McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A special meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order by Mayor Michael Turner at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. He explained the Consent Calendar process and invited public participation. This meeting was livestreamed.

A roll call was taken.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Darrin Flynn, Melissa McMahon, Tom Nierman, Gordon Tebo, Natalie Ziemba and Mayor Michael Turner.

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Seegers, Jr.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Brandy Quance, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director of Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Police Chief John Lieb, IT Director Dan McElmeel, Grant Writer Barb Szul and City Clerk Jane Howie.

OTHERS PRESENT: State Representative Steve Reick and Plan Commission Member Jackie Speciale.

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION

Anyone wishing to address the Council on an item not already on the agenda may do so at this time,

A. Public Comment - No comments.

B. Council Comment - No comments.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Flynn, second by Ziemba to approve the Consent Agenda.

Mayor Turner removed the only item from the Consent Agenda, which was consideration of an Ordnance for the Unscheduled Drop-Off of Large Groups in the City. Mayor Turner stated the goal of this meeting is for Council members to consider this Ordinance and listen to questions and concerns from the public. Then, Council members will discuss the Ordinance before them.

Mayor Turner added that the main purpose of the proposed "Bus Ordinance" is to prevent bus companies, arriving from out of state, to drop off migrants without any advance notification. In addition, we are hopeful that this will relieve the potential burden associated with these unscheduled drop-offs and ensure appropriate resources can be identified and directed to assist. Mayor Turner stated that we are not here this evening to debate national migration issues. He mentioned that the City of Woodstock's Ordinance follows that passed by the City of Chicago several weeks ago. This Ordinance was also modeled after the Ordinance of Aurora. Over this past week, several neighboring communities have passed similar Ordinances. The City feels this is an urgent matter. Woodstock does not have the staff, expertise, resources or money to provide social services needed by those who may be dropped off in town. We believe the passing of this Ordinance will allow us to do what is in the best interest of all those affected.

Mayor Turner mentioned the unscheduled bus drop-off that occurred on Saturday, just this past weekend. He thanked Chief Lieb and Deputy City Manager Paul Christensen for their immediate attention and assistance. He added that there were extraordinary efforts by others, including Councilwoman Melissa McMahon, Tom Wilson from MBI Staffing and Rob Mutert at Warp Corps, and he extended his thanks for their time and efforts. He added, in addition, the City received guidance and assistance from McHenry County Emergency Management Agency.

Mayor Turner asked for members of the public to come forward to comment on the proposed Ordinance.

Paul Lockwood, Olmstead Drive, said there are many negative comments and untruths circulating on Facebook. He commended Councilwoman McMahon and her daughter for their time & efforts. He was thankful the community came forward bringing water, food and warm clothing. Mr. Lockwood said, as it pertains to this Ordinance, Woodstock doesn't have the resources to meet these migrants' needs. He reminded us to treat all people with compassion. He supported the Ordinance presented this evening. In response to his question about enforcement, Mayor Turner said the City would identify the violating bus company by obtaining information such as the license plate, company name and contact information; then contact the bus company to discuss the violation.

Eva Baker, Hutchins Court, said she is so proud of this community. She shared her experience from the drop-off this past Saturday. She thanked Councilwoman McMahon, Tom Wilson & Rob Mutert for their time and efforts, and how they showed up at this desperate time. She opined she doesn't believe this Ordinance will be respected. She'd like the community to create a plan should migrants arrive in the future. She proposed the establishment of a Rapid Response Team, which could provide the necessary information to the migrants. Ms. Baker added that there are immigration lawyers in their group. Mayor Turner stated the Ordinance has already worked well in the City of Chicago. He added that the expertise and resources for migrants/ immigration are in Chicago, which is why the migrants are being sent to Chicago. Ms. Baker said, as it pertains to the Ordinance, there should be consequences to the bus companies. Mayor Turner said the City would be able to accomplish this objective, as the Ordinance provides provisions for fines for the bus companies in violation.

Jason Vericillo, Rte. 120, said he sponsors an immigrant family. He shared that their identification was taken away from them, they have no legal documentation for their family. He asked what responsibility the police have. Attorney Quance said there is a risk in any situation, especially when it involves children.

Rob Mutert, Bull Valley Road, said these are life's challenges, "first to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean." He stated that Warp Corps is a provider for the unhoused in the community. The response from the community has been outstanding. He shared additional information, mainly that there is a lot of good here. He asked that we look outside the box and figure out what could work for Woodstock instead of putting them on a train to Chicago. He thanked Steven's Home for their support in these situations. He believes some of these migrants will return to Woodstock, and he'd like Woodstock to be prepared. He said the amount of positive outreach was impressive!

Peter Suffield, Republican candidate for the McHenry County Board, said he supports the Ordinance. He asked how the Ordinance will be enforced, and how will this effect the Woodstock Police and the Illinois State Police. Mayor Turner opined there's no effect on the Woodstock Police Department. If needed, the City can get assistance from other neighboring entities. Peter added that he's concerned about migrants bringing sickness or disease into the community.

Jose Lopez, Woodstock said this is very personal to him, he arrived from out of the country into Woodstock twenty years ago. He's opposed to the proposed Ordinance. He believes this is a great opportunity to show other communities what Woodstock is all about. Mayor Turner agreed it does have a feeling of "kicking the can down the road." He said we need to look at how we manage the City of Woodstock. Does the City have the ability to take this on? It's not for a lack of caring; it's a heavy dose of reality. We need to find who is best to deal with this situation. The City doesn't have the funding like the state and federal governments do. This is more about how we deal with the reality of this situation. Mr. Lopez added that there is a group of approximately 24 people that have come together to assist in the past week. He believes that Woodstock does have some resources to assist and help them on their way.

Reverend Scott Zaucha, St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Woodstock. He said his small church has found that when they come together they are able to do great things. He opined when people work together they are able to assist in the transition when others are going through these difficult times. He does not support the proposed Ordinance.

Sheniece Syas, Wild Meadow Lane, believes people coming together can make this work.

Nada Lunsford, Director of Steven's Home in Woodstock said she works with the homeless every day. She believes the proposed Ordinance is not "kicking a can down the road." She believes it is appropriate to send the migrants to a community that has the resources to assist them. She opined this is the best way to take care of them at this time until Woodstock is ready to assist. This is a long-term problem; she supports the proposed Ordinance. She said we need to have compassion, but do the best we can do for them.

James Young, Roger Road, said, as it pertains to the proposed Ordinance, he mentioned concerns regarding violations of interstate commerce. He asked if this could be a future liability to the City of Woodstock. He asked if the proposed Ordinance has been submitted to the Attorney General for review? The City Attorney said this is not interfering with interstate commerce and the proposed Ordinance has not been reviewed by the Attorney General.

Tom Wilson, Fairview Lane, appreciated everyone being in attendance this evening. He supports the proposed Ordinance, with the keyword being "unscheduled drop-offs." He said we need to be prepared and ready to assist if it happens again. He said the situation was inspirational; a moving experience. We have to sustain / maintain it over time. He said this requires structure and formality to ensure the best response now and going forward. He stated that today Woodstock does not have the resources to assist these folks going forward. What can we do better next time? This is a tough situation; there's no easy answer. We have to lead with realistic expectations. There are a lot of great people in this community. Be patient, kind and thoughtful.

Mayor Turner opened the floor for comments from City Council. Councilman Flynn said the most important piece is being aware, being prepared to serve those in need. He said that the City wishes to be prepared should there be another drop-off. He thanked all those that jumped into action when the drop-off occurred. There was a brief discussion about the train station being locked; however, this has been taken care of. The plan was to open up the train station, but we'll be ready next time. The proposed Ordinance is to prevent future unscheduled drop-offs.

Councilwoman Ziemba thanked all those, by name, who shared their comments this evening. She added that she always appreciates having members of the public in the audience, and she admires those who are brave enough to make their statements heard. She said we need to work in the scope of, and with the specifics of, the proposed Ordinance presented this evening. As idealistic as she is, this body is not here tonight to debate or vote on federal, state or county immigration policy. Our obligation, duty and responsibility are to the current residents of the City of Woodstock.

Councilman Tebo said he was aghast that this unscheduled drop-off occurred in Woodstock and was pleased how Woodstock responded. He agreed that Woodstock does not have the resources to assist these migrants; he supports the proposed Ordinance. He shared information about the number of Ukrainian immigrants since the war started. The country has no plan for these immigrants. He suggested that everyone talk to your elected officials; congressmen, and senators.

Councilwoman McMahon said she understands that Woodstock does not have the resources needed to properly assist migrants. She shared her experience from this past Saturday. She said that she's very proud of the community's efforts and time. She expressed her happiness that Woodstock has collected numerous supplies should another drop-off occur in Woodstock or in a neighboring community. She'd like the City to put information together in several languages to share with migrants and those in need. She mentioned that she'd be happy to assist in the formation of a Rapid Response Team. She opined Woodstock can and will do better. Again, she thanked everyone who stepped up and continues to step up. She added that there are many unhoused residents in Woodstock and McHenry County.

Councilman Nierman agrees with the comments shared. He said we need to remain compassionate and stay realistic. Mayor Turner thanked Council for their comments. He shared a mantra from his employer, "assume positive intent." He values the comments shared here tonight; a spirit of compromise. He stated that Woodstock does great things as a community. The proposed Ordinance should not overshadow that. We will continue to do what is sustainable, manageable and will be successful for the long term. He opined that the proposed Ordinance is needed at this time. We solve problems, address reality.

Motion by Tebo, second by Nierman to approve Ordinance 24-0-01, an Ordinance amending Title 3 of the City's Code to create a New Chapter 11, requiring coordination with the City to manage the unscheduled drop-off of large groups in the City.

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

Mayor Turner thanked all those who assisted in addition to members of City staff.

V. ADJOURN – to next meeting, January 16, 2024, 7:00 PM Motion by Flynn, second by Nierman to adjourn this special meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

Ayes: Flynn, McMahon, Nierman, Tebo, Ziemba and Mayor Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Seegers. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:26 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/47478/1-2-24_city_council_minutes.pdf