DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met May 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

2. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderwoman Johnson

3. Roll Call

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

Absent: Alderwoman Erickson

Also present: Attorney Gottschalk, City Administration Penman, Police Chief Senne, EEI Engineer Dettmann & SEMA Director Eberle

Quorum established

4. Mayor’s Report: Dr. Darnell, Sandwich High School Principal, presented students for recognition of achievements. Illinois State Scholars were congratulated by individual handshakes by council.

5. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk reported that bonds had been received for the elected officials: Todd Latham, Denise Ii, and Sandra Koehler. Regarding litigation, Attorney Gottschalk has continued to try contacting the attorney representing 200 Railroad Street. There is an upcoming court date, and at that time, the City will advise that settlement negotiations are no longer an option and will proceed with the lawsuit. The demolition of the Main Street property is underway. Regarding 209 Castle Street, the City needs to determine what action to be taken in repairing the property or not.

6. City Clerk Ii read the Abstract of Votes, as canvassed by the DeKalb County Clerk, declaring the following winners of the April 1st election: Mayor – Todd Latham; City Clerk – Denise Ii; Treasurer – Sandra Koehler; Ward 1 Alderman – Matt Chunn; Ward 2 Alderman – Genelle Inman; Ward 3 Alderman – Jay Ketchum; and Ward 4 Alderman – write-in candidate Don Danko. A total of 1,609 ballot were cast for the election (see attached Abstract of Votes).

Clerk Ii also expressed her gratitude for the votes received and humbled by the show of support. She was the sole candidate for the Clerk’s position.

7. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

8. City Administrator Penman thanked the outgoing aldermen for their support and efforts and wished them good luck noting that each of them brought a unique set of skills to the group, and it was very much appreciated. Question was asked as to the status of the Main Street demolition. Response was the delay was due to ComEd and Nicor.

9. City Department’s Reports:

A. SEMA Report: Director, Tony Eberle, reported that the outdoor warning siren testing will be conducted on Tuesday at 10 AM.

B. Police Chief Senne shared highlights of the police department since the last council meeting:

• Events: Explorer meetings, Bingo, DEA Drug Take Back, escort to prom, lunch with the seniors at Fox Valley, and Coffee Before Business

• Have received one lateral application and will forward to the Police & Fire Commission for the interview process. The lateral application process will remain open until all spots are filled

• Office Dwyer has completed his probationary period

• The new squad is currently being outfitted and should be back sometime next week

• Chief read a thank you letter directed for Officer Bright

• Officers were thanked for the job they are doing

C. EEI Engineer Dettmann’s report consisted of:

• Under the 2024 Pavement Program from last fall, final restoration was recently inspected and found to be spotty. Seeding will need to be done by the contractor and needs to be sure the grass does come in properly

• On the Main Street improvements, the contract with Fisher Excavating has been completed. A preconstruction meeting is scheduled for May 19th to coordinate the construction schedule and get final dates. A townhall meeting will be held on May 22nd at 6 PM.

10. Council Reports:

Alderman Fritsch reported that the Opera House has requested a street closure for Sunday, June 8th. They will be hosting a Jimmy Buffett tribute band with a pre-concert party. A bar will be set up in the Community Room, and food trucks will be available. Council had no objections to the street closure, and no questions regarding the event.

Alderwoman Johnson thanked Alderman Robinson for coming in prior the finance committee meeting to review invoices and ask questions.

Alderman Kreinbrink extended thanks to everyone that is leaving the council. He also thanked for all the good conversations noting that although there were times when everyone was not in agreement, everyone always walked out with a better understanding.

Alderman Littlebrant thanked everyone adding that he felt sometimes debate is lost these days, but thinks the council did a decent job trying to maintain that decorum.

Alderman Robinson extended congratulations to both outgoing and incoming aldermen. 11. Old Business:

A. Continued Discussion on Utility Late Charges: Alderman Robinson wants to continue the discussion at the next meeting on May 19th. He hopes to bring back a proposal to the Council to consider 12. New Business: None

13. Announcements: None

14. Audience Comments:

Phyllis Wallington shared a dog bite experience that occurred on Sunday morning. The loose dog has a history, and Dr. Wallington encouraged the council to take firm and more punitive measures for residents who have chronically loose dogs. She was bitten several times and is probably looking at surgery. She required transport to the hospital and missed a week of work adding that her medical bills are nearing $50,000. She again encouraged the council to help their residents because if this were to happen to someone else without insurance, it would devastate them.

15. Adjournment: Alderwoman Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 PM. Alderman Robinson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3431