McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Aug. 20

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 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 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: Melissa McMahon, Tom Nierman, Bob Seegers, Jr., Gordon Tebo and Mayor Michael Turner. 

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Darrin Flynn and Natalie Ziemba. 

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Engineering Director Chris Tiedt, Building & Planning Director Joe Napolitano, City Planner Darrell Moore, Police Chief John Lieb, Marketing and Communications Director Heather Arnold, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Pentecost, Grant Writer Barb Szul, Office Coordinator Michelle Mallon Jenkins and City Clerk Jane Howie. 

OTHERS PRESENT: Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Brad Ball, Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Chairperson Arlene Lynes, Design Workshop Reps Anna Laybourn, Ashley McKnight and Allie Pollock. 

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. Presentation 

1. Parks Master Plan Update 

Mayor Turner shared information about the goals of the Parks Master Plan. Executive Director Betz introduced the representatives from Design Workshop. Ms. Laybourn shared information about the project process. She shared information about the plan's purpose, the vision, goals and accountability. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo regarding increased park funding, Ms. McKnight said the plan includes ways in which to accomplish these goals. They have a session that speaks to different funding methods. She said the Plan will include equity, inclusion, culture, implementing the arts plan to create opportunity, and honor the diversity and history of Woodstock. The Plan will identify areas where new parks can be added, address programming gaps especially for seniors and teens, and will involve recreational interest. One of the goals is to increase the tree canopy and implement tree succession. There's an interest to increase opportunities to create destination parks; a skate park, dog park, fishing opportunities, etc. 

In response to a question from Councilman Nierman, Ms. McKnight said the initial planning process will include maintenance and upkeep needs for current parks along with ways of improving these parks. They completed a large-scale analysis and graded them; they'll advise how each park could be improved. 

Ms. McKnight shared Action Items, beginning with goals for the first year after adoption of the Plan and also from years two through ten. Mayor Turner said the consolidation of events in one department is an interesting concept for them to recommend. Some of the Big Ideas mentioned for years two through ten included increasing parks maintenance staff to 18 FTEs. 

Ms. Pollock shared a map of potential locations for new parks and open spaces, including locations along Woodstock's current boundaries as well as future growth plans. The team highlighted some high priority areas connecting parks to neighborhoods. There was a brief discussion about greenways, which are areas of undeveloped land that can be used for recreation use or environmental protection. 

Councilman Seegers shared that he is interested in a specific analysis regarding the City's current parks and ways in which to improve our current assets before we build new. Ms. Laybourn said this data will be in the Plan document itself. Mayor Turner stated that the Parks Master Plan should include ideas about planning and identifying opportunities for growth, but it should also contain information about the city's current inventory with ways in which to maintain and enhance what currently exists in the city. Executive Director Betz said staff is reviewing the draft document and will provide feedback to Design Workshop by the end of this week. Councilman Seegers said, in his discussions with other communities, they are becoming less interested in adding parks and more interested in maintaining their current parks. In response, Ms. Laybourn said the national trend is to have some small parks within walking distance (they don't need restrooms when the parks are in neighborhoods close to homes). Councilman Seegers asked if that desire has increased since we've gone through the pandemic. The team agreed that this is true. Resident are looking for outdoor space. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Ms. Laybourn said the funding component is tailored to each community. Mayor Turner was supportive of this idea. 

Councilman Nierman would like to see some of the "low-hanging fruit" projects taken care of in the near future. Ms. Laybourn said the breakdown of the first year's recommendations is based on the current funding available. Mayor Turner asked that they prioritize the items even more within year one and then years two through ten. 

Council was advised that the recommendations would include an inventory of what is at every park. Ms. Pollock said the final plan document will also include the number of people that have visited each park throughout the year. In response to a question from Councilwoman McMahon, the team advised that parks such as Emricson Park would be broken down by sections; Woodstock Water Works, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, etc. Mayor Turner wants to understand the inventory within each park and the function of the different parts of each park. Councilman Tebo said he appreciates the extent that the team has gone through so far and he'd like to know the number of visitors that have visited each function of each park. 

Mayor Turner opined the priority is maintaining the existing parks. As it pertains to development opportunities, this will help to identify locations for future development in the city. He asked the team to be bold in their recommendations. Mayor Turner said one of the unique structures in Woodstock is that there isn't a park district. Mayor Turner said the city invests greatly in our parks; however, we never have enough money to do everything we want to do. 

City Manager Stelford said we want the team's best ideas. He's specifically interested in the revenue enhancements. Ms. Laybourn said once the draft plan is shared, they'll also ask questions and ask for guidance. It should be available the week of September 23rd. There will be an open house where the community can review the plan and ask questions. In October they'll present to the Parks and Recreation Commission, then, to City Council. 

Design Workshop is looking forward to the City's comments and recommendations. Mayor Turner asked the public if there are any questions about the Parks Master Plan presentation. Mayor Turner thanked the Design Workshop team. 

B. Public Comments: 

Jean Hervert Neimann, Tara Ct. shared her concerns about the proposed changes to the garbage contract. She said the 95-gallon toter is very large and heavy for many residents to handle. And, she asked if the City can work with MDC to offer a smaller toter, such as a 35-gallon or a 65- gallon toter, which are provided in many other communities. She'd like the City to represent the seniors and people in the community that don't produce a lot of garbage. Mayor Turner thanked her for bringing this information forward. He said the City is looking into other options. He added that the sticker program is going to the wayside, but we will consider the needs of the community. Staff will continue negotiations with MDC. 

C. Council Comments: 

Councilwoman McMahon thanked Ashley & Chris Marulli, the City, local shops, residents and event attendees for the Car Show this past Saturday night. She said this was the 27th year and it was another great event. She added that the fundraiser this year went to youth football and cheer. Mayor Turner thanked everyone involved for helping to make this a fun and successful event. 

Councilman Seegers shared that he drives through the park daily, and it pleases him to see the tennis and pickleball courts always full. It added that there is a wide range of audiences and he loves seeing the courts being used. He also mentioned that he loves seeing all of the vehicles at the Rec Center and around the Opera House. 

Councilman Tebo said he was on the Square last week and saw that Starbucks is painting and updating their outdoor space, using their own funds. He shared that he is always please to see business / building owners maintaining and/or improving their investment. Councilwoman McMahon reminded everyone that the City of Woodstock's Family Fun Day is this Sunday, Aug. 25th, noon- 4:00 p.m. in the Square, and she invited everyone to attend. 

Mayor Turner said, pertaining to Item D-1, there is a change in the name on the Agreement. This is not between the City of Woodstock and Squire on the Square, Inc. It is between Woodstock Courthouse LLC and Squire on the Square. Attorney Schlossberg said the City is the managing partner of the Old Courthouse Center. 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following items were removed from the Consent Agenda. 

• Item D-3 Resolution - OSLAD Grant Resolution of Authorization (Splash Pad at WWW) was removed by Councilman Nierman. 

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-I 

Mayor Turner congratulated City staff on their review of these proposals. He said Staff is continuing discussions with other businesses to hopefully have some of them locate in other areas of the Square or town. Executive Director Gulli said the Squire team wishes they could have been here this evening; however, they have a new grandchild. Mayor Turner stated that the closure of the prior restaurant was a shock to the community, Council and staff. It was very tough. However, in less than five months the City is approving a new restaurant to move into the space. He knows a lot of work went into this decision. Over the weeks and months Council provided input, staff went to work and turned this around in less than five month's time. He shared his pride in staff's accomplishment. Thanks to the work by City Manager Stelford, Executive Directors Gulli, Betz and Christensen and all others who were involved. Councilman Seegers expressed his appreciation to staff. He said from the City's perspective; economically, this is better for the city then what we had before, Mayor Turner said he pays attention to the comments around town and he believes the vast majority are positive. He opined there is a true excitement and appreciation for who has been chosen. 

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include Items A - D-2 and D-4-D-8, as follows: 

A. ACCEPTANCE OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

1. August 6, 2024 City Council Minutes 

2. August 6, 2024 City Council Executive Session Minutes 

B. WARRANTS 

1. #4112 

2. #4113 

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

1. Arts Commission Special Meeting Minutes July 15, 2024

2. Environmental Commission Minutes June 6, 2024

3. Human Resources Department Report Feb-July, 2024

4. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes July 9, 2024

5. Police Pension Minutes April 15, 2024

6. Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes May 9, 2024

7. Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes June 13, 2024 

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 254: 

1. Ordinance - Lease Agreement - Old Courthouse Restaurant (254a) 

Approval of Ordinance #24-0-48 authorizing a lease agreement between Woodstock Courthouse LLC and The Squire on the Square, Inc. for the lease of The Old Courthouse Center Restaurant, Unit A, at 101 N. Johnson Street. 

2. Ordinance - Approval of a New Class A-6 Liquor License for 101 N. Johnson Unit A (The Squire on the Square (254b) 

Approval of Ordinance #24-0-49 amending Section 3.3.6, Classification of Licenses; Number and Fees of the Woodstock City Code, for the creation of a new Class A-6 liquor license and issuance to The Squire on the Square, Inc., contingent upon the fulfillment of all requirements. 

4. Resolution – Change Order-2024 Enhanced Streets Program (254d) 

Approval of Resolution #24-R-20 authorizing Change Order #1 to the contract with Peter Baker & Son Co. for the 2024 Enhanced Streets Improvement Program with an increase to the original contract amount of $926,590.48. 

5. Fleet Purchase Agreement - Streets Wood Chipper (254e) 

Approval to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a purchase agreement for one (1) 2024 Vermeer BC1800XL Chipper from Vermeer Midwest of Aurora, IL, through the Sourcewell Contract for the total cost of $106,723.22. 

6. Allocation Approval – Facade Improvement Program - Cass Street (2541) 

Approval to allocate $2,350 in Facade Improvement Program eligible exterior improvement costs from TIF #2 for improvements at 132-134 Cass Street. 

7. Contract Award - Portable Restrooms (254g) 

Approval for the City Manager, or his designee, to award a professional services contract for the rental and service of portable toilets to LRS Portables of Woodstock, IL, in accordance with the unit prices, as submitted, and for calendar years 2025, 2026, and 2027. 

8. Contract Award - Duvall Lift Station Pump Replacement (254h) 

Approval to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a contract with Flow-Technics to purchase and install two (2) replacement pumps for the Duvall Lift Station for a price not to exceed $57,673. 

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

Item D-3 Resolution -- OSLAD Grant Resolution of Authorization (Splash Pad at WWW) Councilman Nierman, pertaining to the OSLAD Grant for the Splash Pad, shared his concerns about having to match the $600,000 grant. He'd like to know where we are with funds raised and he wanted more background information. Executive Director Gulli said going into the Splash Bash event the City had $75,000 in donations. $18,000 was raised from the event this year. She opined the City has had a lot of support and staff has started working with the company designing the splashpad. 

Director Pentecost has taken the lead on this project. There was some discussion on a recirculation water system vs. a fresh water system, along with the costs involved. Director Pentecost shared the concept of fresh water (which can be very cold and wasteful) vs. a recirculation water system (water conservation, water would be treated and warmer) The recirculation water system would add an additional $250,000 to the project. The splashpad will provide additional aquatic play at Woodstock Water Works. Unfortunately, the aquatic center is closed during some really warm days after school begins. Executive Director Gulli said perhaps the aquatic center could temporarily open over Labor Day weekend. 

Executive Director Gulli shared that she was told that the City of McHenry's splashpad cost $200,000; however, that cost was only for the equipment for the splashpad. The total cost was closer to $450,000. 

Executive Director Gulli added that the Parks Master Plan includes two splashpads; a smaller one on the east side of town, perhaps. Director Pentecost discussed revenue streams that could be created for this project. City Manager Stelford said there are funds programmed within the CIP for this project; $300,000 in total, and of this amount $100,000 has been based on fundraising. Mayor Turner said the City has not done a hard push on fundraising for the splashpad yet. He believes there's a pathway for raising the additional funds to make this project possible. He said this project is worth pursuing. Councilman Seegers said this is more about the process, which can be uncomfortable. He'd like to turn this into a revenue center. 

Councilwoman McMahon asked what happens if we get the grant but don't have the money. City Manager Stelford said the grant funds would go back to the granting agency for their next funding period. Executive Director Betz said the disadvantage, giving grant funding back, could inhibit one's ability to get grants in the future. Director Pentecost confirmed that if you're awarded the grant, you relinquish your ability to apply for the next two grant cycles. 

In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Director Pentecost said construction estimates are not available until we bid the job. The City has committed $300,000 so far, Executive Director Gulli said costs are increasing quickly. If the City only receives $200,000 from the grant, the City would have to come up with the remainder of the funding. Executive Director Gulli said having a shovel-ready project increases the chance of getting the grant. She added that the area the City would like to add this splashpad to is in an underutilized area of WWW. The area would be fenced to become an "outside the pool" area. The City could add sand volleyball, bags, a canopy area, etc. Before the final design is decided upon by the City, we'd know how much grant funds we would receive. 

Councilman Nierman and Mayor Turner thanked staff for this helpful information. 

Motion by McMahon to approve Item D-3, Resolution - OSLAD Grant Resolution of Authorization (Splash Pad at WWW), second by Nierman. 

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

V. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Councilwoman McMahon advised that she will be absent from the September 17th Council meeting. She asked if item #2. Ordinance(s) – MDC Garbage Contract Extension, currently on the September 17th Council Agenda, could be moved to a future meeting so that she would have the opportunity to vote on that item. Mayor Turner said he believed that item could be moved to one of the October Council meetings. 

VI. ADJOURN 

Motion by Tebo, second by Seegers to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. 

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 

https://www.woodstockil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08202024-312