DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met July 1.

Here is the minutes as 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 Thompson, Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

                              Absent: City Treasurer Webber

Audience Comments: Bob Perkins, Sandwich resident and former Police Chief in 1967, addressed the Council inquiring if they were aware that the current Police Chief, Jim Bianchi, was seeking employment elsewhere. Additionally, addressing Chief Bianchi, he requested a memo be distributed to the police officers regarding the penalty for perjury. Lastly, Mr. Perkins voiced displeasure at the $0.38 / gallon tax that took effect on July 1st.

Mayor Robinson diverted his report to 90th District Representative, Tom Demmer, who provided a snapshot update on the State’s Spring legislative session. Effective July 1st, the gas tax increased to $0.38 per gallon from $0.19 per gallon. The last time the tax was raised was in1990. The motor fuel tax is a means to raise money for infrastructure improvements. With the new tax increase, MFT funds to the City will increase by 50%. Online merchandise sales will now collect sales tax for Illinois. Other new laws coming into effect is expansion on video gaming that will now allow a maximum of six (6) video gaming machines per establishment and also legalizing sports wagering. Recreational marijuana has now been legalized, and a municipality can opt out on dispensaries and growing centers. Employers can still enforce a zero-tolerance or drug free workplace.

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren LLC: No report

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer: Absent

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak reported that he has received seven (7) applications for a part-time mower. He will have more information next week. He also reported that the manhole inspections and the sanitary smoke testing are on schedule for this month. Lastly, Engineer Horak reported that the City has been awarded the Little Rock Creek Watershed grant, and more information will be forthcoming.

Chief Bianchi reported that the landscaping issue at the new public safety building on 6th Street is being addressed.

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Alderwoman Chmielewski asked the status on the sewer refund to Meadowvale. At the June 17th COW meeting, Engineer Horak explained the City discovered the business had been charged for sanitary sewer fees when, in fact, they had been hauling wastewater after the pretreatment proved unsuccessful. The amount of the refund was $20,344.80. Engineer Horak said a purchase order for the refund had not yet been prepared; however, Alderwoman Chmielewski objected saying more discussion was needed prior to a refund. Alderman Kreinbrink concurred rejecting a full refund but agreeable to a partial refund. He feared that a precedence may be set where other manufacturing businesses would request a rebate for not using the sewer or filling swimming pools. In response, it was explained that the installation of a 2nd water meter would alleviate the sewer costs when no water was used for sewer purposes. Meadowvale’s scenario is unique in that the water must be pretreated requiring an industrial permit to correct.

Alderman Dell: No report

Alderman Kelleher advised that he and Alderman Kreinbrink had met with Karen Bark regarding the renewal of her contract (Custom Computer Repair Service). He also reported that next year the City will bid out the City’s computer support.

Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following this evening’s Council meeting.

Alderman Kreinbrink noted that Engineer Horak had shared Montgomery’s 2010 engineering study and approval costs for a railway quiet zone at $15,960.00. The study did not include design engineering and construction costs.

Alderman Redden asked the status of SoFi Communications raised last week by Alderman Kreinbrink. Engineer Horak explained that he had emailed business owner George Burns but had not received a reply. It was the recollection of the Council that Mr. Burns was to provide the City with engineering plans for review.

Alderman Robinson: No report

Alderman Surratt: No report

New Business: None

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Kelleher and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Committee-of-theWhole Council meeting at 7:54 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw070119.pdf