Kendall County Times

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

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order: Mayor Latham called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 & Robinson

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

Absent: Aldermen Ketchum & Kreinbrink

Quorum established

4. Mayor’s Report:

A. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Mayor Latham read a Proclamation declaring October, 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that emphasized the importance of early detection and awareness of breast cancer.

B. Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Renewal: Joe Roberts explained the open enrollment for Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance in November. Details of the plan’s two options (HMO and PPO) were discussed noting that Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only carrier eligible for this setup. HMO polices will increase by 8.8% and PPO policies will increase by 6.5%, for a total of 7.65%.

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

6. City Clerk Ii distributed the revenue history report for September. And briefly discussed issues with landlord-tenant water bills as well as new resident registration. She will continue to research these matters prior to bringing a recommendation to the council for consideration. The Clerk explained the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) procedures, and that she is overwhelmed having received 14 FOIA’s in 8 days. A recent FOIA request was co-shared by herself and the police department that consisted of 995 document copies and 20 hours. She stressed that when a FOIA requires her to reach out to council members, she asked that they respond back in a timely manner even if they have no documents relative to the inquiry.

7. City Treasurer Koehler: No report

8. City Administrator Penman reported that he had attended the annual IML (IL Municipal League) conference. He also announced there are upcoming DeKalb County stormwater group lunch meetings that are free. Alderman Danko has signed up.

9. City Department’s Reports:

A. SEMA Report: Director Tony Eberle reported on partnerships with the fire department for hazmat training and homecoming events. He also received certification in traffic incident management training, and reminded of the upcoming outdoor siren testing.

B. Chief Senne reported on highlights:

• Events attended including Taste of Sandwich and homecoming

• Approved for $25,000 grant for one year to fund a social worker approximately 10-12 hours per week

• Exploring relocation of adjudication hearings to the Police Department beginning January, 2026

• New squad cars have arrived and waiting equipment installation; timeframe 6-8 weeks

• Halloween event to be held October 22nd from 4:30 – 6:30 PM

• Working on a Firehouse Subs Grant to purchase additional weight room equipment, and awarded a Traffic Enforcement Grant for next year

C. EEI Engineer Dettmann report consisted of:

• A resolution will be passed at the Regular Meeting authorizing the grant application for the Safe Routes to School. He has been working with the mayor to finish up required documentation to be submitted

• There are two contractors working the lead service lines on Main Street; there are 19 residences remaining on the list of lead service pipes

D. Economic Development Director Aleksy report:

• Highlighted the Taste of Sandwich event, including ticket sales and revenue

• Under the Azavar investigations, 145 homes were not listed in Sandwich for Comcast, that will increase the city’s revenue by $25,000 annually

• Changing the language for the airport ordinance so that the property on Gletty Road can be placed with a broker

• ComEd conducted an efficiency program to look at the city’s street lights. 59 street lights were found to have the high-pressure sodium fixtures that are being phased out within the year. ComEd will extend a contribution toward the replacement cost

10. 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 resolution will authorize the mayor to sign the application to move forward on the Safe Routes to School grant.

11. New Business:

A. 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”: Guest, Andrea Van Drew from the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, explained the purpose of expanding the enterprise zone. Mayor Latham explained this is a formal process as the city is part of the enterprise zone along with neighboring DeKalb County communities.

B. Water Department Certified Operator: Mayor Latham discussed the hiring of a certified operator for the water department to ensure compliance with Illinois EPA. The current agreement has expired with the current operator.

C. Resolution 25-12 entitled “Resolution Designating “Trick or Treat” Hours”: Hours have been set for 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, October 31st.

D. Resolution 25-13 entitled “A Joint Funding Agreement Regarding Pratt Road Bridge”: Mayor Latham explained the increase in the cost of the Pratt Road Bridge project is due to engineering opinions and inflation. He suggested spreading the cost over two years to manage the city’s budget.

E. Resolution 25-14 entitled “A Resolution of the City of Sandwich Adopting Civility Pledge”: This matter will be voted upon at the Regular Council Meeting.

F. Ordinance 2025-08 entitled “An Ordinance Amending Chapter 98- “Zoning”, Article V – “Supplemental Regulations”, Section 98-145 “Airport Area Development” of the City of Sandwich Municipal Code”: This matter is for discussion only. The zoning and special use process will need to be researched and brought before the council at the next meeting.

G. ComEd Replacement of Streetlights Project: As explained under the Economic Development report, there is a cost savings opportunity that the city will need to take advantage to replace high pressure sodium street lights. This will require council’s approval.

12. Report of Alderpersons:

Alderman Arnett raised concerns about the quality of sidewalks and curbs on Main Street, emphasizing the need for proactive measures. Additionally, he discussed the importance of addressing trip hazards and substandard construction work. Mayor Latham indicated he has asked for HLR to attend the next council meeting and waiting for confirmation of their attendance.

Alderman Danko reported on the water master plan, and the need for updated costs for various projects.

Alderwoman Erickson had distributed a template to council for review. She is recommending outside legal counsel for the council and for hiring a court reporter, if needed. It was debated if the city attorney works for the mayor or works for the council. Attorney Gottschalk interjected that pursuant to the city’s Municipal Code, she does work for the city but takes direction from the mayor.

Alderwoman Inman noted that Sandwich has been on a commercial quite often (Poochie & Pang). Alderman Robinson suggested consider hiring a city administrator to manage the city’s operations for efficiently; discussed the potential benefits of having a city administrator, including cost savings on legal and engineering services. He also raised the issue of golf carts on city streets and suggested prohibiting low-speed vehicles via resolution. Chief Senne mentioned the legal exceptions for some low speed vehicles and the need for further research on the issue.

13. Announcements: None

14. Audience Comments: None

15. Adjournment: Alderman Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 PM. Alderwoman Erickson seconded. Motion carried unanimously via voice vote.

https://www.sandwich.il.us/media/4061