DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Council met Sept. 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

Present: Mayor Olson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson

Also present: Attorney Harrill, Chief Bianchi, Treasurer Webber, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, and EMA Director Ciciora

Topics to be addressed:

(1) Possible Motion to reconsider vote on the approval to authorize the Mayor to sign the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contract amendment for Harbour Construction in the established amount of $4,613,239.00. At the August 27th, 2018, regular meeting, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, McMahon and Redden voted nay, and subsequently only a nay vote can rescind the vote.

Council debated among concerns of the City’s financials in disarray, not having funding secured to finance the public safety building construction, and once funded, how to repay the loan. Aldermen that favored moving ahead with the project felt that, once the City’s budget has been corrected, there would be adequate funding for the project. Debate was heard that if the project is delayed, there is the risk of a higher interest rate, an increase in construction costs, and the overall project must be rebid. Concerns were also raised about the City’s aging infrastructure and flooding issues that need to addressed. Alderman Dell, in final words, explained that there is $100,000 cash flow in the general fund, no capital expenditure has been budgeted, there is little budgeted for vehicle repair / replacement and infrastructure repairs, and the bridge fund, that historically had $40,000 was set aside, has been eliminated. The Council agreed that a new police station is needed but that the City’s financial situation should be addressed first.

Motion made by Alderman McMahon, and seconded by Alderman Robinson, to rescind the August 27, 2018 vote that failed to approve the authorization of the Mayor to sign the GMP Contract amendment for Harbour Construction in the amount of $4,613,239.00. Aye: Aldermen Kelleher, Killey & Robinson Nay: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, McMahon & Redden Motion failed 3:4

(2) Possible approval to authorize the Mayor to sign the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contract amendment for Harbour Construction in the established amount of $4,613,239.00. This contract does not include costs paid directly by the City. Because the Council voted not to reconsider their previous motion of August 27, 2018, that failed to authorize the Mayor to sign the GMP contract amendment, this item was removed from the agenda.

(3) Possible approval of letting of bids on the construction of the proposed public safety building. Because of failure to reconsider the vote of August 27, 2018, authorizing the Mayor to sign the GMP contract amendment, this item was removed from the agenda.

Audience Comments: Resident Dave Jensen felt money should be set aside to fund the project adding that there are serious flooding issues on the north side of town that should be addressed. He felt the City should consider a referendum to address bonding issues. In response to Mr. Jensen’s comment on setting funds aside, Alderman Dell noted that $900,000 had initially been budgeted for the new public safety building but was used toward the $1.3 million contract and engineering costs in preparation of the project.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Redden and seconded by Alderman Dell to adjourn the Special Council meeting at 7:50 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/minutes/spcl090418.pdf