Play the hockey.

Good evening, everyone.

I'd like to welcome you to this evening's meeting of the uh Woodstock City Council.

A few brief announcements before we get started tonight.

Uh the first is a reminder that the meeting is live streamed and recorded on the City Web City's website.

City Woodstock operates under what's called a consent format, which means that means that all items for action this evening will be considered under a single motion and a single vote.

Member of council may request to have an item separately or removed for separate consideration and voting.

And a member of public may also request an item to be uh rem removed for separate consideration and voting, and if agreed to by a member of City Council, then it too will be removed and separately considered.

There are two opportunities for public comment this evening.

First being at the start of the meeting uh under floor discussion.

Members of the public may come forward to the podium in the middle of the room.

If they're willing to do so, state their name and address for purpose of the record.

Feel free to make their comments to the Woodstock City Council on any items that are not on this evening's agenda.

Second opportunity is when we uh are gonna take a vote on items for action.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide comment at that time for that item.

Any questions on those brief announcements before we begin this evening?

All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this March 19th, 2024 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order.

I'll ask the clerk Jane to please call the roll.

Councilman Flynn.

Here.

Councilwoman McMahon.

Councilman Nearman.

Here.

Councilman Seegers.

Here.

Councilman Thibaut?

Here.

Councilwoman Ziembah?

Here.

Mayor Turner.

Here.

The record reflect that uh six of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present this evening.

I'll ask Jane to please confirm that the agenda this evening is the same as the true and published agenda.

Yes, it is.

That being thank you, Jane.

That being the case, ladies and gentlemen of the council, the people's business is duly inappropriately before us.

First item that we have this evening is floor discussion and under floor discussion.

Uh we have a proclamation for diversity month uh in the city of Woodstock.

Uh without objection, members of council.

Good.

Uh at this time I'd like to ask Chris Squires, uh Chairperson of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to join me at the podium on the side.

Uh so it's my pleasure to uh to read uh to read this proclamation this evening.

Uh City of Woodstock has a long history of being very conscious of the diversity of our community, and we appreciate the work on behalf of the uh Cultural and Social Awareness Commission and for you as well, and that you do in leading it too, Chris.

So thank you for that.

Um and it's my pleasure to read the proclamation this evening.

Proclamation honoring diversity month, April 2024.

Whereas the month of April is diversity month, a time to recognize and celebrate the beauty of our unique cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and traditions.

And whereas the City of Woodstock is a city that welcomes and celebrates people of all races, ethnicities, religion, genders, sexual orientation, ages, physical and mental circumstances, and economic status.

The City of Woodstock strives to cultivate our diversity and believes it enhances the quality of life in our community.

And whereas the City of Woodstock formed the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission to promote mutual understanding and respect and further the goals of eliminating prejudice and discrimination, enhancing awareness of the benefits of a culturally diverse community, and awareness of culture of current social issues within this vital growing community.

And whereas the City of Woodstock aspires to be an organization within which employees use their unique experiences and backgrounds where ideas are heard and where we support a cultural of inclusion to meet the needs of our employees and community.

Our vision is for individuals to feel a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and value.

And whereas the residents of Woodstock are urged to expand community outreach, engagement, and authentic collaboration that will empower each resident with the ability and desire to help create a society of tolerance and kindness, recognizing individual rights, and condemns racisms, misogyny, intolerance, discrimination, and oppression toward any person.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the City Council of the City of Woodstock, on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, do hereby proclaim April as diversity month for the City of Woodstock and commit to support, participate, and help expand inclusive conversations in support of a community that is free of oppression, persecution, and hate.

Approved and adopted by the City Council, the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this 19th day of March 2024.

Chris, thank you for accepting this and for the work of uh of yourself and the commission.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello.

So I'm the chairperson of the Cultural and Social Awareness Commission.