McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Sept. 3

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 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 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, Natalie Ziemba and Mayor Michael Turner. 

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Darrin Flynn. 

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, Utilities Manager Mike Rousey, City Planner Darrell Moore, Police Chief John Lieb, Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson, Grant Writer Barb Szul, Office Coordinator Michelle Mallon Jenkins and City Clerk Jane Howie. 

OTHERS PRESENT: 

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 Comments: 

Ms. Jean Hervert Niemann of Tara Court shared her concern about the City's proposed garbage plan with MDC and the issue with not providing a 35-gallon toter. She said she produces approximately two gallons of garbage per week. She asked that the City consider allowing the option of 35-gallon toters for residents. Ms. Hervert-Niemann said she saw MDC picking up gallon toters last week without any issues. She knows that Woodstock prides itself in being an age-friendly community. However, she'd like to see MDC be age-friendly, as well. She opined that a large percentage of Woodstock residents don't know that a change in garbage contract is being considered. She asked that the City please negotiate with MDC to include the 35-gallon toter. Mayor Turner said this item for action will be on the Council's October 1 Agenda. He said the City has requested the 35-gallon option from MDC. He confirmed that the industry is moving toward more automation. 

In response to Ms. Hervert Niemann's concern about residents unaware of these potential changes in waste service, Mayor Turner said the information is included on the City's website on social media and it's also been in the newspapers. He added that this topic has been published and discussed for the past 6-8 weeks. In addition, Council is reviewing communications that are coming in pertaining to this topic. And, staff is continuing to discuss options and find a way to include the 35-gallon toters. 

Councilman Tebo asked about advertising on the sign in front of Burger King. Executive Director Gulli said the sign is out of commission currently due to a software issue on the provider's side; they stopped supporting the system. Councilman Tebo said he'd like to see the toters. Mayor Turner asked Executive Director Christensen to provide a photo of the 35-gallon toter be shared at the next Council meeting. Ms. Hervert Niemann opined all three sizes of the toters should be brought in to the Council Chambers at the next meeting so that everyone can see them in person. She said this would be the best way to make a comparison and decision because the footprint is very different. 

In response to a questions from Ms. Carol Ciccotosto, Mayor Turner clarified that the changes proposed by MDC will be easier and more cost effective for the company. Ms. Ciccotosto said the people that currently have the toter system will have a reduction in cost. However, those using the sticker system will experience an increase. 

B. Council Comments: 

Councilman Seegers gave kudos to whomever worked with District 200 on the new crosswalk on South Street. He said it's been completed and it looks fantastic! 

Councilwoman Ziemba said she appreciates the ladies comments this evening about the MDC negotiations. She supports the 35-gallon toter choice and she understands the concerns expressed. And, she said the negotiations and discussions with staff have continued. 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

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

In response to a question from Mayor Turner, there were no questions forthcoming from the Council or the Public regarding items remaining on the Consent Agenda. 

Councilman Tebo said all Council members have different strengths, which result in good questions, and he appreciates when Council members ask questions to the City Manager, and the City Manager shares the answer(s) with all Council members. 

Regarding the Davis Road soccer fields, Councilman Nierman said the City needs to spend some money on irrigation to get the grass to grow, as the fields are on a sand base. He stated that they will need a lot more water than regular fields because of the sand base. He added that staff may have to change the fertilization process, as well. And, he's glad to see the City using a local contractor. 

In response to a question from Councilman Seegers it was confirmed that the sand base is required by the EPA. 

Mayor Turner had a few questions. In response, Director Aymond said they are discussing using a water cannon, and doing the seeding and fertilizing in-house. 

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include Items A - D-11, as follows: 

A. ACCEPTANCE OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

1. August 20, 2024 City Council Minutes 

B. WARRANTS 

1. #4114 

2. #4115 

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

1. Cultural and Social Awareness Commission Minutes July 8, 2024

2. Environmental Commission Minutes August 15, 2024

3. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes July 22, 2024

4. Plan Commission Minutes July 18, 2024 

5. Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report May 2024 

6. Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes July 11, 2024 

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 255; 

1. Appointment of a Member - Enterprise Zone Board (255a) 

Mayor's Appointment of a Member to the Enterprise Zone Board. 

2. Ordinance-Tobacco/Cannabis Code Correction (255b) 

Approval of Document #1, Ordinance #24-0-50, amending and correcting the City Code regarding tobacco and cannabis, and to otherwise clarify City Code provisions. 

3. Ordinance - Special Use Permit-601 S. Eastwood Drive - Cannabis Dispensing Organization (255c)

Approval of Document #2, Ordinance #24-0-51, granting a Special Use Permit to allow a Cannabis Dispensing Organization at 601 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, Illinois. 

4. Ordinance - Setback Variation - 130 North Street - Detached Garage (255d)

Approval of Document #3, Ordinance #24-0-52, granting a Variation from the Woodstock Unified Development Ordinance to reduce the side yard setback for a garage at 130 North Street, Woodstock, Illinois, resulting in a side yard setback of zero feet from the west property line instead of the required three feet. 

5. Allocation Approval – FIP – 310 Washington Street (255e)

Approval to allocate $5,000 in Facade Improvement Program (FIP) funds for eligible exterior improvement costs from TIF #2 related to improvements at 310 Washington Street. 

6. Allocation Approval – Historic District Facade Assistance Program (255f) 

Approval to allocate $5,000 in Historic District Facade Assistance Program funds for eligible exterior improvement costs related to improvements at 126 North Benton Street. 

7. Contract Award - IPP - Engineering Services (255g) 

Approval for the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a contract for an on-call assistance agreement for supplemental staff, as needed, for the implementation and execution of the City of Woodstock's Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) with Baxter & Woodman for a cost not to exceed $50,000. 

8. Contract Award – Land Grading and Leveling – Davis Rd. Park (255h)

Approval to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute: 

(a) A purchase agreement with Thelen Materials LLC of Antioch, IL to supply 1,333 cubic yards (2,000 tons) of certified earth materials that meet IEPA standards for a total cost of $73,940. 

(b) A professional services agreement with Langton Group of Woodstock, IL for labor to perform grading and leveling of earth materials for a five-acre site at Davis Road Park soccer fields for a total cost of $51,625 

9. Contract Award - Custodial Services (2551) 

Approval for the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a professional services agreement for custodial services at six (6) public facilities to Vega Building Maintenance Inc. (VBM), of Romeoville, IL, for a total monthly service cost not to exceed $7,802.50 from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026. 

10. Contract Award – 2024 Skip Patching (255j) 

Approval for the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a linking agreement for the FY24/25 Skip Patching Program to Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. from Lake Zurich, IL, in accordance with the unit prices, as submitted, and not to exceed $51,000. 

11. Purchase Approval – Combination Backhoe (255k) 

Approval for the City Manager, or his designee, utilizing Home Rule authority and waiving of bids, to execute a purchase agreement for one (1) 2024 Combination Backhoe and hammer attachment from McCann Industries Inc, through the Sourcewell Contract for the total cost of $165,246. 

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

Mayor Turner thanked the owners of the cannabis dispensary for investing in Woodstock. It was mentioned that they hope to be open in 120 days upon issuance of a building permit. 

V. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Councilwoman McMahon asked that the Mobile Food Truck Discussion be moved from the September 17, 2024 City Council Agenda to the October 1, 2024 Council meeting. Mayor Turner concurred with this request. Executive Director Gulli said the CHR team will be attending the October 1* meeting; so that item will be moved to that meeting, as well.. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Executive Director Gulli said she is satisfied with their reasons for the delay. 

Mayor Turner welcomed Jessica Erickson as the City's new Economic Development Director. Executive Director Gulli said Director Erickson has a big-picture view of economic development and we're excited to have her here. Director Erickson thanked Mayor Turner and Council members. She said she's incredibly impressed with the team and their passion for Woodstock. She added that their enthusiasm is very exciting to her! Mayor Turner thanked Director Erickson. 

VI. ADJOURN 

Motion by McMahon, second by Ziemba, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. 

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. 

https://www.woodstockil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09032024-313