DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Oct. 18.

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, Killey, Kreinbrink, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton

Quorum established

Also Present: Attorney Harrill, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Alderman Robinson, City Treasurer Dell & Building Official Steffens

Mayor Latham

a. Technology Audit: Mayor Latham provided an update on the technology audit explaining that he completed a survey identifying the City’s use of technology, practices and procedures. The next step will be a mapping of the City’s structures by reviewing operations, looking for inefficiencies and vulnerability and best use of the City’s fiber optic network. There will be an on-site visit of the City’s facilities followed with recommendations that will be presented to the Council. The Mayor added that he will be presenting policies for review by the Council regarding use of the City’s computer equipment and operations.

b. ComEd Energy Audit Discussion: Mayor Latham recently had an opportunity to meet with George Gaulrapp, External Affairs Manager for ComEd. His role is to meet with municipalities to discuss cost savings. Mr. Gaulrapp recommended a free audit related to Smart LED street lighting. By providing the City with a spreadsheet identifying all the street lights located in the community and confirmed by the Street Department, ComEd would then convert street lighting to LED lights. An annual cost savings of $15,042.68 is forecasted. An audit can also be conducted on interior lighting for all City buildings.

c. Land Cash Ordinance Review: Mayor Latham advised the topic is not yet ready for discussion. He did note that the Park District would not qualify for cash impact fees for Fairwinds Subdivision because they chose land at the time of the plat acceptance by the City; however, he questions if the Park District should have their own calculation formula under the City’s Land Cash Ordinance similar to the school district. It was noted that the Fire Department is currently receiving impact fees. Land cash documents date back to 2007; it is the Mayor’s suggestion that a “per acreage” appraisal be updated every three years.

d. SafeWise 7th Annual 2021 Safest Cities in Illinois: Although last year the City rated 5th, the Mayor felt the current rating of 12th Safest City in Illinois was good news for the community. The Mayor congratulated the police chief and staff for good policing.

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

City Clerk Ii advised that she will have a report next week on the MCI (Municipal Clerk of Illinois) Conference held the week of October 11th.

City Treasurer Dell: Absent

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi advised that he has a power point presentation available on the remodeling progress for the public safety building.

Engineering: Mayor Latham reported that EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc) will meet tomorrow with department heads on finalizing projects and status updates. Council was in agreement to invite HLR (Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick Inc) to a council meeting to provide an update on projects they are overseeing such as the Latham Street and Indian

Springs / Duvick Road stoplights.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch, along with Chief Bianchi, are evaluating proposed modifications to public streets along Wells and S. Main Street intersections to include additional crosswalks and signage. Also recommended was the removal of a parking space at Haskin School that blocks the crosswalk for traffic heading north. Alderman Fritsch suggested lowering the speed limit 20 mph on S. Main, between Hall Street and Lions Road. A traffic study must be conducted prior to lowering the speed limit. Mayor Latham asked that the City work with the school district and bring the topic back to the Council for further discussion.

Alderman Holcomb opened the floor for additional discussion on the proposed golf cart and side-by-side ordinance. Chief Bianchi advised that if the City adopts an Ordinance, he recommended that the vehicles be treated the same as a car including safety measures, annual inspections, ticketing for moving violations, registration of ownership and proof of insurance. Additionally, the Ordinance would be applicable to city residents solely and non-residents would be subject to fines. A straw poll showed Aldermen Killey and Kreinbrink against proceeding with the propose ordinance.

Alderman Kreinbrink reported on the Budget Committee Meeting of October 11th. Topics discussed were monthly financials, capital improvements, and a tax levy discussion. Strategy for the City’s investments was discussed as well as rate studies for the enterprise funds, such as sewer and water.

Audience Comments: None

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Holcomb to adjourn the Committee-of-the Whole council meeting at 7:49 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw101821.pdf