DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Dec. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance 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, City Administrator Penman, Chief Bianchi. City Treasurer Schwemlein & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Building Official Steffens

Audience Comments: None

Truth-in-Taxation Hearing:

a. Mayor Latham called the public hearing to order on the City’s 2022 property tax levy to be collected in 2023.

b. Introduction of City Council: Each aldermen introduced themselves and the ward they represented. Mayor Latham introduced himself and City Clerk Ii.

c. 2022 tax levy & proposed increase: Mayor Latham advised the purpose of the public hearing was to approve a proposed property tax levy increase of 6.05% over the previous year. Estimated total to be levied is $1,676,500.00.

d. Council & public levy testimony: None

e. Having heard to testimony from the Council nor audience, Mayor Latham closed the public hearing.

Consent Agenda:

a. Approval of Regular Meeting & COW Minutes of November 21, 2022

b. Approval of December Monthly Bills totaling $670,031.39 (removal requested by Aldermen Robinson)

c. Reimburse Chris Schwemlein Plano-Bologna-Sandwich Day $225 (removal requested by Alderman Kreinbrink.)

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderman Fritsch to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote

Alderman Littlebrant moved to approve December invoices totaling $670,031.39. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 7:1

No motion was made for Item “c” of the Consent Agenda (reimburse Chris Schwemlein Plano-Bologna-Sandwich Day for $225.00).

Mayor’s Report: Mayor

a. Oath of Office – Amy Campbell: Mayor Latham administered the Oath of Office for Amy Campbell, appointee to the Police Commission.

b. Tax Levy Ordinance 2022-21: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson, to adopt Tax Levy Ordinance 2022-21 as presented. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

c. Executive Session for personnel under 5 ILCS 2(c)1 with possible action: Alderman Littlebrant moved to go into Executive Session under 5 ILCS 2(c)1 for personnel at 7:14 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderman Whitecotton, to return to regular session at 7:35 PM. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Alderman Robinson made a motion approving a 3% salary increase for the police sergeants retroactive to May 1, 2022. Motion was seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderman Robinson moved approving a 3% raise for all non-union, full-time employees holding a non-supervisory public works position retroactive to May 1, 2022. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

d. Holiday bonus: Alderman Robinson asserted his desire to retain the traditional holiday Christmas gift card to employees. The Art’s gift card would affect 32 full-time employees and 12 part-time staff including EMA. Full-time employees would receive a $50 gift card, and part-time staff would receive a $25 gift card. Funding for the gift cards was budgeted FY 2022-2023.

Motion made by Alderman Robinson approving the purchase of gift cards from Art’s in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Kiley. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously 8:0

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

City Clerk Ii requested a motion approving the adoption of the 2023 Schedule of Meetings and 2023 holidays. So moved by Alderwoman Johnson. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Killey, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried

City Treasurer Schwemlein reported that during the first six months of the fiscal year, the collected revenues were trending 123% overbudget.

City Administrator Penman reported that he signed an agreement with Polach Appraisal for an appraisal of Walgreens in anticipation of the upcoming assessment appeal hearing. The leaf collection program ended; lastly, City Hall has experience ongoing instability with the internet and phone system last week that appears to be now resolved.

City Department Reports:

EMA Director Ciciora - No report

Police Department – No report

Engineering – No report

Aldermen Reports: Alderwoman Killey expressed the importance of aldermen attending citywide functions and festivals showing a commitment and visible presence to the community.

Announcements:

Mayor Latham advised the Technology Committee will be on Thursday, December 8th, 2022 at 6 PM. The Historical Preservation Committee and Citizens Advisory Committee will meet immediately following the Technology Committee.

The next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, December 19th, 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.

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderwoman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:50 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc120522.pdf