DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Sept. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:44 PM. Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established

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

Absent: Alderman Littlebrant, City Treasurer Schwemlein & Building Official Steffens

Audience Comments: At the request of City Clerk Ii, exercising her right as a concerned citizen, motion was requested to move the audience comments to the beginning of the meeting. Clerk Ii said her concern would be a matter to be discussed during the meeting.

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

Denise Ii, residing on Latham Street, explained that several years ago when Brenda’s Custard relocated to Sandwich, residents in the neighborhood requested reserved parking because business customers were using residential parking spaces. At that time, the Council refused the request; however, a sign was erected not to block driveways. In the Woodbury School area, a year ago the City notified residents that they could not place rocks, reflectors or other means of preventing parking on the City’s right-of-way. Residents complied. A private resident in the Woodbury School area has a sign erected by the City on city property reserving a private parking spot for the homeowner. Ii implored the Council to reconsider this action and remove the sign calling for equality and uniformity for the community.

Mayor Latham:

1. Reserved Parking Sign: Alderwoman Erickson explained the sign was placed in front of her mother’s residence at her request because there is no driveway, and there is limited parking available in the school area. Alderman Robinson confirmed that the family had made a similar request when he was mayor, and that he shared their request with Mayor Latham when he took office. Council was unaware that a sign had been erected on city property. It was thought Woodbury School was fine with the reserved parking but conflicting statements said otherwise. Consensus was if this was allowed, restrictive parking should be allowed city-wide. Chief Bianchi said the restrictive parking is not enforceable and not subject to violations or ticketing.

2. Sandwich Park District Intergovernmental Agreement: Bill Novicki, Executive Director of the Sandwich Park District, discussed waiving city fees on capital improvement projects citing less tax burden on residents. A current project underway is a dog park to be located in Fairwinds Subdivision. He also suggested an intergovernmental agreement on shared costs specifying the hockey rink, as an example. Currently there is a verbal agreement in place whereby the City covers liner costs on alternating years. Labor and water costs would be included. Council was receptive and this topic will be further addressed in October.

3. Open Door Right-of-Way Proposal: Open Door Executive Director, Rita Potter, and Associate Director, Gene Stephens, discussed a proposal to share asphalt costs at the 405 S. Wells Street parking lot. Although the parking lot is located on private property, it is widely used by the city and neighboring schools. An engineering drawing was provided along with three repaving bids. Council was receptive and will approve at the October meeting.

4. Haskin School Sidewalk / Sandwich CUSD #430: A request has been received from Dan Ford, Maintenance Director of Sandwich Schools, that Haskin School be considered in Phase II for sidewalk replacements. An estimation of 525’ damaged sidewalk is due to crumbling or ponding during heavy rains. Additionally, sidewalks need to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliancy.

5. Plumbing Inspection Fee Increase: Mayor Latham reported that Plano has recently raised their plumbing inspection fees to $100.00. The City has not raised their $35 inspection fee in 25 years, and the Mayor has requested Building Official Steffens to present a proposal to the Council at the October meeting on a rate increase.

6. Executive Session Confidentiality Ordinance: Mayor Latham presented a draft for a proposed Executive Session Confidentiality Ordinance to become a part of the City’s Municipal Code. The mayor reminded Council to be mindful of their due diligence on executive session topics, and a simple misconduct can be reported to the States Attorney. The State Statutes are unclear regarding consequences. Council will approve the Ordinance at the next meeting in October.

7. Health Insurance Renewal Period: Insurance premiums have increased by 7.2% for PPO and 5.6% for HMO coverages. Covid is being blamed for the increases. This matter will be brought before the Council in October for approval.

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

City Clerk Ii 

1. April, 2023 Election Update: Nominating Petitions and election packets are available at City Hall.

2. Hiring Part-Time Help for City Hall: Clerk Ii requested input on hiring part-time help for City Hall. Her thoughts were to have someone available from 10 AM – 2 PM daily to cover phone inquiries and do general office work. Chief Bianchi has discussed with the Clerk the possibility of sharing a common employee. The goal will be to have a proposal for the Council at the next meeting in October.

City Treasurer Schwemlein: Absent

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi: No report

Engineering: No report

Aldermen Reports:

Alderwoman Johnson requested that the Council consider a tree replacement program.

Alderman Robinson would like to see the 50/50 sidewalk program reinstated. Unlike the previous program, he would like to have a sole contractor responsible for the sidewalk replacement and an application process for residents requesting to participate.

Alderman Whitecotton presented two proposals on security measures for City Hall. Clerk Ii said there is approximately $5,000 remaining of grant money toward City Hall improvement. The proposals would consist of no software nor annual fees. This matter will be presented for approval in October.

Announcement: Taste of Sandwich will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. Tickets are $7.00.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson to adjourn the Committee-of the-Whole council meeting at 8:50 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote. 

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw091922.pdf