FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the city’s “Brush Pick-Up Program?”
The Public Works Department has free curbside brush collection April, June, August & October. Brush collection will be offered once a month, on the first Monday of said month, by ward. Residents in Ward 1 will have brush picked up the first Monday; residents in Ward 2 the second Monday; residents in Ward 3 the third Monday; and residents in Ward 4 the fourth Monday.

Branches and limbs ½ inch to 4 inches in diameter and 2 feet to 4 feet in length can be placed at the curb for pick-up. Please note the following exceptions: Brush that is tangled or unmanageable will not be collected. Brush which results from contracted services will not be picked up, as it is the responsibility of the contractor to remove and dispose of such material. Grass clippings, leaves, shrubs, vines and brush less than ½ inch in diameter is considered yard waste and will not be picked up

Please have all brush at the curb or shoulder by 7:00 a.m. Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) of the week of collection. There is no need to phone ahead for the pick-up.

Can we burn leaves in the city?
City ordinance requires that you may only burn limited amounts of paper, cardboard, dry leaves or other combustible material in a wire mesh burner as long as the material is dry and does not create an offensive odor, nuisance or fire hazard due to location or wind. Dry leaves may also be burned on a driveway, garden area, or other open area. A responsible adult person must be present and attend the fire at all times until fully extinguished. The hours of burning are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

It is unlawful to burn wet cardboard or paper, rags, feathers, wet or green leaves, green weeds or grass at any time. The burning of any material such as rubber, tires, leather, tar paper, old batteries or any material which emits an offensive odor when burned is unlawful. It is unlawful to burn any material on any of the public streets, pavements, curbing, sidewalks, parkways or alleys in the city.

The City also offers a leaf vac service in the fall. Similar to the brush pickup program, the leaf vac will collect leaves raked to the curb. Information can be found on the City’s website (www.sandwich.il.us) or on Facebook.

Can I Burn Leaves in the City of Sandwich?

2024 Leaf Pickup Program

In the fall, (November) the City of Sandwich provides leaf collection services for residents who rake their leaves to the curb, and ensure they are free from any debris, sticks, rocks, etc. that might damage the collection system. All leaves must be placed at the edge of the street (curb) no later than 7:00 am on the scheduled pick-up day. 

Leaves put out after 7:00 am on the date identified will not be picked up. City staff will begin work in each ward on date listed below. Equipment, weather, and other circumstances may require collection to continue throughout the week.

Restrictions

Leaves will not be picked up if it is in bags or trash cans. Residents are asked to be considerate by ensuring that leaves are free of rocks, sticks, branches, garbage, metal, construction waste, lumber or any other debris. 

Leaves contaminated with foreign materials will not be collected. 

2024 Schedule

Ward 1 – Mondays – October 28, November 4, November 12 (no collection 11/11), November 18

Ward 2 – Tuesdays - October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19 

Ward 3 – Wednesdays - October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20

Ward 4 – Thursdays - October 31, November 7, November 14, November 21

Sandhurst & Fairwinds – Fridays - November 1, November 8, November 15, November 22

2024 Leaf Pickup Program

Click on the link below for a map and more information on the brush pickup schedule per ward.

For water and sewer service, contact the City of Sandwich at 815-786-9321 or stop in at City Hall, 144 E. Railroad Street. For other services and utilities, contact the following:

• Cable TV:   Comcast - 866-594-1234
                      MetroNet – 877-407-3224

• Electric: ComEd - 800-334-7661

• Electric Aggregation: None

• Garbage & Waste: Community Disposal - 815-786-7151

                                                        Groot Industries – 630-587-4673 

                                                                                    Waste Management - 800-747-2278

• Gas: Nicor - 888-642-6748

• Telephone: Frontier – 800-921-8101

Residents need to arrange their own garbage service; the city does not provide garbage collection. There are currently four licensed waste handlers serving our community (see above). Residents should contact the hauler of their choice for further information.

Do I need a vehicle sticker?
The City of Sandwich does not require residents to purchase or display a vehicle sticker.

Where is the nearest Driver’s License Facility?
The nearest location to obtain or change your driver’s license is in Plano, five miles east of Sandwich, at 236 Mitchell Drive. The phone number is 312-793-1010. There is also a Driver’s License Examining Station in Mendota, 25 miles west of Sandwich. That phone number is 815-539-7849.

 In respect to your neighbors, please control your animals’ barking and adhere to our law requiring all pets (dogs and cats) be on a leash whenever the pet is off the owner’s property. Stray and loose animals will be picked up and taken to the Sandwich Veterinary Hospital. A redemption fee of $75 will be imposed on the pet owner and must be paid at the City Clerk’s office before the animal is released to the owner’s custody.

The Sandwich Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 128 E. Railroad Street, Sandwich, IL 60548, and can be reached at 815- 786-9075.  Many local events held throughout the year are publicized through the Chamber’s office.

Persons who are absent from their residence for an extended period of time can notify us of this fact. That way, when a “red flag” alerts us that your water consumption has decreased dramatically, we will be aware that it is not due to a faulty meter read.
 

Snowbirds can also notify the Police Department (815-786- 7261) and allow them to check your home while you are gone.

Whether you’re brand new to the city or just moving across town, please keep in mind that you must notify our office of any changes to your address. Beginning and final water meter reads must be completed when there are any changes. Phone 815-786-9321 to make arrangements prior to your move.

Does the city maintain the Sannauk Forest Preserve?
DeKalb County Forest Preserve District was established to provide recreational opportunities and preserve the area’s natural plant and animal life. The Forest Preserve District can be reached at 815-895-7191. You can enjoy fishing in the creek in the summer or sledding in the winter at Sannuak Forest Preserve (between Sandwich and Somonauk). For shelter reservations at Sannauk, contact Steve Wade, 815-498-3086.

Is there a “Community Band” in Sandwich?
 Indian Valley Community Band is open to all area musicians. Call Carol at 815-786-8700 for additional information.

Residents who notice sidewalks with defects, in poor repair, blocked in any way, or not handicap accessible, should report the situation to City Hall. Repair work for these types of defects may qualify under the city’s Safety Sidewalk Program. The City’s 50/50 has been discontinued.

Please help make our community pedestrian-friendly

Make sure your car does not block the sidewalk

 A Each year, especially in the spring, our police department sends hundreds of letters with reference to mowing grass, junk vehicles, cars without current licenses, and cleaning up property. We would ask everyone to look at their own yards and see if there is a way to tidy them up. This includes cutting tall weeds around fences, wood piles, garages and other structures.

City ordinance states weeds and grass cannot exceed eight (8) inches in height. If a resident receives a letter for not complying with the city’s ordinance, they have ten (10) days to mow before they are cited with a violation or before the city mows at the owner’s expense. It’s important to realize that on the advice of our attorney and due to state statutes, we are required to give notice before taking further action.

If you feel you have a neighborhood problem, we urge you to contact your alderman, ask him to follow up on your request, and then report back to you on how the problem will be resolved.

The city asks everyone (commercial and residential) who plows snow not to push it into the street or city right-of-way. When you clear your drive, the snow should be kept on your property.

In the event of a snow fall of 2” or more, in order to allow the snow plows a chance to remove the snow and do a thorough job, please do not park your vehicles on a public street. Since U.S. Route 34 is a State route, our City Street Department is not allowed to plow this highway. The State has their manpower and equipment to do this.

Maintaining your property and respecting the property of others is the responsibility of each and every citizen

Several warning sirens are located around the city to alarm residents of emergency weather. Our Sandwich EMA staff, in conjunction with our Police Department, will only sound the emergency siren when a situation is determined to be a threat to Sandwich. By sounding the siren only when the city is in the path of a severe storm or tornado, we know you will understand its severe meaning and react appropriately when you hear it. The sound of the siren indicates that you and your family should seek safety and shelter immediately. For additional information, please visit the city’s website at www.sandwich.il.us and click on “Emergency Management Agency”.

Please be aware the emergency sirens are tested the first Tuesday morning each month, weather permitting.

 Residents not already registered to vote and desiring to do so may stop by City Hall and see one of the Deputy Registrars. Registration requirements are that a person must be 18 years or older, must be a resident for at least 30 days preceding any election, and must be a citizen of the United States. Persons must provide two forms of identification, one of which must contain the current address of the registrant.

Sandwich Community Unit School District #430 can be reached at 815-786-2187. The central office for the school district is located at 720 S. Wells Street. 

Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital is located on the north side of the city at 1302 N. Main Street. Their phone number is 815-786-8484

Sandwich District Library is located at 925 S. Main Street. For information and hours phone 815-786-8308 or www.sandwichpld.org

The township assessor can explain how your assessment was determined. Persons should also contact the Township Assessor to sign up for the Homestead Exemption and Senior Homestead Exemption. For residents in DeKalb County, questions may be directed to Sandwich Township Assessor Sheila Johnson, 201 W. Center Street, Sandwich, IL 60548 or by calling 815-786-2828. For those Sandwich residents whose homes are in Kendall County, contact Monica Kleinmaier, Little Rock Township Assessor, 611 W. Main Street, Plano, IL 60545, or phone 630-552-1316.

We ask that everyone take a proactive role in the preservation of our neighborhoods and report any and all activities of a suspicious nature to the Police Department as soon as possible. The non-emergency number is 815-786-7261 and, of course, you can always call 911 in the event of an emergency. The police department is located at 1251 E. 6th Street.

Be aware of public safety vehicles

Pull to the right for sirens and lights

Tax billing and payment questions for residents in DeKalb County should be directed to the DeKalb County Treasurer, 110 E. Sycamore Street, Sycamore, IL 60178 or by calling 815-895-7112. Kendall County residents should contact the Kendall County Treasurer, 111 Fox Street, Yorkville, IL 60560 or by calling 630-553- 4124