Kendall County Times

City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Sept. 2.

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 Mayor Latham

3. Roll Call

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

Also present: City Administrator Penman, City Treasurer Koehler, SEMA Director Eberle, EEI Engineer Dettmann & Economic Director Aleksy

Absent: Alderman Kreinbrink & Chief Senne

Attorney Gottschalk arrived at 7:11 PM

Quorum established

4. Mayor’s Report:

A. Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Mayor Latham read a proclamation highlighting the widespread impact of domestic violence and the need for prevention efforts declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

B. Presentation by Woda Group: Barry Accountius gave a power point presentation on a proposed four-story, 57-unit apartments for 55+ residents to be located on the east side of Dearborn Café. Site plans and concept drawings of the facility were distributed to the council. Council expressed interest in the project giving Woda Group approval to move forward with the application process through IHDA (Illinois Housing Development Authority) for tax credits.

C. Homecoming Street Closure Request: Street closures were discussed to avoid Main Street for the homecoming parade on October 4th. Feedback will be shared with Chief Senne and Officer Bright for the final parade route.

D. Taste of Sandwich Street Closure Request: No discussion

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

6. City Clerk Ii: No report

7. City Treasurer Koehler: No report

8. City Administrator Penman: No report

9. City Department’s Reports:

A. SEMA Report: Director Eberle advised that emergency siren testing was not held but will resume on October 7th. Discussions were held with the County and Chief Senne on safety matters including traffic control for the upcoming fair. A thank you was expressed to Kendall County EMA for use of their light tower for the corner of Lisbon and Castle Streets which will be fair exits.

B. EEI Engineer Dettmann report highlights included:

• Regarding Main Street improvements, Fisher Excavating continues to work. The water main trunk line is incomplete

• Fairwinds Subdivision, there were deficient ADA ramps recently replaced on various corners for a total of 10 ramps

• Fairwinds, Phase IV, road paving and binder course are complete. Punch list is being reviewed for street lighting as well as sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water main

• Deadline for Pratt Road bridge Phase 3 construction engineering deadline is September 12th

• Working with the mayor and Street Superintendent Nick for Safe Routes to School grant. Deadline is in October for applicants, and a resolution will need to be passed at the first meeting in October

10. Council Reports: Alderman Chunn met with Street Superintendent Nick. Spray patching is complete covering about 14 miles within 30 days. There have been complaints about gravel on the road from the spraying, but the process is extending the life of the roadways. Striping is about 75% complete. 11. Old Business:

A. Lead Service Line Replacement: City Administrator Penman reported that additional lead services lines have been discovered along Main Street. Initially 6 lines were located, and that number has now increased to 30 lines. Initially galvanized lines did not to be replaced until 2024 when it was advised to replace them in addition to the lead lines. As part of the Main Street project, the water main has been replaced, and the city is replacing the services from the water main to the b-box. According to statute, the city needs to assure these lines are replaced; however, there is no direction as to who pays for the replacement installations. Once disturbed, the lead service lines must be replaced within 30 days. The city can try to apply for a 120-day extension but that usually requires extenuating circumstances. If the city is noncompliant in meeting the deadline, there will be issues with IDOT (IL Department of Transportation). Bidding on the project had come in lower than the engineer’s estimation so there are extra funds available. $80,000 had been budgeted for the initial 6 lines that required replacement, and there is an additional $300,000 available from the low bidding. It was noted that replacement of lead service lines are unfunded mandates by the federal government. Estimated cost per line replacement is $10,200. Council debated on means to pay / charge for the replacement of the lead lines, and waivers to be signed by homeowners objecting to the replacements.

B. Betty Erickson-Carey Foundation “Under the Big Top”: At August 18th meeting, the council passed an agreement that the Foundation was to review. The Foundation did not feel the agreement was in their best interest, and a request had been made to do away with the agreement that the mayor felt did not solve the current issues. Having no agreement does not protect the city nor deal with the city’s risk issues. Attorney Gottschalk addressed specific concerns about worker’s compensation, identification, and electrical connections. She also explained that a motion to approve an amendment to the agreement could be made but not a motion to rescind at this meeting because it was not on the agenda. Council discussed the need for clear language in the agreement to avoid misunderstanding and ensure compliance. Mayor Latham clarified that the street (Railroad Street) will be closed for the event.

12. New Business:

A. Resolution 25-10 entitled “A Resolution to Repeal and Rescind Previously Adopted Resolution 25-07 and Approving Decommissioning Bond Obtained by TPE IL KE109, LLC, From Pennsylvania Insurance Company Concerning the Decommissioning of a Solar Power Generation Facility Located at 599 Sandy Bluff Road, Sandwich, Illinois 60548” presented for discussion. Attorney Gottschalk explained the decommissioning plan referenced in the bond was not included as Exhibit A when Resolution 25-07 was approved. By rescinding the original resolution, the new resolution will ensure everything is included, and that the decommissioning bond is approved and published for the city records.

B. Ordinance 2025-13 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 – “Administration”, Article II – “City Council”, “Division 2 – Rules of Order”, Section 2-61 – “Order of Business” of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code” presented for discussion. Mayor Latham shared additional changes including the Pledge of Allegiance cited prior to all meetings, the term “old business” be replaced with “unfinished business”, and replacing aldermen with alderperson, for a more current format.

13. Announcements: None

14. Audience Comments:

Becky Nelson criticized the handling of the lead pipe situation and emphasized the importance of the Betty Erickson-Carey Foundation event.

Dave Morman questioned the council’s awareness of the lead pipe situation prior to starting the Main Street project.

Brandi Boan expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and communication regarding the lead pipe service lines issue. She stressed the need for better communication and planning to avoid issues such as the lead pipe replacement.

Colton Otto clarified the misunderstanding about the contract negotiation process and emphasized the foundation’s nonprofit status.

Janiece Bollie suggested implementing a code of ethics and procedures manual to improve professionalism and transparency.

15. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 PM. Alderwoman Inman seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/3906