DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Oct. 4.

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, Holcomb, Killey, Kreinbrink, Johnson, Robinson & Whitecotton

Quorum established.

Also Present: Attorney Harrill & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Alderman Littlebrant, City Treasurer Dell, Chief Bianchi & Building Official Steffens

Mayor Latham announced that an agenda draft had been released on Friday, but that the correct agenda had been posted at City Hall and available at the meeting. He requested a motion from the Council to approve the agenda of October 4, 2021 listing the Mayor’s items 1-8. So moved by Alderman Whitecotton and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Alderman Robinson was the sole nay voice vote

1. August 2021 Financials: Council is asked to review in preparation of the 2021-2022 Budget and upcoming tax levy.

2. Budget Committee Direction: The Committee will review budgeting for the City’s needs. Concentration will center on shortcomings in the budget, estimating the City’s needs, looking at the budget more strategically, and encouraging input from the Council. The Budget Committee consists of Aldermen Kreinbrink as chairman, Alderwoman Johnson and City Treasurer Dell. Alderman Kreinbrink said it is hopeful for the Committee to meet next week after the regular council meeting, and Wes Levy will be available for the meeting.

3. 2021 Levy Payable in 2022 Input: Mayor Latham provided a historical printout on the tax levy for years 2019 and 2020. The printout reflected what was requested versus funds actually received. The mayor requested Council review the numbers for adjustments in preparation of the tax levy to be filed in December, 2021.

4. Land Cash Ordinance - Sandwich Park District & Sandwich Fire Protection Request: Requests for impact fees distribution has been received. The City has issued three building permits that impact fees may be applicable. The distribution will be reinvestigated to assure funding is done correctly and in a timely manner.

5. Metra Update: Mayor Latham attended the most recent Metra discussions via a zoom meeting with other municipalities along the proposed Metra line. Sandwich is the costliest being the end of the Metra extension line. A final report will become available in the future.

6. Taste of Sandwich Recap: Mayor Latham thanked everyone on the Council for their assistance in the event, and particularly Alderman Robinson for coordinating the City’s participation. There were 331 tickets sold this year compared to 419 tickets sold in 2019. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid.

7. Halloween Resolution – Resolution 21-11 was presented for review. Proposed “trick or treat” hours will be on Sunday, October 31st, from 4-7 PM. There will be a leaf burning ban that day, and households are encouraged to follow Covid guidelines. The Resolution will be placed on next week’s agenda for passage.

8. October 6th, 2021 Walk / Bike to School Day: The global event is to encourage children and adults to celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling to school.

9. Route 34 Pub & Grub Liquor Hearing: Final hearing was held October 4th, and a finding will be determined within 5 days.

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

City Clerk Ii reported that September 29th was Lisa Mangers’ anniversary. She requested 40 hours unused vacation hours and carryover of 20 unused vacation hours. No action was required by the Council.

City Treasurer Dell: Absent

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: Absent

Engineering: EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc.) will be meeting with staff tomorrow to review city projects for mapping and consideration of a water study. Mayor Latham added that the Plan Commission hearing was held last week on Scooter’s Coffee that passed 7:0.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Holcomb distributed sample ordinances from Maple Park, Creston and Shabbona allowing golf carts and side-by-sides on city roadways. No ATV’s would be allowed. Council will review the ordinances and continue discussions at the next COW meeting permitting recreational vehicles on public roads.

Alderwoman Johnson thanked public works department for repairing the sidewalk area around Willow Crest.

Alderwoman Killey also thanked public works for the sidewalk repairs at Willow Crest. Alderman Kreinbrink shared a story of a resident pleasantly impressed after receiving assistance from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s department regarding recent complaints and follow-up calls.

Alderman Robinson commented on the Taste of Sandwich.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on October 4th, 2021.

Audience Comments: Bob Carpenter and son, Chris Carpenter, spoke on City murals and documentation of ownership by the Stone Mill Museum.

Mayor Latham requested the IT Committee to meet on October 21st at 7:15 PM. Alderman Robinson said he was unable to attend the meeting on that date. Historical Committee will meet the same day at 6:30 PM and Citizens Advisory will meet at 8:00 PM.

Jim Wyman spoke against the proposed golf cart ordinance sharing stories from Lake Holiday where he resides. Golf carts are legal in Lake Holiday.

Geri Benning, Sandwich Chamber of Commerce Director, announced the Halloween Walk will be held on Saturday, October 23rd. Alderwoman Killey and City Clerk Ii volunteered to represent the City in handing out treats.

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 7:46 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw100421.pdf