City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Oct. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
2. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Latham
3. Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson
Also present: Attorney Gottschalk, City Administrator Penman, SEMA Director Eberle & EEI Engineer Dettmann
Absent: Chief Senne & Economic Development Director Aleksy
Quorum established
4. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Latham requested that residents avoid trick-or-treating on Main Street construction due to safety concerns. He noted that sidewalks are closed, and the street, for the most part, are not passable.
5. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk – No report
6. City Clerk Ii advised that she has received the 2026 budgets for the forest preserve and DeKalb County for public viewing. Clerk Ii also reported that there are 82 water shutoff’s for tomorrow.
7. City Treasurer: Vacancy
8. City Administrator Penman’s report consisted of:
• A pre-construction meeting was held on October 15th for the Opera House gutter project
• In trying to close the Latham Street project from last summer, HLR is working with Berger regarding final quantities
• The digestor repair is completed on the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Costs were estimate at $67,000, but came in at $50,730.
• The State finally accepted the City’s Little Rock Creek Watershed plan that was initiated in 2021
9. City Department’s Reports:
A. SEMA Report: SEMA Director, Tony Eberle, reported on mutual aid support for Cortland’s annual parade and participation in the fire department open house, and silent parade honoring people who have died, firefighters and citizens.
B. Chief Senne: Absent
C. EEI Engineer Dettmann announced the successful submission of the Safe Routes to School grant. He reported that the Main Street improvements are progressing, with a goal to finish the project by the end of the year. He also reported that two contractors are working on the lead service line repairs, and introduced the PSA (Professional Services Agreement) for additional engineering on Main Street.
D. Economic Development: Absent
10. Unfinished Business:
A. Ordinance 2025-08 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 98 – “Zoning”, Article V – “Supplemental Regulations”, Section 98-145 “Airport Area Development” of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code”: Council had indicated the need for putting special restrictions around a designated area for special use. Discussed were specific types of business or buildings regardless of height that would be allowed. Council favored the special use area as the approach area on the edge of the runway, south of Route 34.
11. New Business:
A. Water Meter Replacement & Upgrades: City Administrator Penman and Alderman Danko discussed the need to replace old water meters due to inaccuracies. The new meters will be ultrasonic and compatible with the current radio system. Additionally, software upgrades will allow residents to monitor their water usage and receive notifications for leaks. Council was supportive to phase in the meter replacements and software upgrade.
B. Renewal of Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO & PPO Plans: The mayor announced a 7.5% increase in the renewal rate for Blue Cross Blue Sheild. The council will discuss and approve the renewal at the Regular Council Meeting immediately following.
C. Pratt Road Bridge Phase III Engineering: City Administrator Penman recommended HLR (Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick) for the construction engineering on the Pratt Road Bridge project. The project will bid in November, and the council will authorize the mayor to get a proposal from the recommended firm.
D. Code of Ethics for Elected Officials & City Staff: City Administrator Penman mentioned the need to discuss the civility pledge as recommended by IML (Illinois Municipal League). Alderman Robinson expressed skepticism about the effectiveness.
E. Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Engineering Water Plant & Water Treatment Plant: The agreement is to begin design engineering for the Railroad Street Water plant decommissioning and Clark Street Water Treatment Plant improvements. City Administrator Penman explained the need to relocate the water treatment plant operations from Railroad Street to Clark Street. The project would include improvements to treat water from Well #3 and additional filters for the Clark Street plant. Council agreed to move forward with the project with $300,000 in the budget for the initial phase.
F. Railroad Street Water Treatment Plant Repairs: Council brainstormed possible repair remedies, and waiting for recommendations for structural support and reports from Steve Dennison at EEI.
G. E-Bikes & Other Low-Speed Vehicles: Council discussed the need for an ordinance prohibiting low-speed vehicles (e.g. golf carts) in the city. Alderman Robinson emphasized the importance of enforcing the ordinance to ensure public safety. More research will be required to determine if a moving violation is sanctioned by the State.
H. Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Main Street Project Additional Engineering: This topic was covered under EEI Engineer Dettmann’s report earlier in the meeting.
12. Report of Alderpersons:
Alderman Arnett questioned the protocol for removing a topic “from the table” according to Robert’s Rules. Response was, although it was omitted from the agenda, the council can discuss without final action. Additionally, he recommended shifting water billing responsibilities to the landlords, as well as not subsidizing rental properties for lead service line replacements. Consensus was to move
forward with an ordinance making landlords responsible for tenants water billings.
Alderwoman Inman reminded that there is no burning on Halloween.
Alderman Kreinbrink requested that financial reports be posted on the city’s website for transparency. Recommendation was made to review the budget status after six months.
Alderman Robinson detailed the burning restrictions in place by ordinance.
13. Announcements: None
14. Audience Comments: None
15. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 PM. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.
https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4066
