DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Feb. 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was taken:

Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Redden & Surratt

Also present: Attorney Harrill, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: City Engineer Horak & City Treasurer Webber

Audience Comments: None

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderman Surratt, and seconded by Alderwoman Chmielewski, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Killey, Kelleher, Kreinbrink, Redden, Robinson & Surratt Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

a. Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 10, 2020

b. Approval of COW Minutes of February 17, 2020

c. Approval of the Special COW Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2020

d. Approval of February bills totaling $ 81,063.93

Mayor:

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” presented for adoption.

Motion made by Alderman Dell to adopt Resolution 20-02 as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Surratt. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Redden, Robinson & Surratt Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Ordinance 2020-06 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 98 Zoning of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code Pertaining to Adult-Use Cannabis” presented for first reading. Said Ordinance defines cannabis establishments, allowable locations with restrictions, and approval of a special use. Ordinance will be placed on the March 9th agenda for passage.

“Intergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of Engineering Services for the City of Sandwich, Illinois, in DeKalb County, Illinois” was removed from the agenda pending changes for review. Agreement allows DeKalb County to provide engineering services to the City of Sandwich for general maintenance projects.

Memorandum of Understanding between DeKalb County and the City of Sandwich for sharing of geographic information to enhance economic development opportunities was presented for a motion authorizing the Mayor to execute.

So moved by Alderman Redden, and seconded by Alderman Surratt. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Redden, Robinson & Surratt Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Executive Session: Mayor Robinson requested Executive Session at the end of the meeting for personnel under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and land acquisition under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)

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

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Webber: Absent

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak: In the absence of Engineer Horak, Mayor Robinson read his report.

Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting of Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 has been cancelled.

Latham Street – Center to Sandhurst Reconstruction Project Phase 1: HLR (Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick Inc.) is coordinating the project with KKCOM (Kane/Kendall Council of Mayors) and IDOT District 3 (Illinois Department of Transportation). Traffic data collection occurred on Thursday, February 20th. The survey crew is scheduled to mobilize the week of February 24th, 2020.

Lower Little Rock Creek Watershed Study: Meeting #3 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the City Council Chambers.

Chief Bianchi: No report

EMA Ciciora: No report

Alderwoman Chmielewski reported that the sign machine is now operable and asked the council for direction on uniformity for the signs, such as directional verbiage, abbreviations and street names. The intent was replacement signs would be created during ‘down time’, but it was noted that public works is currently understaffed by two people.

Alderman Dell, referencing a recent complaint filed on procedural matters of the Finance Committee, indicated he has no problem in approving bills via motion by the Committee. Both Alderman Kreinbrink and Mayor Robinson felt the problem was wording that would satisfy the complaint.

Alderman Kelleher: No report

Alderwoman Killey: A Special Council-of-the-Whole Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 1 PM in the Council Chambers on the proposed 2020-2021 budget.

The next regular Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, March 2nd following the COW (Committee-of-the-Whole) Meeting.

Alderman Kreinbrink reported that he and Alderman Kelleher recently met with Karen Bark of Customer Computer Repair Service to review departmental computer requirements and required program and server needs. Her contract expires April 30, 2020, and she has chosen not to renew the contract. In preparation of hiring a replacement for computer service maintenance, an RFP (Request for Proposal) is being prepared. Karen Bark and Glen Bloemker (Director of Technology for the Sandwich schools) have indicated they are available to assist the City in the hiring process.

Alderman Redden expressed concerns regarding the upcoming Census on April 1st. Citing distrust in the government and immigration status, he fears there will be an undercount. For each person not counted, there is a potential loss of $1,535 per year in federal funding. Federal funding would benefit local schools, roads and other programs.

Alderman Robinson reported that he and Alderman Dell recently attended the Northern Illinois Mayors Association held in Oregon, IL. A presentation was on the Edgar County Watchdogs and transparency.

Alderman Surratt, echoing Alderman Redden, stressed the importance of being counted during the upcoming Census and the impact on the City and schools for undercounts.

New Business: None

Executive Session: Motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Surratt to go into executive session at 7:25 PM, pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees o the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; and pursuant to Section 2(c)(5) “The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body”. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Redden, Robinson & Surratt Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

It was noted that no action would be taken resulting from the Executive Session.

Motion to return from Executive Session: Motion made by Alderman Surratt and seconded by Alderman Kelleher to return to regular session at 7:55 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Surratt and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:56 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc022420.pdf