DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Jan. 17.

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, Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey & Kreinbrink, Quorum established.

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

Absent: City Clerk Ii; Aldermen Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton; City Official Steffens

Mayor Latham:

1. Indian Springs Shopping Center Redevelopment Proposal: A business concept was once brought before the Council by local residents, Sandy Koehler, her daughter Brianne Koehler, Kelly McDuffee, and her son, Tristan Wyland. No changes have been made to the plans but emphasis was placed on the need for a liquor license prior to committing to the project. The pool hall and video gaming will be the first priority on the concept. During the discussion, Attorney Gottschalk felt that two liquor licenses may be required – one for the “members only” billiard hall, and a second license for the video gaming area. Chief Bianchi explained the liquor licensing process that includes a lengthy background check. Mayor Latham requested that a more definitive site plan(s) be presented to the City showing dimensions and entrances. The City will also start investigating wording for new liquor licenses. Council was invited to inspect the proposed project on Friday, January 21st.

2. Gaming License Fee: The Illinois Municipal League announced that effectively immediately, the maximum annual video gaming terminal fee for non-home rule communities will increase from $25/terminal to $250/terminal. Attorney Gottschalk said communities represented by her law firm have opted to increase the fee to the maximum of $250/terminal whereas the Council is considering doing a gradual increase over the next 2 years. Council was in agreement to earmark funds for projects om determining the license amount increase. This discussion will be continued at the February 1st meeting.

3. Pop-up Covid Testing Centers: Initially the Health Department had no direction to address pop-up covid testing centers, but is now reversing their decision. Attorney Gottschalk advised “Center for Covid Control” is not a government agency, and has been in the news recently. It was also noted that unlike Plano, the City of Sandwich does not require a business license. It was advised the City can enforce zoning where the sites are located, and let the Health Department monitor the facilities.

4. Grant Award: Thanks to former City Engineer Horak who orchestrated the grant, the City has become a recipient of a $250,000.00 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for improvement of city-owned properties.

5. Staffing & Compensation: With several staff openings, Mayor Latham said the problem is the City is not competitive in salary compensation when compared with communities to the east of Sandwich. He discussed the failure to hire a Waste Water Superintendent and Director of Public Works. He also suggested the Council consider hiring a part-time meter reader at a lesser salary cost than utilizing current, higher-paid employees. Mayor Latham added that if a position requires licensing, that employee’s salary should reflect such. He concluded asking the Council to reconsider the Waste Water Superintendent / Director of Public works as well as other open positions including City Administrator.

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk Law Group: Attorney Cassandra Gottschalk: No report

City Clerk Ii: Absent

City Treasurer Dell reported that he will contact the FNBO regarding closing the rolled over CD and opening a 6-month with the funds.

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi provided a construction update on the new public safety building and offered tours to the Council members.

Engineering: Alderman Kreinbrink said he met with EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc) on a breakdown of expenses for anticipated engineering projects for the upcoming fiscal year. EEI has suggested a road and sidewalk suvey to assist in monitoring the building improvement program. HLR (Hampton, Lanzini & Renwick Engineers) made a similar suggestion.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderwoman Killey advised that the Opera House will be applying for a grant in March through the DeKalb County Community Foundation for sealing and tuckpointing on the older façade of the building.

Alderman Kreinbrink reported that he has been in contact with Arnie Schramel, managing partner of Progressive Energy, regarding estimated electrical rate at the water treatment facility for budgeting purposes. He also advised that there will be a meeting on Friday, January 21st at 4:30 PM regarding updating the sound systems. Lastly, Alderman Kreinbrink announced a budget committee meeting on Monday, July 1st and a group budget meeting on Saturday, February 26th.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will meet immediately following the Committee of-the-Whole Meeting on January 17, 2022. Budget Committee will meet Wednesday, January 5th at 4:30 PM.

Audience Comments: Mayor Latham advised that committee meetings for technology improvement, citizen’s advisory, and historical preservation will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Holcomb and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson to adjourn the Committee-of-the Whole council meeting at 8:20 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw011722.pdf