DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee-of-the-Whole met May 4.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Due to COVID-19, meeting was conducted via teleconference and open public meeting

Mayor Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

Roll call was taken:

Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Redden & Surratt, & EMA Director Ciciora

Present via WebEx teleconference call: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Killey, Kelleher, & Kreinbrink; City Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works Horak & Chief Bianchi

Absent: City Treasurer Webber

Mayor Robinson: No report

City Clerk Ii: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak reported that he was expecting $80,000.00 from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) this week as MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) funds and that limits will be placed on how the money is to be spent.

Chief Bianchi: No report

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Dell explained that, as required by the Illinois Risk Management, all employers must provide sexual harassment training to all employees starting in 2020. A free PowerPoint program is available that will suffice the requirement, and he will be forwarding the program to the supervisors. Also, Alderman Dell addressed the growing number of workers comp claims and the need to keep the claims under control. In 2019, there were six Workmen Comp claims filed. He is reaching out to the departments for suggestions to reduce the number of claims.

Alderman Dell sought input from the Council relating to residents and businesses not adhering to the Governor’s Executive Order requiring the wearing of masks in public places. There were Facebook comments and emails sent to aldermen complaining about the lack of enforcement and specifically naming a local business not in compliance. He felt this was matter that should not be ignored by the Council. There are now 19 confirmed coronavirus cases in Sandwich. Chief Bianchi said he spoke with two businesses over the weekend advising they were in violation, but his department is not citing businesses nor residents at this time. He has weekly conference calls with State Police and other police departments, and the consensus is not to issue violations but to caution people. Chief Bianchi said he can issue a Cease & Desist Order if that is the direction of the Council. Council was not in favor. A suggestion was made to contact the Chamber of Commerce to reach out to the their membership stressing the importance of adhering to the Governor’s Executive Order and welfare of the community.

Alderwoman Chmielewski stressed the importance of following the Governor’s Executive Order relating to social distancing and wearing of face masks in public places. She felt the Council needs to lead by example and reinforce health care of the community.

Alderman Kreinbrink inquired if staff had PPE’s (personal protective equipment) including masks. Response was yes. He noted there seemed to be difficulty with the WebEx meeting relating to background noise and noise feedback. Both Aldermen Redden and Surratt were in the Council Chambers for the meeting and the problem seemed to be connective issues. In order to alleviate the problem for a more productive meeting, he suggested that everyone access remotely for the duration of the contagion.

Alderman Redden chimed in on the wearing of masks noting that it is difficult to hear people who are wearing masks. He also stated that he had received his real estate tax bill noting that revenue to the City was down although the City levied at 4.99% which is the allowable maximum. Other taxing bodies tax amounts increased. He has placed a called to the DeKalb County Tax Extension inquiring how the tax distribution determination was made.

Alderman Surratt requested that Ordinance 2020-07 “An Ordinance Adopting the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition, as Amended” be placed on next week’s agenda for adoption. The newer 2020 Edition has been released. Alderman Surratt stated that the 2017 Edition, as adopted, will not affect constituents since the required updates are already in place. Alderman Redden is opposed to the arc fault detector installation as required by the 2017 Edition.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee- of-the-Whole Meeting.

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 7:45 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw050420.pdf