At a recent meeting, the Sandwich Committee of the Whole discussed the proposed sales-tax increase.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the committee.
City of Sandwich, Illinois
City Hall Annex •128 East Railroad Street
Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting
June 6, 2016 @ 7:00 PM
MINUTES
Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Olson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Dell, Fraser, Killey, McMahon,
Redden, Robinson & Scheidecker
Alderman Moran arrived at 7:23 PM
Also present: Attorney Buick , Chief Bianchi & Department of Public Works / CityEngineer Horak,
Absent: City Treasurer Webber & EMA Director Ciciora
Mayor Olson
Discussion on proposed chicken ordinance: Although the Council had advised those interested inallowing backyard chickens that the Council would make a decision by June 20th, the Mayor felt theCouncil needed to discuss the matter in depth prior to that deadline. Council members sharedconversations with their constituents who raised concerns of predators, devaluation of property andinability to enforce regulations. Many expressed that chickens belonged in a rural environment and
not within city limits. Pro-chicken activist Eric Fletcher addressed the Council saying it is theirresponsible chicken owner that creates the problem. There is a high expense to raising chickens,and Mr. Fletcher felt that a coop permit would bring in additional revenue for the City to offset costs toenforce the ordinance. Mr. Fletcher added a privacy fence would eliminate neighbors’ complaints aswell as any predator issues. Alderman Dell inquired how long hens lay eggs. Mr. Fletcher said the
hens lay 2-3 years, and then are usually slaughtered by owenr’s choice. Sarah Elbert alsoaddressed the Council noting that as a Millennial (Generation Y), many in this age group find the idea
of self-sustaining very positive that is a progressive moment right now. She felt by allowing backyardchickens, a younger age group would move to Sandwich and that property values would actuallyincrease.
Mayor Olson commended the Council for speaking with their constituents, and encouraged them tokeep the line of communication open. He defined the aldermen’s role as representing the peoplewho elected them, to adhere to their constituents’ desires, and to decide what is best in the residents’interest. This matter will continue to June 20th
.
Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting June 6, 2016
? Page 2
Discussion on proposed body art text amendment: This matter will go before the Plan Commissionon Tuesday, June 14th at 7:30 PM. The Plan Commission will bring a recommendation before theCouncil the following week.
Zoning Board of Appeals appointments: Mayor Olson explained that by ordinance, the sameappointees can serve on both the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Future plansare to create a hearing officer position to oversee the meetings. By State statute, a municipality isrequired to have a ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals).
Discussion on proposed 1% sales tax increase: The City’s current sales tax rate of 6.5% is one ofthe lowest in this area. It was noted that Waterman was successful this past spring in increasing their
sales tax. Alderman Fraser was concerned if the proposed 1% sales tax increase by DeKalb Countyto be applied toward the schools would directly affect Sandwich. Both queries are to be on theNovember ballot, and if both taxing bodies are successful in their bid for a 1% sales tax increase, thesales tax rate for Sandwich could be 8.25%. Alderman Redden noted that an 8.25% sales tax ratewas still less than a lot of communities. An ordinance will be prepared for next week’s meeting.
Announcement: July 2nd is the annual Freedom Days parade. This year will mark the 50thanniversary for the parade, and Mayor Olson thought it might be nice to have the Council involved.
Foster & Buick Law Group: No report
City Clerk distributed the Prevailing Wage Ordinance 2016-05 for a first read. Because of theState’s budget impasse, the IDOL (IL Department of Labor) had not increased the wage rate for2016. Using the numbers from 2015, Clerk Ii said there will be change in language within the
contents of the ordinance noting that the wage schedule attached to the ordinance are the mostcurrent available.
City Treasurer - Absent
Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:
Electronics recyling program: The electronic recycling events with New Life Electronics Recycling ,Inc. has been cancelled and suspended. The City will not be accepting any electronics this Saturday,
June 11th
. DC Trash of Cortland is accepting electronic recyclables but at a cost to the consumer.
Ward 1 brush pickup is complete. The next scheduled brush pickup for Ward 1 will be Tuesday, July
5
th
.
Clark Street water plant emergency generator bid results: Bids were received and opened on June1st. The Engineer’s estimate of cost was $267,740.00. Bids were received from Ficek Electric &Communication in the amount of $276,280.00 and from Helm Electrical Contracting Inc. for$248,500.00. The bid packets will be reviewed and a recommendation will be brought before theCouncil next week for approval.
NPDES permit application update: The City should be receiving the permit application within the nextfew days to be signed by the Mayor. The application will then be submitted to the IEPA (IllinoisEnvironmental Protection Agency) that is due by July 4th
.Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting June 6, 2016
? Page 3
Significant industrial users monitoring update: Five (5) businesses have been inspected, and theprocess will continue over the next couple of weeks. Findings will be compiled into a report for futuredistribution.
750,000 gallon spheroid painting and repairs: Notice to Bidders will be published for the 750,000gallon spheroid, exterior overcoat, wet interior repaint, dry interest partial repaint and miscellaneousrepairs under the 2016 water tower painting. The bid opening date is scheduled for June 28th.
Proposed ordinance establishing standards for construction of facilities on the rights-of-way:
Engineer Horak has met with City Attorney Kevin Buick regarding the “Ordinance Amending theMunicipal Code of the City of Sandwich by Establishing Standards for the Construction Facilities onthe Rights-of-Way”. The Ordinance will be brought before the Council in the upcoming months forapproval.
Center Street – Green to Main reconstruction project: Pay Request #3 has been received in theamount of $173,642.89. After a review of the documents, five per cent (5%) will be remaining in theamount of $42,380.41. Engineer Horak will bring this matter before the Council next week forpayment approval.
Chief Bianchi: Alderman Fraser questioned the Chief regarding the responsibility of enforcing thebackyard chicken ordinance should the Council pass it. Superintendent of Public Works Horakchimed in with the same question. Chief Bianchi said any violations would fall under the adjudicationprocess that is being reviewed for the City.
EMA: Absent
Alderman Dell requested the Council to review bills that will be presented tonight at the financecommittee meeting. Noting that the Council will approve payment of these bills at next week’sregular meeting, he asked if the Council would want these bills e-mailed for further review. Councilwas in agreement.
Alderman Fraser: No report
Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following thisevening’s meeting to review May bills.
Alderman McMahon: No report
Alderman Moran: No report
Alderman Redden: No report
Alderman Robinson requested a payout of 80 unused vacation hours to Yvonne Marsh and acarryover of 68.25 vacation hours for Brian Voelkel. No further action was taken and no motionmade.
Alderman Scheidecker: No report
Committee-of-the-Whole Council Meeting June 6, 2016
? Page 4
New Business: None
Audience Comments: None
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinsonand seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Committee-of-the-Whole Council meetingat 8:14 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
/s/ Denise Ii – City Clerk
Alerts Sign-up