Village of Oswego Board of Trustees met Sept. 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Rep. Stephanie Kifowit led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Before she led with the pledge, President Kauffman stated the following:
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Administration and Logistics Clerk from 1990 to 1994. She was first assigned to Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry where she received a meritorious promotion to Corporal (E4) for being selected the installation Marine of the Quarter in 1992. While at the School of Infantry, she assisted in the activation of Marine Reserves and their deployment overseas during Desert Storm. She was then selected for overseas service to Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan and was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing’s Logistics Office. Completing her enlistment in 1994, Rep. Kifowit returned to the United States and was honorably discharged, having earned the Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. She also serves as Treasurer for the American Legion Post 84 Roosevelt-Aurora as well as an active life member of DuPage County Marine Corps League, Fox Valley Marines, American Legion- Aurora Post 84. AmVets Aurora, and Women’s Marine Association.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Physically Present: President Ryan Kauffman; Trustees Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange, Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, and Andrew Torres.
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; Rod Zenner, Community Development Services Director; Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director; Kerry Behr, Project Engineer; Billie Robinson, Asst. Finance Director; Maddie Trinco, Management Analyst; Mark Runyon, Asst. Public Works Director; Bridget Bittman, Community Relations Manager- Marketing; Julie Hoffman, Community Relations Manager Special Events; and Jim Murphy, Village Attorney.
RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS
D.1 Oaths of Office
a) Jason Bastin- Chief of Police
A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Guist to approve the appointment of Jason Bastin, as Police Chief, effective September 19, 2023.
Aye: Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, Andrew Torres
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
President Kauffman asked Jason to come forward for his oath. Administrator Di Santo provided a brief statement of his military service, education, law enforcement career and responsibilities; and noted he was the recommended candidate to serve as the next Chief of Police; congratulations. President Kauffman briefly spoke about the selection process and noted he received unanimous support from the Village Board. Jason’s family was in attendance. President Kauffman swore him in; Jason’s wife pinned him. Jason thanked the PD, the FD, the Village Board, and the citizens for the opportunity; he thanked his family and hopes he can lead and lead well. Pictures were taken.
b) Shane Yackley- Deputy Chief
President Kauffman asked Shane to come forward for his oath. Chief Bastin briefly spoke about his military service; history and duties with the PD; lucky to have him. Shane’s family was in attendance. President Kauffman swore him in. His wife pinned him. Pictures were taken.
Chief Bastin recognized the Police Commission members, Ron Elvin, and Carrie Niesman for all the work they do in the hiring of officers.
c) Matthew Gallup- Sergeant
President Kauffman asked Matthew to come forward for his oath. Chief Bastin briefly spoke about his history and duties with the PD; he is the 5th Sergeant to be promoted in two years; Sergeants are the backbone of the department; Matthew’s family and friends were in attendance. President Kauffman swore him in. His wife pinned him. Pictures were taken.
d) David Gasca- Patrol Officer
President Kauffman asked David to come forward for his oath. Chief Bastin briefly spoke about his history and duties with the PD; he is the 54th officer to be hired which brings the department to full staff; he is another officer that comes from the Chicago PD; David’s family was in attendance. President Kauffman swore him in. Pictures were taken.
D.2 Recognition - Utilities Superintendent Zach Jardine
Director Hughes asked Zach to come forward to be recognized; she briefly spoke about his 22 years with Public Works and his important role and responsibilities for the department; it’s been an honor to work with him; his family could not attend, but they are part of the Public Works’ family; he has
respect from his team; he also worked for the fire department. President Kauffman read the proclamation and presented him a copy of the proclamation. Pictures were taken.
D.3 EDC Business of the Month Recognition - Bella-Gia Boutique
President Kauffman asked the representatives of Bella-Gia, members of the Economic Development Commission, and the Village Economic Development Director to come forward; he stated the following: Congratulations to Bella Gia Boutique for being featured as the Village of Oswego’s Business of the Month for September. The business of the month program is a new initiative of the Economic Development Commission. Bella Gia was founded in 1977 by Greg Kaleel and his family who first opened the store as American Male & Co. Within five years, the store had garnered international attention and Greg took the reins to the business shortly thereafter. The store continued to prosper over the years and in 1996, Greg’s sister Deena added their first female fashion boutique called “Editions”. Over nearly a half-century, the family business has experienced three generations of leadership and has adjusted well to evolving markets and fashion trends. Today, the store is known as Bella-Gia, which means “beautiful gal” in Italian. Bella-Gia is stylishly stocked with big name designer clothing for women at reasonable prices. Its sibling company, The Prom Shoppe, operates on the lower level of the same building and sells dresses for high school dances. The Prom Shoppe started in 2000 as a small division of American Male but has grown to be its own store that offers select new, designer dresses at a variety of price points. Bella-Gia and The Prom Shoppe are still owned by the Kaleel Family today but managed and operated by multiple long-time employees including Stacy Shaw, Gabby Plachetka, and Jessica Diebold. Ownership and employees of Bella-Gia alike have been involved in the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce, Oswego Downtown Association, and sponsors of several civic events.
President Kauffman presented the business with a certificate. Pictures were taken. D.4 Art at Village Hall Artist Recognition- Carla Taylor
President Kauffman asked Carla to come forward for her recognition and stated the following: Carla Taylor was selected by the Oswego Cultural Arts Commission to be one of four featured artists to exhibit her work at Village Hall in 2023. Her artwork currently adorns the walls of the lobby and staircase and will be on display until October 26th. Carla grew up on a farm along the Aux Sable Creek at the southern edge of the Oswego School District where she still lives. There she developed an appreciation for nature, trees, fields, pasturelands, old farm buildings, and farm machinery. These have always been the main focus of her subject matter. She worked designing greeting cards for many years while her children were young. Once her three boys were in school, she began taking classes at Joliet Junior College and later finished at Northern Illinois University, in 2005, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art. While at Northern, the City of Joliet was rapidly expanding in Kendall County and Carla was able to get a grant to paint the "endangered landscapes" in her area that were slated for development. She then had the first show at the newly created gallery at the Laws of Nature Museum in the old Historic Courthouse in Yorkville. She is thankful to the Village of Oswego for the opportunities given to local artists to show their work in such a beautiful space. Her work is magnificent, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase such incredible talent here in Oswego and we wish you continued success in your artistic endeavors.
President Kauffman presented her with a certificate. Pictures were taken.
PUBLIC FORUM
Public Forum was opened at 7:47 p.m.
Drake Cote addressed the Board regarding equal pay for workers with disabilities; he is a senior in college; 14 (c) is a law from 84 years ago which authorizes employers to pay subminimum wages to workers who have disabilities; the Department of Labor has been fining businesses for paying subminimum wages; Illinois is drafting a law to eliminate 14 (c) and would be the second state in the nation to do this.
James Marter II addressed the Board regarding the mural item on tonight’s agenda; back in March, the Board approved bike racks; the project seemed controversial; he addressed previous comments about the art on the wall; it’s the same artist as the other mural; hope the views on the Cultural Arts Commission and art in the downtown has changed.
There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:52 p.m.
STAFF REPORTS
Administrator Di Santo congratulated Deputy Administrator Christina Burns for being appointed as County Administrator; this is not her last meeting, but he will not be here for her last meeting on October 3rd; Christina has worked for the Village for 10 years as the Asst. Village Administrator and Deputy Village Administrator; she has supervised HR, Community Relations, Purchasing, IT and
interns; he acknowledged her accomplishments and contributions to the Village and staff; he wished her the best in her next career. Christina’s last day is October 4, 2023.
CONSENT AGENDA
G.1 September 5, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes
G.2 September 5, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes
G.3 September 5, 2023 Closed Session Minutes, Approve and Release
G.4 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LT from Ron Westphal Chevrolet in the Amount of $31,790.00 and to Trade in a 2013 Chevrolet Impala for a Credit of $1,200.00 for a Final Sales Price of $30,590.00; and Purchase the Required Equipment and Installation of Equipment for a Grand Total Not to Exceed $38,000.00.
G.5 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Employment Agreement with Jason Bastin as Police Chief.
G.6 Resolution Adopting an Amendment to the Personnel Policy Village of Oswego; Sick/Personal Leave.
G.7 Resolution Authorizing the Establishment of Tax Code Section 115 Trust for Police Command Positions.
A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the September 5, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes; and Approving the September 5, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes; Approving and Releasing the September 5, 2023 Closed Session Minutes and Approving the following resolutions:
Resolution No. 23-R-76; Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One New 2024 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LT from Ron Westphal Chevrolet in the Amount of $31,790.00 and to Trade in a 2013 Chevrolet Impala for a Credit of $1,200.00 for a Final Sales Price of $30,590.00; and Purchase the Required Equipment and Installation of Equipment for a Grand Total Not to Exceed $38,000.00. Resolution No. 23-R-77; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Employment Agreement with Jason Bastin as Police Chief.
Resolution No. 23-R-78; Resolution Adopting an Amendment to the Personnel Policy Village of Oswego; Sick/Personal Leave.
Resolution No. 23-R-79; Resolution Authorizing the Establishment of Tax Code Section 115 Trust for Police Command Positions.
Aye: Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, Andrew Torres
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
H.1 Approve Bill List Dated September 19, 2023, in the Amount of $2,899,939.88.
A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Torres to approve the Bill List Dated September 19, 2023, in the Amount of $2,899,939.88.
Aye: Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, Andrew Torres
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS
J.1 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for Corrosion Control Program and Grant Management in the Amount of $171,400.00. Resolution No. 23-R-80
Director Hughes addressed the Board regarding an agreement for a corrosion control program and grant management. The Village proposes to switch the source of water from the aquifer to Lake Michigan water. Before we switch water sources, we need to test the existing pipes to determine the capability with the new water. The system can be engineered to address any incompatibilities so that the existing pipes do not corrode due to the new water. This step was not taken in Flint, Michigan. The Villages of Oswego, Montgomery, and the United City of Yorkville will implement a corrosion control program to determine what steps, if any, are needed to protect the existing pipes due to the new water source. The corrosion control study involves removing sections of existing main from the ground and running water from the new source. The pipes are examined, over time, to determine if the new water has any impact on the pipes. If there is an impact, a treatment program is established to mitigate the impacts. The study will be performed by a company specializing in this type of analysis.
Congresswoman Underwood secured a $1.8 million EPA Community Grant to support the corrosion control study for Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville. The grant requires preparation of an application, submittal of status reports, and project closeout documentation. The grant requires the corrosion control study to be competitively bid in accordance with federal procurement requirements. The grant has a 20% local match requirement. The $450,000 local match will be shared by Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville. The EPA is currently reviewing whether grant or match money can be used to pay for Baxter & Woodman’s services under this contract.
There was no discussion.
A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Guist to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for Corrosion Control Program and Grant Management in the Amount of $171,400.00.
Aye: Tom Guist, Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy-Lange Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, Andrew Torres
Nay: None
The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.
J.2 Concept Plan for Gas Station/Quick Service Restaurant Business with Request for Gaming License (North corner of Plainfield Rd and Woolley Rd)
Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding a concept plan for a gas station, restaurant, and a request for a video gaming license. The petitioner was not present. The 3.47-acre property is part of Ashcroft Place Unit 2; it was annexed and rezoned to B-2 Community Shopping District in 2005. Since that time, the property has remained vacant, pending development. It is designated as Commercial in the Comprehensive Plan.
Concept plan details:
• Gas station with six (6) gas pumps
• Small multi-tenant-style building containing:
➢ Convenience store (1,200 square feet)
➢ Quick service restaurant (1,200 square feet) with a drive-through
➢ Two additional spaces for lease (800 square feet each)
• Consideration for a video gaming license
• Two access points: one on Woolley Road and one on Plainfield Road
• Not proposing any other automobile service uses at this time
• Landscaping plans have not been received
➢ Will need a variety of landscaped elements including landscape buffer yards, on-lot landscaping, and street trees
• Existing stormwater management retention pond
➢ Final engineering will confirm whether the existing facility is adequate for the project
• 29 parking spaces (26 would be required), and approximately 12 drive through stacking spaces
Staff Concerns and Recommendations
• How the parking spaces are arranged in relation to the access drives; particularly the eastern drive
• Coordinate their access point to Plainfield Road with the potential future Stone Hill Business Park access point
• Improve pedestrian access
• Layout of the site (can be addressed at the time of formal submittal)
Planning & Zoning Commission approved 7-0.
Board and staff discussion focused on access roads; site plan adjustments; one lot between the property and the daycare; not moving forward with the gaming license until the Board has further discussion on gaming overall; whether we are willing to pass up a gas station if not moving forward with a gaming license; whether the petitioner would proceed without a gaming license; petitioner is not here; core component is the gas station and service restaurants; approving only the concept plan; this is not a formal submittal; not in favor of any more gaming; four Board members not in favor of gaming; timing of survey going out; should have the survey results by the end of the year; whether the opinion on gaming will change based on the survey results; a coffee shop and sandwiches will be part of the concept; gaming concerns with the type of establishment than the actual license; asked about video gaming, on social media, and 90% said they were against gaming; open minded; survey questions were provided to the Board in the Friday report; survey is sent via direct mailing with 500 chosen randomly using GIS; have used the survey company before; wanting results of the video gaming questions before this project comes back to the Board; let the petitioner know we are gathering data; video gaming does not belong where children are and not in any gas stations; proposed project is across from parks and schools; not an ideal place for a gas station with gaming; great location; south section of town needs a gas station; residents are needing things moving south; discuss gaming at a later time; worried the petitioner is going to walk. Staff will provide the petitioner with the information discussed. There was no further discussion.
There was no motion made.
J.3 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Arthur Black for the Placement of a Public Art Mural at 59-61 Main Street.
Deputy Administrator Burns addressed the Board regarding public art at 59-61 Main Street. The Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) has had a focus on expanding public art within the community. In 2022, it completed its first project, which was a mural installed on the south side of the building owned by Arthur Black, which houses the Fox Valley Winery, Oswego Cyclery, and the former Oswego Brewing Company space. The mural was originally budgeted and planned to be larger than
what was installed, leaving funds available for a future project. The CAC continued to work with the muralist, Jason Watts, and other building owners downtown. Several building owners were initially interested, however they ultimately declined to be the home of the next mural project. The CAC again approached Mr. Black regarding the north side of the building. The CAC was originally concerned about the mural being blocked or covered by future development at the adjacent property, which is currently open space. However, with no immediate plans for development at the site, the CAC believes a mural will help to further beautify the site and bring public art until such time the adjacent property is developed. The mural concept depicts a farmers market scene, reflecting Oswego’s popular summer Country Market hosted by the Oswegoland Park District. Depending on scheduling availability and weather, the mural may be delayed until the spring, but is expected to be completed this fiscal year.
Board and staff discussion focused on first project was the manhole covers; current mural cost= $5,000.00; bike racks cost= $24,000.00; second mural cost= $8,000.00 plus the cost of the rental for a scissor lift; scissor list is not budgeted; current budget is $5,000.00; vacant lot on north side of the building; don’t have a quote on the lift; combined the FY23 and FY24 budget for the bike racks; second mural completed in the Spring; Imperial Investments owns the vacant lot; concerns with the future of the vacant lot; Imperial Investments has paused all future development plans; agreement for the second mural is for five (5) years; won’t be able to see the mural if the vacant lot is developed; this building is the only one where the owner agreed to allow the mural; space and size constraints; costs for the second mural are over budget; normal budget is $15,000.00 each year; bike racks will be installed after the Van Buren project is completed in October 2023; like the idea; wait until there is a budget; love the idea of the mural; concerns with the lot; whether there are other public art ideas; removable panels are expensive; panels cost $12,000.00 and does not include the artist costs; hold until next May’s budget; hosting mural recognitions; previous request for submissions from muralists; when the mural public art project was chosen, it was for several projects by the same artist; CAC can fundraise money for projects; art festival concept being discussed; exploring public banners; resource limitations; whether to increase the budget to $20,000.00 each year; concerns with permanent mural; CAC knows the mural may not be visible years down the road; other options from the CAC; item needs Board approval because of the agreement with the building owner; no harm in holding off until May. There was no further discussion.
There was no motion made.
TRUSTEE REPORTS
Trustee Novy- great evening; great cakes; privilege of going to Fox River clean-up; great event; thank you to Bridget Bittman; keeping rivers and towns clean.
Trustee Kuhrt- congratulations to the PD personnel who were sworn in; congratulations to Zach Jardine, Bella-Gia and Carla Taylor; last concert is on Friday- Petty Cash.
Trustee Jones Sinnott- great to be back; appreciate the thoughts and prayers; kudos to new Chief; have been part of this community for 20 years; proud of staffing the PD and the investment and support from the Board and the community; great to be part of the Economic Development Commission with the progression, change and growth; congratulations to Christina Burns; kudos to Zach Jardine; invite everyone to the last concert on Friday; looking forward to IML.
Trustee Guist- great night for the PD; being fully staffed is an accomplishment; congratulations to Christina Burns; thank you to Rod Zenner, Charlie Pajor, and the Planning & Zoning Commission members for the September 7th meeting; a lot of information.
Trustee McCarthy-Lange- great night for the PD; fun to see new patrol officers; congratulations to Zach Jardine and Carla Taylor; proud of you, Christina Burns, thank you to Rep. Lauran Underwood for the $1.8 million grant for corrosion control.
Trustee Torres- thank you to the PD, Jason Bastin, Shane Yackley, Matthew Gallup, and David Gasca; safest community; congratulations to Zach Jardine; congratulations to Bella-Gia; congratulations to Christina Burns; excited for everything going forward; excited for Petty Cash; inspiring to see the community support of officers.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Congratulations to Chief Bastin; very proud; congratulations to Shane Yackley, Matthew Gallup, David Gasca, Zach Jardine, Bella-Gia, and Carla Taylor; thank you Rep. Jed Davis; thank you Rep. Stephanie Kifowit; volunteered at Brew at the Bridge; people came out despite the weather; Happy Rosh Hashanah.
CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Torres to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members present voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/6264/638321132627970000
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