DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Feb. 17.

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, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Robinson & Surratt

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

Absent: Alderman Redden

Mayor Robinson

Discussion on Resolution 20-01 entitled “Resolution Authorizing the Release of Subdivision Bond ILC 61700 by Casey’s Retail Company, as Principal, and Merchants Bonding Company (Mutual), as Surety, in the Amount of $41,000.00 for Lot and Offsite Detention Improvements”. Mayor Robinson indicated that this Resolution will not be presented for release at this time. If the widening of Route 34 comes to fruition, the funds will be used as part of the subdivision process. Engineer Horak pointed out that the bond is an agreement that all work will be completed.

Discussion on Resolution 20-02 entitled “Resolution Authorizing the Release of Subdivision Bond ILC 61701 by Casey’s Retail Company, as Principal, and Merchants Bonding Company (Mutual), as Surety, in the Amount of $79,000.00 for Lot and Offsite Detention Improvements”. The terms of the bond have been satisfied. This matter will be placed on next week’s agenda for a motion authorizing release of said bond.

Discussion on “Intergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of Engineering Services for the City of Sandwich, Illinois, in DeKalb County, Illinois”. Mayor Robinson explained that IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) is requiring an intergovernmental agreement allowing the County Engineer to provide the City engineering services for general maintenance projects. The agreement will be in effect until cancelled by either party. Alderman Kreinbrink raised concerns referencing a term limit on the agreement, payment issues, and correcting a scrivener’s error showing Sandwich as a “village” instead of a “city”. He also added that if the Council did not have an issue with the IGA (intergovernmental agreement) as presented neither did he.

Discussion on Memorandum of Understanding between DeKalb County and the City. This agreement is for development opportunities to share geographic information so long as both parties deem the exchange beneficial. The information is not to be used for engineering purposes or a substitute for on-site surveys. Data provided can include water / sewer lines, manholes, street lights, hydrants, and parking / snow restrictions. An annual fee will not be charged until January 1, 2021 after a trial period. The annual fee, based on the number of registered users by the City, can range between $250.00 - $1,000.00.

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

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Webber: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:

Plan Commission Recommendation for Case #PC 2020-01: At the February 11, 2020 regular meeting, the Plan Commission recommended by a vote of 5:0 that the text of Chapter 98 – Zoning of the Sandwich Municipal Code be amended to allow for cannabis facilities to be located in the AG, B- 3, M-1, and M-2 zoning districts and the requirements that any cannabis facility require a special use permit.

Building Official Steffens summarized the recommendation after conducting three public meetings. A basic separation would be 250 feet from a residence and 1000 feet for a school and hospital. No cannabis usage, including smoking, ingesting or otherwise, will be allowed at any facility including any facility that allows smoking, such a Hookah bar.

Chief Bianchi: No report

EMA Ciciora: No report

Alderwoman Chmielewski: No report

Alderman Dell: No report

Alderman Kelleher: No report

Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee meeting will be held following the COW meeting after a short break.

Alderman Kreinbrink: No report 

Alderman Redden: Absent 

Alderman Robinson: No report

Alderman Surratt thanked the school district for hosting a job fair for outgoing seniors. Local businesses as well as the military were in attendance affording students an opportunity of exploring life upon graduation.

New Business: None

Audience Comments: WSPY news correspondent, Jim Wyman, questioned why the City is no longer providing copies of ordinances and the bills claim list prior to meetings. He stated that once it is listed on an agenda, it is a violation of OMA (Open Meetings Act) to withhold the drafts and a lack of transparency.

He also felt that the finance committee was in violation for approving bills for payment without a taking final action in the form of a motion. He faulted the finance committee agenda by noting that it states a “review of semi-monthly bills” as opposed to “approval of semi-monthly bills”.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Kelleher and seconded by Alderman Surratt to adjourn the Committee-of-the- Whole Council meeting at 7:40 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw021720.pdf