City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Jan. 5.
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 by Alderman Danko
2. Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson
Also present: City Administrator Penman, Chief Senne & SEMA Director Eberle Absent: EEI Engineer Dettmann & Economic Director Aleksy
Quorum established
3. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Latham read a proclamation for Scott Francis, owner of DoJo Dynamics, recognizing 30 years of service, and his impact on youth discipline, self-defense, and wellness. The mayor also recognized his service in the US Marine Corps, and the positive impact on youth through training and mentorship.
4. City Clerk Ii: No Report
5. Attorney’s Report: Vacancy
6. City Treasurer: Vacancy
7. City Administrator Penman reported the city is still waiting for more information on the gutters for the Opera House. He also advised that a Plan Commission Meeting is scheduled for January 13th at 6:30.
8. City Department’s Reports:
A. SEMA Report: Director Eberle reported on supporting Harvest Chapel on Christmas Eve, thanked Chief Senne’s team for additional support, and announced warning sirens would be tested the following day.
B. Chief Senne’s report consisted of highlights:
• Successful Christmas event that was attended by approximately 150 children that got to meeting Santa Claus and play games
• Attended Plano Molding’s Christmas event, and assisted with Christmas Eve traffic at Harvest Chapel
• Sergeant Fasnacht will be attending staff and command this month which is a two weeks on, two weeks off, program. The program is scholarship based, and afforded by Chief Senne having attended previously
• Social worker will begin riding with the officers for a few hours in the upcoming weeks.
• Chief clarified that there are 27 active cases being handled by the social worker, and that of the active cases, there have been 70 contacts
• The Kendall County Chaplain program has officially started, and the city will be partnering
• Anticipate new squad cars arriving this month
• This month, adjudication hearings will be moved to the police department on a trial basis
• Annual department meeting is scheduled for February 9th; February 16th, Chief will present his annual report to the council
C. EEI Engineering: Absent
D. Economic Development: Absent
9. Unfinished Business:
A. Proposed Ordinance 2025-18 (fee increases): City Administrator Penman presented a proposed fee schedule increase that included (not limited to) liquor licenses, solicitor fees, food vendors, traffic, utilities, and new construction costs. Mayor Latham emphasized the need to be competitive with neighboring communities, especially on building permits. He asked Council to flag items to remove, consolidate, or adjust, and to consider the cost of after-hours service (minimum $200 for two hours, potentially higher on weekends), and the practice of charging for no-shows to cover staff time. The goal is possible implementation starting May 1, 2026.
10. New Business: None
11. Report of Alderpersons:
Alderman Arnett requested additional Water Department staff, citing two employees for many years and a backlog of infrastructure maintenance (e.g., non-functioning hydrants); he also supported bringing an outside observer to assess staffing needs and city operations for recommendations.
Alderman Danko reported meeting the new Water Superintendent and asked him to present fresh perspectives at the two-week meeting; he emphasized the value of “fresh eyes” to identify operational improvements and to introduce the superintendent to Council.
Alderman Ketchum reported a recent walk-through of the Opera House with Bill Fritsch, noting no progress on gutters; he plans repairs to doors and other items and will check the status of a leaking, non functional basement water heater.
Alderman Kreinbrink proposed a leadership SWOT analysis plus a start/stop/continue exercise to align departments and Council, followed by a 90-day plan, one-year plan, and a three-year horizon. He suggested an external facilitator to avoid preconceived notions, to gather input from department heads and Council, and to produce a formalized plan with visuals.
Alderman Robinson recommended bringing department heads to Council meetings at least once a month to hear directly from staff, ask prepared questions, and improve transparency. He also questioned whether to retain the current city administrator model or shift to an on-staff city engineer/Public Works Director to reduce fragmentation and ensure continuity of engineering records; he observed that multiple engineering firms have led to lost information and repeated costs, and urged Council to decide on a consistent leadership structure.
12. Announcements: None
13. Audience Comments: None
14. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 PM. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4216
