DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met July. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

City Hall Annex - 128 East Railroad Street, Sandwich, IL 60548

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

2. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jay Ketchum

3. Roll Call

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

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

Absent: Chief Senne

Quorum established

4. Mayor’s Report: No report

5. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk – No report

5. City Clerk Ii: No report

7. City Treasurer Koehler: No report

8. City Administrator Penman: No report

9. City Department’s Reports:

A. SEMA Director Eberle’s report consisted of:

• SEMA hosted a presentation from the Illinois Search & Rescue Council

• Saturday, June 28th, SEMA hosted a joint training with the Army Volunteer Reserve & the Sandwich Fire Department, sponsored by BNSF

• Monday, June 30th, met with Chief Hagarty at the fire department to discuss EMA assisting with traffic & safety support on certain fire calls, such as structure fires and vehicle accidents

• Friday, July 4th, assisted Kirkland in their annual 4th of July celebration & parade

• Saturday, July 5th, supported the Freedom Days parade & fireworks

• Thanked Army Volunteer Reserve, Chief Senne’s team, and the SEMA team for assisting in several of the events this month ensuring safety in several public events

B. Police Chief Senne: Absent

C. EEI Engineer Dettmann: Curt Dettmann provided updates:

• Main Street improvements including continued excavating. Sanitary sewer work is complete

• Fairwinds, Phase IV, construction is ongoing

Alderman Robinson asked that bad street signage be reviewed on the Main Street project comparing the similarity to that of the Latham Street project last summer. He would like to see more use of detour signs.

10. Council Reports:

Alderman Arnett reported concerns from residents in Fairwinds regarding traffic under Phase IV construction. There is a designated construction entrance that is not being utilized properly. Secondly, Alderman Arnett felt that council was not being properly informed regarding the ComEd EV (electric vehicle) curbside pilot program. Documents provided council stated the customer may elect to terminate participation in the program by delivering written notice to ComEd before the end of the review period. If the customer has not approved the project’s plan by the end of the review period, ComEd reserves the right to cancel the program. Attorney Gottschalk explained the agreement will need to be reviewed but noted that the review period is not yet complete. Alderman Arnett felt that council was not being provide complete information prior to voting. Economic Director Don Alesky advised that an EV site has been identified on Pearl Street, west side of the street, south of the transformer. Mayor Latham voiced it is not a “done process” since the city has not officially approved the site.

Alderman Chunn reported that the Street Department will be spray patching the first week of August. Council was provided a list of streets to be addressed.

Alderman Danko directed his question to City Administrator Penman asking the status of candidate interviews for a water superintendent. Response was references were being checked. Alderwoman Erickson asked audience member, Colton Otto, to speak on behave of the Betty Erickson Carey Foundation. Colton explained the Betty Erickson Carey Foundation is an active, non-profit foundation approved July 11th along with Articles of Incorporation. Alderwoman Erickson is named president of the foundation, and does not want to create a conflict of interest being a sitting alderperson. A street closure application was available for the September craft show; however, the mayor indicated the city would be responsible for the road closures due to the Taste of Sandwich. Mayor Latham did not see a conflict of interest in email communications. Colton further explained there are quotes received for insurance and sharing of the tent for the Taste of Sandwich.

11. Old Business:

A. Proposed Ordinance 2025-12: Discussion on amending Chapter 6, Alcoholic Beverage of the city’s municipal code. Under Section 6-52, the ordinance helps clarify that an individual can own more than one liquor license as long as there is one liquor license for each location. The way the code now reads, there is confusion due to interpretation if the application applied to the location or individual(s). According to Attorney Gottschalk, the provision under the code stating that one person cannot have two licenses has been removed. The change in verbiage was initiated by business owner, Jim Rud.

B. Proposed Resolution 25-11: Discussion on possible changes to the Personnel Policy as it relates to travel expenses, specifically meal reimbursement, including new rates. The meal reimbursement was increased from $45/day to $62/day according to the federal government. Mayor Latham stated the Council needs to review arrival and departure times that might determine if a meal is eligible. Snacks and alcohol would be exempt from the meal reimbursement.

C. Opera House Gutter Repair Bids: A sole bid was received from All American Exterior Solutions of Lake Zurich for $136,450.00. There have been water leaks caused by failing gutters that is causing significant damage to the interior. There are two major parts to the project: (1) reinforcement of supports and gutters, and (2) realign the existing gutters that would include new metal cap and pan. It was noted there is a lot of custom hand work required. The problem is money was not budgeted for the unexpected repairs. There may grant money available to assist in the funding.

D. Street Department Garage Bids: As liaison, Alderman Chunn noted this project was first discussed 11 months ago. Three bids were received, and the low bidder was Burroak Masonry at $48,935.00; however, because of additional work that may be required such as tuck pointing and additional materials, City Administrator Penman felt the amount should reflect not to exceed $55,000.00.

12. New Business:

A. Lead Service Line Replacement Discussion: Mayor Latham updated findings from other communities handling the lead service line replacement as mandated. One community had received grant money to offset costs, and another community was offering a split program. The City is still trying to finalize their lead service line compliance report. From previous discussions, the cost could be $7- 11,000 per line. As pointed out by Alderman Arnett, according to ordinance, the city cannot pay for the replacements, and should the city pay for the line replacement, residents will have to reimburse the city. Mayor Latham explained that seven lines were identified from the Main Street project, and the city will take the responsibility because the city is conducting the repairs.

B. 50/50 Sidewalk Program Discussion: Alderman Arnett has been approached by residents inquiring about the 50/50 sidewalk program that was discontinued years ago. There has been renewed interest however, funding is not available in this year’s budget. ADA compliance became an issue in the past, and the city chose to fund street and sidewalk projects with available funding at the time. In the past, the city provided cement, and the homeowner provided labor; prevailing wage would be applicable if the city provided labor. City Administrator Penman stated in conversations with the Street Department Supervisor, there was hesitancy because of engineering costs and ADA compliancy. An issue with Open Door was raised regarding a gravel walkway that would involve asphalt replacement. City Administrator Penman will speak with the director of Open Door.

13. Announcements: None

14. Audience Comments:

Colton Otto asked if there were any questions from the Council regarding the Betty Erickson Carey Foundation. Hearing none, Mr. Otto shared his thoughts on the 50/50 sidewalk program noting that if a resident can afford to pay their portion of the program, it should be considered an investment in the city.

Michael Mendoza, Ward 3 resident, has brought to the city’s attention several times the condition of his sidewalk that was subsequently ground down twice. He has replaced sidewalk squares at his expense, and supports a 50/50 sidewalk program.

Becky Nelson, Ward 4 resident, raised questions about the contract for the EV charging stations and if it was signed. She addressed R3 funding (restore, reinvest, renew) socio economic indicators that reflect that half of Sandwich is qualified in an area that identifies as having a high rate of gun injuries, high rate of unemployment, high rate of poverty, and a commitment to and return from the Illinois Department of Corrections. A map reflected much of this area as being south of Railroad Street as underserved, and have the worst or omission of sidewalks. She encouraged revocation of any contracts for EV charging stations.

15. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 PM. Alderwoman Inman seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3796