DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met July. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:16 PM

2. Roll Call

Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Kreinbrink, & Robinson

Aldermen Arnett & Ketchum entered the meeting at 8:17 PM

Also present: Attorney Gottschalk, City Administrator Penman, City Treasurer Koehler, SEMA Director Eberle & EEI Engineer Dettmann

Absent: Chief Senne

Quorum established

3. Audience Comments: Becky Nelson, 4th Ward resident, questioned the origin of the EV charging station contract, and highlighted the financial obligations of the municipality. She emphasized the importance of using tax dollars for community benefits and criticized the idea of funding EV chargers for a few residents. She encouraged a no-vote on the EV charging stations.

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 July 7, 2025 Removed by City Clerk B. Approval of Minutes for the Regular Council Meeting of July 7, 2025 Removed by Alderman Danko

C. Approval of May’s Financial Report

Alderman Kreinbrink made a motion approving the Consent Agenda, as amended, removing Items “A and B”. Motion seconded by Alderwoman Inman Motion carried on voice vote except for a nay vote from Alderwoman Erickson

5. Mayor’s Report: No Report

6. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk summarized changes made to the Historical Preservation Ordinance 2025-03 including definition of the application process to declare a structure historical, financial assistance, and penalties for damaging historic properties. Additionally, she explained that there is no contract nor signatures, as yet, for the ComEd EV (electric vehicle) program pending confirmation of supportive infrastructure is available. She added that ComEd is to be solely responsible for the costs associated with the engineering and initial installation. Based on the City’s previous vote at the June 16th meeting, Economic Director Aleksy was authorized to move forward on the project.

7. City Clerk Ii: No Report

8. Treasurer Koehler vented frustration indicating she is having problems obtaining financial documentation from city hall following frequent requests. She made a formal request to have access to the City’s financial records and city computer. She stated she has bought her own software for creating treasurer’s report along with office supplies. Mayor Latham acknowledged it is in the best interest to provide reports, and the council has the right to review to see if the report meets their financial needs. City Administrator Penman felt the requested documentation has been made available, and the city’s software is being upgraded in early August making sense to hold off on any operational training. Mayor Latham assured the treasurer that supplies and required reports will be provided.

9. City Administrator Penman reminded the council that if anyone wants to attend the IML conference, September 18th – 20th, to please contact him or the City Clerk by July 28th.

10. City Department’s Reports: No reports

11. Council Reports:

Alderman Chunn voiced his concerns that prior to having a filled treasurer’s position, the job duties were shared by other staff. He recommended those shared duties be returned to the treasurer’s position, and that it is time to move forward. Mayor Latham explained that any changes would be made by ordinance.

Alderman Danko recommended that multiple drafts on a specific ordinance be noted by date or revision number. There is confusion which draft may be the current one being reviewed.

Alderman Robinson asked for clarification that the city has a candidate for the assistant water superintendent. Alderman Danko interjected that the council had favored hiring a full-time water superintendent, not an assistant. Mayor Latham explained that once one reaches a superintendent position, there are no promotions available within the city.

12. Old Business: None

13. New Business

A. Monthly Bills: Motion requested approving payment of monthly bills totaling $97,342.88

Alderwoman Inman made a motion approving payment of monthly bills, as presented. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum & Kreinbrink Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 7:1

B. Resolution 25-11 entitled “A Resolution Amending the City of Sandwich Personnel Manual (Section 3 (E) Travel Expenses). Mayor Latham explained that this matter will not be considered at this time, and will require additional work.

C. Opera House Gutter Repairs: Motion authorizing the Mayor to accept the bid from All American Exterior Solutions of Lake Zurich in an amount not to exceed $136,450.00. Alderman Arnett questioned how to fund the repairs. Mayor Latham stated that the council seemed to agree that the repairs had to be made. Budget Chair, Alderman Kreinbrink, felt there was enough money in the budget to cover the repairs, and also suggested that the City consider selling some city-owned properties

Motion made by Alderman Kreinbrink, and seconded by Alderman Ketchum to accept the bid from All American Exterior Solutions. Aye: Aldermen Danko, Inman, Ketchum & Kreinbrink Nay: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Erickson & Robinson Mayor Latham broke the tie vote in favor Motion carried 5:4

D. Street Department Building Repairs: Motion authorizing the Mayor to accept the bid from Burroak Masonry Inc. of Leland to make exterior repairs in an amount not to exceed $55,000.00. Alderman Kreinbrink asked that the motion be amended to reflect a contingency base of $6,065.00.

So moved by Alderman Chunn. Motion, as amended, was seconded by Alderman Arnett. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

E. Ordinance 2025-03 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 38, “Historic Preservation” of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for adoption.

So moved by Alderman Chunn, and seconded by Alderwoman Inman. Aye: Aldermen Ketchum & Kreinbrink Nay: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Motion failed 2:6

F. Ordinance 2025-12 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 6, Alcoholic Beverages, Article II, Licenses, Section 6-52, Location of Premises, of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for waiving first reading followed by motion to adopt.

Alderman Robinson made a motion to waive first reading on Ordnance 2025-12. Alderman Chunn seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay: 0 Motion carried unanimously

Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adopt Ordinance 2025-12 as presented, and seconded by Alderwoman Erickson. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 8:0

G. Waive Bidding on Replacement of Furnace & Air Conditioning: Seeking authorization to waive the bidding process and proceed with replacement of furnace and air conditioning for the City Hall Annex, in the amount of $28,706.00.

Motion made by Alderman Kreinbrink, and seconded by Alderman Chunn. Aye: Aldermen Arness, Chunn, Dano. Erickson, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

H. Youngren’s Inc. Agreement: Motion to ratify agreement for the Mayor to sign with Youngren’s Inc. of Aurora for the replacement of furnace and air condition in the City Hall Annex, in the amount of $28,706.00.

So moved by Alderwoman Inman, and seconded by Alderman Kreinbrink. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay: Alderwoman Erickson Motion carries 7:1

I. GIS Maintenance Services Agreement: Motion to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with EEI (Engineering Enterprises, Inc.) of Sugar Grove for GIS (Geographic Information System) Maintenance Services at a cost of $5,686.00.

Motion made by Alderman Chunn, and seconded by Alderwoman Inman. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Inman, Ketchum, Kreinbrink & Robinson Nay: Alderwoman Erickson Motion carried 7:1

14. Announcements:

A. Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, August 4th, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

B. The next Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting will be held on August 4th, at 7:00 PM followed immediately by the Regular Council Meeting.

C. Technology Committee will meet on August 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM

D. Historical Preservation Committee will meet on August 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM, or immediately following the Technology Committee Meeting

E. The next meeting for the Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on August 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM, or immediately following the Historical Preservation Committee Meeting

15. Adjournment:

Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adjourn at 9:11 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Chunn. Motion passed unanimously on voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3771