Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Board of Trustees met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. Dan Olvera led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Before he led with the pledge, President Kauffman stated the following:

Dan served 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a combat engineer and spent most of his career on the west coast at 29 palms, Camp Pendleton, and Miramar. He did three tours to Iraq from 2004-2008: two Marine Expeditionary Unit Deployments visiting multiple countries and assisting in humanitarian aids. He also spent 2 ½ years in Okinawa, Japan.

ROLL CALL

Board Members Physically Present: President Ryan Kauffman; Trustees Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy Lange, Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, and Andrew Torres.

Board Members Absent: Trustee Tom Guist

Staff Physically Present: Dan Di Santo, Village Administrator; Tina Touchette, Village Clerk; Jennifer Hughes, Public Works Director; Shane Yackley, Deputy Chief; Rod Zenner, Community Development Services Director; Andrea Lamberg, Finance Director; Joe Renzetti, IT Director; Bridget Bittman, Community Relations Manager- Marketing; Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director; Kerry Behr, Project Engineer; Madeleine Trinco, Management Analyst; and David Silverman, Village Attorney.

RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

D.1 Economic Development Commission

a) Remove Don Howard as a Member of the Economic Development Commission

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to Remove Don Howard as a Member of the Economic Development Commission.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt Karin           McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy Jennifer     Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: None

Absent: Tom Guist

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.

D.2 Economic Development Commission

a) Appoint Raphael Obafemi for a Term to Expire April 30, 2025

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Torres to approve the Appointment of Raphael Obafemi for a Term to Expire April 30, 2025.

Aye: Karin McCarthy-Lange   Karen Novy

Andrew Torres                   President Ryan Kauffman

Nay: Kit Kuhrt                         Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Absent: Tom Guist

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with four (4) aye votes and two (2) nay votes. There was no motion to reconsider.

D.3 Economic Development Commission Business of the Month Recognition - RJ Kuhn, Inc.

President Kauffman asked the representatives of RJ Kuhn, the Economic Development Commission, and Director Leighty to come forward. He read a brief statement about the history of the business which included: business founded by Dick Kuhn in 1972; is now a second generation business with his sons, Rick and Kevin took over the business in 2012; business has grown from a one-man shop to 15 employees; they pride themselves on their customer service and in May 2008, they were recognized by Chicago Magazine as one of the Chicago area’s top 24 plumbing businesses; the business has been actively involved in Oswego and is a long-time member of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce as well as sponsors of numerous civic events; the business offers discounted services to seniors and all active and retired military veterans.

President Kauffman presented Rick Kuhn with a certificate; pictures were taken.

D.4 Proclamation - Imagine a Day Without Water 2023

President Kauffman read the proclamation.

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum was opened at 7:22 p.m.

Julie Evans addressed the Board regarding the cricket stadium; she lives in Blackberry Knoll; stadium would be 50 feet from some of the homes; why did Ottawa and Lockport turn down the proposal for the stadium; when is the noise study being completed; will the stadium receive a special event exemption; only President Kauffman has come to Blackberry Knoll to speak to the residents; concerns with noise and traffic; asked if anyone would like to buy her townhome.

Frank Carney addressed the Board regarding gambling and brush pickup; he is a 40-year resident and also the President of the Township Cemetery Board; the Village is oversaturated with gambling; limits need to be applied; requested monthly brush pickup; he has a lot of trees and brush on his property.

There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:31 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

F.1 Calendar Year 2023 Property Tax Levy Discussion

Director Lamberg presented options for the tax levy. The table provides options for the 2023 tax levy based on the estimated equalized assessed value (EAV) increase as of October 9, 2023 received from the Kendall County Supervisor of Assessments. The estimated EAV, adjusted by 2%, results in a levy increase of 7.06% for the entire Village. Final calculations may change by an immaterial amount based on the final EAV established in March 2024. The first line in the table (shaded in green) shows what the tax increase would be if the 2023 tax rate is kept equal to the 2022 tax rate. The current tax levy is $1,654,800. A decrease of 2.0% allows the Village to meet the Police Pension contribution requirement, plus the traditional rounding amount. Three other options are shown decreasing the tax rate by .05%, 1% and 2% from the 2022 tax rate of .14695. The proposed 2023 tax rate is the lowest it has been since 2011.

Board and staff discussion focused on staff would recommend a 2% decrease in the tax rate; amount would cover the police pension; extra would be rounded up and applied to the police pension; only municipality that lowers the tax rate; lowest since 2010; ok with a 2% decrease as long as we are paying; staff will prepare a 3% tax rate decrease ordinance and bring back to the Board for approval.

E.1 Continuing Discussion of Proposed Water and Sewer Rates

Discussion resumed from the October 17, 2023 Committee of the Whole:

Board, staff, and Baxter Woodman discussion focused on each scenario; considering what 3% compounding will do down the road; scenario 1 is a steeper increase year after year; standard flat rate; schools are in the top ten of users; water usage higher in the summer because of irrigation in the fields; scenario 4 collects more upfront; scenario 1 hurts the seniors the most; water has always been an expense; concerned with schools coming back with a referendum; how much the schools are paying now; combining residential and commercial inclining blocks; not recommending because the utility staff would need to stay on top of billing; implementation of billing; meter sizes; planning costs; repairs and maintenance; extra costs on commercial; what will it do on future commercial prospects; Naperville and Joliet are using inclining blocks; Fox Metro did a significant plant expansion; residents are paying the burden of the fees; number of water bills reviewed; scenario 3 is only residential; scenario 4 includes all; was a set rate in the past; looking at a different rate structure; scenario 4 gives more flexibility; a lot of unknowns; possible change in transmission route; how the three communities are sharing the cost; review the rates annually to see if the rates still make sense; Oswego is better off with infrastructure; having a model and passing an ordinance are the hardest hurdles; time is the crucial resource; scenario 4 does not bring in a staggering amount more; scaled meter effective 2025; inclining block effective 2026; no difference in finance’s perspective from one scenario to another; testing in the ERP program. A straw poll was taken, and the Board was split between scenario 3 and 4.

Additional discussion focused on water conservation; controlling the water billing; water and sewer far behind the curve when it comes to utilities; bringing back an ordinance for scenario 3 and 4; provide more information on school impact; wanting to get consensus tonight; school information was combined and averaged; volumetric rates for non-resident single rate; Naperville uses scenario 4; Lisle is looking at getting away from flat rates; difference between scenario 3 and 4, for schools, is $37.00; benefits between scenario 3 and 4; difficult to determine the cost impact per meter; numbers are conservative while still being practical; need to annually review the fees; how to get the information to the public; scenario 3 and 4 has the least impact to residents; Community Relations Manager, Bittman is putting together public information; rate increase will go into effect on January 1, 2024; currently use a third party for utility billing and postage= $40,000-$50,000; impact to staff by moving to monthly billing; does not help those getting shutoffs; could remain on bi-monthly shutoffs; wait until 2025 to switch to monthly billing; keep billing the way it is and using the ERP program; paying online and re evaluating software; residents having better control of their billing; bringing back the switch to monthly billing at the budget workshop discussion; monthly bills are more manageable; number of users that are paperless; staff will come back with more information. Decision was made to bring back an ordinance for scenario 4. There was no further discussion.

Administrator Di Santo- need two more Committee of the Whole discussions on the UDO, and one Village Board meeting to approve the UDO on December 12, 2023. A Special Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on November 6, 2023 at 6pm.

CONSENT AGENDA

G.1 October 3, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes

G.2 October 3, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes

G.3 Ordinance Accepting the Plat of Public Utility Easement on Lot 1 of Avanterra Wolf’s Crossing Located South of Wolf’s Crossing and East of Douglas Road.

G.4 Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 7 of the Oswego Municipal Code; Increase Class "A-2" Liquor License for Whitetail Ridge Golf Club, LLC Located at 3360 Station Drive.

G.5 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Three-Year Contract with The Fields on Canton Farm, Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of an Indefinite Quantity and Delivery of Trees at the Contract Unit Price Not to Exceed $63,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2024. Additional discussion: budget for FY24 is $63,000; one year warranty; more communication needed on how residents can communicate regarding replacement trees.

G.6 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements at 1012 Douglas Road Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.7 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to ATI Physical Therapy Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.8 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Dairy Barn Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.9 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Dreyer Medical Clinic Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.10 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Lagarto Storage Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.11 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to LongHorn Steakhouse Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.12 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Popeyes Chicken Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.13 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

G.14 Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements for 1925-1945 Self Storage Facility Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety.

G.15 Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements at 1940 Wiesbrook Drive Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety.

G.16 Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements for Avanterra Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety.

G.17 Resolution Authorizing the Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Infrastructure Management Services, L.P. to Provide Pavement Condition Analysis, Data Collection, and Software in the Amount of $98,700.00.

G.18 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Strand Associates, Inc. for General Consultation Services.

G.19 Resolution Authorizing a Task Order No. 2 with RJN Group, Inc. for the Construction Management of Sanitary Sewer Maintenance and Improvements in the Amount Not to Exceed $90,500.00.

G.20 Resolution Authorizing Sewertech LLC for the Cleaning and the Closed-Circuit Televising of 58,100 Feet of Sanitary Sewer System in an Amount not to Exceed $149,445.00 and the Waiving of the Competitive Bidding Process.

G.21 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Layne Christensen Company, Aurora, Illinois for Well Maintenance Services and Waiving the Competitive Bidding Process.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the October 3, 2023 Committee of the Whole Minutes; and Approving the October 3, 2023 Regular Village Board Minutes; and Approving the following ordinances resolutions:

Ordinance No. 23-67; Ordinance Accepting the Plat of Public Utility Easement on Lot 1 of Avanterra Wolf’s Crossing Located South of Wolf’s Crossing and East of Douglas Road. Ordinance No. 23-68; Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 7 of the Oswego Municipal Code; Increase Class "A-2" Liquor License for Whitetail Ridge Golf Club, LLC Located at 3360 Station Drive.

Resolution No. 23-R-83; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Three-Year Contract with The Fields on Canton Farm, Inc. for the Purchase and Installation of an Indefinite Quantity and Delivery of Trees at the Contract Unit Price Not to Exceed $63,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2024. Resolution No. 23-R-84; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements at 1012 Douglas Road Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-85; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to ATI Physical Therapy Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

Resolution No. 23-R-86; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Dairy Barn Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

Resolution No. 23-R-87; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Dreyer Medical Clinic Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-88; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Lagarto Storage Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

Resolution No. 23-R-89; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to LongHorn Steakhouse Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-90; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Popeyes Chicken Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety.

Resolution No. 23-R-91; Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Public Improvements to Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Effective October 18, 2023, and Release of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-92; Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements for 1925-1945 Self-Storage Facility Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-93; Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements at 1940 Wiesbrook Drive Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety. Resolution No. 23-R-94; Resolution Authorizing the Initial Acceptance of Public Improvements for Avanterra Effective October 18, 2023, and Reduction of Project Surety.

Resolution No. 23-R-95; Resolution Authorizing the Approval of a Professional Services Contract with Infrastructure Management Services, L.P. to Provide Pavement Condition Analysis, Data Collection, and Software in the Amount of $98,700.00.

Resolution No. 23-R-96; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Strand Associates, Inc. for General Consultation Services. Resolution No. 23-R-97; Resolution Authorizing a Task Order No. 2 with RJN Group, Inc. for the Construction Management of Sanitary Sewer Maintenance and Improvements in the Amount Not to Exceed $90,500.00.

Resolution No. 23-R-98; Resolution Authorizing Sewertech LLC for the Cleaning and the Closed Circuit Televising of 58,100 Feet of Sanitary Sewer System in an Amount not to Exceed $149,445.00 and the Waiving of the Competitive Bidding Process.

Resolution No. 23-R-99; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Master Service Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Layne Christensen Company, Aurora, Illinois for Well Maintenance Services and Waiving the Competitive Bidding Process.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt Karin      McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy              Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: None

Absent: Tom Guist

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 October 17, 2023, in the Amount of $2,003,126.43.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve the Bill List Dated October 17, 2023, in the Amount of $2,003,126.43.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt                 Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy               Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: None

Absent: Tom Guist

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 Amending Title 9 Chapter 4 of the Oswego Municipal Code; No Parking Rules Time Limitation. Ordinance No. 23-69

Director Leighty addressed the Board regarding designated parking spaces in the downtown. At its monthly meeting in July, the members of the Oswego Downtown Association (ODA) discussed the concept of designating parking spaces downtown as “temporary” 30-minute spots. They suggested it would help several of the downtown businesses in better serving their customers, many of which run in and out of stores to make quick purchases or pick-up previously made orders. The implementation of the temporary parking spaces is being proposed as a “pilot program” where the specific location, duration, and enforcement of the spaces are all subject to change based on the evolving needs of the community. Seven (7) total spaces are being proposed which include two (2) per each Main Street block (one on each side of the street), and one along Van Buren Street. Though some consideration was given to which businesses would need the temporary spaces the most, staff attempted to choose each location strategically in an effort to maximize usage by multiple businesses in each building.

No enforcement action is being recommended at this time, so as not to overburden the Police Department staff. The proposed amendment will allow the Village to enforce the time limit restrictions or pursue alternative enforcement action. Staff presented the proposed pilot program to the ODA members. They had a few minor comments about the locations of a couple spaces but were overall unanimous in their support for the program including the absence of enforcement. The ODA was reminded that the proposed spaces are a part of a pilot program and subject to change. They expressed their approval for both the parking spot locations and the proposed 30-minute time limit which would span all day.

Board and staff discussion focused on library had no interest in parking spaces as they have their own parking lot; will cost a couple hundred dollars to make and put up the signs; great idea; much needed.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to approve an Ordinance Amending Title 9 Chapter 4 of the Oswego Municipal Code; No Parking Rules Time Limitation.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt          Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy        Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: None

Absent: Tom Guist

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.

J.2 Resolution Establishing an Honorary Street Designation Policy.

Resolution No. 23-R-100

Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding an honorary street designation policy. As a way to honor individuals that have made a significant contribution to the Village, State, Nation, or World, or individuals who have achieved significant cultural, historical, or humanitarian accomplishments, the Village had asked the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to establish a program to create regulations and criteria for establishing an honorary street name. All honorary street name signs shall comply with the guidelines of the program and shall not change the platted street names of addresses. The HPC shall maintain and oversee the program. Anyone wishing to designate an honorary street

name must fill out a form and submit it to the HPC for consideration. Criteria to receive an honorary street name is the following:

• Government and Military

• Science and Technology

• Mathematics

• Business and Commerce

• Community Service

• Arts and Entertainment

• Education and Humanities

• Sports and Recreation

• Social/Humanitarian

• Medicine and Health

• Philanthropy

The HPC will review applications twice per year, in March and September, and will recommend up to two street names to the Village Board for consideration. If approved, a street sign will be placed at a location significant for the individual honorary. The street name will not alter the current platted street name.

Board and staff discussion focused on the sign will be brown and placed underneath the current platted street name; will not be changing the actual street name; great use of the HPC. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to approve a Resolution Establishing an Honorary Street Designation Policy.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt          Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy        Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: None

Absent: Tom Guist

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

Trustee Novy- Iowa won this weekend; great discussion and presentation on water rates; appreciate all Village employees.

Trustee Kuhrt- thank you to Public Works for brush pick-up; great discussion today on water rates.

Trustee Jones Sinnott- thank you to the HPC for getting the street designation policy out; golf dome is now visible off of Orchard; residents are looking forward to a winter league; great to see everything completed on Mill Road.

Trustee Guist- absent; no report.

Trustee McCarthy-Lange- great discussion tonight on the water rates; presentation was fantastic; would like to know more on the communication plan for water rates; congratulations to RJ Kuhn; spent Sunday with Community Relations Manager, Julie Hoffman on the scavenger hunt; it was a lot of fun; got to meet Lisset; condolences to the family of the boy who was killed in Plainfield and to Muslims; horrific crime.

Trustee Torres- horrific tragedy in Plainfield; thank you to Baxter & Woodman and Tim; glad we are moving along with the water rates; relief to residents; congratulations to RJ Kuhn; Halloween is coming up; stay safe; good luck to students going through their exams; thank you to everyone.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Attended and spoke at the Herschel Luckinbill dedication; Herschel was instrumental in bringing the Moving Wall to Oswego; Rep. Kifowit hosted the dedication; Herschel was a true patriot and will be missed; attended the Oswego Fire Dept. basic fire operations course a couple weeks ago; it was intense; huge thank you to the FD; much respect to first responders and firefighters; heart breaks for the child who was murdered in Plainfield; have fun on Halloween; stay safe; great discussion tonight on the water rates.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Jones Sinnott to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members present voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

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