OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting: Downtown Plan & Die Cast Development – May 19, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 19, 2026
BodyWoodstock, Illinois
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:44:58

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

0:02

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

0:06

A few brief announcements before we get started, a reminder that the agenda will be shown on the screens in the uh in the room.

0:15

Um the City Woodstock operates under what's called a consent format, which 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 the Woodstock City Council wants to have an item removed for separate consideration and voting, they will make that request and it will be removed and separately considered.

0:33

If a member of the public wishes to have an item separately removed for consideration and voting, they may make that request, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, uh that item too will be removed for separate consideration and voting.

0:45

There are two opportunities for public comment this evening.

0:48

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

0:52

Uh members of the public will be invited to come to the podium in the middle of the room.

0:56

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

0:59

Feel free to make comments to the Woodstock City Council on any items not on this evening's agenda per Woodstock City ordinance, public comment may be limited by the chair by uh to three minutes in total.

1:12

Uh second opportunity for public comment comes uh when we have items for action.

1:17

We will invite members of the public to make comments on those items prior to those being voted upon.

1:22

There are any questions on those announcements before we get started.

1:26

All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this May 19th, 2026 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask Jane to please call the roll.

1:35

Councilman Flynn.

1:36

Here.

1:37

Councilman Hansen.

1:38

Councilwoman McMahon.

1:40

Here.

1:41

Councilman Nearman.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Councilman Seegers.

1:44

Here.

1:44

Councilwoman Ziemba.

1:45

Here.

1:46

Mayor Turner.

1:47

Here.

1:47

Let the record reflect that six of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present in the meeting this evening.

1:52

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

1:57

Yes, it is.

1:57

Thank you, Jane.

1:58

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

2:03

First item we have this evening on the agenda is floor discussion.

2:07

Under floor discussion, we have the first item is a proclamation for a national public works week.

2:13

Uh council without objection, please do.

2:15

All right, thank you.

2:16

Uh Brent, I'd like you to join me uh at the podium on the side there.

2:30

Jane must have been trying to throw me off and moving the.

2:33

Did you move you move the podium on me?

2:35

Okay.

2:36

Um, Brent, good evening.

2:38

Good to see you.

2:39

Um, it is my great honor on behalf of the city uh city council and also on the on behalf of the citizens of Woodstock to uh proclaim uh national uh public works week.

2:51

Um our public works team, uh they are a 24-7 uh operation.

2:56

Um they are probably like it best when there's no attention on them because if there's a tension, I see a couple of nods back there.

3:04

If there's a tension, it it means that they are having to having to fix something.

3:08

But the complexities of what they do, day in, day out, year over year, is intense.

3:15

Uh it is highly complex, an absolutely critical function for the city.

3:20

Um, and too often we take it for granted when the faucet comes on and the water comes on, or when the toilets flush uh or water goes down the drain, uh, that it just happens.

3:30

And it doesn't just happen.

3:33

Uh it happens because of the dedication of our our public works professionals and the time that they put in and the expertise that they bring.

3:40

So, Brent, it's my pleasure to to uh read this proclamation uh honoring uh our public works team.

3:47

So proclamation honoring National Public Works Week 2026 and the Woodstock Department of Public Works.

3:54

Whereas the public works professionals of the Woodstock Department of Public Works provide provide essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that are vital to maintaining a sustainable, resilient, and thriving community while protecting public health, safety, and the overall quality of life for Woodstock residents.

4:13

And whereas Woodstock's infrastructure and essential public services could not be maintained without a dedicated effort of public works professionals, including engineers, managers, operators, technicians, and employees at all levels, who are responsible for building, maintaining, and improving our streets and transportation systems, parks and recreation spaces, water distribution and treatment systems, solid waste services, public buildings and other critical infrastructure that serve our community every day.

4:46

And whereas it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and youth of Woodstock to gain knowledge of and maintain an understanding of the importance of public works and the many services provided daily by the Woodstock Public Woodstock Department of Public Works.

5:03

And whereas the effectiveness and efficiency of the dedicated personnel who serve in the Woodstock Public Department of Public Works are greatly influenced by the understanding, support, and appreciation of the community they serve.

5:17

And whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association and the Canadian Public Works Association, with the theme, rooted in service, powered by community.

5:34

And the City of Woodstock joins communities across North America in recognizing May 17th through 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████████████████████26%
Economic Development█████████████████17%
Public Engagement████████████12%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Downtown Planning███████7%
Arts And Culture███████7%
Public Works████4%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Woodstock City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

The Woodstock City Council met on May 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting featured a proclamation for National Public Works Week, presentations on the Downtown Master Plan and the Die Cast Development Concept, public comments, and approval of a parking variation. Key outcomes included unanimous direction to adopt the downtown plan and to continue negotiations with Murphy Development Group for the die cast site.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved (6-0) all consent items A through D3, with the exception of item D1 (147 S. Hill Street parking variation), which was removed for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Andrew Celantano (public comment during floor discussion) expressed appreciation for the Public Works Department's long-term partnership with high school students on engineering projects, noting it has been successful for 16 years.
  • John Hegner (Harvard resident, Arts Commission) supported the downtown plan's emphasis on connectivity and coordination among creative entities, suggesting a unified community theme to amplify events.
  • Alan Stebbins (508 address) recommended the city help property owners navigate federal and state historic tax credits for facade improvements, noting this could increase property assessments and tax revenue.
  • Anne Marie Whitmore Linzini (resident, Arts Commission chair, business owner) commented on the need for better maintenance off the square, supported a downtown management entity to reduce staff burden, and mentioned past interest in a Main Street USA program.
  • Kim Keefe (Compass Real Estate, Art for Woodstock) emphasized the importance of public-private partnership for public art and requested continued city maintenance support for the roundabout sculpture.
  • Steve Boyce (resident, Art for Woodstock) urged long-term thinking about what future generations will seek, highlighted the role of art in attracting talent, and called for teamwork to complement city staff.
  • Arlene Lines (Read Between the Lines owner, 21 years) asked for clarification on non-sponsored city events; Mayor Turner explained that the downtown plan's recommendation is to better connect events to businesses to maximize benefit.
  • RJ (resident) raised concerns about the Route 47 widening project, specifically the lack of an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for a pedestrian sidewalk under the viaduct, and called for prioritizing infrastructure fixes (sidewalks, water treatment, lead pipes) over beautification projects.
  • Sue (First Street resident) cautioned about existing parking congestion on First Street during weekends and asked that access to Dairy Queen not be blocked by the Die Cast development.
  • Alan Stebbins (second appearance) urged council to require high-quality, historically compatible materials for the die cast infill, given the city's long investment in the site.

Discussion Items

  • National Public Works Week Proclamation – Mayor Turner read the proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2026. Public Works Director Brent accepted, thanking staff and the community. Council agreed without objection.
  • Downtown Master Plan Presentation – Presented by Josh Bloom, Kevin Clark, and Peter Lemon (Lakota Group). Three market-based strategies were outlined:
    1. Creative Economy – Building on existing arts, culinary, and creative enterprises.
    2. Suburban Oasis – Attracting residents who want walkable downtown living with amenities.
    3. Chicagoland's Town Square – Reinforcing the historic downtown as a regional destination. Recommendations included improved walkability/bikeability, Benton Street improvements, infill housing at opportunity sites (die cast, lumberyard, public works site), parking management, and the creation of a downtown management entity to coordinate implementation. Council expressed strong support for the plan. Councilman Nearman raised cost concerns given upcoming Route 47 projects; Councilwoman Ziemba liked the strategies but disliked the

Meeting Transcript

Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to welcome you all to this evening's meeting of the Woodstock City Council. A few brief announcements before we get started, a reminder that the agenda will be shown on the screens in the uh in the room. Um the City Woodstock operates under what's called a consent format, which means that all items for action this evening will be considered in a single motion and a single vote. If a member of the Woodstock City Council wants to have an item removed for separate consideration and voting, they will make that request and it will be removed and separately considered. If a member of the public wishes to have an item separately removed for consideration and voting, they may make that request, and if agreed to by a member of the Woodstock City Council, uh that item too will be removed for separate consideration and voting. There are two opportunities for public comment this evening. The first being at the start of the meeting under floor discussion public comment. Uh members of the public will be invited to come 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 comments to the Woodstock City Council on any items not on this evening's agenda per Woodstock City ordinance, public comment may be limited by the chair by uh to three minutes in total. Uh second opportunity for public comment comes uh when we have items for action. We will invite members of the public to make comments on those items prior to those being voted upon. There are any questions on those announcements before we get started. All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this May 19th, 2026 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order and ask Jane to please call the roll. Councilman Flynn. Here. Councilman Hansen. Councilwoman McMahon. Here. Councilman Nearman. Here. Councilman Seegers. Here. Councilwoman Ziemba. Here. Mayor Turner. Here. Let the record reflect that six of the seven members of the Woodstock City Council are present in the meeting this evening. Jane, can you please confirm that the agenda is the same as the true and published agenda? Yes, it is. Thank you, Jane. Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the council, that being the case, the people's business is duly inappropriately before us. First item we have this evening on the agenda is floor discussion. Under floor discussion, we have the first item is a proclamation for a national public works week. Uh council without objection, please do. All right, thank you. Uh Brent, I'd like you to join me uh at the podium on the side there. Jane must have been trying to throw me off and moving the. Did you move you move the podium on me? Okay. Um, Brent, good evening. Good to see you. Um, it is my great honor on behalf of the city uh city council and also on the on behalf of the citizens of Woodstock to uh proclaim uh national uh public works week. Um our public works team, uh they are a 24-7 uh operation. Um they are probably like it best when there's no attention on them because if there's a tension, I see a couple of nods back there. If there's a tension, it it means that they are having to having to fix something. But the complexities of what they do, day in, day out, year over year, is intense. Uh it is highly complex, an absolutely critical function for the city. Um, and too often we take it for granted when the faucet comes on and the water comes on, or when the toilets flush uh or water goes down the drain, uh, that it just happens.

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