Woodstock City Council Special Meeting - January 2, 2024

A special meeting of the Woodstock City Council was held on January 2, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers to consider an ordinance prohibiting unscheduled drop-offs of large groups (primarily from out-of-state buses) within the city. The meeting followed a December 30, 2023 incident where a bus carrying approximately 35–40 migrants from Venezuela was dropped off unscheduled at the Woodstock train station. The council heard extensive public comment and debated enforcement, resources, and community capacity before voting unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Consent Calendar

• Item A1 – Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 11 (Unscheduled Drop-off of Large Groups)
  The Mayor preemptively removed this item from the consent calendar for separate consideration and voting, so it was not approved as part of a consent motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Lockwood (2001 Olmstead Drive): Supported the ordinance, noting the lack of city infrastructure to handle such drop-offs. Asked about enforcement (e.g., using license plate readers) and received confirmation from the Mayor that enforcement would be pursued through police due diligence.
• Eva Baker (280 Hutchins Court): Opposed the ordinance, advocating instead for a rapid response team to provide respite and legal information. She emphasized community compassion and the need for written resources in Spanish.
• Jason Versolo (9016 Illinois Route 120): Raised liability concerns regarding minors without IDs on buses, and asked whether police involvement could create legal exposure. City Attorney Brandy stated the same risks exist with or without the ordinance.
• Rob Muter (Warp Corps, 10820 Bull Valley Road): Described the human impact of the December 30 drop-off, noting migrants asking for work. He supported the ordinance pragmatically, warning that some migrants would return as homeless, but believed Woodstock could model a compassionate response.
• Peter Sofield (Republican candidate for McHenry County Board District 7): Questioned enforcement impact on police staffing and health screening of migrants. Mayor replied there is no expected staffing impact and health screening is beyond city scope.
• Jose (20-year Woodstock resident): Opposed the ordinance, calling it “kicking the can down the road.” He argued the community can provide resources without permanent housing and that migrants want to work.
• Pastor Scott Zoucha (St. Anne’s Episcopal Church): Opposed, stating he does not accept the assertion that Woodstock lacks resources. Believed the community can do more to ease transitions.
• Shanise Syas (2 Wild Meadow Lane): Encouraged the council to figure out how to help, comparing it to a family emergency.
• Nata Lunsford (Stevens Home): Supported the ordinance, arguing that if you cannot provide needed resources (e.g., trauma care), it is more helpful to move people to where those resources exist. She emphasized compassion with realistic limitations.
• James Young (808 Roger Road): Raised concerns about interstate commerce and potential constitutional challenges under the Commerce Clause. City Attorney Brandy responded that the ordinance regulates local business registration, not interstate commerce.
• Tom Wilson (2105 Fairview Lane): Supported the ordinance as a necessary stopgap, stressing that structure and sustainability are required beyond initial passion. He praised the community response and urged patience.

Discussion Items

• Mayor Turner’s Opening Remarks: Explained that the ordinance is modeled after Chicago and Aurora ordinances, aimed at preventing unscheduled drop-offs from out-of-state buses. He emphasized Woodstock lacks the staff, expertise, and money to provide social services for large groups. He described the December 30 incident, commending city staff, Councilwoman McMahon, Rob Muter, and Tom Wilson for their assistance. He clarified the meeting was not to debate national immigration policy but to address a local resource gap.
• Councilmember Comments:
  • Councilwoman McMahon (present at the incident) expressed pride in the community response and commitment to continued gathering of supplies (warm clothing, backpacks) for future drop-offs, regardless of the ordinance. She noted misinformation about the December 30 group and said a rapid response team with translators and legal aid is forming.
  • Councilman Tebow supported the ordinance to encourage bus companies to schedule arrivals, allowing the city to prepare.
  • Councilman Flynn emphasized the council’s duty to current Woodstock residents and noted the city cannot afford even one busload ($600,000+ for 100 days). He urged residents to pressure federal officials for a coordinated national plan.
  • Councilman Nearman called the ordinance a “stopgap measure” until more permanent solutions exist.
• Legal Clarifications: City Attorney Brandy confirmed the ordinance regulates local business registration, not interstate commerce, and liability risks exist regardless. Enforcement is through police using license plate readers and bus company information.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Ordinance (Item A1): Motion to approve by Councilman Tebow, seconded by Councilman Nearman. Passed unanimously, 6-0 (Councilman Seegers absent).
• Next Steps: The ordinance becomes effective immediately. The council adjourned to the next regular meeting on January 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
• Community Response: City staff and volunteers (Warp Corps, MBI CARES, Stevens Home) have stockpiled warm clothing and supplies, which will be shared with neighboring communities along the train line. A rapid-response network is being organized to provide legal information and translation services if unscheduled drop-offs occur again.