DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met March 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM

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 & SEMA Director Eberle

Quorum established

3. Public Hearing to Discuss State Revolving Loan Funds Projects:

A. The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain public comment on the City of Sandwich’s Water System Improvements Project (the “Project”) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination, as provided for in Section 662.330 of the Illinois Procedures for Issuing Loans form the Public Water Supply Loan Program (35 Ill. Admin. Code 662.330). This project is in the Planning stage and this hearing is not a Pre-Construction Meeting.

Mayor Latham called the Public Hearing to order at 8:06 p.m. and provided an overview of the Public Hearing procedures and description of the three projects that funds are being sought. The mayor detailed the proposed Water System Improvements that have been submitted for funding through the Public Water Supply Loan Program.

1. For the decommission and relocation of the Railroad Street water treatment plant to the current location of the Clark Street Water Plant.

2. The second phase is for the installation of a booster pump to serve the north west portion of the community in order to improve services and to prepare for future development.

3. The replacement of 2” & 4” water mains throughout the City of Sandwich. These improvements are meant to improve reliability and the integrity of the city’s water system.

The Mayor Latham noted that a copy of the Project Summary and Preliminary Environmental Impacts Determination provided by the IEPA are available for review at the City of Sandwich City Hall during normal business hours, and that digital version of the documents is also available on the City's website Stephen Dennison of Engineering Enterprises, Inc. the City's consulting engineer for this project, was present to assist with any questions.

Mr. Dennison reiterated that PEID was available for public inspection at City Hall. Members of the public were invited to submit written comments to the City Clerk’s Office or the Illinois EPA through March 28, 2025.

No public comments were made during the meeting.

The Public Hearing adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

4. Audience Comments: Becky Nelson, reiterating from her previous public comment during the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting regarding the resolution for the administrative position, she would like to see a more in-depth job description. Ms. Nelson cited some challenges the city administrator has faced including the nominating candidate petitions last November, and a hearing that was conducted more like a trial, unlike what had been previously held in the past. Working with the City Administrator as the challenger, she stated the City Administrator consulted the City Attorney multiple times and was not knowledgeable with election law. She further noted that the City Clerk had a pre-planned vacation, and the hearing could have requested an extension. Ms. Nelson shared another example regarding signage at the Park District polling precincts. FOIA requests were also mentioned that that the City Administrator was processing the request, but over time, the City Attorney was reviewing and processing that would increase attorney costs. She has never seen a job description although she had made a FOIA request over a year ago. She stressed that if the position will become part of the City’s Municipal Code, there is a need for a job description in place.

5. 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). Item B, Committee-of-the-Whole meeting minutes was removed at the request of City Clerk Ii.

A. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2025

B. Approval of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2025

C. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Council Meeting of March 3, 2025

D. Approval of Treasurer’s Report & Financial Report for February, 2025

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson, and seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink, adopting the consent agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

6. Mayor’s Report: In rebuttal to Becky Nelson’s audience comments, Mayor Latham stated that he has never hired anyone that did not come with a job description, adding that he personally writes each job description in detail. He stataed he evaluated every employee after the first year of being Mayor, and has since layered down to evaluating the City Administrator and Chief of Police.

7. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk noted that she believes there was a job description approved in 2022 for the City Administrator. She advised that she has received a Request for Review from the PAC (Illinois Attorney General’s Office) that is due within 7 business days, and before she can respond, she will need specifics from everyone, including the council and City Administrator, on their recollection of the timeline leading up to the discussion on gift cards. Attorney Gottschalk requested this information be provided by Friday at noon. The complaint was filed by Dr. Wallington who had stated at a previous meeting that she would be filing a complaint.

8. City Clerk Ii: No report

9. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

10. City Administrator Penman: No report

11. City Department’s Reports: No reports

12. Council Reports:

Alderman Arnett wanted council to know that his vote will not be regarding the pumping station brought up at an earlier meeting. He stated there are residents in town with extremely low water pressure, and that the responsibility falls on the city, not the residents.

Alderman Robinson, addressing audience members, asked that they do not listen to what one person has to say and jump to conclusions.

13. Old Business:

A. Resolution 25-05 entitled “A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Between the City of Sandwich and the Sandwich Fire Protection District Concerning Cooperation as it Pertains to Public Safety” presented for passage.

So moved by Alderman Kreinbrink, and seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

B. Resolution 25-06 entitled “A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Termination Agreement Between GRNE Solarfield 10, LLC, and the City of Sandwich Concerning the Termination of the Solar Power Purchase Agreement and Site Lease Dated April 25, 2022” presented for passage.

Motion made by Alderwoman Johnson to pass Resolution 25-06 as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Fritsch. Aye: Alderman Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

C. Tentative Budget FY 25-26: Mayor Latham advised there would be no action taken at this time on the proposed budget but that it will be available for public review at City Hall starting March 27th. The final budget will come before the Council next month for approval.

14. New Business:

A. Resolution 25-07 entitled “A Resolution Approving Decommissioning Bond Obtained by TPE IL KE109, LLC, From Pennsylvania Insurance Company Concerning the Decommission of a Solar Power Generation Facility Located at 599 Sandy Bluff Road, Sandwich, Illinois 60548” presented for passage.

Alderman Kreinbrink made a motion to pass Resolution 25-07, as presented. Alderman Arnett seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

B. Resolution 25-08 entitled “A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Between the City of Sandwich and the Sandwich Park District Concerning the Installation of a Fence Located on Property Leased by the City at Veterans Park Located at 143 E. Railroad Street, Sandwich, Illinois 60548 “ presented for passage.

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant, and seconded by Alderman Fritsch, approving passage of Resolution 25-07, as presented. Aye: Alderman Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

C. EEI Updated Lead Service Line Replacement Plan: This plan, at a proposed cost of $6,150.00, is the same as last year with a new process, plus EEI will communicate with the IEPA on the status of the City’s process to keep them informed. The City had filed documentation to stay in good standing while the City reviews its loans. Annual updates will be required, and there have not been significant changes in the initial plan done last year. Alderman Arnett voiced concerns with the number of man hours and the costs involved.

Motion made by Alderman Fritsch approving the EEI Professional Services Agreement for lead service lines in the amount of $6,150.00. Motion was seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Aye: Aldermen Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink & Littlebrant Nay: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Robinson & Whitecotton Mayor Latham voted aye, breaking the tie vote

D. Monthly Bills: Motion requested authorizing payment of invoices as recommended by the Finance Committee, in the total amount of $513,605.10.

Alderman Kreinbrink moved authorizing payment of invoices, as presented, totally $513,605.10. Alderwoman Johnson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink & Littlebrant Nay: Aldermen Robinson & Whitecotton Motion carried 6:2

E. Resolution 25-01 entitled “A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of Illinois Department of Transportation Certificate of Authority Form” presented for passage.

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant approving passage of Resolution 25-01, as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

15. Executive Session: Motion made by Alderwoman Erickson to enter closed session at 8:33 PM pursuant to 5 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 of imminent”. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Johnson. Noted that possible action would be taken. Aye: Alderman Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

Alderwoman Johnson moved to return to regular session at 8:49 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Whitecotton. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Motion made by Alderman Littlebrant, and seconded by Alderman Robinson, authorizing the Mayor to sign any and all documents necessary to take formal action in the Circuit Court with regard to the property located at 4876 Sandy Bluff Road, Sandwich, Illinois, as stated by the City Attorney. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Littlebrant, Robinson & Whitecotton Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

16. Announcements:

A. Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, April 7th, 2025 at 6:30 PM

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

17. Adjournment: Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adjourn at 8:50 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Littlebrant. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3281