DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole Council met Jan. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

City of Sandwich, Illinois

City Hall Annex •128 East Railroad Street

Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting January 3rd, 2023 immediately following Regular Council Meeting 

MINUTES

Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:23 PM. Roll call was taken:

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

Quorum established

Also Present: City Administrator Penman, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora

Absent: Attorney Gottschalk, Aldermen Kreinbrink & Littlebrant,

City Treasurer Schwemlein & Building Official Steffens

Mayor Latham 

1. Council Planning Retreat: Mayor Latham suggested a retreat date of Saturday, February 18th. There may be a conflict in attendance that would push the date to the following Saturday. A final date will be announced after conferring with the absent aldermen.

2. Budget Committee Meeting Date: Aldermen Kreinbrink will be advising of budget committee meeting dates once he can confirm attendance by Wes Levy of Lauterbach & Amen.

3. Board of Review Update: The Board of Review hearing for Walgreens will be on January 11th. The City has received the appraisal to be entered into evidence and testimony, as part of the appeal process. Sandwich Schools and City Administrator, Geoff Penman, will be attending. Attorney Gottschalk is preparing the IGA (intergovernmental agreement) to be executed by the taxing bodies on the shared appeal.

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

City Clerk Ii: No report

City Treasurer Schwemlein: Absent

City Administrator Penman shared findings listing comparable costs with other municipalities regarding plumbing and electrical fees. Most inspections are a pass-through where the actual / true costs are not factored in, such as additional required inspections and manhours. Building Official Steffens is involved in the recommended increases, and Council is encouraged to review and advise if suggested increases are too high or too low. Administrator Penman also noted that the City is using 2006 building codes and need to update to 2018 building codes.

City Department Reports: 

EMA Director Ciciora: No report

Chief Bianchi advised that the Moose will be hosting a chili cook-off on January 15th. Funds raised will be donated to the Police Benevolent fund to be applied toward the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

Engineering: No report

Aldermen Reports:

Alderman Fritsch inquired on the status of the WWTP (wastewater treatment plant). Administrator Penman reported EEI and the City are trying to review the scope of work in order to prepare for rebidding.

Alderwoman Johnson shared concerns about an upcoming Opera House performance on February 16th called “Illusions” that is a drag queen show. Constituents have expressed concern after reviewing the Illusions website, where comments describe the performance as “raunchy” hinting sexual in nature and restricted as adult entertainment. Alderwoman Johnson recommends the Council review the Municipal Code as well as state laws including the City’s liquor laws (Section 6-11) since the Opera House does hold a liquor license. Mayor Latham had reached out to the City Attorney in the aftermath of what Yorkville experienced under a similar scenario.

Alderwoman Killey disputed a Council feeling that trees were not budgeted annually. She advised that tree purchases have been budgeted but replaced by the need of funds for more pressing matters.

Announcement: Clerk Ii reminded Council that the next meeting will be held on Monday, January 16th, 2023 starting with the Finance Committee at 6:30 PM. The Regular Council meeting will be at 7 PM with the Committee-of-the Whole meeting immediately following.

Audience Comments: None

Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson to adjourn the Committee-of the-Whole council meeting at 7:45 PM. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.  

Denise Ii – City Clerk

http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw010323.pdf