The Woodstock City Council met on September 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing, public comments, approval of a consent agenda (with two items removed for separate discussion), and votes on a performance-based property improvement program and a TIF redevelopment agreement. Several construction updates were also provided.
Construction Updates (Council Comments): Councilmember Thibault asked about ongoing construction projects. Staff reported that the Dean Street roundabout project is on schedule despite utility relocations, and the old courthouse project is running 2–3 weeks late with completion expected around mid-April. Councilmember Nearman noted a resident’s positive feedback about street paving.
Performance-Based Property Improvement Program (Agenda Item D3): Councilwoman Lowmeyer recused herself from this item. The ordinance amends Title 4 of the Woodstock City Code to add Chapter 13, creating a program that focuses on landlords with repeated adjudicated violations. The program is described as performance-based, with no new taxes or fees, but potential fines for noncompliance. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting extensive collaboration with the realtor community and landlords. The ordinance passed unanimously (6–0).
TIF Redevelopment Agreement – Graham Enterprises (Agenda Item D5): The council considered a redevelopment agreement for a planned convenience store and truck stop at the intersection of Route 47 and Lake Street. The developer, Graham Enterprises (a 100-year-old family business), presented plans for a high-quality “trio” store with diesel fueling, video gaming, and package liquor sales (no pour license). Key points: the project includes a new connector road to the south (to city standards), aims to catalyze further development on the adjacent former Dominic’s site, and the TIF incentive is approximately 15–16% of project costs. Concerns raised by some councilmembers included truck traffic, 24-hour operations, and the location in the heart of town. Supporters cited improved aesthetics, sales tax revenue, and long-term blight reduction. The motion passed 5–2 (Councilwoman Lowmeyer and Councilman Nearman voted no).
Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to welcome you all to uh this evening's meeting of the Woodstock City Council. A few reminders before we begin the meeting tonight. Uh the City Council operates on what's uh called a consent format. Consent format means that all items for action this evening will be considered under a single motion and a single vote. Member of the public may request to have an item separately removed. Uh I'm sorry, member of council may have an a request to have an item separately removed for consideration and voting. Members of the public may request an item to be removed for separate consideration and voting. And if concurred by a member of council, then that also will be uh removed from the consent calendar. Uh there's two opportunities for public comment this evening. The first is at the start of the meeting during um floor discussion. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to come forward to the podium in the middle of the aisle. If you're willing to do so, state your name and address for purpose of the record, uh, and feel free to make comments on any items not on this evening's agenda. Then the final or second opportunity for uh members of the public is to uh come and speak on any items that uh council is considering or voting on this evening. Any questions on those brief announcements before we get started? All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and formally call this September 6th, 2022 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask Cindy to please call the roll. Councilman Flynn? Here. Councilwoman Lowmeyer. Here. Councilman Nearman. Here. Councilwoman Pearsall? Here. Councilman Seegers. Here. Councilman Tebaugh here. Mayor Turner. Here. The record reflective the Woodstock City Council. Uh all members of Woodstock City Council are present this evening. I'll ask City to please confirm that the agenda this evening is the same as the true and published agenda. It is. Very well. Thank you, Cindy. That being the case, the people's business is duly inappropriately before us tonight. So the first item during the first item tonight is floor discussion and uh for uh floor discussion. Uh the first item under floor discussion is a public hearing. It is a public hearing to consider an annexation agreement, um, annexation zoning map amendment to B3 service and retail district and variations for the property located at 2020 South Eastwood Drive. KNM Land LLC. Uh a motion to open the or do I need a motion for that? Ruth to open it. Um that was very definitive. Um I'll motion to open the public meeting would be in order. Yes, sir, is what I meant. Is there a motion? So moved. Motion by Councilman Lynn. Is there a second? A second.