Woodstock City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025

The May 6, 2025 meeting of the Woodstock City Council began with the adjournment of the outgoing council (sine die), recognition of outgoing Councilman Gordy Tebow, the administration of the oath of office to newly elected council members, and the call to order of the newly seated council. The meeting then proceeded with floor discussion, a public hearing, public comments, and action on several consent agenda items, including discussion and votes on financial agreements and a recreation center renovation design. The council also held an executive session to discuss the purchase of real property.

Consent Calendar (Initial)

• Approved City Council Executive Session Minutes from April 10, 2025, April 15, 2025 (regular and executive), and April 28 and 29, 2025, via a single motion and vote. The motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Recognition of Outgoing Council and Oath of Office

• Recognition of Outgoing Councilman Gordy Tebow: Mayor Turner praised Councilman Tebow for eight years of service, describing him as "practical, thoughtful, circumspect" and a "standard bearer" of open-mindedness. Councilman Tebow expressed gratitude and noted the community's warmth when he and his wife moved to Woodstock 43 years ago. He was presented with a replica of the clock in Sesquicentennial Park.
• Proclamation - Gordy and Anita Tebow Day: The council proclaimed May 6, 2025, as "Gordy and Anita Tebow Day" in Woodstock, recognizing their combined civic and cultural contributions, including Gordy's service and Anita's work in music education and performing arts.
• Oath of Office: Circuit Judge Tiffany E. Davis was originally scheduled to administer oaths, but City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg administered the oath to Mayor Michael A. Turner, who then administered oaths to newly elected council members Bob Seegers Jr., Tom Nearman, and Gregory Hanson (re-elected incumbents).
• Recognition of Outgoing City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg: Mayor Turner thanked Schlossberg for 12 years of service, highlighting her role as legal advisor and counselor. Schlossberg praised Woodstock as a model for how cities should operate.
• Proclamation - National Police Week: The council proclaimed May 11–17, 2025, as National Police Week in Woodstock, honoring the Woodstock Police Department. Council noted that the old courthouse center and Woodstock Square perimeter lighting would be lit in blue on May 15 in observance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing - Riverwoods Special Service Area (SSA) #17: City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg explained that the SSA is a "backup" mechanism for the Riverwoods subdivision, allowing the city to make improvements and charge residents if the homeowners' association fails to maintain common areas. The hearing was opened, and one resident asked if this procedure was standard for new developments. Schlossberg confirmed it has been standard for the last 20 years. No objections were raised. The public hearing was closed unanimously (7-0).
• Public Comments:
  • Rick Nami (2112 Presswick): Expressed concern about the mandatory garbage service and inability to opt out, as he already pays for garbage service at other properties. Mayor Turner responded that the program was the best negotiated model, the industry is moving away from stickers, and opt-out is not available except for a three-month vacation opt-out. Nami acknowledged the explanation.
  • Aaron Kennedy (Environmental Defenders): Highlighted International Compost Awareness Week and announced a new permanent food scrap compost drop-off site at Blue Lotus Temple, available via a $5/month subscription. He requested city partnership to promote the program. Mayor Turner confirmed he had already signed up.

Discussion Items

• Consent Agenda Items Removed for Separate Consideration:
  • C7 – Amended Revolving Loan Agreement – Ethereal Confections LLC: Councilman Bob Seegers pulled the item to express his desire for a comprehensive review of the revolving loan program, calling it a "springboard" to reevaluate its effectiveness. Councilman Gregory Hanson stated he would vote no, citing lack of industry standards, absence of current personal guarantees, and past opportunities denied to other businesses. Mayor Turner noted the loan was from 2018 (pre-COVID, pre-inflation) and that Ethereal faced exceptional challenges like skyrocketing cocoa prices. Councilman Tom Nearman argued that foreclosure would yield no value, while the amendment provides a chance for repayment. Councilwoman Melissa McMahon agreed the program is being "abused." The resolution passed 6-1 (Hanson opposed).
  • C8 – Old Courthouse Lease Amendment – E3 Artisans, Inc. (Ethereal Confections): Councilman Hanson also pulled this item, voting no due to concerns about below-market rates. City Manager Roscoe Stelford explained that the amendment reduces the tenant’s footprint and financial commitment while allowing the city to use the space (e.g., for the new Brat House lease). Councilman Seegers noted the change supports loan repayment and provides the city use of the space at no cost. Mayor Turner emphasized that without this amendment, the Brat House agreement (C4) would be jeopardized. The ordinance passed 6-1 (Hanson opposed).
  • C9 – Public Art Agreement – Park in the Square Groundhog Statue: Councilwoman McMahon recused herself due to her position on the Groundhog Days Committee. A representative of the Woodstock Groundhog Day Committee described the bronze groundhog statue on a log that also functions as a bench, designed by a local nationally recognized sculptor. The council approved the installation at Location #1 and authorized the city manager to negotiate an agreement. The motion passed unanimously (6-0, McMahon absent).
  • C4 – Old Courthouse Lease – JAG Restaurant Group (Brat House): Councilman Hanson removed the item as procedural but expressed strong support. Mayor Turner congratulated staff for securing the agreement, noting that the previous tenant (Mobcraft) closed in November 2024. Councilwoman McMahon raised concerns about losing two public restrooms on the square and about staircase safety. Staff confirmed that staircase preservation and code compliance are being addressed. The lease was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Rec Center Design Discussion:
  • Recreation Director Mark Pentecost presented a proposal to renovate the aging recreation center (originally built in the 1980s, acquired by the city in 2000). The facility faces mold, ADA compliance, and code issues. The city received a $2.8 million state park grant (80% grant) but current cost estimates are $7–9 million for basic code fixes, with an additional $1.5 million for a mezzanine level (expanding from 20,000 to 24,000 square feet). A new gym and walking track would cost $4 million more; aquatic expansion $3 million. Staff recommended bidding phase 1 (code fixes) and phase 2 (mezzanine) together, with a backup option to omit the mezzanine if costs are prohibitive.
  • Racquetball Court Discussion: A user group (approximately 30 members, 18–20 regulars, 60% residents) requested preserving a racquetball court. The design currently eliminates the courts to make space for flexible programming. Adding a standalone racquetball court as a bump-out would cost $500,000–$750,000, but would delay bidding by a month and increase professional services fees. Council members argued the cost per user ($25,000) was unjustifiable. The council directed staff to proceed with bidding for phases 1 and 2 without the racquetball addition.
  • Funding Preferences: Council members expressed a preference for a sales tax increase (quarter point, estimated $800,000–$850,000/year) over a property tax increase, with a guardrail to segregate the revenue for the project. The discussion was noted as a "sense of the council," not a final vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Revised): Items A through C10, with exceptions for C4, C7, C8, and C9, were approved in a single motion (7-0).
• C7 – Ethereal Confections Revolving Loan Amendment: Approved 6-1.
• C8 – Ethereal Confections Lease Amendment: Approved 6-1.
• C9 – Groundhog Statue Public Art Agreement: Approved 6-0 (McMahon recused).
• C4 – Brat House Lease: Approved 7-0.
• Rec Center Direction: Council authorized staff to move forward with bidding for the renovation project (phases 1 and 2 with mezzanine) and to submit a six-month extension request for the state park grant. The racquetball court addition was not included. The council indicated support for using a sales tax increase (quarter point) as a funding mechanism, with a carve-out for the project.
• Future Agenda Items: Council added a discussion of the revolving loan program to a future agenda (late June or early July). Staff is exploring a partnership with a local bank and a CDFI to manage the program.
• Executive Session: The council moved into executive session to discuss the purchase of real property (unanimous).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:28 p.m. (after executive session, the open session concluded with future agenda items).