City of Sandwich Committee of the Whole met Oct. 2.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll call was taken:
Present: Mayor Olson, City Clerk Ii, Aldermen Killey, McMahon, O’Sullivan,
Redden & Robinson
Also present: Attorney Gottschalk, Department of Public Works / City Engineer
Horak, Chief Bianchi & EMA Director Ciciora
Absent: Aldermen Chmielewski, Dell & Kelleher; City Treasurer Webber
Because of the recent devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey and Maria, and the Sunday night Las Vegas shootings, Mayor Olson requested a moment of silence for those that have lost their lives and the survivors of these catastrophes.
Mayor Olson:
Community Economic Development Grant: Melissa “Mel” Henriksen, a research associate with the NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies, made a power point presentation outlining the Community Economic Development Grant guidelines. The objective of the program is organizing and take action toward unique economic development opportunities open to all DeKalb County communities and unincorporated areas within the County. Each community is limited to a total of $20,000 in grant money over the life of the program that is estimated to be in place through 2019. Eligible applicants should provide a minimum of 10% of the total project budget. Quarterly application date deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Tourism Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 7:00 PM.
Aurora Area Convention discussion: Mayor Olson discussed problems currently experienced between the AACVB and Timber Creek Hotel. The hotel feels the AACVB is not doing enough to promote their facility, and caters more toward the Aurora area, creating a mistrustful atmosphere. The mayor confirmed that one year in their annual promotional material, the AACVB omitted the Sandwich Fair when listing the City’s tourism assets. The City pays a 90% bed tax to the AACVB toward the promotion of the City. The contract with the AACVB expires next year, and it was suggested that the City investigate DeKalb County tourism board who has been successfully promoting the community.
International Bologna Day: WSPY announcer, Chris Schwemlein, has suggested through the years of celebrating a “bologna day’ based on the age-old joke of “what’s between Plano and Sandwich – bologna, as in plain ol’ bologna sandwich”. Both Plano and Sandwich will co-host International Bologna Day on October 24th. Wurst Kitchens in Plano will be providing fried bologna sandwiches, and a Joliet band called “The Baloney Brothers” will be performing. The Chamber of Commerce will be handling the promotion.
Interim Financial Clerk: Shante’ Humble, who assisted the City with the budget preparation earlier in the year, has been rehired on a temporary basis. She will be assisting the City Clerk in reconciling bank accounts and preparation of the annual Treasurers Report due this month. Her salary will be $34.00/hour, and because she has relocated to Calumet City, the City will provide lodging for the anticipated 2-week stay.
Foster, Buick, Conklin, Lundgren & Tritt, LLC: No report
City Clerk Ii requested confirmation for ‘trick or treat’ hours on October 31st. Council agreed to the same hours as in previous years, and a resolution will be prepared for next week’s voting meeting.
City Treasurer: Absent
Director of Public Works / City Engineer Horak:
Ward 1 Brush Pickup: Final brush pickup for season scheduled for Ward 1 on Monday.
2017 Street Maintenance Project (17-00000-01-GM): The final Pay Request #1 has been submitted by Curran Contracting Company of Crystal Lake, IL in the amount of $267,055.30. This project consisted of asphalt work on Lions Road and Sandy Bluff Road. A recommendation will be presented at next week’s meeting for payment approval.
Hydrant flushing will begin on Monday, October 16th through Friday, October 20th.
Leaf vacuuming is scheduled to begin October 30th. Engineer Horak said it is a week later than last year, but most trees have not started turning colors. Because it is a costly project, the City does not want to start too early in the season. Fallen leaves will continue to be monitored, and if warranted, the schedule may be pushed forward to October 23rd, which is the same time the program started last year.
2017 Lisbon Street – Green to Main Reconstruction Project: A permit has been issued to Nicor, and once work is completed on the gas line relocation, the project contractor will return to finish the storm sewer.
2017 Center Street Lighting Project: Contractor will repair the A-6 light pole, and a conductor piece is to be replaced by October 16th. Field measuring of the lighting will be done on October 12th.
2017 6th Street Water Main Project: Engineer Horak reported the City is waiting for receipt of contracts to be signed.
Announcements: Word has been received that the Duvick Road railroad crossing will be closed for repairs on Tuesday through Wednesday afternoon. The NPDES Permit IL0030970 has been received, and will be posted at City Hall until October 30th.
Chief Bianchi announced that Records Clerk, Nancy Holcomb, has given 2-weeks’ notice, and will be retiring on October 30th.
EMA: No report
Alderwoman Chiemlewski: Absent
Alderman Dell: Absent
Alderman Kelleher: Absent
Alderwoman Killey advised that the finance committee would meet immediately following this evening’s meeting.
In reference to a previously read letter from resident Julie Thompson, Alderwoman Killey requested the engineering department review her request to create a no-parking zone on the west side of Main Street, between Elmwood Place and the entrance to the Willow Crest Nursing Home parking lot. Chief Bianchi said a study and review of data can be conducted that will take 5-6 weeks.
Alderman McMahon reported that the Wilshire and Wentworth tenants meeting scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, was poorly attended. He said tenants have complained about rodent problems and issues with out of town guests. Alderman McMahon will be hosting a landlord meeting in October.
Alderman O’Sullivan: No report
Alderman Redden: No report
Alderman Robinson reported that 540 hot dogs were distributed at the Taste of Sandwich. Unused hot dogs and buns were donated to the Open Door.
New Business: None
Audience Comments: None
Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the Council, motion made by Alderman Robinson and seconded by Alderman Redden to adjourn the Committee-of-the-Whole Council meeting at 8:04 PM. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
http://www.sandwich.il.us/minutes/cw100217.pdf
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