City of Sandwich Committee-of-the-Whole met May 20.
Here is the agenda provided by the committee:
Mayor Robinson called the Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting to order at 7:15 PM
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Killey, Kelleher, Kreinbrink, Redden, Robinson & Surratt
Also present: Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi , City Treasurer Webber & EMA Director Ciciora
Mayor Robinson:
Doug / Ray Forrer – Annual Small Engine Parade: Neither Doug or Ray Forrer were present. Council was made aware of the annual small engine show and parade held the last weekend in June.
Progressive Energy Presentation: Arnie Schramel gave a short presentation on the electrical supply renewal contract for City-owned properties. Because the rates change daily, and rates are at a 10- year low, it was his suggestion that the City enter into a 3-year contract. The current contract expires in July, 2019.
Continued Discussion on Lauterbach & Amen, LLP Contract: Finance Chair, Alderwoman Killey, recommended that the City renew their contract with the accounting firm. This matter will be placed on next week’s agenda for approval.
Continued Discussion on Letter of Engagement (CliftonAllenLarson): Alderman Kreinbrink recommended that the City explore auditing companies through the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. He said responses should be returned by mid-July giving the City adequate time to have an audit conducted within 6 months of budget approval. Both Alderwoman Killey and City Clerk Ii expressed concern in meeting deadlines for the Treasurer’s Report due in October and the Tax Levy due in December if the audit is delayed. Historically, the audit is conducted in June.
Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren LLC: No report
City Clerk Ii has been contacted by DeKalb County Tourism Bureau requesting a replacement for their board in the wake of Rick Olson’s resignation as mayor.
She also reported that the City has been inundated with illegal soliciting for roof and siding repairs for hail damage following Thursday’s storm. Clerk Ii requested that Council considering waiving solicitation fees as they did in 2015. The problem, she explained, is that local vendors realize the permit process, that can take several days, and vendors from the Chicagoland area do not bother to apply for permits thus giving them a business advantage over local contractors. Council was sympathetic and agreed to waive fees at this time.
City Treasurer reported that a CD (Certificate of Deposit) came due on May 2nd and was renewed through FNB Omaha for five (5) years at 2% interest. The CD is part of the City’s ladder investment program.
Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak
SoFi Communications: George Burns, III of Sheridan, IL addressed the Council requesting to install equipment and antennas on the Duvick Avenue Water Tower as a wireless internet service provider. By doing so, better broadband internet services would be available to rural residents not serviced by a cable company. He also provided a lease template for review.
2019 MFT (19-00000-01-GM): Bid opening was held on Monday, May 20, 2019. Bid from Universal was $291,588.51 and bid from Curran was $307,144.86. The engineer’s estimate was $172,683.50. Engineer Horak explained the next step was to review the bids, and perhaps modify the project details for a lower cost.
2019 NPDES Permit Planning Documents and Sewer Rate Study: Engineer Horak distributed a proposal from Engineering Enterprises Inc. for planning documents in an amount not to exceed $129,000.00 to be taken from 2019/2020 budget line item 300.0000.70.545 The contract calls for four plans (Phosphorus Discharge Optimization Plan, Phosphorus Removal Feasibility Study, Wastewater System CMOM Plan, Sewer Rate Study) upon approval the agreement with draft submittals targeted for the Spring, 2020. The IEPA submittal deadline is October, 2020.
Chief Bianchi: No report
EMA Director Ciciora reported that a tornado from Thursday’s storm did not touch down although sirens were activated. It was discovered that the siren located at Wells Street and Lions Road is inoperable, and repairs are being made.
Alderwoman Chiemlewski: No report
Alderman Dell volunteered to handle the City’s tasks through Gallagher Insurance while the City’s
administration is going through a transitional period.
Alderman Kelleher complimented Tom Ciciora on the City’s website update.
Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following this evening’s Council meeting.
Alderman Kreinbrink reported that the Wilshire / Wentworth apartments complex cleanup held May 18th was well received. The landlords are obtaining estimates to have the roadways repaired within the complex.
Alderman Redden: No report Alderman Robinson: No report Alderman Surratt
Epic Light Show Update: After attending a fair board meeting on May 14th, Alderman Surratt felt trying to proceed with the light show this year is not in the City’s best interest. The deadline to sign the contract was May 15th. He felt that planning for the light show in 2020 was feasible and would be better organized.
Extending Summer Liquor Hours: Alderman Surratt suggested that the liquor hours be extended from 1 AM to 2 AM for summer events only. Events planned that will be serving liquor is Route 34 Pub & Grub on June 8th; Bull Moose on June 15th; Main Street Pub & Grill on August 3rd, and Olde Tyme Inn on August 24th. Attorney Harrill cautioned the Council that the Municipal Code would need to be amended to allow the extra hour on those given dates. The Municipal Code currently allows bars to remain open until 2 AM on New Year’s Day and during the Sandwich Fair. It was felt that by extending the liquor hours, the event’s attendance would increase tourism meaning more revenue for the City.
New Business: None
Audience Comments: None
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Surratt and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Committee-of-the-Whole Council meeting at 8:15 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw052019.pdf
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