Woodstock City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Woodstock City Council met on December 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting included a public hearing on a proposed self-storage facility rental tax, a public comment period focused on a potential gravel pit expansion, council discussion on the consent calendar (including a tree ordinance, stage left renovation contract, and reallocation of unused funds), a separate vote on an exclusive negotiating agreement and inducement resolution for the Die Cast site redevelopment, transmittal of second quarter financial reports, and a discussion on renewing the Woodstock Art Fair contract with Amdur Productions.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Acceptance of December 2, 2025 City Council minutes; warrants #4176 and #4177; minutes and reports from the Arts Commission, Board of Police Commissioners, Cultural and Social Awareness Commission, Environmental Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Plan Commission; Manager's Report No. 284 items including an ordinance for a Donations Policy (284a), an ordinance revising the Tree Protection and Nuisance Abatement provisions (284b), a resolution for professional services for Stage Left Renovation with Farr Associates in an amount not to exceed $101,000 (284c), a resolution for 2026 softener salt purchase from Midwest Salt at $129.28 per ton (284d), a resolution for Arctic Wolf cyber security services from NobleTec at $82,500 over three years (284e), and reallocation of $8,500 from the "Shop, Dine, Save & Win" program to support CivicServe software platform (284g). Item D6 was removed for separate action.
• Council discussion on D2 (Tree Ordinance): Councilman Nearman questioned the lack of a definition for "dangerous tree" on private property and expressed concern about neighbor complaints. Staff noted that an arborist assesses trees free of charge and that enforcement is subjective; other codes may apply for imminent threats.
• Council discussion on D3 (Stage Left Renovation): Councilman Nearman criticized spending $289,000 to access a $1,000,000 grant, saying the funds could be used elsewhere. Mayor Turner argued the investment enhances the venue and drives future economics. Councilwoman McMahon expressed disappointment that there was no public or stakeholder engagement, but still voted yes. Staff provided scope: relocating the stage, updating lighting, carpeting, and bar configuration based on a 2023 study by DLR Group.
• Council discussion on D7 (Reallocation of funds): Councilman Hansen and Councilwoman McMahon lamented the discontinuation of the "Shop, Dine, Save & Win" program, noting it drove local business. They urged staff to communicate with the Chamber of Commerce about reinstating the program in its original format next year.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Self-Storage Facility Rental Tax Public Hearing: No members of the public spoke. The hearing was closed by unanimous vote.
• Public Comments (Floor Discussion):
  • Peter Reese (2425 Fairview Circle, Woodstock), a 37-year railroad veteran, spoke against a proposed gravel pit expansion by Jack Pease on the north side of the Union Pacific tracks. He argued a tunnel under the tracks is not feasible with UP, and the pit would create noise, dust, air pollution, and water contamination. He stated the pit would sit between four subdivisions and that residents strongly oppose it. He noted that the same developer had taken a similar project to the county after McHenry rejected it.
  • Carrie Bob (2444 Fairview Circle, Woodstock), an educator, urged council to consider the impacts on children, property values, and safety (trucks crossing Lily Pond). She stated that Pease is relentless and that if it were council members' own backyards, they would not want it.
  • John Graham (1080 Oakmont Court) asked how to track the proposal on future agendas. The mayor explained that it will first go to the Plan Commission, with property postings and public hearings. The city clerk can add interested residents to a mailing list.
  • Other residents expressed concerns about the loss of tree-lined roads and the impact on the "sanctuary" character of their neighborhood.
• Council Comments: Councilwoman McMahon thanked residents for attending and for submitting a 28-page petition regarding ICE actions. She stated she personally supports the petition and urged residents to continue voicing opinions and to shop locally during the holiday season.

Discussion Items

• Self-Storage Facility Rental Tax: After the public hearing, council discussed a proposed 5% rental tax, with 3% of the collected amount retained by storage owners for administration. Councilman Nearman suggested a prompt-payment incentive (3% if reported within 30 days). Councilman Seegers viewed the tax as a "money grab" on local residents. Councilwoman Ziemba noted that Lake in the Hills and Crystal Lake are considering similar taxes but have not adopted them, while McHenry has (5%). Mayor Turner argued the tax diversifies revenue and recoups opportunity costs when storage facilities occupy prime retail land. Staff clarified the revenue would go into the general fund unless otherwise earmarked. Council directed staff to refine the proposal and bring forward a formal ordinance for future consideration.
• Second Quarter Financial Reports (FY25/26): Presented by Paul. Sales tax revenue (cash basis) is up 11.1% (regular) and 9.5% (home rule) compared to the prior year. September figures showed a 20% (regular) and 24% (home rule) increase, attributed primarily to online sales. Use tax is down 43% ($284,000 projected), but net sales + use tax is still up $270,000. Overall financial picture remains positive. Council noted the value of tracking analytics.
• Art Fair 2026 Contract Renewal: Discussion on renewing the Memorandum of Understanding with Amdur Productions for the Woodstock Art Fair on the Square. Key changes from previous contract: reduced local artist booth fee from $495 to $250, and the event moved to a different weekend to avoid conflicts with Algonquin. Councilman Flynn and Councilman Seegers were initially opposed but became supportive after the negotiations. Councilman Hansen and Councilman Nearman remained opposed, questioning the low artist count (43 in 2025) and the lack of a minimum artist guarantee. Ann Marie, Chair of the Arts Commission, spoke in favor, noting the positive feedback from commissioners and her own business experiencing a strong sales day despite bad weather. Staff presented analytics showing that even with poor weather, the event drove foot traffic and spending. Direction to staff was 5-2 in favor of proceeding with the contract.

Key Outcomes

• Self-Storage Tax: Closed public hearing; council directed staff to bring a draft ordinance for formal consideration, with potential adjustments (prompt-payment incentive). No vote was taken.
• Consent Calendar (excluding D6): Approved unanimously.
• Item D6 – Die Cast Site Redevelopment: Approved by a vote of 6-1 (Councilman Hansen voted no, citing lack of a defined public amenity like a small park). The vote approved Resolution Document 6 (Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Murphy Development Group) and Resolution Document 7 (Inducement Resolution for proposed TIF District #3). The TIF district will include portions of TIF 2, the Die Cast site, public works property, Thompson Appliance (blighted), and other parcels. The city plans to extend a prior agreement with District 200 to share 50% of residential property tax increment for schools.
• Art Fair 2026: Council provided consensus (5-2) for staff to finalize the revised Memorandum of Understanding with Amdur Productions and bring it back for formal approval.
• Future Agenda Items: Next regular meeting is January 20, 2026. A discussion on camera enforcement (Flock) is moved to the February 3, 2026 meeting. A meeting with Flock representatives for council members will be scheduled in January. Councilman Nearman requested an ordinance review for commercial building code enforcement and penalties, referencing the Thompson Appliance building. Staff indicated a commercial building program will be presented in February. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.