DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met June 14

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Robinson

Roll call was taken:

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

Also present: Attorney Harrill, Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Sergeant Eisenberg & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Aldermen Killey & Kreinbrink; Chief Bianchi; Building Official Steffens

Audience Comments: Marc Kuester spoke on his frustration in failing to obtain a building permit for new construction adding that he is out of options. On June 7th, he met with the City’s engineering department, representatives of Ward 3, and contractor Homeway Homes. Adding new infrastructure seems to be the problem causing an increase in his proposed mortgage. The bank will not fund new money leaving Mr. Kuester with approximately $58,000 in additional costs that he lacks in funding. Mayor Latham requested a private meeting with Mr. Kuester, along with Engineer Horak and Alderman Fritsch, following the Council meeting.

WSPY correspondent, Jim Wyman, inquired why Yorkville and Plano are not encountering similar problems since both communities are experiencing in a growth in new home construction. Mayor Latham explained this particular scenario is an empty lot in the older part of town.. The infrastructure would need to be updated to meet City Code as well as State mandates, and there are existing storm water drainage issues to be addressed.

Public Hearing on Public Recreation Paths – A City-Wide Plan

a. Motion to open Public Hearing: So moved by Alderman Fristch and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

b. Explanation of proposed city-wide plan for recreation paths: A proposed bikeway and walking path would connect to future trails including, but not limited to, city parks, Silver Springs State Park (Plano), Shabbona Lake State Bank, and Somonauk. This would be a cooperative venture with the Sandwich Park District and become part of the Master Plan for the community. The Mayor further explained that the public hearing is a preparatory measure showing support once funding becomes available from the State.

c. Persons desiring to be heard with opportunity to present testimony and examine witnesses: Alderwoman Johnson felt it was an excellent idea offering safe passage for schools and encouraging growth in the community.

d. Motion to Close Public Hearing: Alderman Whitecotton moved to closed the public hearing. Motion was seconded by Alderman Holcomb. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant, to adopt the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

a. Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2021

b. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes of June 7, 2021

c. Approval of June bills totaling $ 492,508.62

Mayor Latham

1. Resolution 21-07 entitled “Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with National SoftWash, Inc. for Cleaning of Water Towers” presented for approval. Resolution authorizes the Mayor to sign necessary documentation with National SoftWash, Inc. for cleaning of City’s water towers. National SoftWash was the low bidder at $12,800.00.

Alderman Littlebrant moved to approve Resolution 21-07 as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Holcomb. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0

2. Resolution 21-08 entitled “Resolution in Support of a City-Wide Plan for Public Recreation Paths” presented for passage. Supplementing the public hearing, the Council will pass Resolution 21-08 in support of partnering with local taxing bodies for a city-wide plan for bike and walking trails locally and with neighboring communities upon funding availability.

Alderman Firtsch moved to pass resolution 21-08 as presented. Motion was seconded by Aldermen Whitecotton. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.

3. DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission met via Zoom on June 10th. Neighboring communities shared zoning needs and challenges as a consequence. Mayor Latham indicated that he would like an alternate from the Council be available to attend future meetings.

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

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Dell: No report

City Department Reports:

EMA Director: No report

Chief Bianchi: In Chief’s absence, Sergeant Eisenberg was present. No report

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak reported that brush pickup for the month of June has resumed in Ward 2 on June 14th.

1. Lower Little Rock Creek Watershed Study: A virtual/remote meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 10:00 am. Audience/stakeholder participation in this workshop meeting will assist in setting the watershed project goals and priorities: • Water Quality Monitoring Plan

• Report Cards

• Implementation

• Executive Summary

• Information & Education Plan

2. Public Safety Complex: Notice to Bidders is to be published in the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. City Hall will receive sealed bids for the Public Safety Complex (03A – Site & Building Concrete and Micropyles) until 10:00 A.M. local time, June 28, 2021, at 144 East Railroad Street, Sandwich, Illinois 60548, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch questioned if funding from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund must be used solely for water infrastructure. Mayor Latham explained the terms are vague but he understands the funds are not limited to water infrastructure. Funding cannot be used for payroll or to reduce debt.

Alderwoman Johnson inquired when speaker mics were going to be either repaired or replaced. Additionally, she reported she was not able to access the City Hall building over the weekend and questioned if there was a key issue. Also, she advised she is compiling a list from her Ward for grant money. Lastly, she inquired who to contact on missed brush pickup.

Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, June 21st, 2021 following the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting.

Executive Session: Mayor Latham requested Executive Session and invited Engineer Horak to attend. No action will be taken. Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant, and seconded by Alderman Whitecotton, to enter into Executive Session at 7:30 PM under 5 ILCS 120/ Section 2(c)(11) “Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent”. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderman Whitecotton made a motion to return to regular session of the Council Meeting at 7:55 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. 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 Holcomb to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:58 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc061421.pdf