DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Jan. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:45 PM

2. Roll Call

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

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

Absent: Aldermen Fritsch, Kreinbrink & Robinson

Quorum established

3. Audience Comments: None

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 January 6, 2025

B. Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2025

C. Approval of Treasurers Report & Monthly Financials for December

Mayor Latham noted a correction in the COW minutes. Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson, adopting the consent agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

5. Mayor’s Report:

A. National Law Enforcement Day 2025: Thursday, January 9th, is a day set aside to recognize and thank law enforcement for their service and dedication. Ways to show support include wearing blue in support of law enforcement, tell an officer “Thank you”, or participate in Project Blue Light by placing a blue light in your window showing support.

B. Email Clarification: At the last meeting, there was an audience comment that the mayor did not respond to an email inquiry in a timely fashion. The Mayor clarified that in reviewing his emails, he did respond back within 24 hours after receipt of the initial email.

6. Attorney’s Report: No report

7. City Clerk Ii: No report

8. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

9. City Administrator’s report consisted of:

• Ian Burgin has started employment on January 13th as building official

• Todd Steffens, former building official who recently retired, has been released from the hospital. Mayor Latham added that something will be planned to recognize Todd Steffens at some point in the upcoming weeks for his service.

• Matthew Pollock began employment today as an additional wastewater operator

• Sewer Department has been unable to do much preventative maintenance due to the ongoing water treatment plant construction

10. City Department’s Reports: No reports

11. Council Reports: Alderman Whitecotton requested that a discussion on the waterline replacement at 118 E. 3rd Street, including a decision-making process, be placed on the next Committee-of-the Whole agenda.

12. Old Business:

A. Fairwinds Phase IV Development Agreement: Council passed on this topic having discussed it previously in the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting.

B. Pre-Annexation Agreement for 21 Gletty Road: The pre-annexation agreement would allow Fay’s BBQ to host sales at the former bank building on Super Bowl Sunday. At some point, the property owner, Don Arneson, would submit for formal annexation into the city. There will be an intergovernmental agreement between the City & DeKalb County where the County would transfer jurisdiction over to the City. Attorney Gottschlak noted that based on the County’s comprehensive plan, the County would support the City’s future annexations in that area.

Alderwoman Johnson made a motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Pre-Annexation Agreement, as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Whitecotton. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

13. New Business:

A. Monthly Bills: Discussion and possible approval of monthly bills in the amount of $1,669,463.60 as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson to approve payment of monthly bills as presented. Alderman Littlebrant seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay: Alderwoman Erickson Mayor Latham voted aye. Motion carried 5:1

B. Ordinance 2025-02 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 – “Business”, Article VII – “Video Gaming”, to Add a Section 22-122 – “Sweepstakes Machines Prohibited”, to the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for adoption. Purpose of said ordinance is to prohibit sweepstakes machines within the city limits of Sandwich. There are currently pending lawsuits regarding these particular machines, and it is the opinion of the Illinois Gaming Board that these machines are not legal.

Alderwoman Erickson moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-02, as presented. Motion seconded by Alderman Whitecotton. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

D. 1208 Old Route 34 Variance Request: Attorney Gottschalk shared the background on the property that is zoned B-2. For the past months, the property has been used as a private residence, and the property owner requested a variance allowing residential use in a B-2 zoning district. The Plan Commission did not approve the request. Due to inclement weather this time of year, Council questioned the timing to remove the tenants with school age children. Attorney Gottschalk recommended that upon final decision by the City, the property owner be issued a citation for zoning violation, and the vacation of the tenants becomes the burden of the landlord. After the vote, Mayor Latham said all parties will be notified and given a time frame to vacate the premises.

Alderman Littlebrant made a motion to authorize the zoning request to residential. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Aye:0 Nay: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Motion failed 0:5

14. Executive Session:

A. Executive Session pursuant to ILCS 120/2(c)(11) “litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable”.

Motion made by Alderman Arnett at 9:07 PM to enter into closed session; motion seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderwoman Johnson moved to return to open session 9:38 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Erickson. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Johnson, Littlebrant & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 5:0

15. Announcements:

A. Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:30 PM

B. The next Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting will be held on February 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM followed immediately by the Regular Council Meeting

C. A meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on January 28th, 2025 at 6:30 PM

16. Adjournment: Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson to adjourn at 9:38 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Arnett. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3041