City of Sandwich City Council met Feb. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:56 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Attorney Carmen Forte
2. Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson
Also present: City Attorney Forte, City Administrator Penman, Chief Senne, SEMA Director Eberle & EEI Engineer Dettmann
Quorum established
3. Audience Comments: None
4. Consent Agenda:
Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as a whole. (All matters listed are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately).
A. Approval of Minutes from the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of January 19, 2026
B. Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of January 19, 2026
C. Approval of Minutes from Special Council Meeting of January 28, 2026
Alderwoman Inman made a motion approving the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Erickson. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.
5. Mayor’s Report: There was no formal report; however, mayor expressed praise in the community turnout in support of Pastor Kaul’s retirement.
6. Attorney’s Report: City Attorney Forte introduced associate Troy Wallace, explaining associates will attend council meetings to familiarize themselves with the council and staff, and to serve as future resources.
7. City Clerk Ii explained that executive session minutes need to be reviewed and approved twice annually. There are 15 sets of minutes since April, 2025, that she would like council to review and be approved by the March 2nd meeting.
8. Treasurer: Vacancy
9. City Administrator: No report
10. City Department Reports: EEI Engineer Dettmann clarified the fees for utility permits as $75 for residential, $250 for commercial, and $350 for industrial and utility companies.
11. Unfinished Business:
A. Resolution 25-01 entitled “A Resolution Declaring the Position of Municipal Treasurer of the City of Sandwich, Illinois, Abandoned and Vacated”. Question was raised if the treasurer’s position should be placed on the ballot again for abolishment. Voters in November, 2023, voted against the abolishment. Under statute, there is no statutory timeline for appointing a treasurer but there is a 60 day recommendation. Sandy Koehler resigned the position in October, 2025, but failed to provide a signed, notarized statement. Mayor requested a motion to approve.
So moved by Alderwoman Inman, and seconded by Alderman Ketchum. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay: Alderwoman Erickson Motion carried 7:1
12. New Business:
A. Monthly Invoices: Total amount for approval is $255,132.80 as recommended by the Finance Department.
Motion made by Alderwoman Erickson, and seconded by Alderman Danko, approving payment of monthly bills as recommended by the Finance Department. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum & Kreinbrink Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion passed 7:1
13. Reports of Aldermen: Alderman Arnett requested the city identify how many residents have lead lines and compile a list of those that have visited City Hall to proactively engage residents requesting a plan. Mayor Latham concurred and agreed to work with residents who are ready, able, and willing to move forward.
14. Executive Session: None
15. Announcements:
A. Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, February 16th, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
B. The next Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting will be held on February 16th, at 7:00 PM followed immediately by the Regular Council Meeting.
C. Budget Committee Meeting will be held on February 4th, 2026 at 4:30 PM
D. Plan Commission Meeting will be held on February 10th, 2026 at 6:30 PM
E. Technology Improvement Committee will take place on February 10th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
F. Historical Preservation Committee will be held on February 12th, 2026 at 6:45 PM or immediately following the Technology Improvement Committee Meeting
G. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on February 12th, 2026 at 7:30 PM or immediately following the Historical Preservation Committee Meeting
16. Adjournment: Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adjourn at 9:06 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Ketchum. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4326
