DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Sept. 6

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and requested EMA Tom Ciciora to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established

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

Absent: Alderman Littlebrant & Building Official Steffens

Audience Comments: None

Consent Agenda: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson adopting the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 

a. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of August 22nd, 2022

b. Approval of July, 2022 Financial & Treasurer’s Report

Payment of September Invoices: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson approving payment of September invoices presented. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Erickson, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: None Motion carried unanimously 

Mayor’s Report:

a. Motion to Waive the Competitive Bid Process for Masonry Work-City Hall Structure: Four companies had shown interest but only one proposal was received.

Alderman Fritsch moved to waive the bidding process for masonry work on City Hall. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Killey. Alderman Whitecotton was the sole nay vote on voice vote. Motion carried.

b. Motion to approve Mike Harris Mason Contract Inc of Rockford Illinois bid in the amount of $33,200.

So moved by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderwoman Killey. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink and Robinson Nay: Alderman Whitecotton Motion carried 6:1 

c. Smoke Free Campus- Amendment to the City of Sandwich Personnel Policy Section 6 D. “The City is sensitive to the needs of employees, citizens, visitors, and Illinois law. Since there is evidence that smoking and secondhand smoke pose significant health threats, the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and other smoking paraphernalia (including vaping devices) is prohibited in City buildings or City vehicles, or on City property, except for in specifically designated outdoor areas” presented for first reading. Alderman Robinson cautioned about being too governing and also wanted to know locations of designated smoking areas. This will be placed on the September 19th agenda for Council approval.

d. Mayor Request to Close Railroad Street from Main St. to Wells St. for the Taste of  Sandwich, September 28.

Motion made by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson approving the road closures for the Taste of Sandwich. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote. 

e. Annexation Agreement for 1015 Castle Street: Old files reflect what appeared to be the start of the annexation process in 2012 but was never finalized. The property is hooked into the City’s water / sewer systems but paying for out-of-area rates. The City Attorney will be preparing necessary documentation to complete the annexation process including the Annexation Agreement and subsequent Ordinance for Council approval.

f. Motion to Waive the Competitive Bid Process for Woodbury Elementary School  Sidewalk Improvement: Street Foreman Nick Grube explained the sidewalk replacement locations around Woodbury School including ADA compliancy at intersections. EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc.) has recommended that the City continue to apply for the annual Safe Routes to School grant. Alderman Kreinbrink said the intent is not to deplete budgeted funding for sidewalk maintenance but considers the current action for the Woodbury School sidewalks as Phase 1. Alderwoman Johnson commented she had heard that the sidewalk repairs would affect the street forcing additional roadway work. Nick denied any knowledge of a problem. Work could be completed in seven days with no start date planned. There was one bid proposal received on this project.

Alderman Fritsch made a motion to waive the bid process for Woodbury School sidewalk improvements. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. The ayes outnumbered the nays on voice vote. Aldermen Robinson and Whitecotton voted nay. 

g. Motion to accept a bid of $60,701.25 from Crack Attack Concrete, of Sandwich,  Woodbury School Elementary School Sidewalk Improvements :

So moved by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Voice vote was unanimous with the except of Alderman Whitecotton who voted not. Motion carried. 

h. Proclamation recognizing 50 Years of Fox Valley Community Services/FVOAS 

i. Proclamation welcoming all to the Sandwich Fair

j. Proclamation Sandwich Moose 100 Years of Service

k. Proclamation Declaring September 17-23 as U.S. Constitution Week

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschaulk Law Group: Attorney Gottschalk reported she is updating annexation agreements before expiration.

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Schwemlein highlighted the July Treasurer’s report noting that the General Fund’s revenues are trending overbudget while on the expense side, the City is underbudget. There is a slight increase in the 1% city sales tax collection over last year.

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Police Department: No report

Engineering: Mayor Latham indicated there is no update on the coal chute at Johnson’s Floral.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderwoman Erickson said she would like to revisit the train horn ban in the downtown area. Mayor Latham said the City made a similar attempt several years ago finding the project cost prohibitive and federal agencies being involved.

Alderwoman Johnson asked that the Council investigate complaints due to flashing business signs and light pollution.

Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, September 19th, 2022, at 6:30 PM followed by the Regular Meeting at 7:00 PM. The Committee-of-the-Whole meeting will immediately follow the Regular Meeting on September 19th.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Robinson to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:36 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote. 

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc090622.pdf