Well, good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

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

A few brief announcements before we get started, uh, the meeting is being live streamed and is saved on the city's uh website.

Um the city 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 or a single vote.

Um if an item uh if a member of council wishes to have an item removed for separate consideration and voting, they may make that request, and that item will be removed and separately considered and voted upon.

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

Members of the public may come to the podium in the middle of the room if you're willing to do so, state your name and address for purpose of the record, and feel free to make comments to the Woodstock City Council on any item not on this evening's agenda.

The second opportunity for public comment will occur when we uh have items for action.

Members of the public may make comments uh prior to the vote on those items as well.

Any questions on those announcements before we get started?

All right, hearing none, I'll go ahead and officially call to order this June 2nd, 2026 meeting of the Woodstock City Council to order, and ask the clerk to please call the roll.

Councilman Flynn.

Here.

Councilman Hansen.

Here.

Councilwoman McMahon, here.

Councilman Nearman.

Here.

Councilman Zigars.

Here.

Councilwoman Ziemba?

Here.

Mayor Turner.

Here.

Let the record reflect all members of the Woodstock City Council are present in chambers this evening.

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

Yes, it is.

All right.

Thank you, Jane.

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

First item on this evening's agenda is floor discussion and under floor discussion, we have a proclamation this evening for LGBTQ Pride Month of for June of 2026.

Council, uh, without objection, sure.

Okay.

Great.

I would like to ask uh Councilman McMahon, who's also a member of the uh Pride Committee, to join me at the podium on the side of the room.

Thank you, Melissa.

So once again, it's uh Pride Month, and one of the bigger events um, and I think one of the more important events of the City of Woodstock does is in fact the Pride Fest, uh, which will occur on June uh 12th through 14th.

Um it's important to to our community, I believe, because it it captures what Woodstock is and should be about, which is a willingness to accept um all members of our of our community, all members of our of our society without without judgment and recognize and value uh you know who people are uh without without that judgment.

Uh and this Pride Fest and this proclamation recognizes that.

So it is my honor to uh to read this proclamation.

Proclamation honoring Pride Month 2026.

Whereas the month of June is recognized as Pride Month to commem commemorate the June 1969 Stonewall riots, widely acknowledged as the catalyst for the LGBTQ plus rights movement.

And whereas all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and LGBTQ individuals have made a measurable contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic success of our community, our state, and nation.

And whereas the City of Woodstock strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community that promotes diversity, equity, and respect for every individual, regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national national origin, sexual orientation, or ability.

And whereas Woodstock proudly supports the rights, dignity, visibility, and equality of LGBTQ plus individuals and families, and encourages residents and visitors alike to participate in Woodstock Pride Fact Pride Fest, taking place June 12th through 14th, 2026.

And whereas Woodstock Pride Fest 2026 will feature an expanded weekend, celebr us an expanded weekend celebration focused on community, creativity, inclusion, and joy, with this year's theme, Love is always in focus, reminding all people of the importance of authentic authenticity, acceptance, and connection.

And whereas the 2026 celebration includes new community pride events such as Pride Field Day, the Pride Chalk Walk, and an evening with Catherine Brooks, alongside the annual Pride Parade and Festival on the historic Woodstock Square.

And whereas Woodstock Pride Fest continues to bring together residents, businesses, organizations, artists, performers, families, and visitors, in a spirit of celebration and belonging while supporting local culture, community engagement, and economic vitality.

And whereas it is essential that young people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe, supported, respected, and empowered by their peers, educators, community leaders, and neighbors.

And whereas the City of Woodstock honors the courage, resilience, achievements, and continued contributions of the LGBTQ community and recognizes the importance of fostering a community where every person can live openly and authentically with pride.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the City Council of the City of Woodstock that the month of June 2026 is officially recognized as Pride Month in the City of Woodstock in celebration and support of the LGBTQ community, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois, the second day of June 2026.

Melissa, on behalf of the city, uh and in your role as a representing the Pride Committee, I want to thank you for your personal efforts on this and also for the work of the Pride Pride Committee.

All right, and accept this on behalf of the city.

Okay, there you go.

Um, Mayor, City Council, staff, and members of our community.

On behalf of Woodstock Pride, thank you for proclaiming June as Pride Month in the city of Woodstock.

For some a proclamation seems like it's just words on a piece of paper, but for us it represents much, much more.

It's a public statement that Woodstock is committed to being a community where everyone belongs, where everyone is treated with dignity, and where differences are not feared but celebrated.