DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Council met Sept. 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

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

Roll call was taken:

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

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

Approval of Minutes

Approval of minutes from the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting for August 20, 2018, were removed from the agenda.

Motion made by Alderman Dell, and seconded by Alderman McMahon, to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of August 13, 2018. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 7:0

Approval of August Semi-Monthly Bills:

Motion was made by Alderwoman Killey, and seconded by Alderman Kelleher approving payment of the August semi-monthly bills in the total amount of $99,919.11. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson Nay: 0 Motion carried 7:0

Mayor Olson:

Early Day Engine Club Presentation: Roger Tuttle, representing the Early Day Engine Club, presented Certificates of Appreciation to Mayor Olson and the City Council, Chief Bianchi, and Alderman Rich Robinson (in his capacity as a DeKalb County Sheriff) for the 2018 success of their 47th annual show.

Approval of Harbor Construction GMP Contract Amendment: The contract does not include costs paid directly by the City. Mayor Olson requested a motion authorizing him to sign the GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contract amendment in the amount of $4,613,239.00. Chris Kozek, Vice President of Harbour Construction, was in the audience to address any questions. Council was divided whether to proceed with the project due to the unknown status of the City’s finances, or to wait until the financials were in order and arrangements for the project’s funding were secured. A monthly loan payment could run as high was $40,000, and based on the City’s questionable finances, several felt the current budget did not reflect a comfortable surplus. It was noted that money has not been budgeted in the past to fund a new police station. Alderman Dell pointed out that 5 years ago, the City has a surplus of $13 million, and now has $8 million. He acknowledged that there have been major infrastructure projects but cautioned the Council needs to curtail their spending habits, or be ready to lay off staff next year. Alderman Redden strongly objected moving forward on the project until the City hires a financial / budget officer. Additionally, several aldermen felt the letting of bids was premature without funding for the project being secured. Those in favor said to delay the project wound mean an increase in costs in the future.

Alderman Robinson moved to approve Mayor Olson to sign the GMP Contract Amendment in the amount of $4,613,239.00. Motion was seconded by Alderman McMahon. Aye: Alderman Kelleher, Killey & Robinson Nay: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, McMahon & Redden Motion failed 3:4

Approval of Proposed Public Safety Building Letting of Bids: Because of the failure to approve the Mayor to sign the GMP contract amendment, awarding of bids on the proposed public safety building was removed from the agenda. The bids will expire September 7, 2018.

Ordinance 2018-17 entitled “Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of Sandwich, Illinois, providing an Increase of the Number of Class K Liquor License” presented for first reading. Ordinance will increase the number of Class K liquor licenses from two to three. This matter will be placed on the September 10th agenda for a Council vote.

Holiday Reminder: Due to Labor Day, the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4th at 7:00 PM

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren, LLC: No report

City Clerk Ii request a motion to approve Executive Session minutes from March 12, 2012; June 18, 2012; and June 25, 2012.

So moved by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Redden. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 7:0

The Council having met last week to review closed Executive Session minutes and determining there is no longer a need for confidentiality, Clerk Ii requested a motion to release to approved closed minutes for the following dates: March 12, 2012; June 18 & 25, 2012; August 6, 2012; February 18, 2013; July 15, 2013; April 14, 2014; October 13, 2014; October 20, 2014; March 2, 2015; November 9 & 16, 2015; January 18, 2016; September 26, 2016; November 14, 2016; December 19, 2016, June 26, 2017; July 3 & 10, 2017; September 11, 2017; and November 20, 2017.

Motion made by Alderman McMahon, and seconded by Alderman Keller, to approve the slate of executive session minutes to be released for public viewing. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 7:0

City Treasurer Webber: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:

Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 6:30 pm in the City Hall Annex, 128 E. Railroad Street. Scheduled is a public hearing on ZBA2018-01 (1251 E. 6th Street) for: (1) the recommendation of approval of a reduction of required parking spots in an M-2 Zoning District, DeKalb County, Parcels 19-25-426-006 and 19-25-426-008; and (2) the recommendation of approval for an increase of one entrance/exit from the allowable two/entrances/exits, in an M-2 Zoning District, DeKalb County, Parcels 19-25-426-006 and 19- 25-426-008.

2018 Street Maintenance Project (18-00000-01-GM): Engineer Horak requested a motion to reject all proposals that were received and opened on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 10:00 am at Sandwich City Hall.

So moved by Alderman Redden, and seconded by Alderwoman Chmielewski. Aye:

Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, McMahon, Redden & Robinson Motion carried 7:0

Chief Bianchi: No report EMACiciora: Noreport Alderwoman Chiemlewski: No report Alderman Dell: No report

Nay:0

Alderman Kelleher: No report

Alderwoman Killey advised that the next finance committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4th, 2018, immediately following the Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting. Alderman McMahon: No report

Alderman Redden: No report

Alderman Robinson: No report

New Business: None

Audience Comments: An unnamed member of the audience asked if the City was aware of the proposed 17.81-acre solar garden being proposed for the Somonauk & Pine Road area located outside City limits. The project is located within 1.5 miles outside the City’s corporate boundaries. Combined with another solar energy project, approximately 67 acres will be set aside as a solar garden to be located on both sides of Somonauk Road. The audience member requested the City’s help in blocking the project stating that such projects would create miles and miles of unsightly chain link fencing and prevent the future growth of the neighboring communities due to long-term leases.

Building Office Steffens recently attended a public hearing on the proposed project but specifics from the meeting were unknown due to Steffens being out of town.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:57 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/minutes/rc082718.pdf