DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Aug. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established.

Also Present: City Attorney Harrill, Chief Bianchi, EMA Director Ciciora & Building Official Steffens

Absent: Alderman Holcomb, City Engineer Horak & City Treasurer Dell

Mayor Latham:

1. Recognition of the late Enoch “Nick” Scull, Jr.: Local veteran, Enoch Scull, died on July 19, 2021. In commemoration of his military accomplishments, Mayor Latham recognized Nick Scull’s service awards and acknowledgements, including 4 Bronze Battle Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, the POW Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism.

2. Keystone Solar Presentation: Present was Lauralynn Farwell, Keystone Business Development Manager, and via cell phone, Billy DePhillipo, co-founder of Keystone Power Holdings. The City signed a 6-month Letter of Intent in January, 2021 allowing Keystone to move forward with a solar array to be located at the sewer plant. There would be no cost to the City. Mr. DePhillipo felt the City was being too restrictive that was causing costly delays. Fehr Graham, Keystone’s civil engineering firm verbally assured that the land next to the waste treatment plant was buildable although the property has been designated as wetlands and in a flood zone. The City is requesting written confirmation. If the land is designated as unbuildable, any and all contracts become null and void. Additionally, Keystone is requesting a “red line” copy of the Power Purchase Agreement in order for them to move forward with the project. Upon learning that Keystone would not be selling excess energy back to Commonwealth Edison, Alderman Kreinbrink indicated more research is needed on the part of the City. Keystone agreed to provide written confirmation that the land is buildable with IEPA and the Army Corp of Engineers signing off.

3. Outdoor Dining: Mayor Latham distributed to each Ward information from other communities on outdoor dining and food trucks. He requested that the information be reviewed and input be relayed to him. Concerns such as sidewalk separation and liquor policing will need to be addressed. Food trucks, under City ordinance, are to inspected by the Health Department and special use permits issued by the City Clerk.

4. Resignation of Tom Horak: Mayor Latham announced that he has accepted the resignation of City Engineer Horak. His last day will be August 27th, 2021. The mayor added that he is investigating outsourcing engineering project, hiring a city manager, or finance director to fill the void.

5. Executive Session for land acquisition under 5 ILCS 120/Section 2(c)(5) “The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body” has been removed from the agenda.

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

City Clerk Ii reported that the “FAQ” (Frequently Asked Questions) link on the City’s website correlated with the updated new resident booklet.

City Treasurer Dell: Absent

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report.

Chief Bianchi reported that the National Night Out, sponsored by the Sandwich Police Department and Sandwich Fire Department will be held on Tuesday, August 3rd at Veterans Park. The annual event will include a car show, live music, food and entertainment.

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak (Mayor Latham read in the absence of the City Engineer):

1. Brush Pickup: Bush pickup will resume for the month of August. Monday, August 2nd, is brush pickup for Ward 1.

2. IDOT (IL Department of Transportation) Contract 108-66L87: Pavement patching and striping on Church Street (US Route 34) from Pearl Street to Duvick Avenue is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 9th.

3. Safe Routes to School Funding Cycle 2021: Grant application is open from August 16 through September 30, 2021. This grant would be partnered with the school district to address sidewalk areas in need of repairs.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch inquired who owned the little fire station located on Center Street. Complaints have been received noting the building is in disrepair. Mayor Latham will confirm ownership with the fire department.

Alderwoman Johnson requested that mics be replaced noting that a mic should be available to all aldermen and attending staff. Mayor Latham did not dispute the need but noted funding is an issue. He recommended this matter be directed to the Technology Committee for further review.

Alderman Kreinbrink thanked IDOT for the patch work on Church Street (Route 34). Echoing the need for sidewalk maintenance under the Safe Routes to School Funding, he asked that Dummer, the Middle School, and Haskin be included. Woodbury School is in need of new sidewalk installation.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on August 2nd, 2021.

Upcoming committee meetings will be on Wednesday, August 25th, at the following times: Technology Committee – 6 PM

Historical Preservation Committee – 7 PM

Community Improvement Committee – 8 PM

Audience Comments: None

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 7:43 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.