DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Nov. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:17 PM followed with the Pledge of Allegiance

2. Roll Call

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

Also present: City Attorney Gottschalk, City Administrator Penman, Police Chief Senne & EMA Director Eberle

Quorum established

3. Audience Comments:

Colton Otto, local resident, addressed the Council asking how does the City approach existing businesses and encourage new growth. He suggested to have a minimum build list outlining standards because the existing construction requirements are too stringent. The City has allowed businesses to leave whereas the goal is to encourage business growth and open communication.

4. Consent Agenda:

Motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as a whole. (All matters listed are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately).

A. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2024 B. Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2024.

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson, adopting the consent agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

5. Mayor’s Report: No report

6. Attorney’s Report: No report

7. City Clerk Ii: No report

8. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

9. City Administrator: No report

10. City Department’s Reports: No reports

11. Council Reports:

Alderwoman Johnson requested to be provided a cell phone allowing her to stream the public meetings.

Alderman Kreinbrink reminded the Council that the increased late charge was based on data that was compiled showing the amount of time and effort expended by staff. He stated the increase in water and sewer rates a year ago was for lack of infrastructure noting there is a lot of improvement that needs to go into the City’s system. He stated that once there is more growth within the community, the City could re-evaluate the needs and costs explaining residential costs may decrease. Alderman Kreinbrink emphasized the City is make headway with projects, and asked that everyone focus on the positive, rather than the negative, and continue to move forward.

Alderman Littlebrant stated that he agrees with Alderman Kreinbrink adding that he needs more discussion and re-evaluate the data on late fees.

Alderman Robinson appreciated what information has been provided regarding the city’s late charges with a before / after comparison. He estimated the same amount of staff time remains the same compared to a year ago, but acknowledge the citizens concerns. He added that new development should pay their fair share for infrastructure, and the burden should not fall back on the current citizens.

12. Old Business:

A. HLR Construction Engineering Services Amendment: Discussion and possible action to authorize the Mayor to amend the existing agreement with HLR for additional Construction Engineering Services for the Latham Street project increasing the value of the contract from $256,532.00 to $319,097.00, not to exceed an additional $62,565.00. This matter remains on the table from the October 21st, meeting, and no action was taken.

13. New Business:

A. Monthly Bills: Discussion and possible approval of monthly bills in the amount of $192,730.68 as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant moved to approve payment of monthly bills as presented. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 7:1

B. CMN-RUS, Inc. (Metronet) Settlement Agreement: Discussion and possible action to authorize the Mayor to accept the Settlement Agreement with CMN-RUS, Inc. (Metronet) to terminate the City’s franchise agreement with Metronet who no longer will offer linear video services within the City. Attorney Gottschalk stated that the receipted settlement fee is fair when compared to other municipalities.

So moved by Alderwoman Johnson. Seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

14. Executive Session: None

15. Announcements:

A. Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on November 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM

B. The next Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM

C. The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, immediately following the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting.

16. Adjournment: Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adjourn at 8:34 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Erickson. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

http://www.sandwich.il.us/media/2721