DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Aug, 16.

Here are 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

Quorum established.

Also Present: City Attorney Lundgren, City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi, EMA Director Ciciora & Building Official Steffens

Absent: City Treasurer Dell

Mayor Latham:

1. Ordinance 2021-12 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 98, Zoning, Article II, Zoning Districts and Regulations, Section 98-38, B-1 Local Business District, of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for 1st reading. Amendment is adding “solar power generation” to the zoning district. Ordinance will be presented at next week’s meeting for passage.

2. August 11th storm damage update: Mayor Latham reported on the storm damage caused by high winds on August 11th. There was significant damage throughout the community with down trees, widespread power outages as well as personal property damage. He thanked City staff for coming together during the storm crisis and asked aldermen to check their respective Wards for damage. The City will be filing insurance claims incurred on city damages.

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

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Dell: Absent

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora explained that he had been monitoring the approaching thunderstorm storm on August 11th, and that once it was ascertained winds would be 70 mph produced by a downdraft, he sounded the tornado sirens. He added that no tornadoes had been sighted but feared damaging winds.

Chief Bianchi reported that police were monitoring the storm damage and helping residents where possible. More damage was sustained to the north as opposed to the south, and the department was available to assist other communities, if needed.

Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:

1. Brush Pickup: Bush pickup will resume for the month of August. Monday, August 16th, is brush pickup for Ward 3. Storm brush pickup will be throughout the community on Wednesday and Thursday, August 18th & 19th.

2. PC 2021-10: Plan Commission made a recommendation for approval of a text amendment to Section 98-38(c)(16) of the City’s Municipal Code to create a special use for solar power general in the B-1 Local Business District by a vote of 5:0 at the August 10, 2021 regular meeting. Ordinance 2021-12 has been presented earlier in the meeting for first reading.

3. 20-00046-00-FP Latham Street Reconstruction Project: Engineer Horak has been working with IDOT (IL Department of Transportation) pertaining to the project. Federal funding for the reconstruction is $1.5 million and the City’s contribution will be $1.6 million. Components for the $1.6 million will come from MFT (Motor Fuel Tax), Sewer, and Water reserves. Wes Levy, from accountants Lauderbach & Levy, will have the specific fund distributions. The project is on schedule for the Spring following ComEd relocating utility poles.

4. Public Safety Complex: Harbour Contractors provided an updated Guaranteed Maximum Price as $3,078,882.00 reflecting an additional cost savings of $34,404.66. Preliminary work has already begun on the building. Engineer Horak indicated that Harbour would be required to bring remaining contracts back to the City Council to waive any formal bidding requirements. There was no further discussion on the matter. The Guaranteed Maximum Price will be presented for approval at the August 23rd regular meeting.

5. Asphalt Rejuvenating Maintenance: Corrective Asphalt Materials will be completing their work today and will return tomorrow (August 17th) to sweep up sand from the work areas. Product being applied to areas of Kees Lane and Center Street is designed to extend the life of the pavement.

Executive Session: Mayor Latham requested Executive Session at 7:11 PM 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”. No action will be taken.

So moved by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: 0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderman Holcomb made a motion to return to regular session of the Council Meeting at 7:22 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, LIttlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Aldermen Reports:

Alderwoman Johnson expressed that there are issues with the City’s website and asked EMA Director, Tom Ciciora, if they could meet to discuss. On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Alderwoman Johnson thanked the Mayor for being a hole sponsor at the recent golf outing. Additionally, she thanked Ward 4 Aldermen Kreinbrink and Whitecotton for sponsoring the August 18th“Music in the Park” band, Roadkill Rangers. Lastly, she encouraged everyone to attend the school board meeting on Tuesday, August 17th.

Alderman Kreinbrink provided an update on the Irth System that is a computer-generated JULIE request as opposed to a faxed request. He anticipates the program will be operational by the end of the month after training.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on August 16th, 2021.

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

Historical Preservation Committee – 7 PM

Community Improvement, corrected to read Citizens Advisory, Committee – 8 PM

Audience Comments: WSPY correspondent, Jim Wyman, inquired when the City anticipates receiving the $500,000 grant money from Representative Tom Demmer’s Office. Response: Unknown at this time; however, Alderman Robinson corrected the amount to $250,000. Mr. Wyman asked if the passage of the proposed Ordinance 2021-12, adding solar power generation as a special use, was to be applied for the downtown area. Response: There is a proposed solar array for the sewer plant, but no further plans at this time

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Holcomb to adjourn the Committee-of-the Whole council meeting at 7:28 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw081621.pdf