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Record of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025: Proclamations, Officer Swearing-In, and Flock Camera Debate

City Council — Tuesday, November 4, 2025

BodyWoodstock, Illinois

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, November 4, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:27:36

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Good evening.

0:01

Good evening and welcome to this November 4th, 2025 meeting of the Woodstock City Council.

0:07

Before we get started, there are some brief announcements.

0:09

Number one, the agenda is shown on the screens around the room for you to follow along.

0:13

Number two, the City of Woodstock operates under what is known as a consent format, which means all items for action this evening will be considered under a single motion and a single vote.

0:22

If a council member would like to have an item removed and separately considered and voted upon, they may make that request, and the item will be removed from the consent agenda and be considered under a separate vote.

0:32

If a member of the public would like to have an item removed and separately considered and voted upon, they may also make that request, and if agreed to by a member of council, the item will be removed and considered under separate vote.

0:43

There are two opportunities for public comments.

0:45

First, at the start of the meeting during floor discussion, members of the public may come to the podium in the center of the room, state your name and address for the record if you are comfortable doing so and comment on items not on this evening's agenda.

0:57

So this is anything but what is on the agenda tonight.

1:00

Number two, when an item is considered for action, uh there will be a time for members of the public uh to make comments on those items prior to a vote.

1:08

Are there any questions on those announcements before we get started this evening?

1:13

All right, hearing none, um at this time, I would like to call this November 4th, 2025 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask the clerk to call the roll.

1:23

Councilman Hansen.

1:25

Here.

1:25

Councilwoman McMahon.

1:27

Here.

1:27

Councilman Nearman.

1:29

Here.

1:29

Councilman Seegers?

1:30

Here.

1:31

Councilwoman Ziemba?

1:32

Here.

1:33

Deputy Mayor Flynn?

1:34

Here.

1:34

Mayor Turner.

1:36

All right.

1:37

Let the record reflect that six of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present this evening, and we are in good shape to do the city's business.

1:44

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

1:48

Yes, it is.

1:49

All right.

1:49

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

1:53

Our first item this evening is floor discussion, and under floor discussion, uh, we start with not one but two proclamations tonight.

2:00

Um and we'll have a public hearing and then we'll move into public comments.

2:03

For our first proclamation, if I could have uh Rick Prescott and fellow Marines from the Marine Group up at the side podium, that would be absolutely wonderful.

2:14

Oh, without objection, counsel.

2:16

We're good with this proclamation.

2:22

Thanks for coming back.

2:23

Thank you so much for coming.

2:24

Thank you, sir.

2:25

Very much.

2:25

Thank you very much for coming.

2:31

Coming from a proud Marine family, this is a wonderful thing to celebrate.

2:34

Um I should take my glasses off to read this one.

2:37

So, first off, uh, this proclamation for the United States Marine Corps month, whereas the United States Marine Corps has protected citizens and defended the freedom of our nation for the past two hundred and fifty years.

2:48

And whereas, as our country has established a position of world leadership, the Marines have continually proven themselves as dedicated professionals, ready to defend lives and uphold the rights and liberties cherished by Americans.

3:00

And whereas each Marine is trained to stand firm against any odds and to remain ever faithful to God, country, and core, prepared to serve whenever and wherever the President or Congress may call, and whereas since its founding on November 10th, 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the term Marine has been synonymous with courage, honor, and military excellence.

3:20

And whereas the residents of Woodstock, Illinois take great pride in our community's contributions to the Marine tradition and honor the bravery and sacrifice of all Marines who serve around the world.

3:31

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Woodstock City Council on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, Illinois, hereby recognizes the month of November 2025 as United States Marine Corps month in the City of Woodstock and encourage all residents to join in expressing our deepest gratitude and respect for the men and women of the United States of Marine Corps for their continued service to our nation.

3:53

This has been approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this fourth day of November 2025.

4:10

Thank you.

4:43

And our detachment uh began here about 31 years ago.

4:48

And so I'm gonna read this to you that I I prepared today.

4:52

Mayor, members of the City Council and Cities, the citizens of Woodstock.

5:00

Mayor, members of the city council and cities, the citizens of Woodstock, on behalf of the McHenry County Detachment of the Marine Corps League, I extend our sincere gratitude for this proclamation and for your continued recognition of the Marines and veterans who call this community home.

5:11

Thirty-one years ago, our detachment was founded right here in Woodstock.

5:16

From those humble beginnings, we have grown into a proud and enduring presence, standing as a living testament to the values of service, honor, and commitment that this city represents.

5:28

Today, we are not only Marines, we are a vital part of the Woodstock veteran family.

5:34

Working alongside the veterans of foreign war, the American Legion, and other organizations united in purpose.

5:42

Together, we strive to ensure that no veteran stands alone and that their needs are met and that their service is remembered with respect that it deserves.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety███████████████████████████████████████████43%

Technology and Innovation████████████████████20%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Procedural██████████10%

Veterans Recognition█████5%

Budget Equity Analysis███3%

Public Works██2%

Food Security██2%

Racial Equity█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting - November 4, 2025

The Woodstock City Council met on November 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations honoring the U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary and Veterans Day, the swearing-in of a new police officer, a public hearing on enlarging Special Service Area (SSA) #17, public comments on SNAP benefit disruptions, and an extended discussion on a proposed lease agreement with Flock Safety Group for six security cameras on the Woodstock Square. The consent agenda was approved with the exception of the Flock camera item, which failed after a tie vote.

Proclamations & Ceremonies

U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary: The council recognized November 2025 as U.S. Marine Corps Month. Rick Prescott and members of the McHenry County Detachment of the Marine Corps League accepted the proclamation, noting the detachment began in Woodstock 31 years ago.
Veterans Day & Operation Greenlight: The council declared November 4–11, 2025, as Operation Greenlight week, with the old courthouse illuminated in green. Ed Chambers (VFW Post 5040) thanked the council on behalf of local veteran organizations.
Police Officer Swearing-In: Officer Matthew Bundy was sworn in by attorney Mr. Giordano. Chief praised Bundy’s application and field training; Bundy’s husband Josh pinned on his badge.

Public Hearing – Enlargement of Riverwoods SSA #17

Building and Planning Director Joe Napolitano explained that SSA #17, established in July 2025, provides a funding mechanism for common area maintenance in the Riverwood subdivision. Lenar acquired an additional 2.02 acres including a lift station, detention area, and utilities, requiring the SSA be enlarged to cover the entire subdivision.
No public comments were offered. The public hearing was closed. The council will consider an ordinance at the January 20, 2026 meeting, following an objection period.

Public Comments & Testimony

Katie Haredy (Northern Illinois Food Bank): Reported that as of November 1, 2025, 40 million Americans – including 8 million children, 4 million disabled individuals, and 16 million adults (veterans, seniors, working families) – lost SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. In McHenry County, over 19,000 SNAP recipients lost access. The food bank faces a $4 million funding gap. Its 53 partner agencies in McHenry County provided 6.5 million meals last year, serving 36,000 neighbors monthly. She urged community support via solvehungertoday.org.
Hannah (resident): Asked for clarification on public comment procedures.
Multiple residents spoke against the Flock camera proposal (see Discussion Items).

Consent Calendar

All items under section IV (A through D7) were approved by a single motion (6-0) with the exception of item D2 (Ordinance for Flock Safety Camera lease), which was pulled by Councilwoman McMahon for separate discussion. Approved items included:

Acceptance of October 21, 2025 City Council minutes
Warrants #4170 and #4171
Parks and Recreation Commission (Oct 14) and Public Library Board (Sept 11) minutes
Redevelopment agreement for 315 E. South Street, LLC
Lease agreement for Flock cameras (pulled)
Fifth Addendum to Tolling Agreement on Video Gaming Push Tax
Contract award for Public Works fuel island (Al Warren Oil Co., two 2,500-gallon tanks, $28,835 total)
Acceptance of Police Pension FY24/25 Annual Statement (recommended employer contribution $2,077,578 for 2025 levy)
Resolution for Property Tax Levy Estimate per Truth in Taxation Act
Allocation of $5,000 Facade Improvement Program funds for 136 Cass St. (Viking Dog, LLC)

Discussion Items

Flock Safety Camera Lease (Item D2): Councilwoman McMahon expressed concerns about data privacy, sharing with federal agencies, lack of mandatory warrants, and Flock’s track record. She stated her vote would be “no.” Chief responded that the cameras are security cameras, not license plate readers; data is stored for 30 days, owned by the city, and only accessible to Woodstock PD. He noted the cameras would assist in investigations (e.g., missing persons, crimes) and that a three-year contract includes an appropriations clause allowing exit non-appropriation.
Councilman Seegers supported the cameras, arguing they enhance public safety and noting the prevalence of surveillance in modern society. Councilwoman Ziemba emphasized distinguishing security cameras from LPRs and trusted the police department’s discretion.
IT manager noted that any cloud-based system carries inherent security risks but highlighted Flock’s audit logs and multi-factor authentication.
Public testimony (8 speakers) overwhelmingly opposed Flock specifically, citing data breach history, ICE access, Evanston’s cancellation, and concerns about chilling effects on marginalized communities. Some supported security cameras but asked to reconsider the vendor.
A motion to postpone the item indefinitely failed 3-3 (Mayor absent). A subsequent motion to approve the ordinance also failed 3-3, meaning the item was not approved.

Key Outcomes

Consent agenda approved (6-0) except item D2.
Flock camera lease (D2) not approved after a 3-3 tie vote on the motion to approve. The item is effectively defeated, though reconsideration could be brought by a member of the prevailing no-vote group at the next meeting.
Public hearing on SSA #17 enlargement closed; ordinance to be considered January 20, 2026.
Proclamations and officer swearing-in completed.
Future agenda items: An ordinance amending city code for park signage will be presented on November 18, 2025, with a stopgap measure placing signage under city administration discretion pending a more comprehensive process through the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Good evening and welcome to this November 4th, 2025 meeting of the Woodstock City Council. Before we get started, there are some brief announcements. Number one, the agenda is shown on the screens around the room for you to follow along. Number two, the City of Woodstock operates under what is known as a consent format, which means all items for action this evening will be considered under a single motion and a single vote. If a council member would like to have an item removed and separately considered and voted upon, they may make that request, and the item will be removed from the consent agenda and be considered under a separate vote. If a member of the public would like to have an item removed and separately considered and voted upon, they may also make that request, and if agreed to by a member of council, the item will be removed and considered under separate vote. There are two opportunities for public comments. First, at the start of the meeting during floor discussion, members of the public may come to the podium in the center of the room, state your name and address for the record if you are comfortable doing so and comment on items not on this evening's agenda. So this is anything but what is on the agenda tonight. Number two, when an item is considered for action, uh there will be a time for members of the public uh to make comments on those items prior to a vote. Are there any questions on those announcements before we get started this evening? All right, hearing none, um at this time, I would like to call this November 4th, 2025 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask the clerk to call the roll. Councilman Hansen. Here. Councilwoman McMahon. Here. Councilman Nearman. Here. Councilman Seegers? Here. Councilwoman Ziemba? Here. Deputy Mayor Flynn? Here. Mayor Turner. All right. Let the record reflect that six of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present this evening, and we are in good shape to do the city's business. Jane, will you confirm that the agenda this evening is the same as the true and published agenda? Yes, it is. All right. That being the case, the people's business is duly and appropriately before us. Our first item this evening is floor discussion, and under floor discussion, uh, we start with not one but two proclamations tonight. Um and we'll have a public hearing and then we'll move into public comments. For our first proclamation, if I could have uh Rick Prescott and fellow Marines from the Marine Group up at the side podium, that would be absolutely wonderful. Oh, without objection, counsel. We're good with this proclamation. Thanks for coming back. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you, sir. Very much. Thank you very much for coming. Coming from a proud Marine family, this is a wonderful thing to celebrate. Um I should take my glasses off to read this one. So, first off, uh, this proclamation for the United States Marine Corps month, whereas the United States Marine Corps has protected citizens and defended the freedom of our nation for the past two hundred and fifty years. And whereas, as our country has established a position of world leadership, the Marines have continually proven themselves as dedicated professionals, ready to defend lives and uphold the rights and liberties cherished by Americans. And whereas each Marine is trained to stand firm against any odds and to remain ever faithful to God, country, and core, prepared to serve whenever and wherever the President or Congress may call, and whereas since its founding on November 10th, 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the term Marine has been synonymous with courage, honor, and military excellence. And whereas the residents of Woodstock, Illinois take great pride in our community's contributions to the Marine tradition and honor the bravery and sacrifice of all Marines who serve around the world. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Woodstock City Council on behalf of all citizens of Woodstock, Illinois, hereby recognizes the month of November 2025 as United States Marine Corps month in the City of Woodstock and encourage all residents to join in expressing our deepest gratitude and respect for the men and women of the United States of Marine Corps for their continued service to our nation. This has been approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, this fourth day of November 2025.

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