DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council Met April 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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: Attorney Harrill, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora 

Audience Comments:  

Michelle Shepard, owner of The Petite Palette, presented the Council with a hand-crafted  Thank You signed by neighboring businesses and local patrons on repairs to the lighting system in  the downtown area, 

Local resident, Jen Penn, inquired what is a reasonable amount of time before hearing from various city departments. Mayor Robinson had responded via email earlier in the day requesting  more information and advising that contact can made directly to the departments on specific matters. 

Public Hearing on City’s tentative May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022 Annual Budget 

a. Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant and seconded by Alderwoman  Killey to open the Public Hearing on City’s tentative 2021-2022 Annual  Budget. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson &  Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0 

b. Explanation of the reasons for the budget and any proposed increase or  decrease or additional or deleted programs: Wes Levy, presenting Lauterbach &  Amen as the City’s accountants, explained the budget numbers remained the  same as in previous weeks. Estimated cash as of May 1, 2021 for all City funds  was $9,390.684.00. The budget reflects total anticipated revenues as $12,106,794.00 and expenditures at $14,424,468.00. 

c. Persons desiring to be heard with opportunity to present testimony and examine  witnesses: Alderman Kreinbrink voiced concern about funding earmarked projects and cash reserve for future spending including enough money to pay employees.  He expressed the need to be fiscally responsible and conservative. 

d. Motion made by Alderman Dell and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to  close the public hearing. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant,  Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0 

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderman Whitecotton, and seconded by Alderman  Littlebrant, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0  

a. Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of April 12, 2021 

b. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes of April 19, 2021 

c. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes for budget of April 12, 2021 

d. Approval of April bills totaling $ 88,525.35 

Mayor Robinson 

1. Ordinance 2021-07 entitled “Ordinance of the City of Sandwich Adopting the Budget for  Fiscal Year 2021-2022”. Request was made to waive first reading followed by a motion to pass. 

Alderman Littlebrant moved to waive first reading on Ordinance 2021-07. Aldermen  Whitecotton seconded. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton  Nay: Alderman Kreinbrink Motion carried 5:1 

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant and seconded by Alderman Whitecotton to pass  Ordinance 2021-07 as presented. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey, Littlebrant, Robinson &  Whitecotton Nay: Aldermen Kreinbrink Motion carried 5:1 

2. Ward 3 Alderman Appointment: Mayor Robinson explained that due to health reasons,  Ward 3 Alderman Shane Surratt tendered his letter of resignation on Friday, April 23, 2021. Mayor  Robinson made a recommendation to appoint Brent Holcomb to fill the 2-year unexpired term of  Shane Surratt. Mr. Holcomb is a 12-year resident of Sandwich, a former member of the Sandwich  Fire Department, and a union electrician. 

Motion made by Alderman LIttlebrant approving the appointment of Brent Holcomb as Ward 3  Alderman. Motion was seconded by Alderman Whitecotton. Aye: Aldermen Dell, Killey,  Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: Aldermen Kreinbrink Motion carried 5:1 

After the vote, Mayor Robinson administered the Oath of Office. 

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

City Clerk Ii read the Abstract of Votes from the April 6, 2021 election (see attached and made a part  herein) by declaring those candidates with the most votes as: 

Mayor – Todd Latham / 547 votes 

City Clerk – Denise Ii / 851 votes 

Treasurer – No Candidate 

Alderman Ward 1 – Bill Littlebrant / 206 votes 

Alderman Ward 2 – Rebecca Johnson / 198 votes 

Alderman Ward 3 – No Candidate 

Alderman Ward 4 – Rick Whitecotton / 143 votes

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director: No report 

Chief Bianchi: No report 

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak 

1. Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April  27, 2021 at the City Hall Annex Building. A public hearing will be held on ZBA 2021-02 (213  E. Bender Street): The applicant John Ferrario Sr requests a variance to allow a 4’-6” tall  fence in a front yard that by ordinance only allows a 3’-0” tall, open type fence. 

2. 2021 Brush Pickup Program: Ward 4 was completed on Monday, April 26th. 

3. Hydrant flushing will begin on Monday, April 26th through Thursday, April 29th starting at 8 AM daily and ending by 4PM each day. 

4. Traffic Signal Master Agreement between the City of Sandwich and IDOT:  Engineer Horak requested a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the traffic signal  agreement. The agreement defines the maintenance responsibilities and the allocation  of maintenance expenses of the eight signalized intersections within the City of  Sandwich. Agreement term is July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2031. 

So moved by Alderman Kreinbrink. Alderman Whitecotton seconded. Aye:  Aldermen Dell, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson, Whitecotton & Holcomb  Nay:0 Motion carried 7:0 

5. 2021 Crack Routing and Filling through DeKalb County Highway Department: Work is scheduled to be completed by May 14th at an anticipated cost of $25,000.00. Start date is forthcoming; yard signs will be placed by the contractor. 

a. Deer Run Trail – Arnold Street to North End 

b. Fairwind Boulevard – Church Street to Center Street 

c. Anthony Lane – Kramer Lane to North End 

d. Kramer Lane – Anthony Lane to East End 

Aldermen Reports:  

Alderman Dell reported that the next IMIC (IL Municipal Insurance Cooperative) will be held  on Wednesday, May 19th via WebEx. His term in office will end on Monday, May 10th, and he  strongly recommended that a board member actively participate in the monthly meetings. 

Alderman Robinson advised that Denise Ii has requested a payout of 183.50 unused  vacation hours. No action was required by the Council.

New Business: Economic Director, Jim Teckenbrock, thanked the City for use of office space, and  thanked Alderman Dell for his years of service. He shared information on local economic  development in the past months. The Apache Ford property has been sold and several small stores  will soon be opening including a vehicle restoration, retail, and a RV / boat storage. There has been  renewed interest in the vacant lots near the hotel including a chain restaurant. As part of the DCCF  (DeKalb County Community Foundation) grant, Council members and key personnel participated in a  2-day strategic planning workshop in September. Grant funds could assist local businesses meet  mandate upgrades. 

Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, May 3rd, 2021 following the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting. 

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by  Alderman Dell and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adjourn the Regular Council meeting  at 7:43 PM. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote. 

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc042621.pdf