Impoundment Ordinance - publicized?

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
April 4, 2012

Last night I addressed the Woodstock City Council about its (our) new impoundment ordinance. Why do I waste my time?

Could others have shown up? Did others show up? Anyone else stand up and resist this ordinance? Not another soul.

Mayor pro tem Dick Ahrens defended the City's decision. I had commented that there had been no publicity about this ordinance, and Dick said the City cannot control what a newspaper publishes.

Did the City of Woodstock ever send a press release to the Northwest Herald or The Woodstock Independent to warn Woodstock residents and visitors?

The proposed ordinance was buried in the Consent Agenda for the January 17, 2012 City Council meeting. The members of the Council had, of course, read it. Dick mentioned that some had discussed it with staff. Did they put their collective heads together outside of the Council meeting (observing the Open Meetings Act, of course) and decide to support it?

According to the Minutes for that meeting, there was no discussion. None at all. No Council member asked for that item to be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. No member of the public asked that, either.

Could the City publicize this ordinance, which allows Woodstock Police officers to seize vehicles under certain circumstances? Sure could - right on the City's homepage. Chief Lowen expects to raise $25,000 annually for the City. Big deal!!!