Village of Oswego Village Board met Aug. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Troy Parlier called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Physically Present: President Troy Parlier and Trustees James Marter II, Terry Olson, Pam Parr, Luis Perez, Judy Sollinger and Brian Thomas.
Staff Physically Present: Dan Di Santo, Village Administrator; Christina Burns, Asst. Village Administrator/HR Director; Tina Touchette, Village Clerk; Jeff Burgner, Police Chief; Joe Renzetti, IT/GIS Director; Mark Horton, Finance Director; and Rod Zenner, Community Development Director; Jennifer Hughes, Public Works Director; Susan Quasney, Project Engineer; Tim Zasada, Asst. Public Works Director Utilities; Ryan Morton, Village Attorney; and Karl Ottosen, Village Attorney.
PUBLIC FORUM
Public Forum was opened at 7:01 p.m. There was no one who requested to speak; the Public Forum was closed at 7:01 p.m.
RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS- Proclamations moved from President’s Report. L.1 Proclamation- National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 2020 President Parlier read the proclamation.
L.2 Proclamation- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September 2020 President Parlier read the proclamation.
STAFF REPORTS
There were no staff reports.
CONSENT AGENDA
H.1 August 4, 2020 Committee of the Whole Minutes
H.2 August 4, 2020 Regular Village Board Meeting Minutes
H.3 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Release, Hold Harmless and Temporary Construction Easement Agreement for the Lad Service Line Replacement Program at the Properties Located at 26 W. Benton St., 62 Park St., 16 Garfield Ave. and 224 Chicago Rd. Resolution No. 20-R-76
A motion was made by Trustee Sollinger and seconded by Trustee Olson to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the August 4, 2020 Committee of the Whole Minutes; Approving the August 4, 2020 Regular Village Board Minutes; and approving the following resolution:
Resolution No. 20-R-76; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Release, Hold Harmless and Temporary Construction Easement Agreement for the Lad Service Line Replacement Program at the Properties Located at 26 W. Benton St., 62 Park St., 16 Garfield Ave. and 224 Chicago Rd.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by an omnibus roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
BILL LIST
I.1 Approve Bill List Dated August 18, 2020 in the Amount of $1,964,874.10.
Board member inquired into the payment to the AACVB. When the Village receives money from the hotel/motel tax, AACVB gets 90%.
A motion was made by Trustee Thomas and seconded by Trustee Parr to approve the Bill List Dated August 18, 2020 in the Amount of $1,964,874.10.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
OLD BUSINESS
J.1 Resolution Ratifying the Village President’s Executive Orders and Extending Declaration of Local Emergency and Disaster. Resolution No. 20-R-77
A motion was made by Trustee Sollinger and seconded by Trustee Marter II to approve the Resolution Ratifying the Village President’s Executive Orders and Extending Declaration of Local Emergency and Disaster.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
NEW BUSINESS
K.1 Ordinance Granting a Minor Amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development for Prairie Market Resubdivision No. 7 Located at 2326 Route 34. Ordinance No. 20-46
A motion was made by Trustee Parr and seconded by Trustee Sollinger to approve an Ordinance Granting a Minor Amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development for Prairie Market Resubdivision No. 7 Located at 2326 Route 34.
Board and staff discussion focused on consistency with signs; rear signs can be two feet, but no side signs; if the Village allowed them to have a bigger sign, then others would also want a bigger sign; Village allows frontage and entrance signs; control the number of signs when no access for roadways or entrances and will not be visible; T-Mobile is already in town, just relocating; signage is good advertising; like to be consistent. There was no further discussion.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes. K.2 Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 31; Increase Class "G" Video Gaming License for Pearce's Pub & Grill Located at 3516 US Highway 34, Unit B. Ordinance No. 20-47
A motion was made by Trustee Thomas and seconded by Trustee Sollinger to approve an Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 31; Increase Class "G" Video Gaming License for Pearce's Pub & Grill Located at 3516 US Highway 34, Unit B.
Board, staff, applicant, and terminal operator (TO) for Universal Gaming discussion focused on misunderstood the physical barrier requirement; distributor helps with the application process and marketing after the applicant is licensed; State versus local versus retailer; Pearce’s trying to keep the business open year-round; 4 to 6-month delay in getting a video gaming license from the State; TO can help pay the construction of the barrier up to 50%; cannot help beyond; Universal Gaming is also the TO for the Turf Room; need more discussion at a future meeting on how many licenses in the Village; need playbook; Illinois Gaming Board website is easy to use for looking up towns and businesses with video gaming; making sure the Village does not get over gained; Oswego is friendlier than other communities. There was no further discussion.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
K.3 US Highway 34 (Washington Street) Traffic Improvements
a) Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for Professional Engineering Services to Prepare Short-term Safety Improvement Plans for US Highway 34 (Washington Street) in the Amount of $18,800.00. Resolution No. 20-R-78 Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for Professional Engineering Services to Prepare Long-term Safety Improvement Plans for US Highway 34 (Washington Street) in the Amount of $85,500.00. Resolution No. 20-R-79
b) A motion was made by Trustee Sollinger and seconded by Trustee Perez to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for Professional Engineering Services to Prepare Short-term Safety Improvement Plans for US Highway 34 (Washington Street) in the Amount of $18,800.00 and approve a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. for Professional Engineering Services to Prepare Long-term Safety Improvement Plans for US Highway 34 (Washington Street) in the Amount of $85,500.00.
Director Hughes addressed the Board regarding safety improvements for US Highway 34/Washington St.
Short-term Safety Improvement Plans
This project will address immediate needs of the downtown to highlight the 20-mph speed limit in the downtown and enhance visibility of crosswalks. The project includes:
• Upgrade of existing and installation of new traffic signs
• Installation of radar feedback (“YOUR SPEED IS”) signs
• Upgrade of existing and installation of new pavement markings
• Traffic signal modifications to eliminate existing “split phasing” at the intersection of US Route 34 (Washington Street) and Illinois Route 31
The project contemplates adding signs and pavement markings in the US 34 corridor from Jefferson Street to IL 31. The purpose of the signs is to reinforce the 20-mph speed limit by increasing the size and number of speed signs, providing radar feedback signs, and adding pavement markings to enhance crosswalks. CBBEL will prepare the plans, obtain permits, and coordinate and facilitate discussions with IDOT. Staff proposes to eliminate the “split phasing” at the intersection by Village Hall. Currently, eastbound and westbound Washington Street do not get green lights at the same time. This “split” increases the cycle time for the intersection, thereby increasing delay. CBBEL’s simulations suggest that if both directions receive green at the same time, flow through the intersection will be improved.
Long-term Safety Improvement Plans
Other improvements are contemplated for the downtown. An increased level of engineering, due to the complexity of the design, dictates that these improvements will take longer to implement. A second contract addresses these improvements at the intersections of Main and Harrison Streets with US Route 34 (Washington Street). Those include:
• Traffic signal feasibility study
• Traffic signal installation/modification plans
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) modification plans
• Interconnect to new signal(s) – US 34 (Washington Street) at IL 31/US 34 (by Village Hall)
• Permit documents and processing
• Project management, coordination, and quality control/quality assurance
The Village believes the traffic signals will offer the most protection for pedestrians. In the event IDOT does not authorize them, the plan is to place RRFBs over the traffic lanes to improve visibility. Should IDOT allow the signals, the RRFBs will not be designed. The existing RRFBs at Main Street are located along the side of the road and can blend into the adjacent scenery and are sometimes obscured by large vehicles. The new RRFBs will be designed so that the poles can be re-purposed for traffic signals once the warrants for signals are met. Construction of either the RRFBs or the signals will trigger improvements to sidewalk ramps and the adjacent walk to meet current standards. Burke will survey the area to locate utilities to minimize conflicts with new poles. The survey will also document the right-of-way in the vicinity of the improvements. The traffic signals will be interconnected so that traffic can move through the corridor in a synchronized fashion.
Board and staff discussion focused on turnaround time; short term eliminates split phasing; emphasize the speed limit of 20-mph; sign will flash and “yell at you” if over 20-mph; larger signage and road signs; doing this in the Fall; obtaining permit from IDOT; long term plan’s primary focus is the traffic signal; present to State as soon as possible; preliminary info provided in December/January; meeting with the State in next month or so; more beacons; re-using the beacon poles for the traffic lights; turn signal added; downtown businesses said we need to do something; split decision on what should be done; concerns with turning onto Washington from Rt. 34/Chicago Rd; flashing signal installed that shows a stop ahead at Main St.; flashing lights do not stop traffic; secondary sign to be installed at the corner. There was no further discussion.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
K.4 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Professional Services Contract with Baxter and Woodman for an Alternative Water Source Evaluation in an Amount Not to Exceed $280,000.
Resolution No. 20-R-80
A motion was made by Trustee Sollinger and seconded by Trustee Thomas to approve Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Professional Services Contract with Baxter and Woodman for an Alternative Water Source Evaluation in an Amount Not to Exceed $280,000.
Board, staff and Baxter Project Manager, Carolyn Grieves discussion focused on funds are from the Water Capital Improvement Fund; Carolyn Grieves will be leading the team; she has 20+ years in working with other municipalities; big decision coming up; can take up to 24 months; minimize the timing and line up items; no such thing as too much info; August 20th is the kick-off meeting; first meeting to define the scope, schedule deliverables and introducing the team; all need to be on the same page for goals and expectations; internal meetings; new emerging technology; look at all three water source options; provide recommendations to the Board; a lot of issues will be brought forward; a lot of decisions; huge investment into the community; Village is in year six of working on the choice; will take a couple more years to implement; every budget year the Board should do a separate dedicated meeting for this topic; confident with what is being brought forward; Village Administrator is working with Yorkville and Montgomery that could help cut costs; joint meetings with rotating Trustees or a dedicated Trustee; legal contracts are separate from this contract; scope of services will be developed over time; looking at various short- and long-term agreements; Yorkville and Montgomery have a contract with EEI as the engineer; looking at ways to help each other fund it. There was no further discussion.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
K.5 Resolution Appointing Caminer Law, LLC as Special Counsel for the Village of Oswego.
Resolution No. 20-R-81
A motion was made by Trustee Marter II and seconded by Trustee Sollinger to approve a Resolution Appointing Caminer Law, LLC as Special Counsel for the Village of Oswego.
Director Hughes addressed the Board regarding appointing a special counsel for the water source options. The principal of Caminer Law, LLC, Irene Caminer, is an experienced attorney with more than 30 years of government experience, including 20 years as the General Counsel to the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. In her role, Irene managed 47 direct water supply agreements, negotiated the terms of water supply agreements, and helped develop conservation plans through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. On this project, Irene’s role would be to provide advice, counsel, and guidance to the Village by analyzing general legal obligations involved in the various water source options, including drafting and reviewing legal agreements. As the recommended special counsel, Irene has agreed to the terms of the Village’s attorney guidelines, which set the expectations, standards, and billing policy required of Village attorneys.
Board and staff discussion focused on Baxter recommended hiring; a lot of legal obligations; hard to tell what the scope will be; contracted on an hourly basis; $405,600 is for the Baxter contract and legal fees for FY21; Village Attorney looks forward to working with Irene; excellent idea; contract was based on attorney guidelines; Irene is honored to be working with the Village; she is not going to step on anyone’s toes; bridging the legal with municipality with water companies; engaging the community; educating and helping them understand the process; conservation and how the Village is taking the steps; policies in place; “Rethink Joliet Water” website is helpful. There was no discussion.
Aye: James Marter II Terry Olson
Pam Parr Luis Perez
Judy Sollinger Brian Thomas
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
School is re-opening next week for remote learning; get to go start talking to kids again.
TRUSTEE REPORTS
Trustee Marter II- 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment; Susan B. Anthony was pardoned today. He has concerns with storms and debris in the sewer; Fall is when debris is large; 99% of backups in the summer is due to the intensity of the storms; balls or tree roots cause clogged pipes.
Trustee Perez- ReCon tradeshow- any forecasting would be helpful; if we can get one player at the tradeshow, it is a win; Village Administrator noted that him and Director Zenner are attending ICSC remotely this Fall. Fees for the tradeshows are less to enter virtually.
Trustee Thomas- getting back to normalcy, but we are missing conferences; what’s the normal for kids; maybe kids can go back to school in Phase 5; comradery; hope for no spike in cases; schools making a decision in October.
Trustee Sollinger- disappointed there will be no IML Conference this year.
President Parr- do we have a census update? Asst. Administrator Burns noted that those who have not responded are being followed-up by census workers; Oswego has a good response rate in the low 80% range; census workers will call up to six times or ask neighbors; have until the end of September to complete; door to door is done only by census workers.
CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session held.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Trustee Sollinger and seconded by Trustee Marter II to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members present voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
http://www.oswegoil.org/pdf/8-18-20-regvb.pdf
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