DeKalb Times

City of Sandwich City Council met Oct. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 8:19 PM

2. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Latham

3. Roll Call:

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

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

Absent: Aldermen Ketchum & Kreinbrink

Quorum established

4. Audience Comments: None

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). Alderman Arnett requested that the COW minutes from September 15th be removed from the Consent Agenda for a verbiage amendment, and be presented at the October 20th meeting for approval.

A. Approval of Minutes for the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of September 15, 2025 removed

B. Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of September 15, 2025 C. Approval of Minutes from the Special Meeting of September 25, 2025

Alderwoman Inman made a motion approving the Consent Agenda, as amended, by the removal of Item “A”. Motion seconded by Alderman Arnett. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote.

6. Mayor’s Report: The mayor highlighted the upcoming 2025 tax levy season payable in 2026, and thanked everyone involved in the Taste of Sandwich event. A drawing was held for attendees, and City Clerk Ii drew the winning name of Audrey Wehrs who will receive a $100.00 gift certificate. Alderwoman Erickson acknowledged everyone for doing a fabulous job.

7. Attorney’s Report: Attorney Gottschalk reminded the council of her availability to represent the city and encouraged them to contact her with any questions.

8. City Clerk Ii: No Report

9. Treasurer Koehler: Treasurer Koehler read a letter of resignation due to the lack of support and access to necessary tools and systems.

10. City Administrator Penman: No report

11. City Department Reports: No reports

12. Unfinished Business:

A. Resolution 25-15 entitled “A Resolution Authorizing a Grant Application for an Illinois Transportation Program and Execution of All Necessary Documents”: The grant money would be used for sidewalk replacement in the general vicinity of Woodbury School. The grant totals $250,000.00 that will cover construction and engineering. The city would pay roughly $70,000.00 for the preliminary engineering and design phase. The total amount for the sidewalk replacement would be $320,000.00. Attorney Gottschalk explained that by resolution, the city is saying they will commit but does not mean the city has to pay anything. The project would be for next year’s fiscal year, and will be let for bid.

Motion made by Alderwoman Inman approving Resolution 25-15, as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderman Chunn. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously.

13. New Business:

A. Monthly Invoices: Total amount for approval was corrected to read $314,410.08 as opposed to a scrivener’s error of $314,410.06. Motion to approved monthly bills in the amount of $314,410.08, as amended, by the Finance Committee.

So moved, by Alderwoman Inman, and seconded by Alderman Danko. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson & Inman Nay: Alderman Robinson Motion carried 5:1

B. Ordinance 2025-14 entitled “City of Sandwich an Ordinance Authorizing Boundary Modifications to the Area Known as the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Amendment 5 Southeast DeKalb Industrial Expansion”: Motion to approve.

So moved by Alderman Robinson, and seconded by Alderman Chunn Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0

C. TEST, Inc. Agreement: Discussion to have the mayor enter into an agreement with TEST, Inc. to serve as certified operator in charge for the Sandwich water department. TEST, Inc. has the required licenses needed.

Motion made by Alderman Chunn to enter into an agreement with TEST, Inc. at $700.00/month. Alderman Robinson seconded. Aye: Aldermen Anett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carries unanimously

D. Resolution 25-12 entitled “Resolution Designating “Trick or Treat” Hours”: Motion to approve.

So moved by Alderwoman Erickson, and seconded by Alderwoman Inman. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carries 6:0

E. Resolution 25-13 entitled “A Joint Funding Agreement Regarding Pratt Road Bridge”: Motion to approve.

Motion made by Alderman Chunn approving the IDOT Joint Venture Agreement for Pratt Road Bridge. Alderwoman Inman seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Inman & Robinson Nay: Alderwoman Erickson Motion carries 5:1

F. Resolution 25-14 entitled “A Resolution of the City of Sandwich Adopting Civility Pledge”: Mayor and council members debated the civility pledge proposed by the Illinois Municipal League, with some aldermen expressing concerns about its necessity noting there are no consequences.

Alderman Danko moved to approve Resolution 25-14, as presented. Motion was seconded by Alderwoman Inman. Aye: Alderman Danko Nay: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Motion failed 1:6

G. Procurement Process to Obtain Outside Legal Counsel: Mayor Latham explained that there is a process that must be followed such as qualifications and municipality background. Additional information, including a billable rate and a contract, should be present for council approval. There was discussion on the need for additional outside council; Clerk Ii pointed out that Ancel Glink is the law firm for IML (Illinois Municipal League), and is available to all members at no charge through annual dues. Sandwich is a member of IML.

Motion made by Alderman Arnett, and seconded by Alderwoman Inman, to table this matter. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay: 0 Motion carried to table

H. Procurement Process to Secure Court Reporter: There was confusion for the need of a court reporter as routine. Consensus was no action to be taken. (former Treasurer Sandy Koehler exited the meeting at 9:12 PM)

I. Replacement of High-Pressure Sodium Streetlights: This would be a project with ComEd at a cost of $6,620.00. Payment would be budget #001.0015.65.5360.

Alderman Chunn moved to authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement with ComEd for replacement of streetlights in the amount of $6,620.00. Motion was seconded by Alderman Arnett. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0

14. Council Reports:

Alderman Chunn shared his experience attending the annual IML conference saying he has a better understanding on the clerk and treasurer positions, and the hiring of a city administrator. He spoke with a lot of vendors and will bringing information to the council for consideration.

Alderwoman Erickson recommended a budget meeting halfway through the fiscal year to review the City’s financial status. She also requested executive session for personnel matters.

Alderwoman Inman requested code enforcement reports for future council meetings.

15. Executive Session pursuant to

5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity”. Action may be taken resulting from the executive session; and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) “The purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body”. Action will be taken after the closed session.

Motion made by Alderwoman Erickson at 9:28 PM to enter into closed session under Section 120/2(c)(1) and Section 120/2(c)(5). Seconded by Alderman Chunn. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

Alderman Chunn moved to return to open session at 9:54 PM, and seconded by Alderwoman Inman. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried 6:0

Motion made by Alderman Chunn authorizing the mayor to pursue the acquisition of a parcel of land (Old Route 34 right-of-way) located between Latham and Dayton Street, and Route 34 for $30,000.00. Alderwoman Inman seconded. Aye: Aldermen Arnett, Chunn, Danko, Erickson, Inman & Robinson Nay:0 Motion carried unanimously

16. Announcements:

A. Next Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

B. The next Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting will be held on October 20, at 7:00 PM followed immediately by the Regular Council Meeting.

C. Technology Improvement Committee will meet on October 9th, 2025 at 6:00 PM

D. Historic Preservation Committee will meet on October 9th, 2025 at 7:00 PM, or immediately following the Technology Improvement Committee meeting

E. The next Citizens Advisory Committee meeting will be held on October 9th, 2025, at 8:00 PM, or immediately following the Historical Preservation Committee meeting.

17. Adjournment: Motion made by Alderman Robinson to adjourn at 9:57 PM. Motion was seconded by Alderman Chunn. Motion passed unanimously via voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4046