McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Jan. 16.

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, January 16, 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, Bob Seegers, Jr., 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 Operations Christina Betz, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Utilities Manager Mike Rousey, Grant Writer Barb Szul, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Marketing and Communications Director Heather Arnold and City Clerk Jane Howie. 

OTHERS PRESENT: Woodstock Willie and members of the Groundhog Day Committee, Attorney Craig Krandel and Main Street PourHouse owner Eloy Pablo. 

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. Proclamation 

1. Groundhog Day

Mayor Turner welcomed Rick Bellairs along with Woodstock Willie and committee members and asked them to join him for the reading of the Proclamation. Mayor Turner said this is not just an event, but it is an important identity in the City of Woodstock. Many people come together as volunteers along with businesses and members of City staff to assist in making this a successful event. Mayor Turner read the Proclamation for all to hear. The audience received the reading of the Proclamation with hearty applause. 

B. Public Comment 

There were no comments forthcoming from the Public.. 

C. Council Comment 

Councilman Tebo mentioned that Public Works' staff had a creative way of putting snow in the middle of roadways creating temporary roundabouts. 

Councilwoman Ziemba thanked Public Works staff for clearing the roads so promptly and for their long hours and efforts. Executive Director Betz gave special compliments to Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Superintendent John Mecklenburg and Foreman Trevor Schacht for managing two large snowstorms in less than one week. She extended a big thank you to all Public Works employees. 

Councilwoman McMahon thanked Tom Wilson, Rob Mutert and the numerous volunteers and community members for assisting with packing necessities for migrants and those in need. 

Mayor Turner stated that Woodstock experienced a nasty snowstorm with the heavy snow that came down in a very fast time. Then, temps dropped severely causing the roads to remain slippery and somewhat unclear. The City is doing the best they can, but it's going to take some time due to the extremely cold temperatures that renders ice control measures ineffective. Even in light of these challenges, Public Works has done a fantastic job! 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

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

Item D-3 Ordinance UDO Text Amendment Councilman Nierman. 

Parking and Storage of Vehicles by 

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

Item D-6 

Councilman Nierman had questions concerning Item D-6-Professional Services Contract Award - Splashpad Design. He asked why the City is going out for design when the funding for the splashpad has not been met. He added that there are a lot of companies, some local, that provide design along with the installation. Executive Director Gulli said, as it pertains to funding, the team has raised just over $65,000 without a design. She added that it's difficult to fundraise without having a design to share. There is $300,000 in the City Administration's proposed CIP for the FY24/25 budget for this project. She shared that the equipment and entire project in McHenry was between $300,000 - $400,000. The City is hoping to spend the money from fundraising to pay for the design. 

Executive Director Betz added, as it pertained to the McHenry project, additional funding was needed. There are companies that do the design and installation that can provide the product, as well. However, there are a lot more items that need to be considered, such as underground utilities. It's more than just getting the company on site. She shared that the City Engineer has received comments that we're smart to start with a design first. Councilman Nierman asked if they talked to Union Grove in Racine County as they have one that's about ready to be installed. Perhaps they'd have some pointers for Woodstock. 

Councilman Seegers opined, as it pertains to the splashpad, the City doesn't get many participants to RFPs. He asked if the municipality could secure local contractors directly to inform them of the RFP ahead of time. Executive Director Betz said often times the expertise is not out there, sometimes it's the time constraints for the contractors. Also, engineering consultants are extremely busy and they can't fit more work into their schedule. She said staff sent the RFPs out to several companies; however, there are many situations that keep them from bidding. 

Mr. Stelford said as it pertains to prevailing wage, most smaller local contractors are not accustomed to dealing with this compliance process. Councilman Seegers said this is very frustrating to him, and results in elevating the costs of work to the City. 

There were no comments or questions forthcoming from the Public. 

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-2 and items D-4 through D-8 as follows: 

A. ACCEPTANCE OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

1. December 19, 2023 City Council Minutes 

2. January 2, 2024 City Council Special Meeting Minutes

B. WARRANTS 

1. #4082 

2. #4083 

3. #4084

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

1. Arts Commission Minutes December 11, 2023 

2. Economic Development Commission Minutes September 7, 2023

3. Environmental Commission Minutes October 5, 2023

4. Human Resources Monthly Report December, 2023

5. Library Board of Trustees Minutes December 14, 2023 

6. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 241:

1. Video Gaming License for Main Street PourHouse (241a) 

Approval to issue a Video Gaming License to Main Street PourHouse, 214 Main Street. 

2. Ordinance - UDO Text Amendment and Special Use Permit - 410 S. Eastwood (former Aldi) (241b)

Approval of the following Ordinances: 

a. An Ordinance #24-0-02 Approving a Text Amendment to Amend Table 7A.4, Allowed and Special Use Table, of the City of Woodstock, Illinois, Unified Development Ordinance Relating to Government Offices/Agencies. 

b. An Ordinance #24-0-03 Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow a Government Office/Facility at 410 S. Eastwood Drive. 

4. Resolution - Grant Award – National Fitness Campaign (241d) 

Approval of the following: 

a. Resolution # 24-R-01 to Adopt and Allocate Funds for an Outdoor Fitness Court as Part of Nature's Way Park and the 2024 National Fitness Campaign, taking into consideration that the City of Woodstock has received a $50,000 grant from NFC and its grants sponsor toward the purchase of the fitness court with costs after the award not to exceed $162,000. 

b. The purchase of the NFC Fitness Court Equipment and Local Artist Collection services from National Fitness Campaign LP, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, at a total cost of $135,000. 

5. Contract Award - Sludge Hauling 2024 (241e) 

Approval to award a bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge Disposal Services for calendar year 2024 to Synagro, Baltimore, MD, for the unit price of $85 per cubic yard for dry solids disposal and $0.045 per gallon for transportation of liquid solids between the two wastewater treatment plant facilities, and rejecting the alternate two-year bid from Synagro, as well as, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract for said services, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney. 

6. Professional Services Contract Award – Splashpad Design (241f) 

Approval to award a professional services agreement, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of the RFP process, for architectural and engineering services for the development of the Splashpad design at Woodstock Water Works to Wight & Company, Darien, Illinois, and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract for said services, subject to final review by the City Attorney, at a total cost of $69,800. 

7. Supplement #1 - Design Eng. Services - Route 47 Road Widening Project (241g) 

Approval of Supplement #1 to the existing HR Green Professional Engineering Services contract for Design Engineering Services associated with utility relocation, lighting and landscaping design for the Route 47 road widening project at a total cost not to exceed $139,689.28, and authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to execute said contract, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney. 

8. Non-Disclosure Agreement - 101 S. Jefferson Street Negotiations (241h)

Authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a non-disclosure agreement with Throop Street, LLC, in regards to all negotiations with respect to the City's acquisition of a legal interest in or redevelopment of 101 S. Jefferson Street. 

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

Item D-3-Ordinance - UDO Text Amendment 

Councilman Nierman said he agreed with the changes in the UDO Text Amendment except for the cannabis dispensary limitation. He added that limiting the City to one dispensary gives advantage to only one business. City Manager Stelford shared that staff included Plan Commission information in the packet; however, the Plan Commission was not supportive of this change. Therefore, this is not being presented to Council this evening. 

Councilman Flynn voiced concerns about Item 9.6.B, Use of Parking Areas. He read the language as presented. In response, Director Napolitano shared the intent of the proposed language, which was to have any newly-constructed parking area paved. It does not allow for the continuance of vehicles parked on unpaved areas. Councilman Flynn would like this language to include existing parking spaces as well; that the text amendment be updated to require that all areas for parking of any vehicles must be paved. 

Director Napolitano said that staff can make this change. Discussion ensued on how best to update the language to include the requirement for parking on paved surfaces. 

There were suggestions to add language to Item 9.6.B, such as, displayed vehicles must be on a paved surface. Council considered bringing this item back to their next meeting on February 6th; however, Attorney Schlossberg mentioned that this would need to be presented to Plan Commission for their recommendation first; then presented to City Council. Councilwoman McMahon asked if this would address the parking on the grass in City parks. Mayor Turner said parking on the grass is not allowed in City parks; violators will be ticketed. 

Attorney Schlossberg said staff can change the Ordinance this evening with Council's suggestions and vote. Mayor Turner asked that this item be "wordsmithed" this evening. Council members suggested language to also add to Section 9.6.C.4.b. 

Motion by Mayor Turner as it pertains to Ordinance #24-O-04 UDO Text Amendments, to add the following language to Item 9.6 Use of Parking Areas, Section B. "All existing areas for parking, storage and display-for-sale of motor vehicles, trailers and shipping containers in any district shall be on an improved paved surface, except as provided for in Section 7B.2.26 and Section 9.13.D of this Ordinance." And, to add the following language to the end of Item 9.6 C.4.b. "“and must be on a paved surface.", second by Tebo. 

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Flynn, McMahon, Nierman, Seegers, Tebo, Ziemba and Mayor Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: none. Motion carried to approve UDO Text Amendments as stated above. 

V. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

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

Councilmen Flynn & Nierman will be absent from the February 6th Council meeting. Mayor Turner will be absent from the February 20th meeting. Staff will be scheduling two Budget Workshops; one in early to mid-February, the other in early to mid-March. 

VI. ADJOURN-- to next meeting, February 6, 2024, 7:00 PM 

Motion by McMahon, second by Flynn to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. 

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

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM. 

https://www.woodstockil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01162024-278