City Council

MINUTES WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL July 20, 2021 City Council Chambers A regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, by Mayor Michael Turner in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. He explained the Consent Calendar process and invited public participation and noted, as is the City’s policy, this evening’s meeting is being live streamed with a recording archived should members of the public wish to view it in the future. City Clerk Smiley confirmed that the agenda before the Council was a true and correct copy of the published agenda. A roll call was taken. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, Tom Nierman, Bob Seegers, Jr., Gordon Tebo, and Mayor Michael Turner. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Wendy Piersall STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, City Attorney Ruth Schlossberg, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Paul Christensen, Public Works Director Christina Betz, Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Grants/Communications Manager Terry Willcockson, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. OTHERS PRESENT: none. III. FLOOR DISCUSSION A. Recognition – Sister City Program – Guadalupe, Zacatecas Mayor Turner stated he is honored to begin this meeting with recognition related to the City’s Sister City Program, welcoming visitors from Zacatecas to the meeting. Mayor Turner also noted the presence of Mayor- Emeritus Brian Sager, expressing appreciation for his role as ambassador for the City of Woodstock. He also welcomed Maggie and Jose Rivera, noting their integral role in the City’s connection with its Sister City. Mayor Turner welcomed Mayor Cesar Artemio Gonzalez Navarro and State Representative Violeta Cerrillo from Guadalupe, Zacatecas who joined him and Mayor-Emeritus Sager at the podium. He provided a brief history of the Sister City Program, stating it was started in 2006 to recognize the importance of the Latino community in the City of Woodstock, noting it was novel for a city the size of Woodstock to do this at that time. With 28% of our community with Latino heritage, a substantial number of them from Zacatecas, Mayor Turner opined it was important to establish the Sister City relationship and reaffirm the Cities’ mutual commitment at tonight’s meeting. Noting the many visits and exchanges between the Sister Cities were interrupted by COVID-19, Mayor Turner stated he is in discussions with Jose Rivera to travel to Zacatecas, which he is looking forward to. Mayor Turner stated he is proud to welcome these visitors to Woodstock, inviting Mayor Navarro to say a few words.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 2 of 12 Mayor Gonzalez Navarro thanked Mayor Turner and the City Council for the warm reception their group has received from everyone, stating he is happy to reaffirm the relationship between the City of Woodstock and Guadalupe that they have enjoyed for the past 14 years. He noted 10 years ago Mayor-Emeritus Sager came to Zacatecas stating, he is now inviting the City Council members to come visit Zacatecas. Mayor Gonzalez Navarro stated the Sister City relationship has enabled them to fortify their city politically and economically, expressing his appreciation for all the help the City of Woodstock has provided to the City of Guadalupe. Mayor Gonzalez Navarro presented Mayor Turner with a print of the logo of the City of Guadalupe, noting it was founded in 1578. Mayor Turner thanked them for their visit. He stated the City Council has an invitation to Zacatecas, tentatively September 14th – 16th; noting this will not be paid for by the City of Woodstock. He stated he values the Sister City program and looks forward to the visit. B. Public Comments James Clegg, Woodstock, noted in 2000 he raised funds and accomplished a project, which was very dear to him, to place granite slabs with the names of all from McHenry County who served in the Civil War on the Civil War statue in the Park in the Square. He stated the project also involved placement of a replica cannon in the Square, which was paid for using $5,290 in donations. Noting the cannon was eventually moved to the Police Station, Mr. Clegg stated he recently had the opportunity stop at the cannon and was very distressed to find it in deplorable condition, with rotting wood, rusting metal, the barrel in need of painting, and the wheels sinking into the ground. Mr. Clegg noted per the September 5, 2000 minutes, the City Council accepted the cannon in perpetuity, including its maintenance. He stated at that time he provided the Department of Public Works with a can of special paint for the carriage and barrel, which was given to him by the cannon maker, along with instructions for maintenance of the cannon and the remaining $2,000 was given to the City for the future maintenance of the cannon and the statue. He opined in the 20 years since, the City has done nothing to maintain the cannon, noting he spoke with a member of Public Works years ago and was told the paint and instructions could not be found. He asked all members of the City Council to stop by to take a look at the cannon and its condition. Mayor Turner thanked Mr. Clegg for bringing this to the City’s attention stating, he will ask Mr. Stelford to look into this. He opined if the City accepted this donation, it is the City’s responsibility to take care of it. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Clegg stated the cannon is a replica of an 1841 Howitzer. Donna Marley, Woodstock, expressed concerns about dogs present in the Park in the Square, even though there are “No Animals Allowed” signs at its entrances. Mayor Turner thanked Ms. Marley stating it does not make sense to have rules that are not followed. He stated he is not sure this rule makes sense any more, opining the City Council should decide which direction it wishes to take on this issue. He asked Staff to investigate this further.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 3 of 12 Dave Cling, Woodstock, asked about an individual homeowner’s responsibility for their water service. Mr. Stelford noted the homeowner is responsible for service from his house to the water main. Mr. Cling expressed concern that this could cost a homeowner $5,000 to $10,000 should a water main break, particularly under the street. In response to questions from Mayor Turner, Mr. Stelford explained should this happen, Staff meets with the homeowner to develop some type of payment plan. He confirmed the apron is on the City right-of-way, noting it is uncommon for the City to run into the problems described by Mr. Cling, with most problems developing at the house foundation level. Mr. Stelford stated while some other communities are responsible for the area between the B Box and the main, the City’s practice is common. He noted to change the policy would mean the cost would end up being shared by the community. Mayor Turner stated he is not sure the policy should be changed so that the City is responsible for each line. Mr. Cling noted the cost to an individual homeowner could depend upon which side of the street he lives on. Mayor Turner directed Staff to look into this policy and possible causes for these issues. Councilman Seegers opined the cost should not be the homeowner’s responsibility, as he or she is not in control of many of the factors that could cause this problem. Ms. Betz noted the City looks at each situation on a case-by-case basis before making a decision. Councilwoman Lohmeyer noted there is homeowners’ insurance coverage available for these instances. Tony Di Vittoria, President, Sheila Lullo, Executive Vice President, and Emily Fencl, Assistant Vice President, from Clearbrook noted their organization has been around for over 60 years providing services to people with intellectual disabilities. Mr. Di Vittoria stated in response to comments from individuals and families needing such services, Clearbrook is closing on a property on Seminary Avenue for day programs in Woodstock and is exploring possible residential sites. Stating they recognize the need to be part of the community, not just in the community, he noted they provide both full-time and part-time jobs. Noting he enjoyed meeting and speaking with the representatives from Clearbrook, Mayor Turner stated he appreciates what they do and welcomed them to Woodstock. C. Council Comments As a Board member of the Gavers Cancer Foundation, Councilman Nierman thanked the Department of Public Works for the fantastic help they provided for Barndance. Noting they could not have asked for anything more, he stated the event was fantastic. Councilman Nierman talked about the use of the sledding hill for the event, opining it could be built into a concert venue, describing how this could be done for little cost. Mayor Turner thanked Staff for its work on the 4th of July Fireworks.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 4 of 12 Mayor Turner noted Woodstock was named as one of 10 finalists in the T-Mobile Hometown Techover, noting the City was awarded $50,000 by T-Mobile to spend on a community project. He stated the 1st place winner will be announced later in the summer. He thanked all for the tremendous amount of work they did to develop Woodstock’s strategy and approach in Woodstock’s presentation, particularly acknowledging Danielle Gulli of the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Turner thanked staff for all they did in putting on Summer in the Park, expressing appreciation for their hard work. Noting Councilman Nierman’s comments about the Barndance, Mayor Turner stated he received comments as well about the “Ravinia-like” atmosphere of the setting, opining the potential of that area warrants a serious look. He extended kudos to City Staff for supporting this wonderful event. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Napolitano confirmed the City inspects new water services when they are installed to ensure proper connection. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to approve the Consent Agenda. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following items were removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of the Council or the Public: • Item D-1 - Ordinance – Liquor License Code Amendments by Councilman Tebo. • Item D-3 – Ordinance – PUD Brink Street Properties by Mayor Turner. • Item D-8 – Agreement – Hennen Conservation Area by Councilman Nierman. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, the following comments or questions were forthcoming from the Council or the Public regarding items remaining on the Consent Agenda: Item D-2 – Ordinance – Class A-6 Liquor License – Americano, 11671 Catalpa Lane In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Councilman Flynn noted the applicant is located in the Studio 2015 building. Mayor Turner affirmed the Consent Agenda to include items A through C, D-2, and D-4 through D- 7 as follows: A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 9, 2021 City Council Budget Workshop Minutes June 3, 2021 City Council Strategic Planning Workshop Minutes June 15, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes June 28, 2021 City Council Strategic Planning Workshop Minutes B. WARRANTS: 3962 3963 C. MINUTES AND REPORTS: Environmental Commission Minutes March 4, 2021 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes April 26, 2021  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 5 of 12 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 24, 2021 Human Resources Monthly Report April 2021 Human Resources Monthly Report May 2021 Library Board of Trustees Minutes April 8, 2021 Library Board of Trustees Minutes May 13, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes April 13, 2021 Woodstock Police Department Monthly Report May 2021 Transportation Commission Minutes May 19, 2021 D. MANAGER'S REPORT NO. 183 2. Ordinance – Class A-6 Liquor License – Americano, 1171 Catalpa Lane – Approval of Ordinance 21-O-39, identified as Document 2, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Chapter 3, Liquor Control of the Woodstock City Code increasing the number of Class A-6 liquor licenses by one and issuing said license to Americano Woodstock, LLC 11671 Catalpa Lane, contingent upon fulfillment of all identified requirements. 4. Resolution – Change Order – First Street Water Treatment Plant Brine Tank – Approval of Resolution 21-R-14, identified as Document 4, A Resolution Authorizing a Change Order in the Contract for the First Street Water Treatment Plant Brine Tank Replacement Project, with a net overall increase of $14,225.08 to the current contract amount of $447,447.00. 5. Purchase – Fleet Dump Truck – Authorization to purchase one (1) replacement Peterbilt dump truck under the Sourcewell joint purchasing program, Bid Number 081716-PMC from JX Enterprises Peterbilt, Rockford, IL, for the truck chassis, and also Bid Number 080818-BNL Bonnell Industries, Dixon, IL for the chassis/dump body upfitting services, at a total delivered unit price of $215,378. 6. Ordinance – Surplus Vehicle – Police Mainline Unit – Approval of Ordinance 21- O-40, identified as Document 5, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale or Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the City of Woodstock designating the miscellaneous vehicles and equipment described as surplus property and authorizing and directing the City Manager to dispose of said property as allowed by law. 7. Contract Award – Fire Safety Upgrade-Opera House – Authorization to award a contract for the Opera House Fire Alarm System Upgrade to the lowest responsible and sole bidder, Associated Electrical, LLC, Woodstock, IL for a total bid price of $64,303. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: W. Piersall. Motion carried. Item D-1 – Ordinance – Liquor License Code Amendments Councilman Tebo stated the proposed action would remove the guard rail on video gaming and Council would look at each application separately. He noted when video gaming licenses were first considered by Council, there was a lot of push back from the public, with some people saying they would not patronize establishments which offered video gaming. He urged Council to be  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 6 of 12 sensitive to this. He opined there was also a segment of people who accepted video gaming, because they felt there was a control on it. He stated he does not want people to think there will be an explosion of video gaming and suggested additional discussion. He stated he would also like to have more information on how other communities are handling this. Councilman Tebo stated if the City wishes to have more than 25 licenses, the population requirement could be adjusted to 1 per 800. Councilman Flynn noted as the ordinance is currently written, the number of licenses cannot exceed 1 per 1,000 population. He stated if the population metric is removed, it would say the number cannot exceed 25. He suggested if that number was increased to 30, the City would have five more licenses to issue, but that it would not grow with the population. Mr. Stelford confirmed this to be true, but noted as it is currently constituted, the City must wait until there is a census to see if there has been growth to support an increase in the licenses. Mayor Turner noted by removing the population requirement, the City could increase the number of licenses, if it so wishes, and on a case-by-case basis. Discussion followed of possible legal ramifications in the various policies for issuance of licenses. City Attorney Schlossberg opined it is better to be able to say there are no licenses available, noting if there were licenses available due to population, the City would theoretically have to assign them if there are applicants. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Ms. Schlossberg stated in removing the cap, the City would not limit its ability to maintain the cap or to add licenses. Mayor Turner noted not removing the cap would put a limit on the City’s ability to act until a census or until it goes through the process of changing the ratio. He stated Council should consider removing the ratio and making a “yes” or “no” decision as a business comes forward with a request. He opined this is more efficient without losing control, noting this will be a set process where each applicant must come before the City Council. Councilman Tebo opined there will be difficult decisions, noting Council may jump one business over another, which will be difficult. He again expressed his wish for additional discussion. Mayor Turner stated he is prepared to have those discussions when the businesses come forward. He stated as the City looks at potential growth in the Downtown and along Rt. 47 and even looking at things currently under development, there may be businesses who wish to apply for a liquor or video gaming license and will have the expectation that they can come before a City Council who has the power to make those decisions. He stated he sees this ordinance not as a risk of approving anything, but as giving the Council the ability to react in a way it is intended to make decisions. Councilman Tebo stated if the moratorium is lifted, the City has no limit. Ms. Schlossberg clarified the limit is set in the City Code, with Council having to lift it on a case-by-case basis. In response to a question as to whether licenses should be reduced, Ms. Schlossberg stated the City should never have an empty or open license, because if a license does not exist it is discretionary whether it wishes to create and issue one. Councilman Seegers expressed support of the proposed ordinance, noting no one can say what the market will be. He opined the City should be picking and choosing the businesses it wants.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 7 of 12 Councilman Tebo stated he understands the points raised, but also knows there are people in the City who do not want video gaming. He opined they may now feel there is a limit on licenses, but with passage of this ordinance may then feel any business will be able to come in and get a gaming license, if approved, so there is effectively no limit. Mayor Turner stated Council could issue a license if it is a business that it desires. He noted the ratio could also be changed. He stated the question for him is in trying to operate efficiently, but with control, opining Council is not giving up control, but just removing the population limit as the metric, with Council’s decision becoming the metric. In response to Councilman Tebo’s statement that this is an emotional point for some people, Mayor Turner opined for those people anything over zero licenses would be a problem. He expressed his feeling that the majority of people being agnostic or supportive, and noted this is a state-sanctioned activity. Councilwoman Lohmeyer stated Council would actually be looking at each individual case and can say “yes” or “no,” stating she does not wish to have to wait until a census to decide if a business can come into the City. She expressed support for the ordinance. Councilman Tebo stated he wished to have it on record there are people not in agreement. In response to questions from Councilman Nierman, Mayor Turner stated a licensee cannot have more than six terminals. Mr. Stelford stated the City has established a specific designation for certain categories of liquor licenses, which can also hold video gaming licenses. Ms. Schlossberg confirmed this as a Home Rule community. Motion by B. Seegers, second by D. Flynn, to approve Ordinance 21-O-41, identified as Document 1, An Ordinance Amending Title 3, Business and License Regulations, Chapter 3, Liquor Control of the Woodstock City Code. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: W. Piersall. Motion carried. Item D-3 – Ordinance – PUD Brink Street Properties Mayor Turner stated he removed this item from the Consent Agenda to postpone it to a future meeting at the request of the petitioner, as they have items they wish to work on. It was the consensus of the City Council to postpone item D-3 until the petitioner was ready to move forward. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Ms. Betz explained the difference between a detention pond and a retention pond. Item D-8 – Agreement – Hennen Conservation Area Councilman Nierman expressed concern with the buildings on the property and whose responsibility it is for their repair and upkeep with no income available. He opined the City should  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 8 of 12 donate this property to The Land Conservancy. Mr. Stelford noted as this property was donated to the City, it would have to be determined if there are any restrictions to Councilman Nierman’s proposal. Ms. Schlossberg agreed, stating it was dedicated to the City, so would require additional investigation. Steve Wenzel of The Land Conservancy stated the Conservancy is grateful for the opportunity to rent the buildings and has made improvements to the property. In response to Mr. Wenzel’s question, Councilman Nierman stated he is suggesting donating the entire property to The Land Conservancy. In response to Mr. Christensen’s comment that Mr. Stelford is authorized to extend the lease, discussion ensued of whether to extend the lease and, if so, how long, to allow for further investigation of possible donation of the property. Mr. Wenzel stated this would have to be discussed and considered by The Land Conservancy Board, which could take a minimum of six months. He opined it was donated to the City as a potential City park. Discussion ensued of Mayor Turner’s comment that this may have an impact on future City annexation. Mayor Turner noted strategically this may have an impact on extending the City further and managing growth. Mr. Stelford provided information on how this could be managed with a pre-annexation agreement. Mayor Turner stated the goal is not to change the possible donation to The Land Conservancy, but noted the City has a responsibility to check off any strategic issues. He stated the City should look into if a pre-annexation agreement is smart. Citing Mr. Wenzel’s previous comment, Mayor Turner stated he would like a six-month extension of the lease to allow both parties to investigate this issue further. In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Ms. Schlossberg stated there are various implications to be explored, including City access should the land be given to The Land Conservancy. Ms. Betz noted the Department of Public Works uses one building for storage. Councilman Seegers suggested renegotiating the lease so The Land Conservancy would maintain the buildings, including capital repairs or improvements. Councilman Tebo stated there is a value to the City to have The Land Conservancy on the property, noting it is a partnership. Mayor Turner opined the City Staff needs to take time to work with The Land Conservancy to reach a mutually-beneficial long-term agreement, considering the various issues brought up this evening. There were no public comments forthcoming. Motion by G. Tebo, second by B. Seegers, to renew and extend the lease agreement with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County to utilize the residence on the Hennen property and act as a site steward for the Hennen Conservation Area, with a term of six months, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office and authorization for the City Manager to execute this lease agreement through administrative approval, while working out a few adjustments in the contractual  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 9 of 12 language rent escalators, co-steward rent payments, and notifications, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: W. Piersall. Motion carried. V. DISCUSSION 1. Preliminary Concept Review – A preliminary review of the proposed site plan for the “1525 Project” located at 1525 West Lake Shore Drive, which proposed the inclusion of an 85- room hotel, two drive-thru restaurants and two apartment buildings, with a combined total of 150 residential units. Mayor Turner noted this is a preliminary review by Council of a possible development that has been brought to the City. He stated this is a conceptual review with the purpose to let the Council react to a preliminary concept plan. Mayor Turner stated Council is not approving materials or specifics but is providing a sense of the Council for an idea brought forward opining there is great growth potential for the project. Mr. Anderson stated this is referenced as the 1525 Project with the petitioner, Mike Works, available via Zoom. He stated the petitioner visited Woodstock with the intent of looking for property for a hotel development, but found a site with the potential for much more. Mr. Works presented a summary of the proposed project, which will include a hotel, two restaurants, and two apartment buildings. He stated his company has developed a lot of hotels and apartments in midwestern cities the size of Woodstock. He noted they are expanding into Illinois based on a feasibility study done by the City of Woodstock for a hotel. Mr. Works stated they spent time in Woodstock with Staff from the Economic Development Department, finding a piece of property that made sense and are in negotiations with the property owner. Mr. Works showed renderings of the site plan, noting a new public street will be built. He stated he is currently in negotiations with a major hotel brand for inclusion of a four-story hotel with 85 to 90 units, providing additional information about the amenities and his experience in hotel building. Mr. Works stated the development will also include two apartment complexes, having a total of 150 units with a range of apartments, amenities, and elevators. He stated they have built this model before and know it will work, stating those locations have residents ranging from 25- to 75-years- old. Mr. Works stated they also feel it is important to have food elements, noting they have a couple of restaurants in mind they feel would be a good fit for Woodstock. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Works provided more information on the finishes of the buildings. He noted they would not have a lot of control over the finishes in the restaurants, as they are talking with national and regional chains, but they are looking at restaurants that will be a good fit for Woodstock. Mr. Works stated the apartments will include higher end, luxury finishes, including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and LVT floors.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 10 of 12 Mr. Works showed photos of an apartment complex they just finished, including interior finishes. Mayor Turner opined balconies would be a nice amenity. Noting he knows this will be market driven, Mayor Turner stated it would be his preference not to have another drive-thru, opining a national or regional full-service, sit-down restaurant with a bar area would be viewed more favorably by him. Mr. Works stated this would be his preference also, agreeing the market will drive this. Mr. Works opined this is a great location right off Rt. 14, which is ideal for the hotel. He noted this is also close to other towns and easily accessible to restaurants and shopping. Mayor Turner stated he knows the Plan Commission will be very interested in a landscape plan, noting he too would like it to be aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Works stated it is their intent to bring a plan to the Plan Commission in the next 60 to 90 days and to work with the City on this development. In response to a question from Councilman Flynn, Mr. Works stated they will conduct a further feasibility study to determine whether the apartments should be one- or two-bedroom. In response to a question from Councilman Tebo, Mr. Works stated they did look at the Die Cast site. Noting the City wishes to have people come out on the train and spend weekends in Woodstock, Councilman Tebo asked if there would be shuttle service to the hotel. Mr. Works stated it probably would be too costly to operate a full-time shuttle, noting they have successfully used Uber for this in other locations. He opined there is an opportunity to solve this, but probably not with a full-time shuttle. Councilman Seegers asked how important the apartments are relative to the size of the property to cash flow, and whether a hotel and restaurant cash flow would give them the return on a smaller property. Mr. Works replied in terms of looking at different sites, they passed on sites that would allow a hotel and restaurants only, because they are looking for a bigger project. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Works stated they have built apartment complexes, which are now 20 years old or older, noting he will send information on these to Mr. Anderson. In response to a question from Councilwoman Lohmeyer as to whether this is an “all or nothing” project or will he forego some component, Mr. Works noted they are looking at this project because of the potential for the hotel and apartments, stating if the City wishes only a hotel or only apartments, they might have to look elsewhere. In response to a question from Councilwoman Lohmeyer about the need for two sets of apartments, Mr. Works stated they can provide a better level of service and a better hotel with two sets of apartments in the development. Mayor Turner stated he was surprised by the apartments, but opined having them nearby might drive a better full-service restaurant, as they might be viewed as an upscale draw. He opined this might also cause development elsewhere in the general area. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers, Mr. Works stated they have also done condos, generally downtown in larger cities in Nebraska. He opined this property probably would not be  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 11 of 12 an ideal spot for condos. In response to a question from Councilman Seegers about what they did not like about the Die Cast site, Mr. Anderson replied the driver was their preference for a hotel location on Rt. 14. Mr. Works agreed, stating they loved the downtown with its history, opining a lot of good things can happen there, but feel that Rt. 14 is a better location for the type of limited-service hotel they are looking to build. There was no Public Comment. Mayor Turner stated there is a general level of support from the City Council for Staff to continue to pursue this. 2. Quarter Financial Reports – Transmittal of the Fourth Quarter Revenues and Expenditures Report and the Fourth Quarter Investment Report for FY20/21 Mr. Christensen stated last year the City did remarkably well considering the circumstances with Sales Tax being up $246,000 from the year before. He noted it was very difficult for the Aquatic Center and the Opera House, as they were forced to close, but stated the City received grants to offset these revenue losses. In response to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Christensen confirmed the City is spending less now than it did in FY07/08. Mayor Turner stated the City has done a remarkable job in spending less, while continuing to deliver the same or better services to a larger population, opining that is extraordinary. Councilman Seegers commended Mr. Christensen and Mr. Stelford on the reports, stating he was very impressed. He stated they also did a phenomenal job bringing the City through COVID-19 financially. He encouraged the public to read the reports, noting what they achieved since FY07/08 is phenomenal. Councilman Tebo opined this has allowed the City to implement other programs, such as the tax credits and restaurant programs. He stated the City is well run. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS In response to a request from Councilwoman Lohmeyer for information on building permits, Mr. Napolitano stated four have been issued to date and have benefitted from the reduction in impact fees, and an additional 14 applications were submitted last week. There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the tentative future agendas.  Woodstock City Council 07/20/21 Page 12 of 12 ADJOURN Motion by D. Flynn, second by L. Lohmeyer, to adjourn this regular meeting of the Woodstock City Council to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, T. Nierman, B. Seegers, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: W. Piersall. Absentees: none. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 PM. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Smiley City Clerk