Woodstock City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

The City Council held its regular meeting on September 15, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The meeting featured public comments heavily focused on opposition to the Flock surveillance camera system, a consent calendar approved unanimously, a discussion of first‑quarter financial reports, and a detailed discussion of design priorities for the Die Cast site redevelopment. Council also introduced Nathan Burkhart as the new Opera House Director.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7‑0) all items A through D8, including:
  • Acceptance of September 1, 2026 minutes.
  • Warrants #4213 and #4214.
  • Reports from the Arts Commission, Opera House Advisory Commission, and Library Board.
  • Manager's Report No. 301 items:
    • Ordinance for Route 47 widening IGA.
    • Ordinance amending administrative payment authority.
    • Resolution awarding Balanced Environments, LLC contract for holiday lights (not to exceed $88,500).
    • Resolution awarding Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. contract for skip patching (not to exceed $76,000).
    • Resolution awarding Geske and Sons, Inc. contract for 2026 Streets Improvement Program (not to exceed $1,409,805.67).
    • Resolution approving addendum for construction engineering services with Trotter and Associates, Inc. (not to exceed $142,582).
    • Resolution supporting ITEP grant application (requesting up to $2,370,652 in ITEP funds, city match not to exceed $648,913).
    • Resolution approving change order #2 with Builders Paving, LLC for 2025 Enhanced Streets Improvement Program (increase of $26,688.31).
• Councilwoman McMahon asked about the library security cameras (warrant 4214) – confirmed they are closed‑circuit, same system as City Hall. She also urged public support for the ITEP grant, with letters due by September 24.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers opposed the Flock cameras (license plate readers and video surveillance), citing privacy concerns, misuse in other cities (e.g., San Jose, Maryland, Sheboygan, Racine), and the availability of an exit clause. Speakers included:
  • Drew Hepner (Tappen Street) – criticized the four council members who voted for Flock, saying they "betrayed the trust of our community."
  • Dakota Oliver – quoted Flock's website to argue the system tracks people, not just vehicles.
  • Karen Haberstock (former resident) – said she would shop elsewhere to avoid surveillance.
  • Linda – sarcastically proposed “mandatory nudity” to illustrate the absurdity of safety‑only thinking; cited over 140 cities that canceled Flock contracts.
  • Anonymous speaker (work in Woodstock) – referenced Albert Einstein's willingness to admit mistakes, urging council to correct theirs.
  • Diane Magnuson (60+ year resident) – noted Racine County dropped Flock after finding data was being sold.
  • Anne Weinrich – said many residents oppose Flock and asked why council is not listening.
• Ken West (1275 Westwood Trail, business owner on the square) – spoke against a proposed ordinance that would charge fees for events on the square, including nonprofits. He argued his event (Ride Walk Run to Leave a Light On) costs the city only electricity; a city matrix estimated $600, which he called excessive. He asked the city to reduce the $274,000 shortfall from city‑managed events before charging nonprofits.
• Earlier speaker (name not stated) – raised concerns about an ICE raid at her apartment complex (illegal search, unmarked vehicles) and ADA violations at Corner Square Cafe (not wheelchair‑accessible). The mayor and city manager explained that older buildings may have ADA exemptions, and they would follow up. The speaker also noted that after the ICE raid, her family did not feel safe attending the Mexican Independence Day celebration.

Discussion Items

• First Quarter FY26/27 Financial Reports – City Manager Roscoe C. Stelford III and Finance Director Paul reported:
  • Overall revenues meeting expectations; home rule sales tax overperforming (up 10–15% even without the 0.25% increase).
  • Use taxes up significantly, with revised IML projections of $110,000.
  • Impact fees in line with expectations due to Riverwoods construction.
  • Expenses under control; construction billing expected in next quarter.
  • Federal Reserve expected to raise interest rates 0.25% (first increase in three years), which could increase investment earnings but slow the economy.
• Die Cast Site – Updated Vision and Objectives – Council provided individual input on eight design elements (architecture, massing, relationship to brownstones, materials/colors, connectivity, parking, landscaping, sustainability). No votes were taken; the input will guide developer Murphy Development Group and architect Wight as they proceed to the PUD process.
  • Mayor Turner – prioritized enhanced architecture (more variation, offsets, roof lines), called for a better‑looking exterior; viewed building‑massing variation as a high priority; relationship to brownstones as practical but not top; said city should not pick a color palette; turned other items over to PUD staff.
  • Councilman Nearman – asked for more depth/warmth (e.g., roof‑line changes, textures, intimate garden areas, light fixtures) to make large buildings feel more like homes.
  • Councilman Flynn – supported contemporary design informed by traditional elements; liked the proposed color palettes for longevity; suggested using color to create perceived depth; stressed landscaping with varied tree ages; asked for parallel parking on First Street; ranked building character and landscaping as top priorities.
  • Councilwoman Ziamba – agreed with previous speakers on flatness; liked contemporary design but wanted more dimension; opposed requiring public art in a residential area; felt open space is not necessary for a residential development.
  • Councilwoman McMahon – expressed disappointment that the original smaller‑building concept was replaced; said current rendering looks like dormitories; urged more color ("too much beige"), connectivity (bike/walk path), no fencing, and sustainable materials.
  • Councilman Hansen – said he had moved from opposition to acceptance (75% satisfied); suggested using columns from the square as entry markers on Norse and Newell Streets; supported a percentage of development fees for public art, but noted it was too late for this agreement.
  • Public comment: John Colville (27 North Street, neighbor) asked that the eight design items be included in agenda packets for future meetings so residents can prepare. Staff confirmed the items would be public.
• Council Comments on Flock Cameras – Several members discussed the issue after public comments:
  • Councilwoman McMahon asked if any council member would reconsider the contract; supported a discussion item to revisit it. Mayor Turner stated there is not enough support to bring it forward for re‑discussion, but acknowledged the public concern.
  • Chief and City Manager noted audits are being explored (possibly using an outside attorney) and transparency portal details are still being developed.
  • Councilman Flynn said he still supports the LPRs (unanimous vote) but suggested an RFP for the video cameras after a year of use. He opposed re‑opening the LPR contract. Councilman Nearman and Councilwoman Ziamba affirmed their support for the system.
  • Councilwoman McMahon noted 55 communities rejected or canceled Flock in August 2026 alone.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved 7‑0.
• No formal action on Flock cameras; contract remains in place. Council discussed possible audits and transparency measures but no vote was taken.
• Die Cast guidance provided to staff; developer to incorporate feedback into final plans for PUD review.
• Future Agenda Items – Tentative items for October 6 and 20; the public assembly/special events ordinance was moved to October 20 to ensure full council attendance. Councilwoman McMahon will attend telephonically on October 6.
• Adjourned at approximately [time not specified].