DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Dec. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM. Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established.

Also Present: City Attorney Gottschalk, Chief Bianchi, EMA Director Ciciora, & City Treasurer Dell

Absent: Alderwoman Johnson & City Official Steffens

Mayor Latham:

1. Update on Water Park Lot Taxes & Penalties: Mayor Latham had a meeting with the Kendall County Board Chair and the City Administrator about options to free up the property from tax liabilities. Over half of million dollars is owed in back taxes, and there is not too much the City can do at this point. Additionally, another half million dollars is owed on fees and penalties that may be available for negotiation with the Kendall County. There were few recommendations for the vacant property but further investigations will continue rather than have the property continue to incur additional costs.

2. DeKalb County Planning & Public Officials Workshop: Mayor Latham attended on behalf of the City. Long-term planning for municipalities was discussed as well as reviewing zoning and code books.

Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren Law Group: Attorney Cassandra Gottschalk introduced herself as the replacement for Attorney Jessica Harrill who recently resigned from the law firm.

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Dell questioned if the City had received any correspondence from IMIC (IL Municipal Insurance Cooperative) regarding cyber security. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance had submitted a reasonable quote for the coverage.

A 60-month CD was rolled over November. Treasurer Dell will contact the bank regarding the CD for additional information.

COW Council Meeting December 20th, 2021

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: No report

Engineering: EEI was not present for a presentation

HLR (Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick) were trying to troubleshoot non operational signal interconnect issues at Drew and Tara Street. If they are unable to repair, the cost is $700.00 to someone take a look at the problem.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch wants the Council to consider hiring a city administrator that would be beneficial for the front office. With budget discussions underway, this would be a good time to discuss further. The City will need to create a job description before considering the position including the role Lauterbach & Amen would play for accounting purposes. An economic background would be beneficial as well.

Alderman Kreinbrink reported a budget meeting was held last week covering the police department budget. Additional meetings will be scheduled for January 5th and January 31st.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on January 3rd, 2022.

Audience Comments: None

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 8:23 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw122021.pdf