Kendall County Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Jan. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

2. Pledge of Allegiance was led by EEI Engineer, Curt Dettmann

3. Roll Call

Present: Mayor Latham, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Arnett, Erickson, Fritsch, Johnson, Kreinbrink, Robinson & Whitecotton

Also present: City Administration Penman, Police Chief Senne, SEMA Director Eberle, and EEI Engineer Curt Dettman

City Attorney Gottschalk arrived at 7:05 PM

Absent: Alderman Littlebrant

4. Mayor’s Report: No report

5. Attorney’s Report: No report

6. City Clerk Ii spoke briefly on the annual food truck renewals that expired December 31st. She asked the council to consider any changes to the ordinance / application noting some food trucks have appeared to be permanently fixed in their locations. She questioned if this was the council’s intent, and requested the topic be discussed at the January 16th meeting.

7. Treasurer’s Report: Vacancy

8. City Administrator Penman: Report consisted of seven (7) businesses have filed tax objections with the DeKalb County Board of Review. He is meeting with each business sharing that Walgreens was a compromise so the City did not take quite a hit on their assessment value for real estate taxes. The multiplier applied by the township assessor and the reassessment of properties seems to be the contributing factor in the increased number of objections. Because of the large number of objections that the City is protesting, Administrator Penman said it was felt ordering appraisals to contest would not be appropriate.

9. City Department’s Reports:

A. SEMA Report – Tony Eberle reminded everyone that tomorrow (January 7th) is the first Tuesday of the month, and sirens will be tested at 10 AM.

B. Police Chief Senne shared highlights of the police department since the last council meeting:

• Events: IVVC visited the police department for tour and use of simulator; Lunch to Learn

• Police Explorers applications will be available this week; first meeting to be March 15th

• Sgt Eisenburg to start Staff & Command next Monday. He will be attending for two weeks and then off for two weeks with a graduation date of May 23, 2025

• Sgt Whitecotton will be presenting his staff study at the next Council meeting

• Ofc Lundsteen is in his third week of field training

• Ofc Vega will be back to work on January 8th, and anticipated solo patrol by January 17th

• Police Commission conducted three lateral interviews today (January 6th) and will be conducting 18 on January 11th

• Christmas / New Year’s campaign ended; police department worked 23 hours on the project

• Next traffic campaign will be for the Super Bowl from February 2-6 where PD will have 4 hours for extra enforcement for cell phones, speeding, and seat belts, and 5 hours for DUI

• New staffing starts January 11th for all shifts except one will have a sergeant and two officers assigned

• Next Coffee With a Cop will be at 8 AM on January 29th at Dearborn’s. PD is looking to do Coffee/Pop With a Cop quarterly along with the Chief’s quarterly meetings.

• Yearly department meeting will be on February 17th where awards will be distributed to include traffic stop officer of the year, DUI officer of the year, and employee of the year

• The annual report will be presented at the February 3rd meeting

• Chief thanked the officers for all the work they are doing

C. EEI Engineer Dettmann updated the Council on projects:

• Final numbers received today from HLR on the Latham Street project and will be working with the City to prepare a request letter to KKKOM for additional funding that could be at least $330,000

• Roadway Management Program, notice was sent to D Construction for their approval of final costs and liquidated damages. Once reviewed and retainage is set, it will be evaluated for final release in the spring

• Final plans for the Main Street project were approved January 3rd. The letting date is still scheduled for March 8th

• Still waiting for final grant approval on the downtown street lighting project • On the 2025 sidewalk program, some sidewalks along Main Street could not be included in this program. EEI is working with the Street Department to have these sites covered in the new budget

10. Council Reports:

Alderman Arnett discussed the timeline on the Schomer property dating back to 2023 noting that the owners have never complied with the City, FEMA, nor IDNR (IL Department of Natural Resources), including the unauthorized improvements within an existing flood plain. A wedding event was held on November 30th illegally after a stop work order had been placed on the property. Owners are being fined $750/day, and Alderman Arnett wants to see the penalties enforced. Mayor Latham advised that there is an adjudication hearing on January 15th on citations that have been issued.

Alderman Fritsch reported that he and Economic Director Don Alesky will be meeting with Otis Elevator tomorrow to see if they will consider maintaining the Opera House elevator. City Administrator enlisted the Economic Director in assisting to find a new vendor for the elevator maintenance.

Alderman Kreinbrink, continuing on Alderman Arnett’s dialogue, noted the current fine is $65,000.00 as of December 9th. By February 2nd, the fine will increase to $195,000.00, Alderman Kreinbrink would like to see the City calculate it’s expenses by the January 15th adjudication hearing. He also asked the City Attorney if the people that have been impacted can come to the adjudication hearing to speak and act as a witness. Attorney Gottschalk concurred. The initial request for the use of the property was a proposed change in zoning, and the owners have disregarded the rules and regulations in place. An interaction between Alderman Kreinbrink and Mayor Latham ensued when non-city residents in the audience wanted to speak. At the last meeting, Alderman Kreinbrink had requested this matter be placed on the tonight’s agenda, but was omitted. Mayor advised that the non-residents could speak during the “Audience Comments” portion of the meeting.

Alderman Robinson asked if the agenda format could be amended to that in the past when old business and new business was discussed prior to council reports. He also agreed with Aldermen Arnett and Kreinbrink that additional discussion is warranted when problems arise, and not just limit to public comments where the council only listens to issues brought to their attention.

Alderman Whitecotton requested that an email received from Jenn & Audie Penn, supporting the “sandwich” statue be made part of the minutes. Mayor Latham concurred.

11. Old Business:

A. Wastewater Treatment Plan Project – EEI Update (Council passed on this topic)

B. Discussion on Latham Street Project – HLR Update: Randy Newkirk was present to provide an update on the Latham Street project and subsequent meeting with City officials when HLR’s final bill was challenged. A consensus was reached that saved the City approximately $15,000.00. The City had previously denied amending the contract from the original amount of $256,532.00. Mr. Newkirk stated there is still paperwork required to be filed and follow-ups before the Latham Street project can be closed in about a year. The Mayor thanked everyone involved in the renegotiations.

12. New Business:

A. Airport Area Development: City Administrator Penman met with the owner of adjacent property as to development property located at the end of the runway. Although the property is not located within the city boundaries, there are limitations as to what can built according to our Municipal Code (Section 98-145). He noted that should the city issues a permit for something to be built on the property, it would cause the airport to legally have no runway. The property is located at the corner of Gletty Road and Church Street (US Route 34). The property has sat unimproved for some time due to height restrictions, and the question is can the City amend the municipal code to make the property more attractive for development. City Attorney Gottschalk advised that most of the decision to amend will fall on the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regarding runway calculations and determining an obstacle free zone.

B. Voluntary Action Center: Mayor Latham shared details of a recent meeting with Nate Kloster, CEO of Voluntary Action Center (VAC) about assisting to fund the Meals on Wheels Program. The funding proposal requested is $18,000.00 starting in the new budget year. The City has never funded the program, and the Mayor expressed hesitancy in that any funding from the City should benefit our citizens, not residents of the township or county that may reflect Sandwich as part of their mailing address. The proposal is not to be confused with meals that are served at the Fox Valley Community Services. The Mayor requested council members to think about the proposal and any restrictions that may be placed if the city assists in the funding.

NOTE: City Clerk Ii left the meeting at 7:45 PM

C. Discussion of Sweepstakes Gaming Machines: What had been perceived as illegal video gaming machines was actually “sweepstakes” gaming machines. A June 5, 2023, Chicago news article called the machines as an unregulated loop hole in the State’s gaming laws. There is no municipal license for the machines nor does it go through the State gaming board, meaning there is no revenue due the city. Inspecting the machines, Mayor Latham noted there is no age requirement and that the machines are misleading, appearing to be video gaming machines with instant payouts. He feels the City should be proactive and act on these types of machines. Attorney Gottschalk explained these types of machines have been around for some time but now the appearance has changed, mimicking the gambling machines resulting in lawsuits. She also stated that there is no regulation whatsoever on these machines; however, the gaming commission does view them as illegal. The attorney has found some ordinance examples the prohibit these machines, and feels that the City should consider such action. The reasoning would be how these machines impact other entitles that have the gaming machines legally and have followed all the proper requirements, and also a way to protect our citizens from the deception of the machines. Alderman Robinson has seen the machines, and said one of the machines did have a Department of Revenue sticker on it. He is of the opinion since the machines are coin operated, either turn the machines off or obtain a city license for a coin operated machine. At the next meeting, council can decide if the machines should be allowed or banned. An Ordinance will be available for review at the next meeting.

13. Announcements: City Administrator Penman announced that the adjudication hearing will be on Wednesday, at 1 PM in the Council Chambers, and a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on January 28th. NOTE: City Clerk Ii returned to the meeting at 8 PM

14. Audience Comments:

Tristan Widloe stated that he is employed by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) as a streams and river biologist for the northeast area of Illinois which includes the entirety of the Fox River and all the tributaries. There is a tributary running through his backyard that runs into Little Rock Creek, which is along the Schomer property. He stressed that it is his job that when he sees a violation of flood plain regulations, it is reported to the flood plain manager in Springfield, and that “no favors” were requested regarding the violations.

Dan Bohr, Kendall County resident, noted he is not a citizen of Sandwich but his tax dollars support the Sandwich school system and Sandwich fire protection district, adding that most of his taxes go to the City of Sandwich. Regarding the Schomer property, Mr. Bohr has seen outside photos but would like the City to provide inside photos for viewing.

Amanda Widloe, Kendall County resident, stated that $4,600 of her annual tax bill is paid to the Sandwich school district. She feels it is advantageous that the City work with the neighbors impacted by the violations at 4876 Sandy Bluff Road. Responding to the defense that the City was unaware of any violations, Ms. Widoe said she made contact with the Mayor on August 21, 2023. A response was received saying the Mayor was traveling and would respond upon his return. A follow up email on August 28th, followed by an August 29th response, noted that the email was being forwarded to the City’s legal team. She felt that the reasoning for no communication or open dialogue with the City is due to not having a Sandwich mailing address.

15. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 PM. Alderwoman Johnson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

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