OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting – June 18, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, June 18, 2024
BodyWoodstock, Illinois
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 18, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:11:23

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

0:03

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

0:07

A few brief announcements before we get started this evening.

0:11

Wood City of Woodstock operates under what's called a consent format.

0:14

Consent format means that all items for action this evening will be considered in a single motion and a single vote.

0:21

If a member of council wants to have an item separately considered and voted upon, they may do so, and that item will be removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration and voting.

0:30

And a member of public may request an item to be removed for separate consideration of vote and voting, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, then it too will be removed from the consent calendar and separately considered and voted upon.

0:43

The agenda for the meeting will appear on the screens in the uh in the room.

0:47

There are two opportunities for public comment this evening.

0:50

Uh first opportunity being uh at the start of the meeting, members of the public may come forward to the podium in the center of the room if they're willing to do so, state them their name and address for purpose of the record, and they have three minutes under public uh comment to make comments to the Woodstock City Council on any item not on this evening's agenda.

1:09

Public also has an opportunity to uh provide comments on any items for action uh this evening when those items come up for a vote.

1:18

Any questions on those announcements before we get started this evening?

1:22

A reminder as well that the meeting is being live streamed and it is saved and recorded out on the uh city's uh website.

1:31

Hearing no questions or comments on those announcements, I will go ahead and officially call to order this June 18th, 2024 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order, and ask the clerk, please to call the roll.

1:43

Councilman Flynn, here.

1:45

Councilwoman McMahon, here.

1:47

Councilman Nearman.

1:48

Here.

1:48

Councilman Seegers?

1:49

Here.

1:49

Councilman Tebow?

1:50

Here.

1:51

Councilwoman Zimba?

1:52

Here.

1:52

Mayor Turner.

1:53

Here.

1:54

The record reflect that all members of the Woodstock City Council are present and in chambers this evening.

1:59

Jane, can you please confirm that the agenda this evening is the same as the true and published agenda?

2:04

Yes, it is.

2:04

Thank you, Jane.

2:05

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

2:10

Uh the first item this evening is floor discussion.

2:14

Um, Paul, it's not displaying in the very back, not that that's a big deal, but but yeah, thank you.

2:21

Ice on in the corners.

2:23

All right, good.

2:24

Um, first item under uh on on our agenda this evening is floor discussion and under floor discussion, uh we have a recognition this evening.

2:33

Uh it is a bittersweet recognition uh because it is recognizing Garrett Anderson uh who is leaving the city uh to pursue a new job opportunity uh in Colorado.

2:45

And so we are very sorry to see Garrett uh go and uh but want to take this opportunity to recognize the work that he has done uh through this uh through this proclamation.

2:56

Council uh without objection, all right.

2:59

Garrett, if you join me at the podium on the side, please.

3:20

It was a very nice proclamation with a lot of content, so that so staff printed it in bigger font for me.

3:26

So thank you.

3:27

I do I do appreciate that.

3:31

Um this is a proclamation honoring Garrett Anderson.

3:36

Whereas Garrett Anderson has served the City of Woodstock with unwavering dedication and passion for the nearly nine years as the economic development director, and whereas Garrett Anderson, alongside his wife Jeannie, and their sons Solomon and Jerry has been an integral part of our community fabric, contributing not only professionally but also personally.

3:58

And whereas Garrett Anderson has navigated through two mayors, 15 council members during his tenure, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and leadership, and whereas Garrett Anderson has exemplified the spirit of economic development as a marathon, not a sprint, bringing visionary insights and strategic guidance to every project and initiative.

4:22

And whereas Garrett Anderson has made economic development accessible and compelling through his story storytelling prowess, effectively conveying the importance and the impact of local economic initiatives.

4:36

And whereas Garrett Anderson made being a numbers nerd is cool, with his trademark bowtie brand bringing an unblend a unique blend of professionalism and approachability to his role.

4:51

And whereas Garrett Anderson's efforts have resulted in over 200 million in local investment, including significant milestones like the Chicago Hubs Realty Project on the DICAST site.

5:05

And whereas Garrett Anderson's leadership was instrumental in the approval and implementation of the downtown development plan and TIFF number two, which have significantly contributed to the revitalization of our community.

5:19

And whereas Garrett Anderson has generously served as staff liaison to the Arts Commission and the Economic Development Commission, fostering creativity and growth in our cultural and economic sectors.

5:33

Whereas Garrett Anderson has been a mentor and co-instructor in the D 200 incubator program, nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in our community's youth.

5:44

And whereas Garrett Anderson's involvement in various organizations, such as the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce, LGMC, McHenry County Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, and the Enterprise Zone has enriched our regional partnerships and collaborations.

6:02

And whereas Garrett Anderson's dedication to community extends beyond his professional duties, evidenced by his volunteerism, including his contributions to the Rotary Club, LGMC, and local events.

6:17

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the City of Woodstock expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Garrett Anderson for his outstanding service and leadership and commitment to our community.

6:30

And be it further proclaimed that we extend our best wishes to Garrett as he embarks on a new chapter in Commerce City, Colorado, confident that will he will bring the same passion and expertise to his new endeavors.

6:46

Be it finally proclaimed that Garrett Anderson will be dearly missed and his legacy of dedication, integrity, and community spirit will forever be cherished in the city of Woodstock.

6:57

Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County this 18th day of June 2024.

7:04

Garrett, that that is a heck of a list.

7:07

Very well deserved.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement██████████████14%
LGBTQ Rights██████████████14%
Arts And Culture██████████████14%
Affordable Housing████████████12%
Fiscal Sustainability███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Economic Development█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting – June 18, 2024

The Woodstock City Council met on June 18, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included recognition of departing Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan continued to August 6, 2024, numerous public comments, approval of the consent calendar (with one item postponed), and a detailed discussion on an Artspace affordable housing project. The council also entered executive session to evaluate the City Manager's performance.

Consent Calendar

  • Items Approved Unanimously: All consent calendar items (A through D11) were approved by a single vote, with the exception of item D1 (Chicago Hubs Realty Redevelopment Agreement Ordinance), which was removed for separate consideration.
  • Item D1 Postponed: The ordinance for the Chicago Hubs Realty Redevelopment Agreement was postponed to the July 16, 2024 meeting by a unanimous vote.
  • Questions on Consent Items: Council members asked questions on several consent items:
    • D3 (Opera House Change Order #1): Councilman Tebow asked about the $260,000 increase for third-story footings. Staff explained the need arose from using soil boring data from Stage Left Cafe rather than the annex, and the project deadline remains unchanged. A resident raised concerns about Kandu Construction's legal issues; staff said they are reviewing the information.
    • D5 (Pleasant Street Watermain & Street Replacement): Councilman Seegers sought assurance that the watermain work would not reduce the $10 million street resurfacing budget. Staff confirmed that watermain funds ($1.4 million) are separate from the street CIP ($10.5 million).
    • D9 (Woodstock High School Crosswalk Relocation): Councilman Thibault suggested including art (e.g., school logo) in the crosswalk. Staff agreed to discuss with the school district, noting potential additional costs but council willingness to consider.
    • D10 (FasTacos Video Gaming License): Councilman Nearman confirmed the applicant did not have a gaming license at a previous location.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Daniel McLaughlin (Crystal Lake resident): Expressed opposition to contracting with Kandu Construction for the Opera House renovation, citing an Illinois Department of Labor investigation for prevailing wage violations and civil/criminal litigation related to a drunk driving accident death.
  • Carrie McDonald (Woodstock resident): Expressed gratitude to the city for supporting LGBTQ+ acceptance and Woodstock Pride, stating that her queer teenagers feel safe and accepted in Woodstock.
  • Dan Malone (Woodstock resident, MCYSA Director): Updated the council on the 31st annual MCYSA International Baseball Tournament, expecting 99 teams, over 20 from outside Illinois, and an estimated economic impact of over $1 million.
  • Tony McClellan (Woodstock resident): Expressed support for Woodstock Pride and Councilwoman Melissa McMahon, condemning recent harassment and hate speech, and urged the council to continue being a welcoming community.
  • Sarah Trost (McHenry resident): Defended the Pride parade, disputing claims that it targets children, and thanked the council for support.
  • Dorothea King (McHenry resident): Expressed joy and appreciation for the Pride Fest, describing it as a source of love and community.
  • Unnamed male speaker (first address): Criticized the Woodstock Police Department for allegedly violating First Amendment rights by trespassing a journalist from a DCFS office and for a hostile encounter with an officer. Demanded a statement from the police department upholding free press rights.
  • Krista Larson (Avon Township Clerk, Lake County): Thanked the city for hosting the Woodstock Pride parade, which she said inspired Lake County to start its own Pride events and an LGBTQ+ center, and noted economic benefits from Pride tourism.
  • Unnamed male speaker (second address): Raised concerns about conflict of interest regarding Mayor Turner's employment with UnitedHealthcare when the city contracts with UMR (a UnitedHealthcare division) for benefit administration. Mayor Turner stated he recused himself from related votes. The speaker also criticized cost overruns on the Opera House and Emerson Park, and high taxes.
  • Roy Wilson (Woodstock resident): Thanked the city for Memorial Day service and Pride parade, raised a safety concern about limited visibility at the intersection of Hoy and Dean Streets due to parking, and expressed satisfaction about street paving and curb installation on his street.
  • Shannon Mingalone (Woodstock resident): Shared personal story of needing Pride events as a youth and praised Woodstock Pride for creating an inclusive community, noting 9,000 attendees this year.

Discussion Items

  • Recognition of Garrett Anderson: The council unanimously approved a proclamation honoring Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson for nearly nine years of service, acknowledging over $200 million in local investment, his role in the Chicago Hubs Realty project, downtown development, and mentorship. Anderson is leaving for a position in Commerce City, Colorado. Staff reported two outstanding candidates to fill the position.
  • Public Hearing – Comprehensive Plan Adoption: The public hearing was opened and continued to the August 6, 2024 regular City Council meeting.
  • Artspace Housing Project Discussion: The council discussed whether to pursue a RISE grant for an Artspace 40-unit affordable artist housing project on Short Street. The project would require a local match of $1.2–$1.5 million, which the city lacks. Council viewpoints:
    • Councilman Nearman: Opposed, citing cost, low benefit-to-taxpayer ratio (only ~120 residents), and risk of Artspace abandoning the project. Prefers using grant for public art or Opera House improvements.
    • Councilman Tebow: Favored focusing on public art and Opera House, not Artspace, due to financial constraints and greater community benefit from other options.
    • Councilwoman Ziemba: Supported Artspace, viewing it as a welcoming symbol and affordable housing opportunity, but acknowledged funding challenges.
    • Councilman Seegers: Supported in concept but not at this time, given competing priorities like road repairs; suggested finding alternative funding.
    • Councilwoman McMahon: Favored pausing Artspace and prioritizing Opera House improvements to build momentum for future arts projects.
    • Councilman Thibault: Expressed interest but noted the city cannot commit $1.2–$1.5 million now; suggested exploring other grants for public art and Opera House.
    • Councilman Flynn: Shared concerns about cost and risk, supporting alternative grant applications.
    • Mayor Turner: Summarized consensus to not apply for the Artspace grant, but to pursue grants for public art initiatives and Opera House unfunded projects, with willingness to contribute up to 25% match ($500k) if grants are awarded. He emphasized the council values Artspace conceptually but cannot commit financially at this time.
    • Public comment from Anne-Marie Whitemarlenzini (Arts Commission Chair): Urged the council to apply for all three grant legs, emphasizing Artspace's track record (52 properties nationwide) and potential community fundraising support.
    • Public comment from another resident: Advised against the Artspace grant, citing difficulty explaining the project to taxpayers and the city's other financial priorities.
  • City Manager's Performance Evaluation: The council went into executive session at 8:30 PM to conduct the evaluation. They reconvened in open session at approximately 9:20 PM.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar Approved: All items except D1 were approved unanimously. (Motion by Flynn, second by Nearman. Roll call: All yes.)
  • Item D1 Postponed to July 16, 2024: Unanimous vote. (Motion by Flynn, second by McMahon.)
  • Artspace Grant Direction: Council directed staff to not pursue the RISE grant for Artspace pre-development due to inability to commit the required local match. Instead, staff will explore grant applications for public art initiatives and Opera House unfunded projects, with council indicating willingness to commit up to $500,000 (25% match) if grants are awarded.
  • Executive Session: Approved unanimously to enter executive session for personnel (City Manager performance evaluation). (Motion by Thibault, second by Flynn.)
  • Future Agenda Items: The next regular meeting is July 16, 2024. August 6 agenda items were noted.
  • Adjournment: Motion by Flynn, second by Tebow; meeting adjourned by voice vote.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to welcome you to this evening's meeting of the Woodstock City Council. A few brief announcements before we get started this evening. Wood City of Woodstock operates under what's called a consent format. Consent format means that all items for action this evening will be considered in a single motion and a single vote. If a member of council wants to have an item separately considered and voted upon, they may do so, and that item will be removed from the consent calendar for separate consideration and voting. And a member of public may request an item to be removed for separate consideration of vote and voting, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, then it too will be removed from the consent calendar and separately considered and voted upon. The agenda for the meeting will appear on the screens in the uh in the room. There are two opportunities for public comment this evening. Uh first opportunity being uh at the start of the meeting, members of the public may come forward to the podium in the center of the room if they're willing to do so, state them their name and address for purpose of the record, and they have three minutes under public uh comment to make comments to the Woodstock City Council on any item not on this evening's agenda. Public also has an opportunity to uh provide comments on any items for action uh this evening when those items come up for a vote. Any questions on those announcements before we get started this evening? A reminder as well that the meeting is being live streamed and it is saved and recorded out on the uh city's uh website. Hearing no questions or comments on those announcements, I will go ahead and officially call to order this June 18th, 2024 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order, and ask the clerk, please to call the roll. Councilman Flynn, here. Councilwoman McMahon, here. Councilman Nearman. Here. Councilman Seegers? Here. Councilman Tebow? Here. Councilwoman Zimba? Here. Mayor Turner. Here. The record reflect that all members of the Woodstock City Council are present and in chambers this evening. Jane, can you please confirm that the agenda this evening is the same as the true and published agenda? Yes, it is. Thank you, Jane. That being the case, ladies and gentlemen of the council, the people's business is duly and appropriately before us. Uh the first item this evening is floor discussion. Um, Paul, it's not displaying in the very back, not that that's a big deal, but but yeah, thank you. Ice on in the corners. All right, good. Um, first item under uh on on our agenda this evening is floor discussion and under floor discussion, uh we have a recognition this evening. Uh it is a bittersweet recognition uh because it is recognizing Garrett Anderson uh who is leaving the city uh to pursue a new job opportunity uh in Colorado. And so we are very sorry to see Garrett uh go and uh but want to take this opportunity to recognize the work that he has done uh through this uh through this proclamation. Council uh without objection, all right. Garrett, if you join me at the podium on the side, please. It was a very nice proclamation with a lot of content, so that so staff printed it in bigger font for me. So thank you. I do I do appreciate that. Um this is a proclamation honoring Garrett Anderson. Whereas Garrett Anderson has served the City of Woodstock with unwavering dedication and passion for the nearly nine years as the economic development director, and whereas Garrett Anderson, alongside his wife Jeannie, and their sons Solomon and Jerry has been an integral part of our community fabric, contributing not only professionally but also personally. And whereas Garrett Anderson has navigated through two mayors, 15 council members during his tenure, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and leadership, and whereas Garrett Anderson has exemplified the spirit of economic development as a marathon, not a sprint, bringing visionary insights and strategic guidance to every project and initiative. And whereas Garrett Anderson has made economic development accessible and compelling through his story storytelling prowess, effectively conveying the importance and the impact of local economic initiatives. And whereas Garrett Anderson made being a numbers nerd is cool, with his trademark bowtie brand bringing an unblend a unique blend of professionalism and approachability to his role. And whereas Garrett Anderson's efforts have resulted in over 200 million in local investment, including significant milestones like the Chicago Hubs Realty Project on the DICAST site. And whereas Garrett Anderson's leadership was instrumental in the approval and implementation of the downtown development plan and TIFF number two, which have significantly contributed to the revitalization of our community.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com