Village of Oswego Board of Trustees met Aug. 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. Shane Yackley led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Shane Yackley to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Shane joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 1995 as an enlisted soldier in a Combat Engineer unit. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to Air Defense Artillery, where he was assigned to a squad as a driver for a M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. In 2001, after attending OCS and earning his commission as an officer, he attended the US Army’s Flight School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 2002, he graduated as a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot and moved back home to Illinois and married his wife, Melissa. In late 2003, he received federal orders to deploy to Iraq as a Platoon Leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II and was assigned to B Company 1/106th Aviation Regiment. While in Iraq, he was stationed at Balad Airbase in the middle of the Sunni Triangle flying nearly 400 hours of combat missions and air assaults across the country. In 2005, he returned home from Iraq and in 2006 began his law enforcement career with the Warrenville Police Department. Just after graduating the police academy, he again deployed on a humanitarian mission to El Salvador. Shane continued to serve until 2007 when he was hired by the Oswego Police Department. During his service, Shane was decorated with the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Air Medal. Today, he resides with his family in Oswego where he serves as our Police Department’s Detective Sergeant and Acting Deputy Chief of Support Services.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Physically Present: President Ryan Kauffman; Trustees Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange, Karen Novy, and Andrew Torres.
Board Members Absent: Trustee Jennifer Jones Sinnott
Staff Physically Present: Dan Di Santo, Village Administrator; Christina Burns, Deputy Village Administrator; Tina Touchette, Village Clerk; Jennifer Hughes, Public Works Director; Jason Bastin, Interim Chief of Police; Andrea Lamberg, Finance Director; Rod Zenner, Community Development Services Director; Joe Renzetti, IT/GIS Director; Kerry Behr, Project Engineer; Bridget Bittman, Community Relations Manager- Marketing; Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director; Steve Raasch, Facilities Manager; Bryan Wellner, Village Attorney; and Matt Moustis, Law Clerk.
RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS
D.1 Oath of Office
a) Alan Urbano - Patrol Officer
Interim Chief Bastin recognized Police Commission members Ron Elvin and Carrie Niesman, and the family and friends of Alan who attended. He briefly spoke about Alan’s background. Alan will be Badge# 84 and heading to the police academy. President Kauffman administered the oath of office.
D.2 EDC Business of the Month Recognition - HQC, Inc.
President Kauffman asked Tim Andrus, owner and founder of HQC, to come forward to be recognized. Congratulations to HQC Inc., for being featured as the Business of the Month for August. The business of the month program is a new initiative of the Economic Development Commission where the commissioners nominate and vote on a business which has demonstrated significant involvement in the Oswego community. HQC specializes in plastics manufacturing for the food and beverage, personal care and medical industries. A mid-sized company incorporated in 1987, HQC moved to Oswego in 1996 and has maintained its headquarters at 230 Kendall Point Drive. HQC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in an 80,000-square-foot facility where it produces more than 500 million parts per year. The company’s commitment to safety and quality is reinforced by multiple certifications including the Safe Quality Food Institute 9.0 for food safety, ISO 13485 for manufacturing medical devices and Interstate Milk Shippers for dairy packaging. A dedicated supporter of the community and the Oswegoland Park District, HQC has sponsored PrairieFest for more than a decade and increased its commitment in the last two years to help ensure the festival could continue among rising costs. President Kauffman and Economic Development Director Leighty presented HQC, Inc. with their Business of the Month award. Pictures were taken. Mr. Andrus stated the award goes to the police department and staff for the strong community; wouldn’t have businesses if wasn’t for the police department and staff.
D.3 Proclamation- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September 2023.
President Kauffman read the proclamation.
D.4 Proclamation- National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, September 2023
President Kauffman asked the Founder, Angie Chapas, and Maria Manzo, Board member of 71 Reasons and More Foundation, to come forward. In the Fall of 2021, the unexpected passing of a rising Oswego East High School senior and football player, Mark Chapas, Jr. triggered a series of events leading to the creation of a local non-profit called 71 Reasons and More Foundation. The foundation is a much-needed organization that promotes mental health and suicide awareness in the community. They are in the process of implementing programs into the school district, giving scholarships to youth in need, and looking to open a safe zone for youth. President Kauffman read the proclamation and presented a copy of the proclamation to Angie and Maria. Pictures were taken.
President Kauffman noted his best friend from high school killed himself when he was 19; wish he could go back and reach out to him and tell him he’s not alone. Angie thanked President Kauffman and noted when we lose a loved one to this, we wish we could go back and say something; everyday remember to say something to your loved ones and send a message to your loved ones because you don’t know what they are struggling with.
PUBLIC FORUM
Public Forum was opened at 7:33 p.m.
Administrator Di Santo stated that public forum is not for questions and answers and briefly spoke about the proposed cricket stadium. The proposal was submitted to staff; there will be a public hearing at the September 7, 2023 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting; people can attend the meeting to voice their opinions; the Village Board has not received materials regarding the cricket stadium proposal. The item is not on the agenda tonight and won’t come to the Village Board for quite some time.
Dawn DeRosa addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. She moved to Blackberry Knoll in 2019; does not want this in her neighborhood; concerned with traffic, loud noise, declining home value, strangers, crime, and decrease in quality of life; enjoys her land, pond and the serenity of the outdoors; what is the benefit of the stadium; how would you feel if this was built in your backyard; make the right decision.
Lori Witzel addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. She lives in Blackberry Knoll and shares a property line with the proposed stadium; stadium will be horribly disruptive; concerns with number of parking spaces, traffic, parking on their streets, large crowds, and drinking; no longer feels safe; not manageable for police and fire response; no benefits to the community; another subdivision being constructed on the south side; retention areas and flooding; not a location for this; deny the project.
Kevin Oscarson addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. He has been a resident of Blackberry Knoll since the beginning; Oswego is a home and investment for him; who builds a stadium near homes; this is a monstrosity; concerns with number of people and parking; not good for the community.
Carrie and Robert Updyke addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. They are residents of Blackberry Knoll; will no longer be peaceful; decibel levels; concerns with traffic, noise, decrease in property value, alcohol, length of time of the games; disrupt lives and quality of life; asked President Kauffman to follow through with his promoting of economic development and enhancing the quality of life.
Jesus Marchan addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. Has lived in Blackberry Knoll for 20 years; worried about traffic, noise, lights; has privacy and is quiet now; all that will change; children grew up here; disagrees with the building of the stadium.
Kim Kaiartzis addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. Lives in Blackberry Knoll; loves the quiet of the night, fountains, and the people; stadium will be in her backyard; concerned with traffic, noise, lights, and garbage; will impact other neighborhoods; not opposed to a stadium, just not at this location.
Fred Kind addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. He is a resident of Blackberry Knoll; it is peaceful and quiet; supports the neighbors behind him; not the right avenue to be zoned; 24,000 capacity stadium; would love to attend a cricket game, but not in his neighborhood; traffic problems and crowds.
Steve Lucas addressed the Board regarding the proposed cricket stadium. He moved to Blackberry Knoll in 2014; he is an athletic director in Plano; statistics on amount of people interested in cricket; no programs offered for children; not catering to Oswego; catering to others; concerned with traffic, crime, theft, crowds, and lights; would like to see the land utilized for youth and other programs for the community; opportunities to hold tournaments without lights; do more homework.
Mark Martinez addressed the Board concerning traffic issues for Oswego East High School; takes over 45 minutes to get to school; parking issues; daughter has before and after school activities and a job; she is not eligible for a parking pass because they live in Aurora; she will need to Uber to school and drop her before and after school activities; he will pay for a parking pass in Prescott Mill.
There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 8:03 p.m.
STAFF REPORTS
F.2 Non-Resident School Day Zone Parking Permit Discussion (Committee of the Whole item from August 22, 2023)
Interim Chief Bastin addressed the Board regarding Oswego East High School parking permits to non residents. Last year, the Board approved an ordinance which limits on-street parking during school hours, in specified zones, but allows parking permits to be purchased by Village of Oswego residents who don’t live in the specified zone. These permits are typically purchased by parents of Oswego East High School students who are unable to obtain a permit to park on school property. Permits cost $400 per year. Each zone has a limit of twenty-five (25) permits available. Last school year there were eight (8) permits purchased for Zone 1 (Prescott Mill). This school year there have only been three (3) permits purchased, thus far, in Zone 1. No permits were purchased for any other zones. Approximately 30% of Oswego East students live in Oswego.
Staff has received five (5) requests to purchase a zone permit from SD308 parents who reside outside the Village of Oswego, but whose children attend Oswego East High School. The reason for the request is based on their child being denied a parking permit on school property, but having before or after school activities in which they need to drive themselves or a sibling. President Kauffman asked that the request to allow non-Oswego residents to purchase permits be forwarded to the Village Board for consideration. Now that the permit program is entering its second year and we have not approached the 25-permit limit, there appears to be room to allow a limited number of non-resident permits.
Board and staff discussion focused on permits are currently only for Oswego residents; SD308 didn’t want to build a parking lot; why there are restrictions on students; keep permit costs the same; parking permits are for all Oswego residents and not just students; allow permits for non-residents; this is a school district problem; ordinance was created because the leadership of SD308 did nothing; ordinance created to help the residents of Prescott Mill; working in the best interests of the community; limiting the number of permits, for non-residents, to five (5); where does SD308 stand on the building of the parking lot; modifying for five (5) permits in each zone; how it was decided to allow 25 permits; can’t foresee anyone buying permits; will look into whether permits can only be offered to students; permits offered from day one; 70% of students are non-residents; don’t want this to come back again for another ordinance amendment; can’t park in some areas and be able to walk to school; some parking permits are applied for after the start of the school year; parking lot plans have been submitted to the Village, but staff has not heard back from the school district; concerns with more non-resident students coming forward for permits; building a path on Harvey will require property to be acquired and there is no right-of-way; SD308 does not buy the parking permits; setting the non-resident permits to five (5); allowing five (5) in each zone; had large amount of vehicles parking in Prescott Mill; safety concerns; the ordinance stopped the issues; zone one is closest to the school and allows students to safely walk; ordinance currently allows the police department to revoke permits; no one is parking on Treasure Drive; wanting to offer more to non-residents. There was no further discussion.
CONSENT AGENDA
G.1 August 8, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes
G.2 August 8, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes
G.3 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Sealtight Exteriors Inc. for Roof Replacements at Well 9 & Well 10 in the Amount of $38,700.00.
G.4 Ordinance Granting a Variance in the R-2 Single Family Residence District to Eliminate the Curb and Gutter Requirements for the Proposed 20 Space Parking Lot Located at 275 Bluegrass Parkway. Pulled for a separate vote.
G.5 Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Retail Establishment in an M-1 General Manufacturing District Located at 27 Stonehill Road Unit A.
G.6 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Go Painters Inc. For the Fire Hydrant Painting Services in the Amount of $102.00 Per Hydrant Not to Exceed $45,000.
G.7 Resolution Authorizing Sewertech, LLC for the Cleaning and Closed-Circuit Televising of 24,000 Feet of Sanitary Sewer System in an Amount Not to Exceed $61,925.00.
G.8 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management in the Amount of $69,790 to Provide a Complete GIS-based Tree Inventory and a Comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan.
G.9 An Ordinance Amending the Village of Oswego Code of Ordinances with Respect to the Village Fiscal Year and Establishing the Village Fiscal Year on a Calendar Year Basis.
G.10 Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with SAFEbuilt Illinois LLC for Building Inspection and Plan Review Services.
A motion was made by Trustee Guist and seconded by Trustee Kuhrt to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the August 8, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes; and Approving the August 8, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes; and Approving the following ordinances and resolutions:
Ordinance No. 23-57; Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Retail Establishment in an M-1 General Manufacturing District Located at 27 Stonehill Road Unit A.
Ordinance No. 23-58; An Ordinance Amending the Village of Oswego Code of Ordinances with Respect to the Village Fiscal Year and Establishing the Village Fiscal Year on a Calendar Year Basis. Resolution No. 23-R-68; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Sealtight Exteriors Inc. for Roof Replacements at Well 9 & Well 10 in the Amount of $38,700.00. Resolution No. 23-R-69; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Go Painters Inc. For the Fire Hydrant Painting Services in the Amount of $102.00 Per Hydrant Not to Exceed $45,000.
Resolution No. 23-R-70; Resolution Authorizing Sewertech, LLC for the Cleaning and Closed Circuit Televising of 24,000 Feet of Sanitary Sewer System in an Amount Not to Exceed $61,925.00. Resolution No. 23-R-71; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management in the Amount of $69,790 to Provide a Complete GIS-based Tree Inventory and a Comprehensive Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Resolution No. 23-R-72; Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with SAFEbuilt Illinois LLC for Building Inspection and Plan Review Services.
Aye: Tom Guist Kit Kuhrt
Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy
Andrew Torres
Nay: None
Absent: Jennifer Jones Sinnott
The motion was declared carried by an omnibus roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
G.4 Ordinance Granting a Variance in the R-2 Single Family Residence District to Eliminate the Curb and Gutter Requirements for the Proposed 20 Space Parking Lot Located at 275 Bluegrass Parkway. Pulled for a separate vote.
Board and staff discussion focused on curb and gutter removed; water issues already in the area; Planning & Zoning Commission asked for the grading to be re-done; lot needs to be built this year; need to address the water concerns; need the Park District to come in and discuss; need details; no budget, no completion date. There was no further discussion.
A motion was made by Trustee Kuhrt and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to table the Ordinance Granting a Variance in the R-2 Single Family Residence District to Eliminate the Curb and Gutter Requirements for the Proposed 20 Space Parking Lot Located at 275 Bluegrass Parkway.
Aye: Tom Guist Kit Kuhrt
Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy
Andrew Torres
Nay: None
Absent: Jennifer Jones Sinnott
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
BILL LIST
H.1 Approve Bill List Dated August 22, 2023, in the Amount of $1,655,462.45.
A motion was made by Trustee Torres and seconded by Trustee Guist to approve the Bill List Dated August 22, 2023, in the Amount of $1,655,462.45.
Aye: Tom Guist Kit Kuhrt
Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy
Andrew Torres
Nay: None
Absent: Jennifer Jones Sinnott
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
J.1 Ordinance Granting a Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development for MJK Oswego Redevelopment for the Redevelopment of Lot 15 of Oswego Commons to Accommodate a Multi-Tenant Commercial Building Located at 2830 Route 34. Ordinance No. 23-59
Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding approval of a major change for the redevelopment from a bank facility to a multi-tenant building. The petitioner is requesting to remove the drive-thru canopy located on the east side of the building. A 2,150 square-foot addition will then be added to the east side of the building for a new total building area of 6,987 square-feet. The change would equate to an increase of 46% increase in the total gross floor area of the building. The building will feature three tenants. 44 parking spaces will be located on all four sides of the building exceeding the Code requirement of 38 spaces. A pick-up window will be provided on the east side of the building for a restaurant. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on May 4, 2023, and recommended approval (4-0).
Board and staff discussion focused on canopy taken out to build a pick-up window; no drive-thru; building has been vacant for 1-2 years. There was no further discussion.
A motion was made by Trustee Guist and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve an Ordinance Granting a Major Amendment to the Planned Unit Development for MJK Oswego Redevelopment for the Redevelopment of Lot 15 of Oswego Commons to Accommodate a Multi-Tenant Commercial Building Located at 2830 Route 34.
Aye: Tom Guist Kit Kuhrt
Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy
Andrew Torres
Nay: None
Absent: Jennifer Jones Sinnott
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
TRUSTEE REPORTS
Trustee Torres- congratulations to the new officer; in recognition of national suicide prevention month, you can call 988 if needing to talk or text; productive water discussion.
Trustee McCarthy-Lange- congratulations to the new officer; need to get information on the cricket stadium proposal; commiserate with the speaker regarding school parking; glad to be here.
Trustee Guist- no report
Trustee Jones Sinnott- absent; no report
Trustee Kuhrt- congratulations to the new officer; couple of concerts coming up; Wine Off the Fox is on September 1st and 2nd; can pre-buy tickets at Venue1012.com; charity groups get a percentage of the ticket sales; make-up concert coming up; good discussion on water.
Trustee Novy- congratulations to the new officer; went to Scoops to get ice cream; it was really good; glad about water and relaying information to the residents.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It’s going to be really hot over the next two days; if you are in need of cooling centers, they are posted on the Village’s Facebook page; looking forward to Wine Off the Fox; have a Happy and Safe Labor Day; it’s been a good summer; congratulations to the new officer.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Trustee Kuhrt and seconded by Trustee Torres to enter Closed Session for the purposes of discussing the following:
• Pending and Probable Litigation
• Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Personnel
• Collective Bargaining, Collective Negotiating Matters, Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules
• Sale, Lease, and/or Acquisition of Property
Aye: Tom Guist Kit Kuhrt
Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy
Andrew Torres
Nay: None
Absent: Jennifer Jones Sinnott
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
The Board adjourned to Closed Session at 8:47 p.m.
The Board returned to open session at 9:34 p.m. A roll call vote was taken. All attending Board members were present physically for the roll call.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Novy to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members present voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/6190/638302165498430000
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