DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Aug. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

In the absence of Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was taken:

Present: City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton

Quorum established

Also present: Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Mayor Latham, Attorney Gottschalk, Treasurer Schwemlein & Building Official Steffens

Motion for Mayor Pro-Tem: Alderwoman Killey moved to appoint Alderman Robinson mayor pro tem for the remainder of the meeting. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Audience Comments: Local resident, Phyllis Wallington, thanked the City for efforts to bring the Municipal Code complaint but noted that there is a problem with recent ADA curb cuts in front of 101 N. Main Street and Johnson’s Floral. The new design causes wheelchairs to move into traffic to access the sidewalk. Additionally, with the configuration of ADA compliancy, delivery trucks are now unable to turn at that intersection to access businesses. Alderman Kreinbrink indicated the matter has been brought to the Mayor’s attention who will be in contact with EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc).

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink adopting the Consent Agenda, as presented. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously 

a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of August 8th, 2022

b. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes of August 15th, 2022

c. Approval of August bills totaling $ 667,329.43

d. Approval of the 12th contract installment payment to Harbor Contractors in the amount of $152,696.20 drawn from budget line item #010.0107.90.6800.

Mayor’s Report:

a. Ordinance 2022-14 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 6, “Alcoholic Beverages”, Article II, “Licenses”, Section 6-47 “Classes”, and Section 6-55 “Fees; Terms” of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for first reading. This Ordinance would create a liquor license for movie theaters. Council set the licensing fee at $500.00 for a Class N liquor license. Tori Johnson, Executive Assistant of Classic Cinemas, was present for questions and requested clarification on wording context. Council agreed to amend the verbiage.

Motion made by Alderman Whitecotton to adopt Ordinance 2022-14, as amended. Motion was seconded by Alderman Robinson. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: Alderwoman Johnson Motion carried 7:1 

b. Route 34 Project Update: Mayor Latham was invited to a pre-construction zoom meeting with IDOT. He hopes to learn the start / end dates on the project.

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschaulk Law Group: Absent

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Schwemlein: Absent

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Police Department: Chief reported that the Moose will be celebrating their 100th anniversary on Saturday, August 27th between 8 AM – 11 AM. Public is invited. Chief also acknowledged his wife, Cheri Bianchi, chosen as Illinois Administrator of the Year for the Moose. Special recognition was given to long-time Moose member, Karl Rud.

Engineering: None

Aldermen Reports: Council thanked Alderman Fritsch, and everyone involved in the signage and markings for the newly identified school speed zone.

Alderwoman Erickson requested that the Council consider creating a quiet zone from train horns. Alderman Robinson explained that the City investigated a no-train horn zone several years ago. It was learned, to meet distance requirements sets by railroad, Lafayette and Eddy Streets would have to be permanently closed. There were concerns raised because Lafayette Street is school bus route and the fire department is located at the Lafayette crossing. Cost was also an issued at the time quoting $100,000 per crossing study. Alderman Robinson noted it has been several years, and perhaps the City needs to reconsider the topic.

Alderwoman Johnson indicated that staff members that smoke were upset with the Council’s decision to restructure the City’s smoking policy. She will be meeting with the employees for input and report back to the Council.

Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 at 6:30 PM followed by the Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 PM. The Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting will immediately follow the Regular Meeting on September 6th.

No meeting on Monday, August 29th, being the 5th Monday of the month.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:18 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote. 

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc082222.pdf