City Council

MINUTES JOINT WOODSTOCK CITY COUNCIL/PLAN COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSHOP – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN August 22, 2022 Stage Left Café A Special Joint Meeting of the Woodstock City Council and the Woodstock Plan Commission was called to order at 6:00 PM on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Stage Left Café by Mayor Turner and Chairman Sheriff. Mayor Turner welcomed those present stating the intent of this meeting is to allow Houseal Lavigne to gather information as they begin the year-long process of updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which is the road map for the future of the City. He welcomed everyone’s participation urging all to be active and creative. Roll calls for both bodies were taken. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Darrin Flynn, Lisa Lohmeyer, Wendy Piersall, Gordon Tebo and Mayor Michael Turner. COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Nierman and Bob Seegers, Jr. Mayor Turner noted the presence of a quorum of the City Council. PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Bellairs, Arturo Flores, Doreen Paluch, Richard Ryan, and Chairman Cody Sheriff. PLAN COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Gavers and Jackie Speciale. Chairman Sheriff noted the presence of a quorum of the Plan Commission. Commissioner Jackie Speciale joined the proceedings at 6:14 PM. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Roscoe Stelford, Deputy City Manager/Executive Director of Strategy & Planning Paul Christensen, Executive Director of Business Development Danielle Gulli, Executive Director of Operations Christina Betz, Building and Zoning Director Joe Napolitano, Opera House Managing Director Daniel Campbell, Grants Manager Terry Willcockson, and City Clerk Cindy Smiley. City Planner Darrell Moore joined the proceedings at 6:11 PM. Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson joined the proceedings at 6:14 PM. FLOOR DISCUSSION Public Comments Mayor Turner opened the floor for public comments on behalf of the City Council. None were forthcoming. Chairman Sheriff opened the floor for public comments on behalf of the Plan Commission. None were forthcoming. The floor was closed to public comment.  Joint Woodstock City Council/Plan Commission Comp Plan Workshop 08/22/22 Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION – Comprehensive Plan Mr. Stelford stated a team of experts from Houseal Lavigne is present to conduct a workshop and will work with the City Council and the Plan Commission through the process. He noted based upon the timeline, the final Comprehensive Plan for the City should come back to the Council in May or June of next year. Nik Davis, Principal, with Houseal Lavigne, introduced himself and Trisha Parks, Senior Planner and Project Manager. He noted other members of the team not present this evening and also another firm that is assisting them regarding traffic, transportation, and infrastructure. Mr. Davis stated the agenda for the meeting is to talk about the planning process and the Council’s and Plan Commission’s involvement in the development of a new Comprehensive Plan. He stated the bodies will go through an exercise to identify concerns for the community and then will talk about the next steps. Talking about why the City does a Comprehensive Plan, he stated the Plan is the focal point for the next two decades; identifies the community’s desires, needs, and aspirations; guides a broad range of topics; and informs decisions on growth and development, expanding upon each of these points. Mr. Davis noted the five steps in this planning process to be: 1) Kick off and existing conditions; 2) Public and stakeholder engagement; 3) Plan visioning and key recommendations; 4) Draft the Comprehensive Plan document; 5) Final Comprehensive Plan document and adoption. He stated information gathering is expected to be completed by the end of the year, talking about how this group will be meeting in the future and for what purpose. Mr. Davis stated this evening’s exercise will consist of four questions, which the group will work on and discuss one at a time. The group then began the exercise under the guidance of Mr. Davis, with Ms. Parks recording the responses. In response to question 1, each member identified five issues or concerns facing Woodstock. In response to question 2, each member listed, in order of importance, the three most important issues identified in question 1, in their opinion. A discussion ensued. In response to question 3, each member then stated what specific projects or actions they would like to see undertaken tomorrow, if money were no object and there were no other obstructions. Discussion ensued. In response to question 4, each member listed the primary strengths and assets of Woodstock in their opinion. Discussion ensued. Mr. Davis thanked all for their participation, noting there will be a participation portal available for the community. He asked everyone to get the word out about what is being done and why it is important. He further noted this group will meet again in the future and stated he looks forward to coming back with additional information.  Joint Woodstock City Council/Plan Commission Comp Plan Workshop 08/22/22 Page 3 of 3 ADJOURN Motion by D. Flynn, second by W. Piersall, to adjourn this special workshop meeting of the Woodstock City Council to its next regular meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: D. Flynn, L. Lohmeyer, W. Piersall, G. Tebo, and Mayor M. Turner. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: T. Nierman and B. Seegers, Jr. Motion carried. Motion by D. Paluch, second by J. Speciale, to adjourn this special workshop meeting of the Plan Commission to its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 15. 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of Woodstock City Hall. Ayes: R. Bellairs, A. Flores, D. Paluch, R. Ryan, J. Speciale, and Chairman C. Sheriff. Nays: none. Abstentions: none. Absentees: S. Gavers. Motion carried. The joint meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM. Respectfully submitted, Cindy Smiley City Clerk