McHenry Times

City of Woodstock City Council met Feb. 4

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, February 4, 2025 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 Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Police Chief John Lieb, Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson, Marketing & Communications Director Heather Arnold, Grants Writer Barb Szul and City Clerk Jane Howie. 

OTHERS PRESENT: Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Brad Ball, Cultural, Social Awareness Commissioner Jose Rivera, and Council Candidate Theo Dice. 

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

III. FLOOR DISCUSSION 

A. Proclamation 

1. Black History Month 

Mayor Turner asked Jose Rivera to join him at the podium for the reading of the Proclamation. Mayor Turner read the Proclamation, without objection, for all to hear; followed by hearty applause. 

Councilman Tebo mentioned The 1619 Project, a book that shares the impact that slavery had on the formation of our country. He encouraged everyone to read it. 

B. Public Comments: 

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

Mary Beth Walsdorf, Donegal Court, expressed her concern about the City's plan to remove three thriving businesses from the building on E. Calhoun Street: Unique Nails, Woodstock Dance Academy, and Stewart's Cleaners, who just celebrated their 10th Anniversary for this business. Ms. Walsdorf shared additional concerns for the downtown and the neighborhood. 

Mayor Turned thanked Ms. Walsdorf for her comments. 

C. Council Comments: 

Councilman Tebo asked Ms. Walsdorf to come back up to the podium. He asked that she share information about her son who is involved in cross country. Ms. Walsdorf shared some information and said they are looking forward to the NCAA competition this spring. Councilman Tebo thanked Ms. Walsdorf for sharing this information. 

Councilwoman McMahon commented on last week's Groundhog Day events, that there were 353 attendees for the pub crawl, with twelve locations included. The 5K event had 504 attendees; many stores shared that they made record numbers, and 700 drinks to World Peace were purchased at Squire on the Square. Councilwoman McMahon added that Ortmann's Red Iron Tavern raised money, which they gave to another entity in town. She thanked the organizers / the committee, residents, the community, and all the volunteers including Doug and Maggie Crane, Pam Moorhouse, Craig Krandel, Daniel Campbell, Debbie Riis, Sue Brokaw, Shelly Eslick, Mike Szurek, Diane Messman, Jackie and Kat Speciale, George Chase, Joe Weyland, Ken Macarus, Lynn (Roy Alice) Royals, Josh Berger, Theo Dice, Cindi Carrigan, Beth Zange, and Rick Bellairs. She gave special thanks to Pete Riis for getting brochures distributed all throughout town, and advertising to visitors, residents, and the community. Mayor Turner commented that it was an extraordinary weekend. The culmination of an incredible group that is committed to this event the entire year. He thanked City staff, the Woodstock Police Department, Public Works staff, the Marketing Department, and the Opera House. He added that a lot of businesses typically struggle in January and February. However, this event has an incredible economic impact to this community. This truly shows what Woodstock is all about! Thanks also to the Chamber of Commerce. 

Councilman Tebo thanked Councilwoman McMahon and Mayor Turner. He shared that Chicago is trying to create a similar event. Councilman Seegers said he was surprised at the number of people in attendance. He said it was nice to see all the smiling faces at the Prognostication, being a daytime event. He stated that there is a definite need to upgrade the sound system. Mayor Turner said we've got to get the sound system upgraded before the next big outdoor event in the Square. 

IV. CONSENT AGENDA 

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

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

• Item D-10 Refuse - Temporary Garbage Financial Assistance Program was removed by Councilwoman McMahon. 

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-1 

Councilman Tebo asked about the proposal as it pertains to Ordinance Amendment - City Code Refuse Changes. He stated that residents can't put out bazardous waste (must be brought to a specific site) or white goods. He asked that the City's website add information to specify how to get rid of these items. 

Item D-2 

Councilwoman McMahon commented, as it pertains to Ordinance -- Eminent Domain-101-109 S. Jefferson Street, that the City discussed this in Executive Session at last month's Council meeting. She added that an offer was made to the landowner the next day and was rejected. However, being the third request, there have been no negotiations or communication as of late. 

Item D-6 

Councilwoman Ziemba said as it pertains to Ordinance - Amendment to Liquor Control Code -- K-1 Classification, she is happy to see the City getting creative in this area. She said this can have a significant impact on businesses in our community. Mayor Turner said this classification was created after meeting with the petitioner and finding out the needs of this growing business. 

Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include Items A, D-1 - D-9, as follows: 

A. ACCEPTANCE OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 

1. January 21, 2025 City Council Minutes 

2. January 21, 2025 Executive Session City Council Minutes

B. WARRANTS 

1. #4134 

2. #4135

C. MINUTES AND REPORTS 

1. Cultural and Social Awareness Minutes January 6, 2025

2. Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes November 24, 2024

3. Woodstock Public Library Board of Trustees Minutes December 12, 2024

D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 264: 

1. Ordinance Amendment - City Code Refuse Changes (264a)

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-02, known as DOC. I, amending Title 3, Chapter 8 of the Woodstock Municipal Code regarding disposal of residential garbage, recycling and yard waste and monthly fee provisions for such service, and further amending Title 4, Chapter 4.1.3.8 of the Code regarding general regulation of garbage, refuse and yard waste within the City. 

2. Ordinance - Eminent Domain - 101-109 S. Jefferson Street (264b) 

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-03, known as DOC. 2, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to bring an Eminent Domain proceeding to acquire vacant property located at 101- 109 S. Jefferson Street. 

3. Ordinance - Northern Illinois Purchasing Cooperative (NIPC) - IGA Extension  (264c)

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-04, known as DOC. 3, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the 2025 extension of the NIPC 2020 Intergovernmental Agreement for the purchase of power supplies and other goods and services; waiving local bidding requirements for purchases made through NIPC; and authorizing purchase agreements made through NIPC. 

4. Ordinance - City Code Amendment - Disposal of Surplus Property (264d) 

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-05, known as DOC. 4, to amend the Woodstock Municipal Code Section 1.6A.5.2.5 regarding the disposal of surplus city personal property. 

5. Ordinance - Old Courthouse Center Lease - TurnKey Digital (264e) 

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-06, known as DOC. 5, authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a lease agreement between the City of Woodstock and TurnKey Digital for the Lease of Unit IB in the Old Courthouse Center at 101 N. Johnson Street. 

6. Ordinance – Amendment to Liquor Control Code - K-1 Classification (264f) 

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-07, known as DOC. 6, amending Section 3.3.6, Classification of Licenses: Number and Fees, of Chapter 3, Title 3, Liquor Control, of the Woodstock City Code, modifying the parameters of the K-1 Liquor License Classification. 

7. Ordinance -- Amendment to Liquor Control Code - Creation of K-1b.15 License- Clayworkers' Guild d/b/a Artisans on Main (264g)

Approval of Ordinance #25-0-08, known as DOC. 7, amending Section 3.3.6, Classification of Licenses: Number and Fees, of Chapter 3, Title 3, Liquor Control, of the Woodstock City Code, for the creation of a new Class K-1b.15 liquor license and issuance to Clayworkers' Guild of Illinois, d/b/a Artisans on Main, contingent upon the fulfillment of all requirements. 

8. Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) - McHenry County Gang Task Force (264h)

Authorization of City Council to approve the renewal of an IGA for McHenry County Gang Task Force with the McHenry County Sheriff's Department beginning January 1, 2025 with an expiration date of December 31, 2029 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute and take all actions necessary to implement said agreement. 

9. Nominations for Appointments to Boards and Commissions (2641)

Approval of the Mayor's nominations for appointment to the City's Boards and Commissions. 

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

Item D-10 - Temporary Garbage Financial Assistance Program Councilwoman McMahon mentioned SNAP guidelines and said that many families may need to take advantage of this new proposed program, and may not be able to qualify. City Manager Stelford added that many residents on SNAP may live in apartment complexes. Councilwoman McMahon said about 900 families, 14% of Woodstock's population, receive fee waivers from District 200. She asked if these are hard numbers or if the City can consider these hardships. Councilman Seegers opined there should be a demarcation line to help staff determine how to proceed in each situation, City Manager Stelford said, looking at SNAP and at how benefits are determined, he said there could be considerations. In addition, there are other factors to look at, not only the 2024 income, for example. He said there will need to be a cutoff, the numbers are based on a certain percentage of the federal poverty level. There was a suggestion to work with District 200 Superintendent Moan to find out what the criteria would be to qualify for free/reduced lunch. Councilwoman Ziemba said the calculations are in the packet. Discussion ensued; additional information was shared. 

Councilwoman McMahon opined 46% of students in school District 200 receive reduced lunches or are on SNAP. SNAP is only one guideline, she believes this needs to be higher, and her concerns are about eligibility. City Manager Stelford said that the Council also needs to decide on the level of benefit that the City would offer. There was some discussion about the Bag Fee, which brings in approximately $120,000. 

Councilman Tebo said the City could spend up to $53,000 on this (refuse/waste) program. Mayor Turner noted that no other communities in McHenry County offer a subsidized refuse/waste program. Councilwoman McMahon added that the registration for this program needs to be accessible to everyone; not everyone can complete an online form. She suggested having a station at City Hall and/or at the Library. It was noted that staff will be available to assist. City Manager Stelford said it is the City's thought that this will be a bridge, not a program to absorb the increase at 100%. The financial assistance has been proposed as a one-year program. 

In response to Councilwoman Ziemba, City Manager Stelford said the City's Marketing Department will communicate this program. It will be on the website and social media, and also on water bills. The program can be revisited if there are concerns at any time. Councilman Seegers said he's proud of the City for coming up with this program, staff has done a fine job. He suggested that the Council accept the Staff's recommendation this evening. 

Councilwoman McMahon said she'd like this item postponed to allow staff to look into this further before having Council vote on this. She said $300 per year can make or break a family, Councilwoman Ziemba said she could support postponing this item. She suggested staff consult further with the school district before the Council makes a decision. 

Executive Director Christensen asked that the Council provide guidance to staff if this item is postponed. He suggested perhaps creating a two-tier system. Councilman Nierman said he'd like to move forward as presented. Mayor Turner said he's comfortable with what's been presented. He agreed that it warrants monitoring for utilization, and we need to pay attention to other measures that could be used. He doesn't want this to be overly complex, but to reach those that are affected by this change, and use funds from the bag fee account. Mayor Turner opined that the staff has come up with a good plan, and he's comfortable moving forward. Councilman Tebo agreed. He added that for someone who had used the sticker program at $20 per month, this would be $25.17 per month. He understands Councilwoman McMahon's concerns; however, he wants to proceed as presented this evening. 

Motion by Tebo to approve Item D-10 Temporary Garbage Financial Assistance Program as presented, second by Seegers. 

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

V. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

Mayor Turner said he will be absent from the February 18th Council meeting along with Councilwoman Ziemba, City Manager Stelford, Executive Director Gulli, and Engineering Director Tiedt, as they all will be attending meetings with their Lobbyist in Springfield. Councilman Nierman said he would be absent that evening, as well. 

Mayor Turner said they will be meeting with legislative leaders to talk mainly about Route 47 and hopefully get further assistance on the City's portion. He said the state has passed the approval of the budget for the Route 47 project. 

Councilman Tebo said that he watched last month's Council meeting live-streamed as he was unable to attend the meeting in person. He said it was difficult to hear some people. This was a reminder to everyone to speak into the microphone. 

VII. ADJOURN 

Motion by Tebo, second by McMahon, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the Regular Council meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. 

All in favor. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: Flynn, Motion carried. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02042025-491