Kendall County Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met June 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Mayor’s Report: Todd Latham

Mayor attended fishing derby over the weekend.

4. Attorney’s Report:

Attorney Cassandra Gottschalk / Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Gottschalk Law Group No Report

5. City Clerk’s Report: Denise Ii

Absent

6. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

Vacant

7. City Administrator’s Report: Geoff Penman

Administrator Penman made mention of an upcoming meeting for interested volunteers to assist with City Events. Heather Bruoehler has offer to assist Geoff with leading this group. An introductory meeting will be held on June 20th at 6:00 pm at the City Hall Annex.

Penman also mentioned that Economic Development Director Don Aleksy and Administrator Penman met with Mark Williams of the Dekalb County Economic Development Corporation and Representatives at Henderson Engineering about some of their planned development in an effort to realize benefits for Hendersons from doing development within the Dekalb County Enterprise Zone.

8. City Department’s Reports

A. EMA Report – Tony Eberle

None

B. Police Report - Chief Kevin Senne

Discussed two upcoming street closures.

This weekend at Sidetracks Center Street between green Street and Main Street fora Motorcycle Run. It was suggested to just have it closed or the entire time rather than opening it and closing twice.

The second one is for the High School Homecoming Parade September 27 -

The Chief said he is just waiting on a route from the Early Engine Club for the parade the council approved at a previous meeting for the event on June 28

C. Engineering Report – Curt Dettmann

Engineer Dettmann discussed plans for the Downtown Street lighting project. EEI has been finalizing engineering and intends to request authorization to bid at the next Council meeting.

Curt was asked what the scope of the project is. 20 total poles in the downtown. 19 poles and one wall mounted lamp on the building on the SW Corner of Main and Railroad Street (JC Fitness). For a total of 20 poles. The poles are planned to replace existing poles along Railroad Street from West of Wain St to Pearl Street and along Main & Wells South of the RR tracks to Church Street The mayor inquired about Center Street, and Curt confirmed Center Street is not part of this phase. He also stated that the new poles will be black and antique looking.

9. Council Reports

Alderman Adam Arnett

Alderwoman Karsta Erickson

Alderman Bill Fritsch

Alderwoman Rebecca Johnson

Alderman Fred Kreinbrink

Alderman Bill Littlebrant

Alderman Rich Robinson

Alderman Rick Whitecotton

No further comments

10. New Business

A. ARCH Board member(s) will be in attendance to discuss plans to install an LED sign for the Opera House.

Rick Crissup from the Sandwich Opera House described plans from the Opera House board to replace the existing Opera House sign with a LED message Sign. He provided a concept plan. Currently there is no funding for the plan but are seeking approval prior to raising the funds. It would require 5-6 weeks to install. The estimated cost is $31,000 through Auroa Sign Company. Discussion moved to Advertising and sponsorships. There was no opposition from the Council, other than permitting requirements through our building department.

11. Old Business

A. Discussion of Capital planning and City Council priorities

Administrator Penman spoke about current capital budget as many of the projects proposed are still in need of clarification. He went through each of the projects that are defined in the budget. Penman made recommendations on which steps need to take place in order to get these projects underway. Alderman Littlebrant suggested focusing on a list of items that are needed immediately. Mayor Latham stated that he and Geoff are working to develop a 5-year plan and would like to come back after receiving the Treasurers report.

B. Discussion of consideration for a work from home policy.

Council directed mayor and staff to return with a work from home policy. C. Discussion of consideration to allow Veterans to purchase military time for IMRF Credit.

12. Announcements

Next meeting for the Finance Committee will be on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM. The Regular Council meeting will meet at 7 PM on the same date immediately followed by the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting.

13. Audience Comments

none

14. Adjournment

Motion by Alderman Robinson to adjourn, second by Alderwoman Erickson. Confirmed by voice vote

https://sandwich.il.us/MINUTES/cow060324.pdf