DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council Met June 7.

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:

50th Sandwich Early Day Engine Show will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 25th and 26th, at the fairgrounds from 9 AM – 5 PM.

Tractor Parade will be held on Sunday, June 27th at the fairgrounds starting at 8 AM.

City-wide Bike & Walking Path Plan: Mayor Latham would like to move forward with a proposed bike trail and walking paths that in time would connect with Silver Springs, Waterman, Shabbona, Yorkville and Somonauk. This would be a joint venture with the Sandwich Park District and Sandwich Schools #430. Proceeding with the plans will be contingent on available grant money. A Resolution will be placed on next week’s agenda for Council endorsing the project.

Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Discussion: Funding is available with disbursement contingencies. Funds can be used to provide government services, such as water infrastructure or storm sewer upgrades, but cannot be used to reduce debt service. Mayor Latham requested Aldermen to prioritize shovel ready projects within their respective wards.

Water Tower Maintenance Discussion: Water Superintendent Brian Voelkel, presented three proposals for water tower cleaning as shown below. Funding will be from line item #400.0000.70.5450. Council will approve the lowest proposal at next week’s meeting. National SoftWash - $12,800.00

National Wash Authority - $13,300.00

Seven Brothers Painting - $20,250.00

COW Council Meeting June 7th, 2021

20-Year Service Award: Mayor Latham presented Water Superintendent, Brian Voelkel, with a plaque and monetary bonus recognizing employment by the City for 20 years.

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren Law Group: Attorney Harrill distributed a local government guide book to the newly elected officials / aldermen covering the Open Meetings Act, Robert’s Rules of Order, Code of Ethics, FOIA (Freedom of Information) and Sexual Harassment Training.

City Clerk II

OMA (Open Meetings Act) Update: Newly elected officials must complete the OMA on-line training within 90 days after taking office. This year, Attorney Harrill has recommended that all elected officials and pertinent staff complete the online course. Clerk Ii advised that the OMA electronic training web page is currently inaccessible due to repairs, and that public body members will not be penalized for failure to complete the electronic training within the statutory time period.

Computer Issues: Clerk Ii explained that her computer failed for 2 days last week that included lost files, address book, and email delivery / export. Most of the lost data has been recovered but some issues still remain.

City Treasurer Dell distributed a “fact sheet” published by IML (Illinois Municipal Code) on LGDF (Local Government Distributive Fund) local share distribution of revenue. Municipalities received a percentage of total state income tax revenues through this fund. He felt it was good information for the budget process as well as understanding revenues for the City.

Treasurer Dell attended the recent IMIC (Illinois Municipal Insurance Cooperative) meeting where topics of sidewalk issues and cyber risks were discussed. Both matters have become increasingly troublesome from an insurance perspective.

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Tom Horak reported that bush pickup resumed for June in Ward 1 on June 7th.

1. Plan Commission regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, 2021 has been canceled.

2. 21-00047-00-TL – U.S. Route 34/Duvick Avenue and U.S. Route 34/Indian Springs Mall Traffic Signal Improvement project: Approximately $240,000 was allocated for the traffic signal improvement project. In a meeting with IDOT, they will be using federal funds to resurface Route 34 and upgrade traffic signaled intersections. By collectively working with IDOT, the City will be responsible for 10% of the funding (Federal will be responsible for 80% and the State will be responsible for 10%). IDOT will review all the intersections for upgrade maintenance and may look to the City for assistance with funding. It is anticipated to be completed fall, 2022.

3. Public Safety Complex: Sealed Bids for the City of Sandwich Public Safety Complex were publicly opened and read aloud on Friday, June 4, 2021. There were over 21 pages of bids that will be placed on the City’s website for inspection. Engineer Horak reported that the concrete will need to be re-bid. Bid opening will be Monday, June 28th.

4. Solar Array Project for the Wastewater Treatment Facility – Keystone Power Holdings, LLC: Presented for review was “Standard Agreement for Interconnection of Distributed General Facilities with a Capacity Less Than or Equal to 1- MVA”. This Agreement is between the City and ComEd. Approval of the 32-page Agreement does not commit the City to the project.

Engineer Horak also presented the proposed “Solar Power Purchase Agreement” between the City and KPH IL17, LLC that outlines the terms and conditions of the purchase and sale of solar generated electric energy from the solar panel system to be constructed, if approved. Engineering details are being finalized.

5. Little Rock Creek Watershed Study will hold it last meeting on June 30th at 10 AM. This meeting will also be accessible remotely. A final report should be received by August, 2021.

Aldermen Report:

Alderwoman Johnson thanked everyone for assistance with the Music in the Park on Wednesday, June 2nd.

Alderwoman Killey requested a motion to briefly adjourn for a tour of the Opera House showcasing recent rehabilitations including the restrooms.

Motion made by Alderman Whitecotton and seconded by Alderman Robinson to recess at 7:20 PM for approximately 10 minutes. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

Alderwoman Johnson made a motion to return to regular session at 7:30 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

Alderman Kreinbrink introduced a student photo journalist in the audience who was entering competition on normal life in small town, USA.

Alderman Robinson made a request for Executive Session for personnel under Section 2(c)1.

Announcement: Finance Committee will meet immediately following the COW meeting on June 7, 2021.

Audience Comments: None

Executive Session: Motion made by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson, to enter into Executive Session at 7:40 PM under 5 ILCS 120/ Section 2(c)(1) “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of 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”. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderman Robinson made a motion to return to regular session of the Council Meeting at 8:01 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

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 8:02 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw060721.pdf