Woodstock council roundup: appointments, policy updates, budget actions and Juneteenth approval

At its April 13 meeting the Woodstock mayor and council approved a series of administrative and policy items, including an appointment, ordinance action, policy manual amendments and a budget amendment to fund an accreditation contractor.

City attorney appointment: The council voted 6–0 to appoint S. Jeffrey Rusbridge as the city attorney. Rusbridge was sworn in at the dais and affirmed to uphold the Constitution, state law and the city charter.

Council policy manual updates: Staff presented and council approved multiple amendments to the Council Policy Manual. Item 8.1 created a dedicated technology section and relocated two technology‑related policies; item 8.2 revised the council approval policy (relocating waiver fees and removing cost‑authorization lines for counsel reimbursements). The council unanimously adopted those updates (motions carried 6–0).

Ordinances and holidays: The council completed a first reading of Ordinance No. 26,005 (amending chapter 2 — meetings/expenses); the second reading and final vote were scheduled for April 27, 2026. The council also adopted ordinance 2026‑006 to add Juneteenth (June 19) to the city’s paid holiday schedule (6–0).

Police accreditation manager: Chief Castro asked the council to convert the vacant accreditation manager role to a 1099 independent contractor arrangement with an experienced accreditation professional. Council members cited immediate availability and cost efficiencies; council approved the contractor arrangement and a budget amendment to fund the work through June 30 (6–0), authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement after city attorney review.

Minutes and consent items: Council approved a 17‑item consent agenda (6–0) and later approved the March 23, 2026 meeting minutes (motion carried 5–0 with one abstention by Councilman Usher).

Next steps: Several actions were conditional on final contract language and city‑attorney review; the sanitation contract award (separately discussed) was approved 5–1 and is subject to bond negotiation and final signature.