OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting - August 20, 2024: Parks Master Plan, Splash Pad Grant, and Garbage Toter Concerns

City Council — Tuesday, August 20, 2024
BodyWoodstock, Illinois
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 20, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:40:35

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 uh Woodstock City Council.

0:07

A few brief announcements before we get started this evening.

0:10

The agenda will be displayed on the um screens in the room.

0:15

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

0:19

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

0:25

If a member of council wishes to have an item separately removed uh and considered, uh they may request that item to be removed from the consent calendar.

0:34

If a member of the public wishes to have an item separately removed and considered by the city council, the member of public may make that request, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, that item will also be considered and voted upon in a separate motion.

0:49

Uh there are two opportunities for public comment this evening.

0:52

The first being uh at the start of the meeting under floor discussion.

0:55

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

0:59

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

1:02

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

1:07

Second opportunity for public comment is when we take uh uh have items for action.

1:12

There will be an opportunity for members of the public to make comment on those items prior to the action being taken.

1:19

Any questions by members of the public on those announcements?

1:25

All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this August 20th, 2024 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask Jane to please call the roll.

1:35

Councilman Flynn, Councilwoman McMahon here.

1:39

Councilman Nearman.

1:40

Here.

1:40

Councilman Seegers.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Councilman Tebow.

1:43

Here.

1:43

Councilwoman Ziemba.

1:44

Mayor Turner.

1:46

Yes.

1:46

The record reflect that five of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present this evening, which is enough for a quorum for us to be able to conduct business.

1:54

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

2:01

Yes, it is.

2:01

Thank you, Jane.

2:02

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

2:07

The first item under uh or first item on the agenda tonight is floor discussion, and under floor discussion, uh we have a presentation uh by design workshop uh and members of that staff who will present to us the uh park master plan.

2:24

This is I believe the second time that this has been presented to uh Woodstock, the Woodstock City Council, and it will it is part of the process.

2:32

We are not voting on the park master plan tonight.

2:36

Uh we are simply getting an update on its uh progress and how it's coming together, an opportunity for council to ask questions tonight, or as in in uh follow-up back to staff.

2:48

Uh this still has to go through process of of small group uh community input, so and a uh full uh a full consideration by the Woodstock City Council at some point in the future.

3:00

The purpose of the Parkmaster plan is is to is to create the strategic direction for the City of Woodstock as it relates to all of our parks, uh inventorying them, understanding um trends in the industry, needs of the community, uh wants of the wants of the public, and gives us a roadmap as we consider and make decisions about our parks going into the uh in the future.

3:24

So uh before we um I'm gonna have uh Christina Betts, our executive director of operations, uh, introduce the folks who are going to be making the presentation this evening.

3:34

Uh before doing so, uh Roscoe or Christina.

3:37

Any other um thoughts or inputs on the Parkmaster covered it very well, Mayor?

3:43

Thank you, Roscoe.

3:44

Christina, anything from your perspective?

3:46

No, thank you, Mayor.

3:47

Uh I'll just go ahead and introduce who will be speaking for us tonight.

3:51

Uh it is Anna Layborn.

3:53

Uh Anna Laborne, Ashley McKnight, and Allie Pollock, all from Design Workshop.

3:58

Hello, everyone, the three A's on the A team here.

4:02

Uh so uh design workshop has really made steady progress since we kicked this off in October of 2023.

4:09

And this is the second and final leadership briefing to the city council, and from there I'll let you take it away.

4:17

I'm gonna get free A to kick a stop tonight and Anna Lamar.

4:21

Um I get the decision of getting to introduce you all to the 2024 draft part recreation, after plan document.

4:30

Thank you very much for your tonight.

4:35

We'll discuss the project background and then walk you through the plan organization before deep diving into the action plan and opening up for your discussion.

4:46

The project process began at the end of 2023.

4:50

And since then, we've compiled data and performed an analysis of your parts.

5:09

We then began drafting the plan in April with support and input from your city staff and the advisory state.

5:16

So today we bring the draft master plan before you.

5:32

The plan then gives an overview of Woodstock's existing system based on our initial analysis, including an existing plan review, map assessment, and operations and facilities research.

5:44

The process of community outreach efforts and what we've heard are identified in chapter three.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████████████████████████████51%
Procedural██████████11%
Public Engagement████████9%
Budget Equity Analysis████████9%
Economic Development██████7%
Waste Management██████7%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Equity in Transportation█1%
Environmental Protection█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting - August 20, 2024

The Woodstock City Council met on August 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers with five of seven members present (a quorum). The meeting featured an update on the Parks Master Plan, public comments on proposed garbage collection changes, and a separate vote on a resolution supporting a grant for the Woodstock Water Works splash pad. The consent agenda was approved with one item removed for discussion.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the August 6, 2024 City Council meeting and executive session.
  • Approved warrants #4112 and #4113.
  • Accepted minutes and reports from the Arts Commission, Environmental Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Police Pension Board, and Woodstock Public Library Board.
  • Approved Manager’s Report No. 254 items, including:
    • Ordinance authorizing a lease agreement for The Old Courthouse Center Restaurant (corrected naming: between Woodstock Courthouse LLC and Squire on the Square, Inc.).
    • Ordinance creating a new Class A-6 liquor license for The Squire on the Square.
    • Resolution for a change order to the 2024 Enhanced Streets Improvement Program (increase of $926,590.48).
    • Fleet purchase agreement for a 2024 Vermeer BC1800XL Chipper ($106,723.22).
    • Allocation of $2,350 from TIF #2 for facade improvements at 132-134 Cass Street.
    • Contract award for portable restrooms to LRS Portables for 2025-2027.
    • Contract award for Duvall Lift Station pump replacement (not to exceed $57,673).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jean Hervert Neiman (958 Terra Court) expressed concern about proposed changes to the garbage collection contract, stating she accumulates only two gallons of garbage and 16 gallons of recycling per week. She requested the city negotiate for 35-gallon toters, noting that 95-gallon toters are difficult for seniors to manage, especially in winter. She reported that other municipalities offer smaller toters and that Marengo Disposal did not respond to her inquiries. Mayor Turner responded that staff is actively negotiating with Marengo Disposal and that the feedback for smaller options has been heard.

Discussion Items

Parks Master Plan Update

  • Presentation by Design Workshop (Anna Layborn, Ashley McKnight, Allie Pollock): The draft plan, begun in October 2023, includes a 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan with five themes: Investment, Equity, Access, Natural Resources, and Placemaking/Economic Development. Key recommendations include:
    • Increasing park system funding through revenue generation and partnerships.
    • Promoting equitable access, with a goal of increasing the number of residents within a safe 10-minute walk to parks.
    • Adding amenities such as splash pads, restrooms at complexes with four or more fields, a skate park, dog park, ice skating rink, and exercise equipment.
    • Developing a Kishwaukee River Greenway, new sidewalks and crosswalks, and a new regional park (15-18 acres) in eastern Woodstock.
    • Staffing recommendations: increasing full-time maintenance employees from 9 to 18 over 10 years.
    • Place-based recommendations for all 24 parks, including condition assessments.
  • Council Questions & Input:
    • Councilman Nearman asked for more specific recommendations for improving existing assets before adding new ones. Staff noted the plan includes condition assessments and action items for each park.
    • Councilman Seegers requested a focus on maintenance and repair of current parks, not just future growth.
    • Councilman Tebow asked about funding outside the normal budget; presenters said they would tailor recommendations based on local opportunities.
    • Councilwoman Ziemba requested a detailed inventory of amenities at each park and usage data.
    • Councilwoman McMahon suggested prioritizing “low-hanging fruit” actions that are easy and low-cost to implement quickly.
    • Mayor Turner emphasized the plan should be bold and provide a framework for development.
  • Next Steps: Public review and comment period August 30 – September 30, 2024; public open house week of September 23; final adoption before Park and Recreation Commission and City Council on October 8 or November.

Item D3 – OSLAD Grant Resolution for Splash Pad at Woodstock Water Works (Removed from Consent)

  • Councilman Nearman requested discussion on costs and financing. The resolution authorizes application for an IDNR OSLAD grant (up to $600,000) requiring a 50% city match.
  • Staff Presentation (Danielle and Mark):
    • Fundraising to date: $75,000 raised prior to this year’s Splash Bash Run; an additional $18,000 raised from the 2024 event.
    • Initial cost estimates were ~$250,000 (equipment only), but full project (including demolition, engineering, landscaping, recirculation system) is now estimated at $1 million to $1.2 million.
    • The recirculation system adds ~$250,000 but provides warmer water and water conservation; requires Illinois Department of Public Health permitting.
    • The splash pad will be located at Woodstock Water Works to utilize existing infrastructure; it will not require lifeguards and can operate outside pool hours.
    • City has already allocated $300,000 in the Capital Improvement Plan, with $100,000 contingent on fundraising.
    • If the grant is awarded and the city does not proceed, the city forfeits grant eligibility for two cycles.
  • Council Discussion:
    • Councilman Nearman expressed concern about cost escalation and the need for clear funding sources.
    • Councilman Seegers noted past experiences with cost overruns (e.g., intergenerational playground) and emphasized the need for accurate projections.
    • Councilman Tebow asked about partial grant awards and the ability to scale the project; staff confirmed scaling is possible after grant award.
    • Councilwoman Ziemba asked about alternative locations; staff noted that moving the splash pad to another site would increase costs due to needed utilities.
  • Vote: Motion to approve the resolution passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar Approved: All items except D3 passed unanimously.
  • Splash Pad Grant Resolution Approved (5-0): The city will apply for the OSLAD grant; no final commitment to spend until grant outcome and detailed costs are known.
  • Future Agenda Item Moved: The garbage collection contract discussion (scheduled for September 17) was moved to the first meeting in October due to Councilman Nearman’s absence.
  • Meeting Adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 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 this evening. The agenda will be displayed on the um screens in the room. Um the 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 wishes to have an item separately removed uh and considered, uh they may request that item to be removed from the consent calendar. If a member of the public wishes to have an item separately removed and considered by the city council, the member of public may make that request, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, that item will also be considered and voted upon in a separate motion. Uh there are two opportunities for public comment this evening. The first being uh at the start of the meeting 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 the their comments to the Woodstock City Council and any items not on this evening's agenda. Second opportunity for public comment is when we take uh uh have items for action. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to make comment on those items prior to the action being taken. Any questions by members of the public on those announcements? All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this August 20th, 2024 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask Jane to please call the roll. Councilman Flynn, Councilwoman McMahon here. Councilman Nearman. Here. Councilman Seegers. Here. Councilman Tebow. Here. Councilwoman Ziemba. Mayor Turner. Yes. The record reflect that five of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present this evening, which is enough for a quorum for us to be able to conduct business. I'll ask Jane to please confirm that the uh 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 inappropriately before us. The first item under uh or first item on the agenda tonight is floor discussion, and under floor discussion, uh we have a presentation uh by design workshop uh and members of that staff who will present to us the uh park master plan. This is I believe the second time that this has been presented to uh Woodstock, the Woodstock City Council, and it will it is part of the process. We are not voting on the park master plan tonight. Uh we are simply getting an update on its uh progress and how it's coming together, an opportunity for council to ask questions tonight, or as in in uh follow-up back to staff. Uh this still has to go through process of of small group uh community input, so and a uh full uh a full consideration by the Woodstock City Council at some point in the future. The purpose of the Parkmaster plan is is to is to create the strategic direction for the City of Woodstock as it relates to all of our parks, uh inventorying them, understanding um trends in the industry, needs of the community, uh wants of the wants of the public, and gives us a roadmap as we consider and make decisions about our parks going into the uh in the future. So uh before we um I'm gonna have uh Christina Betts, our executive director of operations, uh, introduce the folks who are going to be making the presentation this evening. Uh before doing so, uh Roscoe or Christina. Any other um thoughts or inputs on the Parkmaster covered it very well, Mayor? Thank you, Roscoe. Christina, anything from your perspective? No, thank you, Mayor. Uh I'll just go ahead and introduce who will be speaking for us tonight. Uh it is Anna Layborn. Uh Anna Laborne, Ashley McKnight, and Allie Pollock, all from Design Workshop. Hello, everyone, the three A's on the A team here. Uh so uh design workshop has really made steady progress since we kicked this off in October of 2023. And this is the second and final leadership briefing to the city council, and from there I'll let you take it away.

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