City of Sandwich City Council met July 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
In the absence of Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll call was taken:
Present: City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton
Absent: Mayor Latham, Aldermen Fritsch & Johnson
Quorum established
Also present: City Attorney Gottschalk, City Administrator Penman, Interim Chief Bleichner & EMA Director Ciciora
Mayor Pro Tem: Motion made by Alderman Whitecotton, and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant, appointing Alderman Robinson as Mayor Pro Tem for the duration of the Regular Council Meeting. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried
Moment of Silence: Former Ward 3 Alderman, Harold Dannewitz, passed away on July 13th, 2023. He served as Alderman from December, 2001 until April, 2015.
Audience Comments: Resident, Genelle Inman, thanked the Council for making changes to the solicitors ordinance asking the status of “no solicitor” signs the City had indicated would be available. She advised that she had contacted the police department regarding two separated incidences of illegal soliciting, and that the response was not in a timely manner. Additionally, she felt the City should be proactive in educating residents regarding steps to be taken with unlicensed solicitors.
Resident, Elsie Morrissey, cautioned the Council regarding acceptance of a $121,000 grant from Representative Lauren Underwood for the purchase of police body cameras. She felt the request would make Sandwich fearful of proposing or even commenting on Underwood’s votes, such as voting no on closing the border act. The grants are not free money, but rather a reimbursement after the City fronts the money for purchase. In speaking with Council members, she was felt that the Council will blame themselves rather than Lauren Underwood if the grant money is denied. Elsie cautioned that free speech would be threatened by accepting this money adding that the reason for the grant is to control people.
Consent Agenda:
a. Approval of Regular Meeting minutes of July 3, 2023
b. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole minutes of July 3, 2023
Alderman Kreinbrink moved to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Motion pass unanimously on voice vote.
Mayor’s Report: No report
Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk Law Group: No report
City Clerk Ii: No report
City Treasurer: Position vacant
City Administrator Penman: No report
City Department Reports:
EMA Director Ciciora: No report
Interim Chief Bleichner: No report
Engineering: Curt Dettmann, Senior Project Manager for EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc.) provide an update on open street projects as listed:
Latham Street: ComEd contractors are working on pole relocation that should be completed by late September. Facing winter shutdown possibilities, the recommendation will be road construction to resume in the spring.
2023 Street Program for Lafayette Street & Main Street: Contractors started last week with majority of the concrete work completed on Lafayette Street, and the sidewalk around Woodbury School has been replaced. Paving for Main Street is tentatively planned for Thursday (July 19th), and paving of Lafayette Street will follow after the completion of Main Street.
Griswold Springs culvert replacement has been completed.
Griswold Springs repaving, including Little Rock Township portion, has been completed.
WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant): Anticipated site construction will commence in late July or early August
Water rate study, under the Master Plan, is completed and forwarded to the City. EEI is currently working on the system Master Plan. A meeting is scheduled with the City in August to review the rate study plan.
Council Reports: None
New Business:
a. Approval of July invoices totaling $ 228,786.38
Motion made by Alderwoman Erickson, and seconded by Alderman Whitecotton, approving payment of July invoices as presented. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 5:1
b. Approval of June, 2023 Treasurer’s Report
Alderman Kreinbrink moved to approve the July, 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Motion was seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously
c. Artlip & Sons Heating & Cooling Contract: City Administrator explained the proposed annual service contract totaling $8,370.00 / year as outlined below:
City Hall / Opera House $ 4,240.00
Annex Building $ 1,535.00
Public Safety Building $ 2,595.00
Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant accepting the annual service contract from Artlip & Sons Heating & Cooling at a total cost of $8,370.00. Alderman Whitecotton seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitcotton Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0
d. Ordinance 2023-16: Discussion on service pipes will continue at the Committee-of-the Whole Meeting immediately following the Regular Council Meeting.
e. Ordinance 2023-17: Discussion driveway aprons will continue at the Committee-of-the Whole Meeting immediately following the Regular Council Meeting.
Announcements: The next Finance Committee Meeting is August 7th, 2023 at 6:30 PM. The next Regular Council Meeting is August 7th, 2023 at 7:00 PM immediately followed by the Committee-of the-Whole Meeting.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderwoman Erickson and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant to adjourn the Regular Council meeting at 7:28 PM. Motion carried unanimously via viva voce vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/rc071723.pdf
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