DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met March 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established

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

Absent: Building Official Steffens

Audience Comments: Dr. Phyllis Wallington addressed the Council on lack of ordinance enforcement in her neighborhood. Calling the problems chronic, she explained issues concerning noise, people parking and leaving ruts in the parkways, sidewalks in need of repairs, and non functioning vehicles parked in yards. She emphasized the need for accountability on behalf of the Council, and that problems seem to be worsening. Mayor Latham responded that the City now has a code enforcer, and these matters will be forwarded to him.

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote

a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of March 14, 2022

b. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes of March 21, 2022

c. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of March 14 & 21, 2022

d. Approval of February, 2022 Treasurer’s Report & Financials

e. Approval of March bills totaling $ 98,788.55

Mayor’s Report

a. Amendments to the Municipal Code of Sandwich: Section 14-36; 50-82; 50-165; and 50-166. Ordinances were not available for review.

b. Mayor Latham requested a motion authorizing him to extend the sludge hauling agreement with Stewart Spreading of Sheridan, IL at a rate not to exceed $21.50 per cubic yard.

So moved by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

c. Mayor Latham requested a motion approving the 7th contract installment payment to Harbour Contractors in the amount of $280,199.66 drawn from budget line item #010.01070.90.6800.

Motion made by Alderman Kreinbrink, and seconded by Alderwoman Killey. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

d. Executive Session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) for personnel: Motion made by Alderman Fritsch to move into Executive Session at 7:14 PM for personnel under 5 ILCS 120/Section 2(c)(1) “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity”. Motion was second by Alderman Holcomb. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: 0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderwoman Johnson made a motion to return to open session at 8:35 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Whitecotton. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Alderman Kreinbrink moved to deny the appeal by a city employee as discussed in closed session on March 28, 2022. Alderman Littlebrant seconded. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Kreinbrink & Littlebrant Nay: Aldermen Johnson, Killey, Robinson & Whitecotton Mayor Latham voted aye breaking the tie vote. Motion carried 5:4

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschaulk Law Group: Attorney Gottschalk reported she is finalizing the solar agreement. She also reminded Council for the need of the annual sexual harassment training and OMA (Open Meetings Act) training.

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Dell left during the Executive Session, prior to 8:35 PM.

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: No report

Engineering: Mayor advised that he had met with EEI on Friday, March 25th, regarding the Latham Street project. IDOT has approved the Route 34 maintenance.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch inquired the status of the coal chute at Johnson’s Floral. Response: Matter is being handled by HLR (Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick).

Alderman Kreinbrink reported that he will be meeting with the Mayor toward the end of the week to finalize the budget. He also suggested another budget meeting prior to the Council approving the 2022-2023 budget.

Announcements: Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, April 4th immediately following the COW meeting.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 8:50 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc032822.pdf