City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Aug. 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Mayor Robinson called the Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Killey, Kelleher, Kreinbrink, Redden & Surratt
Also present: Attorney Buick Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak City Treasurer Webber, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora
Mayor Robinson:
July Finance & Treasurer’s Report: Wes Levy from Lauterbach & Amen explained the new format for the monthly Finance & Treasurer’s Report. A more user-friendly arrangement, the monthly report will reflect a month beginning and ending balance, and offer suggestions how to improve on the balances, if needed. A comparison of actual money spent and projected spending compared to the budget will be listed.
IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) Increase: The City’s annual contribution rate will raise from 7.00% to 9.26% effective January, 2020. The City has the option of selecting a lower phase-in rate of 7.76% resulting in a lower contribution but will also result in a higher contribution rate over the long term. It was recommended by Wes Levy, the City’s accountant, to contribute at the higher 9.26%. If no decision is made by August 30, 2019, it will be assumed by IMRF that the employer has chosen the higher rate of 9.26%.
Ordinance 2019-08 entitled “An Ordinance Granting a Special Use in the ‘B-3’ Service, Automotive, and Wholesale Business District Permitting the Operation of a Body Art Establishment at 142 Indian Springs Drive by Outer Beauty Ink, LLC” presented for first reading. Outer Beauty Ink will be re- locating to a larger facility at Indian Springs Shopping Center. Passage of said Ordinance will be at next week’s meeting.
Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren LLC: No report
City Clerk Ii: No report
CityTreasurer: Noreport
Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:
PC2019-02 (142 Indian Springs Drive): At the August 13, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Plan Commission, the Plan Commission recommended the approval of a special use permit for a Body Art Establishment in a B-3 Zoning District by a vote of 5-0.
2019 MFT (19-00000-01-GM): Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin this week at the following locations.
a. Center Street: Mechanic Street to Washington Street: Street pavement reconstruction, sidewalk reconstruction, curb ramps and detectable warnings. Contractor to possibly mobilize Saturday, August 10th for site investigation.
b. 6th Street/Latham Street: Curb ramps and detectable warnings.
c. Wells Street: Hall Street to Church Street: Sidewalk repairs, reconstruction, and curb ramps with detectable warnings.
d. Main Street – 3rd Street to Lisbon Street: Sidewalk repairs, reconstruction, curb ramps with detectable warnings, and curb replacement
Chief Bianchi presented a quotation from Axon on the purchase of six tasers and required associated equipment totaling $10,090.00. This purchase has been budgeted under Line #001.0020.80.5720.
EMA Director Ciciora: No report
Alderwoman Chmielewski: No report
Alderman Dell recognized that the law specifically states no smoking within 15’ of a business, and yet many of the local bars have patrons hovering around entrances while smoking. He wants to urge City businesses to abide by the law and encourage patrons to observe signage stating no smoking within 15’ of business premises.
Alderman Kelleher: No report
Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following this evening’s Council meeting. Alderman Kreinbrink: No report
Alderman Redden, echoing Alderman Dell, agreed that smoking at bar entrances has become problematic. He, too, endorses the City to work with the businesses to enforce the law.
Earlier in the day, Alderman Redden attended a public meeting at FVOA hosted by 14th District Congresswoman Lauren Underwood to discuss the Older Americans Act and related topics. Topics discussed included Medicare, growing number of senior bankruptcies, fraud protection, lack of program funding, and lack of caregivers in rural areas. Monthly public meetings will be held at the library on the 2nd Wednesday between 3-7 PM.
Alderman Robinson, a Personnel Chairman, reported that Travis Kurtz has requested a rollover of 44 unused vacation hours, and also Brian Fasnacht has requested a rollover of 72 unused vacation hours. No action was required.
Robinson also advised that he has finally made contact with a property owner north of town that may be interested in selling some property to help alleviate the flooding issues on the North side of town.
Alderman Surratt: reported that he has received many complaints on sidewalk conditions and asked how the City plans to address the problem. He felt the sidewalk situation should have been priority over the recent roadway painting for railroad crossings. Mayor Robinson requested that a list of sites, including addresses, be provided to Engineer Horak. The City recently learned that it did not receive the Sidewalks for Safety Grant offered by IDOT.
Alderman Surratt also reported that there is a business that is being conducted in a residential area. Chief Bianchi said he is aware of the problem, and that it will be addressed on Wednesday.
New Business: None
Audience Comments: Center Street resident, Peggy Knobeloch, complained that an automotive repair shop is being operated next door to her home. Several members of the audience were present with similar complaints about the business.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Redden and seconded by Alderman Kelleher to adjourn the Committee-of-the- Whole Council meeting at 7:50 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw081919.pdf
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