DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met April 4.

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, Clerk Ii, Aldermen Fritsch, Holcomb, Johnson, Killey, Robinson & Whitecotton

Quorum established.

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

Absent: Aldermen Kreinbrink & Littlebrant; City Treasurer Dell; & City

Official Steffens

Mayor Latham:

1. Solar Agreement Review: Progressive Energy Managing Partner, Arnie Schramel, was present and discussed proposed changes to the Solar Energy Power Purchase Agreement. Highlighted changes included the solar field would be located in a designated flood zone, field removal after 25 years, energy output / interruption, insurance, and record keeping. The Site Lease for Solar Installation did not require changes.

2. Excavation Permit Fees: Mayor Latham distributed a draft Excavation Permit for review. He proposes a residential fee of $75.00, a commercial fee of $250.00, and a utility company fee of $350.00. A bond and Certificate of Liability will be required. He requested that the Council review the document and return to him for revisions prior to the April 25th vote.

3. Hawker License Review: Clerk Ii has provided Council with a copy of the Hawkers Ordinance 2010-09. The Ordinance needs updating to include food trucks and how the City wants to manage, such as issuing permits. Council was requested to review, and the topic will be discussed further upon evaluation.

4. Sidewalk Program FY 2023: The Mayor has reached out to DeKalb County under the City’s intergovernmental agreement regarding sidewalk repairs. The City has $100,000.00 budgeted that is designated for sidewalks. The Mayor implored Council to review their respective Wards before committing the funds.

5. ARP (American Rescue Plan) Funds Planned Usage: The City has started using some of the fund money received, and the Mayor requested the Council to consider how to utilize the remaining funds. Funds have been used for servers at the public safety building, and remaining funds could be used to relocate the fiber optic to the public safety building. Other suggested projects would be the water rate study and sewer / water options. Funds are restricted as to how the money can be spent.

6. Purchasing Agreement: Mayor has reviewed the proposed purchasing agreement and has returned to Alderman Kreinbrink for additional considerations. The Mayor requested the Finance Committee to review and present to the Council for passage. The purchasing agreement is a guidance tool for the City related to spending and procuring purchases.

7. Flood mitigation: Properties in the northern portion of Sandwich are prone to flooding issues during heavy rains. Some consideration has been given to meet with the Northville – Sandwich-Little Rock Drainage District, purchase additional land to move flood waters, or secure rights to cross private property. Aldermen were requested to identify flood prone areas in their respective Wards.

8. Downtown Parking Review: Parking issues continue to plague the downtown area especially when there are special events. Council was urged to consider alternative long-term parking and ADA improvements.

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk Law Group: Attorney Gottschalk elaborated on the proposal solar agreement noting that if the changes to the agreement are not approved, the City will not move forward with the project. Should that happen, there is no cost on the City’s part.

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Dell: Absent

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi shared a conversation with Dr. Phyllis Wallington who had addressed the Council last week on the topic of nonenforcement of the City’s Municipal Code as it pertains to quality of life issues in her neighborhood. He explained that some matters cannot be corrected overnight, and acknowledged other issues simply got out of hand. A major violation is homeowners parking on the City’s right-of-way (area between the street and sidewalk). In some instances, residents have erected reflector sticks, posted illegal no parking signs, laid gravel or have asphalted the right-of-way. Other infractions included excessive garbage in the yards, unregistered vehicles, and parking of recreational trailers in front of homes. Chief Bianchi also noted that speeding has become a concern on narrow roadways where off-street parking is allowed. He suggested that the speed limit be reduced to 25 mph in designated areas. He also supported issuing citations for code violations to be handled through the City’s adjudication process.

Cedar Street resident, Lesvia Edwards, directed questions to the Council and Chief Bianchi asking where residents are to park in the older section of town that have no curb and gutters. She has lived in her house since 1991, and parking on the City’s right-of-way has never been an issue. Many homes have several drivers and driveways are too narrow to park multiple vehicles. She expressed that she felt attacked and had been singled out for the violation that she was unaware existed. The Chief approached her because she and her family were placing gravel illegally and modifying the parkway. Although it has happened in many locations throughout the city, she was not singled out. Chief observed her as well as two vehicles parked in the wrong direction on her street, and he was responding the prior week’s citizen complaint.

Engineering: There will be a Latham Street informational meeting on Wednesday, April 13th, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Both engineering firms (EEI – Engineering Enterprises Inc. and HLR – Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick) will be present to explain the timeline and answer questions.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch, commenting on Chief Bianchi’s report, said there has been parking in front of his resident (formerly his parent’s residence) for over 67 years noting that zero tolerance will cause issues for residents in the older section of town.

Alderwoman Killey reported that there will be a meeting with the DeKalb County Community Foundation on Thursday regarding a grant application for brick work on the east side of the Opera House.

Announcements: The Finance Committee Meeting will be held immediately following the COW meeting of April 4, 2022.

Audience Comments: Ken Van Barringer, owner of Complete Consignment, inquired about hosting a farmer’s market and food truck in the Indian Springs parking lot near his business location. Calling such a social event, he felt it would stimulate and revitalize the business district. The Council is currently reviewing the Hawker’s Permit and licensing of food trucks.

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 8:09 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw040422.pdf