City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Feb. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led City Administrator Penman
2. Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson
Also present: City Attorney Jablecki, City Administrator Penman, Police Chief Senne & SEMA Director Eberle
Absent: Alderman Danko, EEI Engineer Dettmann & Economic Director Aleksy Quorum established
3. Mayor’s Report:
A. City Administrator Retirement: Mayor Latham reported that he has started the retirement for the city administrator and will announce once the city administer officially notifies the city of his intent to retire. The mayor provided council with materials for review.
B. Veterans Banner Program: The mayor has reviewed a veterans banner program. Two local veteran groups (VFW and Legion) will handle eligibility, payment, documentation, and replacements. The city will identify display locations, install banners from May 15 through just after Veterans Day, and provide storage. Banners are full color and expected to last more than one or two seasons, with a likely cost of $125–$140 each (subject to shipping and warranty).
4. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Howard Jablecki, from the law firm of Klein, Thorpe, & Jenkins, was present in the absence of Attorney Carmen Forte. There was no report.
5. City Clerk Ii flagged an ordinance error (Ordinance 2026-01) where the street address for a map amendment for 2300 East Church Street was incorrect. An ordinance will be presented at the March 2nd meeting correcting the error.
6. City Treasurer: Vacancy
7. City Administrator Penman report consisted of:
• Wastewater Superintendent requested payout of 40 hours for unused vacation, in addition to a rollover of 40 hours unused vacation
• PTAB (Property Tax Appeal Board) results from spring discussions were not advantageous • A local plumber’s door-to-door lead service line survey proposal was received with an RFP drafted, pending legal review. $40,000 grant is being considered to fund the survey once confirmation received by EEI Steve Dennison’sd review. Council debated using city staff vs a plumber to conduct the survey. It was noted that grant money cannot be used for city staff. • Alderman Robinson questioned about a water main break on Eddy that council was not made aware. City Administrator also was unaware, and will discuss with the Water Superintendent regarding communication gaps.
8. City Department’s Reports:
A. SEMA Report: Director Eberle thanked Alderman Kreinbrink for donating six radios and charges to the EMA team.
B. Chief Senne shared highlights since the last meeting of February 2nd:
• Events attended including Police Explorers, Bean bag baseball, and the commerce retreat
• Applicant pool downsized to 21 entry-level candidates and 1 lateral. Testing is scheduled for February 18th and 21st
• Provided an update on vehicles
• Detective Keith Rominski named Employee of the Year. Officer Beaty named 2025 Traffic Enforcement Leader, and Officer Lundsteen named 2025 DUI Enforcement Leader.
• Bids on the generator project are due February 23rd. Cleaning contract bids are being finalized and scheduled for council approval on March 2, 206
Chief Senne also presented the annual report, consisting of highlights, but not limited to:
• Committed to community safety and service; continue to focus on proactive enforcement, transparency, accountability, and professionalism
• Shared 2025 personnel updates including new hires
• Crime rate was down 11.97%; arrest rate increased to 49.51%, compared to 33.33% in 2025
• Traffic enforcement and crash data covering 2022-2025
• Training Summary
• Oxcart Permits for overweight and oversized vehicle permits generated $7,725 in fees • Documented ten (10) use-of-force or show-of-force incidents
• Community engagements including distributing 1,000 popsicles during community outreach efforts strengthening positive relationships with youth and families.
C. EEI Engineering: Absent
D. Economic Development: Absent
9. Unfinished Business:
A. License & Permit Fees Changes: Council finalized proposed permit / licensing fees. Liquor licenses will increase by $300 for Class A, B, C-1, hotel, golf course, and video gaming parlor. Video gaming licenses will increase to $250/machine which is the maximum a non-home rule community can charge; and a flat rate of $100 per business for amusement / entertainment devices. In the past, separate amusement licenses would be issued business establishment. Other rate increases included, but not limited to solicitor fees, food truck vendors, and Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code for utility fees. Goal is to have council approval at the March 2nd meeting in preparation of license renewals for the next fiscal year.
10. New Business: None
11. Report of Alderpersons:
Alderman Arnett alerted the council that a bearing went out on the wash press at the wastewater plant adding that the repair could not be bid out. Cost is around $8,800 because the bearing and equipment is propriety to Huber who will be making the repair.
Alderwoman Erickson has received complaints regarding a local bank issuing checks via bill pay, and the city not receiving in a timely fashion causing incurred late charges. Mayor Latham explained that the city has spoken to the bank in the past about their practices. The topic of overnight drop boxes was discussed stemming from similar complaints that payments are supposedly not posted when received. Clerk Ii explained the overnight drop boxes are checked twice daily, and payments are posted the day received. Alderwoman Inman suggested social media postings advising residents that water bills are due.
Alderman Kreinbrink cautioned not to do any burning during these dry conditions explaining people are starting fires and leaving unattended.
12. Announcements: None
13. Audience Comments: Resident, Doug Grief, expressed that residents need to take responsibility for payment of their water bills and not put added burden on the city to collect.
14. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 PM. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4431
