DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Met March 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

Roll call was taken:

Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii; Aldermen Dell, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Whitecotton

Also Present: City Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works Horak & Chief Bianchi

Absent: Alderman Surratt & EMA Director Ciciora

Mayor Robinson:

1. Kendall Extension Study will host a virtual open house meeting on the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) extension beyond the existing terminus in Aurora. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 10th from 5 PM – 7 PM. Additional information can be found on the City’s website or by visiting www.metrarail.com /kendallextension.

2. S&P Global Ratings: On Friday, February 26th, notice was received that the City’s credit rating is AA- on the proposed $3 million general obligation bond for the public safety building. This is the same rating the City received in 2013 when the sewer bond was refinanced. Council was divided on moving forward by having Bernardi Securities begin the pre-order selling period without assurances on a 5-year capital improvement plan. John Vezzetti (Bernardi Securities) and Wes Levy (Lauterbach & Amen will be present at next week’s meeting to further discuss the matter.

3. Reduction in Liquor License Renewal Fees: Mayor Robinson recognized the impact of COVID-19 on local restaurants and businesses that serve alcohol. He proposed to reduce the renewal fees for liquor licenses by 50% for the upcoming fiscal year starting May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022. The reduction in license fee would not be applicable to new liquor license applications received after May 1, 2021. 26 businesses would be affected and would reduce the annual income to the City by $13,800.00. Some aldermen felt the City would appear selective in helping a specific group of businesses when all businesses suffered from the pandemic. This matter will be placed on next week’s agenda for a vote.

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren Law Group: No report

City Clerk Ii: No report

COW Council Meeting March 1, 2021

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: Absent

Chief Bianchi: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Tom Horak

1. WWTF Improvements/Modification Plan/Rates Update: Stephen Dennison of EEI (Engineering Enterprises) was present to provide additional information on the sewer plant upgrades and phosphorous removal mandate. He noted that the current sewer rates are on the low side, and recommended an annual 6% increase to fund the improvements coupled with a low-interest loan from the IEPA. There is a level of urgency as some improvements must be completed by 2023, and the City will need to approve an engineering plan by the end of the month.

2. 2021 Sludge Hauling bids were opened on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM as follows:

i. AG Tech Services, Inc. $22.00 per cubic yard

ii. Stewart Spreading, Inc. $19.50 per cubic yard

Engineer Horak recommended that the City award the bid to Stewart Spreading from Sheridan, IL. This matter will be placed on next week’s agenda for approval.

3. 2021 Portable Generator for the Lift Stations: Quotes were received for a replacement generator to service all lift stations. Engineer Horak reported the generator purchase had been budgeted in the 2020 / 2021 budget for $125,000 from line item 300.0000.90.6800. The City will purchase the Steiner Electric below:

i. Steiner Electric 106kVA Kohler Towable Generator: $35,807.80

ii. Advanced Generator 60kVA Generac Towable Generator $48,210.00

iii. Multiquip 70kVA & 25kVA MQ Power Towable Generators $72,524.16

Aldermen Reports: None

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on March 1, 2021.

Audience Comments: None

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Dell and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adjourn the Committee-of-the-Whole Council meeting at 8:11 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw030121.pdf