McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Dec. 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 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 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 PHYSICALLY 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, Executive Director of Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Building and Planning Director Joe Napolitano, Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson, Police Chief John Lieb, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Business Development Manager Laura Cullotta, Grant Writer Barb Szul, and City Clerk Jane Howie. 

OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Lou Ness; Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry President, Brad Ball; and Arlene & Keith Lynes. 

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: 

Resident Gordon Venn, 301 W. Judd, shared his concerns about the lack of crosswalks on S. Eastwood Drive at the intersection of Country Club Road. Mayor Turner shared that S. Eastwood Drive / Rt. 47 is a state highway. And, although the City could request an overpass, it would be extremely costly. He added that the state of Illinois will enhance crosswalks with the widening of Rt. 47, which will hopefully provide safety along the corridor. 

Ms. Lou Ness, 466 W. Jackson, extended her gratitude from American Legion Post 412 for City Council's Veteran's Day Proclamation, which was presented at the November 5, 2024 meeting, 

B. Council Comments: 

Councilwoman McMahon commended City staff for all their work on the Lighting of the Square event last Friday evening. In regards to the new perimeter lights, she asked about the colors, can the City select a flash of color at a specific time each evening, a cool rotation so that people could come and check out the light show. It was a wonderful event. Thanks to the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Parade and thanks to Hispanic Connections for Cookies & Churros with Santa. Mayor Turner asked City Manager Stelford if the color requests could work, can the City infuse some colors, which staff would research. Councilman Nierman thanked everyone. The lighting ceremony was awesome, a great show for the City. All council members were in support of the City using the new lighting system to develop a light show. 

Mayor Turner stated Woodstock Rotary was seeking volunteers for Saturday, December 14th for delivery day. Woodstock Rotary Mayor Turner commented on the lights going way up on the trees; it looks stunning! If you look into the Square at W. Jackson Street, with the combination of the lighting at the Old Courthouse and the Park in the Square, it's beautiful. Associated Electrical Contractors completed the work. Councilwoman McMahon wanted to thank Judy & Vern who donated the tree in the roundabout. Director Aymond said DPW put out a call to whomever wanted to donate a tree, and this tree was selected. Councilman Tebo commented on the Coca-Cola commercial, 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

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

• Item D-1 - Ordinance -- 2024 Property Tax Levy by McMahon

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

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include Items A - C & D-2, as follows: 

A. ACCEPTANCE OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

1. November 19, 2024 City Council Minutes 

2. November 19, 2024 City Council Executive Session Minutes

B. WARRANTS 

1. #4126 

2. #4127

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

1. Building and Construction Board Minutes 

2. Economic Development Commission Minutes

3. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 

4. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes 

5. Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission Minutes

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 261: 

2. Contract Award – 2025 Liquid Alum

October 29, 2024 November 7, 2024 August 26, 2024 November 12, 2024 October 15, 2024 (261b) 

Authorization of the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract with Affinity Chemical of Flanders, NJ, for the purchase and delivery of Liquid Alum for the unit price of $408 per ton for all purchases in calendar year 2025.

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-1 - Ordinance - 2024 Property Tax Levy 

Councilwoman McMahon asked, as it pertains to the 11.3% property tax increase to residents, if the City can impose this incrementally. Mayor Turner shared some clarifications, stating there is seven to eight different taxing bodies on the property tax bill. The City of Woodstock's portion of the tax bill is approximately 15-16%. And, each homeowner's property tax bill is approximately 4% of the property's value. He added that Home Rule communities can raise the taxes as much as they want; however, the City of Woodstock has not gone above PTELL (Property Tax Extension Law Limit) since 2011, in the case of the City's operations. As a reminder, Mayor Turner mentioned that the City Council made a decision in 2021 to approve the Enhanced Streets Improvement Program at a cost of $56M over a five-year period. Next year, 2025, is the 5th year, which will impact property taxes to pay for the related debt service. If the tax increase doesn't occur, City services and operations would be affected. 

It was noted that the majority portion of an individual resident's property tax bill is due to the costs of local schools, which is mandated by the state of Illinois. Councilwoman McMahon is concerned about how this increase will affect residents. Mayor Turner said that the City of Woodstock didn't take PTELL for 10 years, from 2011 until 2020. In addition, the City of Woodstock cut the city's portion of property taxes by 10% in 2017. Councilman Seegers mentioned that part of the reason why he decided to run for City Council was that he had been disenchanted with how Woodstock's roads were being repaired in the past. Councilwoman McMahon expressed her concern that the City just informed residents about the garbage increase, along with the recent water and sewer increase, and now the increase due to the road repairs. Mayor Turner said Council can look at the budget further. He said that this staff has always been fiscally responsible. As it pertains to the new garbage contract, 5,200 households will be paying less under the new contract. Mayor Turner suggested that residents contact their legislators as it pertains to the increase in water and sewer rates, as the state has only just begun with the drastic requirements, which require us to spend millions of dollars; therefore, increase water/sewer rates. Mayor Turner said City staff does their best to keep costs down. 

Councilman Tebo said we need to keep communicating this information to the public, that 11% is just a portion of the City of Woodstock's section of the property tax bill. And, that no one taxing body can go above 3.4% without a referendum. 

In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, City Manager Stelford said he can share the spreadsheet identifying PTELL, the amount taken each year, with Council members. Councilman Tebo opined that you get what you pay for. He said there are states that have much lower taxes; however, they also have less services available. Councilwoman McMahon said this is an important discussion. 

Arlene Lynes mentioned that the Woodstock Public Library provides many, many services. However, she doesn't believe the majority of residents take advantage of their offerings. Ms. Lynes mentioned the additional gas tax that was put in place several years ago, in which funds were going to assist with road repairs. City Manager Stelford added that those funds were used for debt service in relation to the first year of the Enhanced Streets Improvement Program. The funds required to repay these bonds are abated each year so that they are not funded via the residents' property tax bills. Ms. Lynes is concerned with all of the increases and how this will affect her business, along with a rent increase. She's concerned that some businesses won't be sustainable. 

Ms. Lou Ness said McHenry County just got through their budget process. She shared additional information and stated that the budget process can be burdensome. She understands the structure and the tax bill. Council members are elected to make the tough call. 

Motion by Tebo, second by Ziemba, to approve Ordinance #24-0-73, Ordinance - 2024 Property Tax Levy, of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, IL to levy $10,177,518 in property taxes for various funds for calendar year 2024 to be collected & forwarded by the County to finance the City's FY25/26 Budget, identified as DOC. #1. 

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

V. Discussion 

A. Mobile Food Trucks 

Mayor Turner shared that mobile food trucks have been a part of Woodstock's landscape for many years and are valued by residents and visitors alike. However, some local brick and mortar businesses have shared that food truck are a detriment to their business. The City is looking for a balance as it relates to the presence of food trucks in Woodstock. The City plans to update the Mobile Food Truck Ordinance in February 2025. 

City Manager Stelford said his office manages the licensing of food trucks. He added that there have been issues relating to a business that hires a lot of food trucks because they don't inform the food truck owner that they must obtain a license through the City. The Woodstock Ordinance was updated in 2023 to expand the food truck definition to include pop-ups, etc. And, that business owners must notify businesses within 100 feet of their establishment when a mobile food truck would be present. If a food truck is parked on public property, the food truck must be licensed by the City. Right now the business that hires the food truck does not have any responsibility with requiring the food trucks to obtain licensing with the City. 

Executive Director Gulli shared several suggestions on hiring food trucks by local establishments along with hiring food trucks at community events, perhaps limiting the number of food trucks depending upon the number of event participants. Also, what type of food truck would be allowed; depends on the type of restaurants nearby. In addition, determine the type of audience that may be attending said event. Many restaurants have shared that they don't want food trucks parked, or in the vicinity of their businesses. Restaurants want to be available to event goers. She asked, "are we giving the food trucks the advantage over the downtown restaurants?" We need to put our brick and mortar restaurants as a priority. 

Mayor Turner said the economy has put a strain on restaurants. They are finding it more difficult because everything is more expensive. He's supportive of food trucks but he's veering toward having less presence than we have had in the past. He stated that the success of restaurants is imperative! He shared his frustration about businesses that are not requiring food trucks that they hire to obtain a license through the City. He stated that penalties need to be put into place and enforcement is needed. 

Councilman Flynn shared that currently, mobile food trucks that are part of a community event are not required to obtain a license from the City. He opined that no one should be exempt from the license and fees. He recommended a window sticker or a laminated license that could be kept in the truck to show proof of licensing. He also suggested a tie-in for local liquor license establishments. He suggested having one flat fee per year for each mobile food truck. In addition, Councilman Flynn stated that mobile food truck owners are supposed to be paying sales tax to each municipality where they work. They're also supposed to complete the City's online Business Registration. Further discussion ensued. 

Councilwoman McMahon shared that Pride Fest brings in 8,500 - 9,000 attendees. Their committee is planning to contact downtown restaurants to include them in the festivities. She also mentioned that the annual Car Show on the Square event does not bring in food trucks, but this year they provided a map of businesses on the Square where attendees could purchase food, drinks, and snacks. Mayor Turner said some events have had so many food trucks that it's kept customers from frequenting local restaurants. For those events that don't have food trucks, or just had a few food trucks, restaurants have had better days. Councilman Seegers shared that he strongly supports brick & mortar businesses. Executive Director Gulli said the quantity of mobile food trucks matter. During an event, if there are long lines, people go into the restaurants. Discussion ensued pertaining to the enforcement of mobile food trucks to pay sales tax. Councilwoman McMahon opined the addition of food trucks at this summer's City Band Concert and Movie Nights put a strain on downtown businesses. Council members agreed that they are most concerned about the success of Woodstock's brick and mortar businesses. 

Executive Director Gulli suggested bringing in some of those event organizers and local establishments that participate in hiring mobile food trucks. Council directed staff to work with all stakeholders and forward ideas at a future meeting for their consideration in regards to the regulations/licensing related to mobile food trucks and sponsoring businesses. 

VI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: no changes. 

VII. ADJOURN 

Motion by McMahon, second by Seegers to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the Regular Council meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. 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 adjourned at 8:26 p.m. 

https://www.woodstockil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12032024-319