Woodstock City Council Meeting - November 1, 2022

The Woodstock City Council met on November 1, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting included recognition of employee service awards, a proclamation for late employee Melissa O'Leary and announcement of a memorial splash pad fund, presentation of the FY21/22 audit report, approval of the consent calendar (including several ordinances and resolutions), and discussion of a special meeting on November 4, 2022, regarding proposals for the DICAST property.

Floor Discussion: Employee Service Awards

• The Mayor recognized city employees for years of service milestones: 5-year (Tim Hickey, Brad Bedcher, Lou Luciotto, Hector Mesa, Thomas Nichols, Gaspar Ortega), 10-year (James Lombardo, Jane Howie, Joe McCormick, Dan McAmile, Trevor Sheff, Deb Schrober), 15-year (Michael Gustis, Chris Link, James Webner), 20-year (Tino Cepola, Alan Dunker, Ray Lance, Renee Torres), 25-year (Phil Moss, Lisa Miller), and 30-year (Chris Birdsell).

Floor Discussion: Proclamation & Memorial Splash Pad Fund

• The Council issued a proclamation honoring the life and service of Melissa Canto O'Leary, a 20-year employee of Woodstock Waterworks who passed away in August 2022. The proclamation highlighted her dedication as a lifeguard, water safety instructor, and pool manager for 16 years.
• The City announced the creation of the Melissa O'Leary Memorial Splash Pad Fund to build a community splash pad, with donations accepted through the Woodstock Recreation Department. Becky Vidales, program manager, spoke about Melissa's impact, including teaching over 150 swim lesson participants annually, training nearly 300 staff, and ensuring inclusive experiences for families.

Floor Discussion: Audit Report Presentation

• Jim Savio of Sikich presented the FY21/22 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Key points:
  • Unmodified (clean) opinion issued – highest level of assurance.
  • General fund unassigned fund balance: $5.7 million (about 50% of expenditures, meeting policy).
  • General fund net change in fund balance: $75,000 (increase from prior year $22,000).
  • Water and sewer fund net income: $1.1 million (up from $860,000).
  • IMRF pension funded at 108% (net pension asset of $4.5 million as of December 31, 2021).
  • Police pension fund: net pension liability $14.4 million, funded at 66% (down from 76% due to investment losses and assumption changes).
  • No material weaknesses; two deficiencies noted: (1) grant receivable not recorded when expenditures incurred, (2) cash handling segregation at City Hall (limited staffing causes occasional overlap). Councilman Bob questioned the cash control risk; staff acknowledged the deficiency but noted mitigating controls and cost-benefit of adding staff. The Mayor requested a refreshed review of cash handling.
• The audit also included a separate single audit for federal funds, a TIF compliance report, and a GATA report.

Public Comments

• No members of the public spoke during the two opportunities for public comment.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar (Items IV.A through IV.D.6) was approved unanimously (6-0) via a single motion. Items included:
  • Approval of October 18, 2022 City Council minutes.
  • Warrants #4026 and #4027.
  • Minutes from various boards (Police Commission, Pension Board, Arts Commission, Plan Commission, Library Board).
  • Manager’s Report No. 214:
    1. Ordinance rezoning property behind 801-999 S. Eastwood Drive to B3 Service and Retail District.
    2. Ordinance authorizing a fence variation for 830 Manke Lane.
    3. Ordinance adopting UDO text amendments for solar farm supplemental standards.
    4. Ordinance repealing authorization of a pre-annexation agreement with Dremac PM, LLC.
    5. Resolution estimating the calendar year 2022 property tax levy in compliance with the Truth in Taxation Act (estimated levy amount not specified in transcript).
    6. Contract awards for downtown snow removal for 2022/2023: Langton Group (snow cleaning), Gavers Excavating Inc. (snow loading), Bell Cartage (snow hauling).
• Councilman Gordy discussed the property tax levy estimate, noting the city had gone 11 years without a PTEL (Property Tax Extension Limitation Law) increase, including a 10% reduction in 2017/18. He stated the city forewent $13 million in revenue over that period, and the 4% CPI increase this year is a modest catch-up. The levy remains below the previous reduction level.

Future Agenda Items

• The Mayor announced a Special City Council Meeting on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (streamed and recorded) to hear presentations from three organizations with proposals for the DICAST property. The meeting is intended for council to see conceptual proposals and provide initial feedback, not to approve any proposal. Staff will provide economic impact analysis (investment, assessed value, sales tax, jobs) before the November 15 regular meeting, where council will discuss and potentially select a developer to proceed with formal agreements and public processes.
• Discussion about logistics: only four council members can attend in person; absent members are urged to watch the recording. Staff will compile detailed economic data from the presenters. The Mayor clarified the special meeting is not the final decision point.

Key Outcomes

• Employee service awards presented for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service.
• Proclamation honoring Melissa O'Leary adopted unanimously.
• Melissa O'Leary Memorial Splash Pad Fund launched; donations accepted.
• FY21/22 audit report accepted; unmodified opinion issued; management letter with two deficiencies noted.
• Consent calendar approved unanimously (6-0).
• Special meeting scheduled for November 4, 2022, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., for DICAST property proposals.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m. (estimated from transcript length).