City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Jan. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Mayor Robinson called the Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Robinson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink & Surratt
Also present: Attorney Harrill, Department of Public Works / City Engineer Horak, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora
Absent: Alderman Redden & City Treasurer Webber
Mayor Robinson
Class G Liquor License Amendment: New co-owners of Vinez Wine Bar, Jason Davis and Joe Protrawski, explained the revamping of the business providing the City will allow an amended to the Class G liquor license. They want the availability to sell beer to be consumed on premises and not as packaged retail. There had been previous concerns by the Council that the intent was full-service bar. Although he had no problem with the amended language to allow on-site beer sales, Alderman Dell indicated he would like the Council approve liquor licenses prior to issuances to proposed business ventures. Ordinance 2020-01 will be presented at next week’s meeting for passage on the amended ordinance.
Sandwich Chamber of Commerce: Geri Benning, Executive Director of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, provided an insight on upcoming events and the expansion of her position to promote the City. 2019 saw the enrollment of 38 new members in the Sandwich area, and she has been working with Jim Teckenbrock, Director of the Sandwich Economic Development Corporation by attending joint meetings and encourage business growth. She has also partnered with the DeKalb County Tourism Board and is now a sitting board member representing the City.
DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Amendments: Four amended ordinances were presented for first reading as listed below:
(1) Ordinance 2020-02 entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing Boundary Modifications to the Area Known as the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone – Vacant Ground Addition – Opt 2”
(2) Ordinance 2020-03 entitled “An Ordinance Approving a Second Amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement”
(3) Ordinance 2020-04 entitled “An Ordinance Amending the Property Tax Abatement Qualifying Criteria and Definitions in the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone”
(4) Ordinance 2020-05 entitled “An Ordinance Approving a third Amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement”
The ordinances address a 500-acre addition to the Enterprise Zone pertaining to boundary restrictions and also address a new category for tax abatement incentives. Council was concerned about depleted funding available to members specially the fund availability to Sandwich. Paul Borek, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) will be at next week’s meeting to discuss the proposed ordinances and the impact on the City. Currently, the City does not have a sitting board member for the Enterprise Zone.
Executive Session: Mayor Robinson requested Executive Session at the end of the meeting for land acquisition under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
Foster, Buick, Conklin & Lundgren, LLC: No report
City Clerk Ii reminded Council that approval of Executive Session minutes will be on the agenda next week for approval. The approval of minutes is not for release to the public.
Additionally, Clerk Ii reported that Worker’s Compensation audit will be held on Thursday, January 30th.
City Treasurer Webber: Absent
Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:
Manhole Inspection & Smoke Testing: EEI (Engineering Enterprises Inc.) report is expected by the end of the week.
Williams Architects – 309 E. Railroad Street: An architectural proposal for repair of the water treatment facility located at 309 E. Railroad Street in the amount of $4,900.00 had been presented last week for review. The building has some structural flaws and water damage causing the ceiling to collapse in areas. The building has been in a statement of disrepair for some time, and the roof is currently tarped as a temporary repair measure.
Aldermen Kreinbrink and Surratt felt the City was wasting money, and that the building official and city engineer could figure out what could be done inside the building. Engineer Horak reminded the Council that he is not a structural engineer. Alderman Kreinbrink suggested that he contact Plano Building Director and architect, Tom Karpus, to see if he is interested in providing a price.
Alderman Kreinbrink is concerned that the City’s ordinances are impeding the City’s growth and impeding forward thinking. He would like the Council to consider an amendment to lighten up the codes. He felt the codes are too restrictive relating to rehabbing existing structures citing McDonald’s as an example in their remodeling efforts. Aldermen Kelleher cautioned the danger in changing building codes and that all municipalities are utilizing the same code adding that ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliancy is a federally mandated. Alderman Kreinbrink was bothered that McDonald’s was not allowed to proceed without sprinklers when they were only over the requirement by 242 square feet. Alderman Surratt indicated that the codes are possibly too strict and should be expanded. Alderman Kreinbrink was concerned that McDonald’s could move to Plano. Engineer Horak asked if the McDonald’s architect and construction manager were on the same page as the building official has been dealing with the architect. Alderman Kreinbrink suggested that McDonald’s get together with the building department to discuss the issues.
Little Rock Creek Watershed Plan: A meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 29th at 10 AM. Gletty Road Cleanup Project: The IEPA will allow the City to leave the dirt on the site.
Duvick Road & Route 34 / Church Street Stoplight: There is an issue with the traffic signal loop affecting the left turn lane onto Route 34.
Chief Bianchi reported that in attempts to better serve the community, the staff will be on a 4/10 rotation, meaning working ten hours for four days. The police dispatching will be open until 6 PM Monday through Friday, instead of the currently 8 AM – 4 PM. He added that there will no extra cost to the City. He also reported that three cameras have been installed in the lockup area that had been part of the 2018-2019 budget.
There will be two upcoming community surveys: (1) how to better serve the community, and (2) interaction with staff and performance.
EMA Ciciora: No report
Alderwoman Chmielewski: No report
Alderman Dell requested that Council and staff exercise prudence when utilizing the City’s attorney. He wants the City to avoid excessive legal costs and singled out as an example a memorandum from the City’s attorney to the finance committee regarding their meeting of Saturday, January 28th. Feeling the memorandum that explained protocol procedures between a committee meeting versus a council meeting, Alderman Dell felt it was unnecessary. Clerk Ii disagreed adding that a part-time mayor and the inability to at times to seek direction from Council, she is oftentimes forced to turn for legal advice. Mayor Robinson agreed saying he relies on the City Clerk and City Engineer for assistance and has no hesitancy contacting the City attorneys for input.
Alderman Kelleher: No report
Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee meeting will be held following the COW meeting after a short break.
Alderman Kreinbrink felt the special Finance Committee meeting on Saturday, January 18th was a good jump-start on the 2020-2021 budget. Topics discussed include cutting costs, impact on the City’s revenue when Gjovik’s relocates, and investigate cooperative agreements / networking with neighboring communities on major projects. Concentration on proposed capital projects will be the topic at next week’s budget meetings.
Alderman Redden: Absent
Alderman Robinson: No report
Alderman Surratt: No report
New Business: None
Audience Comments: WSPY radio correspondent, Jim Wyman, asked Attorney Harrill if the City had been charged for the Memo that was issued addressing the Saturday, January 18th, Special Committee Meeting. Response was no. After reading the Memo in question provided by Alderman Dell, Mr. Wyman noted that of all the committee meetings he attends for neighboring communities, none allow interaction or dialogue with committee members except until “public comment”.
Executive Session:
Motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Surratt to go into executive session at 8:09 PM, pursuant to Section 2(c)(5) “The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body”. Aye: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell, Kelleher, Killey, Kreinbrink, Robinson & Surratt Nay:0 Motion carried 7:0
It was noted that no action would be taken resulting from the Executive Session.
Motion to return from Executive Session: Motion made by Alderman Surratt and seconded by Alderwoman Cmielewski to return to regular session at 8:27 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Kelleher and seconded by Alderman Surratt to adjourn the Committee-of-the- Whole Council meeting at 8:28 PM. Motion carried unanimously by viva voce vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cw012020.pdf
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