City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met March 2.
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 Alderman Arnett
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, Police Chief Senne, SEMA Director Eberle & EEI Engineer Dettmann
Absent: Economic Director Aleksy
Quorum established
3. Mayor’s Report:
A. Business District Flowerbeds: Registration is open for the flowerbed program in the business district. There is a $700 budget for flowers, and 14 locations.
B. Engineers Week: Mayor Latham recognized February 22nd through February 28th as Engineers Week noting the important work of engineers for city projects.
C. America 250 Anniversary: The Mayor discussed the America 250 program, explaining the structure from national to county levels, and the city’s involvement. The celebration will run from May 15th through Veterans Day, with activities throughout.
D. Search Update – City Administrator: Reported on receipt of applications, and the need for a quick turnaround.
4. Attorney’s Report: City Attorney Forte reported on a proposed solar facility at 15110 Griswold Springs Road that is located outside the city boundaries but within the planning area. After review by counsel, concerns were raised about annexation and screening variances. Applicant is seeking a variance from Kendall County requiring annexation with the city.
5. City Clerk Ii: No report
6. City Treasurer: Vacancy
7. City Administrator Penman: No report
8. City Department’s Reports:
A. SEMA Report: Director Eberle reminded council that tornado siren testing will be conducted tomorrow. He also reported that the EMA team supported traffic control at Harvest Chapel for their baptismal services on Sunday.
B. Chief Senne
• Cleaning Bid Results: Chief Senne explained the bidding process, and the recommendation is that the City award the Police Department cleaning contract to Illinois Military Maintenance who also service City of Peru, Kaneville, and Earlville City Hall and Police Department
• Generator Proposal: Chief Senne advised that the generator proposal will be rebid clarifying that it is a public bid (not an RFP), and notify prior respondents before reopening the bid.
• Police Department remained active in the community attending events, such as Lunch & Learn, Explorers, Bean Bag Baseball, police testing, and chair volleyball.
• Police interviews are scheduled for this week. There are 3 applicants who are already certified officers.
• Squad cars should be back in service by the end of this week. Once returned, they will need to be lettered and rekeyed before being fully deployed.
• First quarter training has been completed, ensuring officers remain current with required practices
• Liquor compliance check was conducted, and one business was found to be non-compliant and was issued a local ordinance violation.
• Through the Small Rural Tribal grant program, the police department received a certificate of completion for the body-worn camera program and policy review, reaffirming the department’s commitment to policy compliance and transparency
• Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 21st at the police department
C. Engineering Report: EEI Engineer, Curt Dettmann, provided an update on projects
• Construction to start on Pratt Road Bridge in early April
• Railroad Street water system improvements plans are essentially completed. Plans have been sent to the water and sanitary department heads for review, and an ad has been submitted to the paper for bids. Bid opening will be March 26th. The approximate cost estimate is $70- 80,000.
• Dollar Tree final inspection is Tuesday
D. Economic Development: Absent
9. Unfinished Business:
A. Ordinance 2026-05 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Various Sections of the Sandwich City Code Related to a Variety of Fee Structures, and Related Permits and Licenses Granted Under the Provisions of the Sandwich City Code” presented for 1st reading. Class E (restaurant) license should be increased to $1,600.00. Also noted was licensing increase for mobile food vendors from $100.00 annually to $250.00. There was a discussion if the city, as non-home rule, can combine individual amusement / entertainment licensing into a single license. City Attorney will provide a legal opinion and recommendation for the March 16th meeting.
10. New Business:
A. Ordinance 2026-04 entitled “An Ordinance Correcting a Scrivener’s Error Regarding the Subject Property Address for Zoning Map Amendment in Ordinance 2026-01 entitled “An Ordinance Approving a Zoning Map Amendment for the Property Located at 2300 E. Church Street (8.72 Acres) from B-3 to R 5 for a 55+ Residential Development” presented for 1st reading. The scrivener’s error was to correct the address of the property. This document will be presented at the Regular Meeting to waive first reading and to pass the Ordinance.
B. City Administrator Search Update was discussed briefly under the Mayor’s report earlier in the meeting.
C. Kendall County Zoning Petition: This topic was discussed earlier in the meeting. The recommendation will be to authorize the mayor to send a response to the zoning petition to Kendall County # 26-06 and 26-07 for commercial solar facilities.
D. Stationary Food Vendor Licensing: Attorney Forte explained that the city has limited abilities due to being a non-home rule community. Council continued to discuss the need for a stationary food vendor license, and the criteria for a definition and enforceability. Council was encouraged to create reasonable restrictions for a proposed ordinance. A suggestion was made to create a food truck zone and limiting the number of days a food truck can operate in a specific location.
11. Report of Alderpersons:
Alderman Arnett reported on the sludge hauling bid and the need for additional employees for the water and sanitary departments. Concerns were expressed about the justification of additional staff, and the need for a formalized plan. Also discussed was the potential use of plastic pipes for water service to reduce costs.
Alderman Chunn advised on upcoming ditch cleaning and leaf pickup.
Alderman Danko reported on the repair and subsequent training of a fire hydrant Alderman Kreinbrink reminded council about the upcoming SWOT analysis meeting, and the need to address budget concerns. He mentioned the possibility of taking a loan from the sewer reserve fund. For transparency’s sake, Alderman Kreinbrink would like to continue receiving the aldermen’s packet in a folder format.
Alderman Robinson questions code amendments, and the need for clarity on the amusement and video gaming licenses.
12. Announcements: None
13. Audience Comments: None
14. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. Alderman Ketchum seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4491
