DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met March 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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

Roll call was taken:

Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton

Also Present: City Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi, City Treasurer Pete Dell, EMA Director Ciciora & Building

Official Steffens

Mayor Latham:

1. Arnie Schramel / Progressive Energy – Electrical Aggregation Program: Arnie explained the electrical aggregation program to the new members of the Council. Rates continue to be volatile, and he encouraged Council to commit to a new contract by July. The current contract will expire in October, 2021. By a show of hands, Council was in favor of proceeding with a new contract.

2. CBD/Downtown Beautification Program – Phase 1: Mayor Latham explained this program would consist of volunteers, businesses and organizations that would adopt and maintain planting beds and hanging baskets in the downtown area. Markers would be placed crediting the adoptees. This program is being introduced for consideration and further exploration by the Council.

3. Sandwich Park District Days Fireworks Request: Correspondence has been received from the Park District advising of the annual Freedom Day’s parade on July 3rd and also requesting a sponsorship or donation toward the fireworks. Mayor Latham noted that the City has partnered with the Park District in the past and requested the Council give some consideration to the request. Additionally, if any of the Council would like to participate in the parade, they are to contact the Mayor.

4. City Biking & Walking Paths Proposal: Mayor Latham distributed a proposed bikeway and trail map drafted by the Sandwich Park District. He noted that the map concurs with the current DeKalb County Master Plan. With grant money availability, the City could collaborate with the Master Plans for the school district and the park district.

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

City Clerk Ii reported that copies of the FY 2021-2022 budget have been distributed and to contact her in the event someone was overlooked.

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Tom Horak reported that there will be no brush collected in May.

Public Safety Complex: “Notice to Bidders” will be published in the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. The City will receive sealed bids for the City of Sandwich Public Safety Complex until 10:00 A.M. local time on June 4th, 2021, at City Hall, 144 East Railroad Street, Sandwich, Illinois 60548, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Aldermen Report: Alderman Robinson felt the Council would approve the mayoral appointments next week if presented by groups rather than as a slate.

Announcement: Finance Committee will meet immediately following the COW meeting on May 17th.

Audience Comments: Treasurer Pete Dell encouraged everyone to review the March financial and treasurer’s report recently released by Lauterbach & Amen, and to pay close attention to the narrative for key information on the City’s finances.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adjourn the Committee-of-the Whole Council meeting at 7:46 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw051721.pdf