mr. Christensen stated the rise in interest rates by the Fed results in higher income for the City, resulting in the budget for interest income being at 40.7% for the year.

Noting impact fees are only at 6.8% of budget, Councilman Seegers suggested a reduction in these fees to generate more revenue, opining the City would not be losing anything as they are low now. Mayor Turner noted the City did reduce fees, which has not resulted in an increase in housing. He opined labor, supply costs and interest rates are causing the reduction in housing. He stated he would be open to a discussion of a reduction in impact fees, but is not sure this would have the desired effect.

Mayor Turner expressed appreciation to Mr. Stelford and Mr. Christensen, noting when preparing the FY23/24 Budget, Staff did not expect the levels of economic activity seen in the previous year to follow. He noted advice from Staff such as this is what keeps the City financially stable. He asked them to continue with this kind of advice and oversight.

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

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

ADJOURN 

Motion by M. McMahon, second by N. Ziemba, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

Again, noting this is Ms. Smiley's final meeting, Mayor Turner requested a roll call vote.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/46489/city_council_minutes_9-19-23.pdf