DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Oct. 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Littlebrant

Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established

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

Audience Comments: None

Approval of October Invoices: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderwoman Killey, approving payment of the October invoices totaling $185,334.12. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 7:1 

Mayor’s Report:

1. Approval of BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Health Insurance: Motion requested approving a renewal rate of 6.4% through First Insurance Group, LLC.

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

2. Executive Session for personnel under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)1 “Matters pertaining to the appointment, employment, compensation or discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific individuals:

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant, and seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink, to go into Executive Session at 7:04 PM under Section 120/2(c)1 for personnel. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderwoman Johnson moved to return to regular session at 7:49 PM. Alderman Kreinbrink seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0 

3. Appointment – City Administrator, Geoff Penman: Mayor Latham requested a motion approving the appointment of Geoff Penman as City Administrator with compensation of $100,000.00 annually.

Motion made by Alderman Kreinbrink, and seconded by Alderwoman Johnson approving the appointment. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously 

4. Mayoral Authorization to Contract:: Mayor Latham requested a motion authorizing him to enter into a consulting agreement with Don Thomas, Public Safety Consultant, in an amount not to exceed $6,000.00. Mayor Latham explained that it is for the betterment of the city to hire contractors covering areas of no expertise. He indicated that the City has hired consultants in the past and can be used as a planning tool. City Hall and the building official contracted assessment will be next.

Alderman Robinson requested Executive Session at 7:58 PM for personnel under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)1 “Matters pertaining to the appointment, employment, compensation or discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific individuals. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Erickson. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay: 0 Motion carried 8:0 

Motion made by Alderman Robinson to return to regular session at 8:06 PM. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously 

Alderwoman Johnson moved authorizing Mayor Latham to enter into a consulting agreement with Don Thomas, Public Safety Consultant. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Robinson Nay: Alderman Whitecotton Motion carried 7:1 

Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschaulk Law Group: None

City Clerk Ii reported that the City has received a $840.08 refund from Kendall County for Lot 7, Bohnstedt Subdivision. The refund represented payment of the 2021 property taxes. The City recently applied for and received tax exemption status on the property.

City Treasurer Schwemlein reported that three (3) certificates of deposit will become due prior to the next Council meeting on November 7th. Each CD is for $400,000. Attorney Gottschalk advised the treasurer that she can make investment decisions without Council advisement. 

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director Ciciora No report

Police Department: No report

Engineering: Main Street issues resulting from a water main break last week, and railroad road maintenance issues are being addressed.

Aldermen Reports:

Alderwoman Johnson wanted to give a shout out for Fire Prevention Week.

Alderwoman Kiley gave a report on the replacement of exterior bricks on the Opera House. She advised that the bricks will not have sealant applied at this time due to gutter concerns on the east side of the building. Reducing ice buildup in the gutters is being investigated. Additionally, she will be contacting DeKalb County Community Foundation regarding the change(s) in the initial grant application.

Alderman Kreinbrink welcomed Geoff Penman as the new City Administrator and looking forward to the future that he will lead the City.

Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, November 7th, 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 Council Meeting on November 7th.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 8:17 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote. 

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc101722.pdf