Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego President and Board of Trustees met Feb. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Chief Bastin led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

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; Jean Bueche, Asst. Village Administrator; Tina Touchette, Village Clerk; Margie Villalobos, Deputy Clerk; Jason Bastin, Police Chief; Curt Cassidy, Incoming Public Works Director; Jennifer Hughes, Public Works Director; Andrea Lamberg, Finance Director; Rod Zenner, Development Services Director; Joe Renzetti, IT/GIS Director; Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director; Bridget Bittman, Communications Manager; Steve Raasch, Facilities Manager; and Jim Murphy, Village Attorney.

RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

D.1 Employee Service Awards

a. Cathleen Nevara- 20 Years of Service (Police Department)

Cathleen did not attend. President Kauffman thanked her for her 20 years of service.

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum was opened at 7:03 p.m.

Rachelle Koenig addressed the Board regarding the roundabout on Grove Road; the parkway is too narrow; a resident rides his bike on Grove Road and has had to veer off the road to avoid being hit by a car; he has almost been hit twice.

There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:04 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

Asst. Administrator Bueche- today is Bridget Bittman’s last day; we thank her for her dedication and contributions to the Village and wish her success. Administrator Di Santo thanked Bridget; and President Kauffman thanked her and wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

CONSENT AGENDA

G.1 January 21, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes

G.2 January 21, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes

G.3 January 21, 2025 Closed Session Minutes, Approve and Release

G.4 Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 7; Decrease Class S-1 Liquor License for USA Soccer Inc., dba Playtime Soccer Located at 2050 Mitchell Drive.

G.5 Ordinance Amending Tile 3 Chapter 7; Decrease Class A-2 Liquor License for Primo's Tacos Inc., dba Primo's Tacos Located at 2970 US Hwy 34.

G.6 Resolution Approving a Debt Issuance and Management Policy.

G.7 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Supplemental Phase II Engineering Services Contract No. 2 for the Wolf’s Crossing and Douglas Road Roundabout with Alfred Benesch & Company in the Amount of $59,486.00 Plus Fixed Fee Costs.

G.8 Resolution Appointing Assistant Village Administrator Jean Bueche as Plan Coordinator for Mission Square.

G.9 Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC for the Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project of the Brookside Area in the Amount of $217,630.00.

G.10 Resolution Repealing Resolution 24-R-03 and Authorizing Final Acceptance of Public Improvements for Redwood Apartments Phase 1, Effective February 5, 2025, and Release of Project Surety for Phase 1.

G.11 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 2025 John Deere Gator XUV 845M from AHW, LLC in the Amount of $27,605.96.

G.12 Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of 2024 Ford Super Duty F-250 from National Auto Fleet Group, LLC in the Amount of $61,625.00.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Jones Sinnott to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the January 21, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes; Approving the January 21, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes; Approving and Releasing the January 21, 2025 Closed Session Minutes and Approving the following ordinances and resolutions:

Ordinance No. 25-07; Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 7; Decrease Class S-1 Liquor License for USA Soccer Inc., dba Playtime Soccer Located at 2050 Mitchell Drive.

Ordinance No. 25-08; Ordinance Amending Tile 3 Chapter 7; Decrease Class A-2 Liquor License for Primo's Tacos Inc., dba Primo's Tacos Located at 2970 US Hwy 34.

Resolution No. 25-R-14; Resolution Approving a Debt Issuance and Management Policy. Resolution No. 25-R-15; Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Supplemental Phase II Engineering Services Contract No. 2 for the Wolf’s Crossing and Douglas Road Roundabout with Alfred Benesch & Company in the Amount of $59,486.00 Plus Fixed Fee Costs. Resolution No. 25-R-16; Resolution Appointing Assistant Village Administrator Jean Bueche as Plan Coordinator for Mission Square.

Resolution No. 25-R-17; Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC for the Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project of the Brookside Area in the Amount of $217,630.00. Resolution No. 25-R-18; Resolution Repealing Resolution 24-R-03 and Authorizing Final Acceptance of Public Improvements for Redwood Apartments Phase 1, Effective February 5, 2025, and Release of Project Surety for Phase 1.

Resolution No. 25-R-19; Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of a 2025 John Deere Gator XUV 845M from AHW, LLC in the Amount of $27,605.96.

Resolution No. 25-R-20; Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of 2024 Ford Super Duty F-250 from National Auto Fleet Group, LLC in the Amount of $61,625.00.

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 February 4, 2025, in the Amount of $1,248,041.09.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve the Bill List Dated February 4, 2025, in the Amount of $1,248,041.09.

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 Ordinance Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement by and Between the Village of Oswego and 19 Jackson Street, LLC (19 E. Jackson Street). Ordinance No. 25-09

Director Leighty addressed the Board regarding the incentive agreement. On August 14, 1985, the Village entered into an agreement with the then-owner of 19 E Jackson Street and 25 E Jackson Street to allow the owner to extend water and sewer utilities from 25 E Jackson (at that time, the principal residential structure) to 19 E Jackson (at that time, a detached accessory structure). As a condition of the agreement, the property was to remain one parcel. The water and sewer for 19 E Jackson runs through the basement of 25 E Jackson. Between 1995-1997, the parcel was subdivided in violation of the agreement without the Village’s approval. Currently, the parcels are used as follows:

• 25 E Jackson (residential structure): Owned by the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce, used as offices and meeting space on the first floor and a residence on the second floor. • 19 E Jackson (accessory structure): Owned by 19 Jackson Street LLC, used as the offices for the law firm Metrou & Nemiroff, P.C.

Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce and applicant, Peter Metrou are looking to split the utilities. Both the Chamber and applicant, Peter Metrou were not the parties who subdivided the lot. There are two options for splitting the utilities:

1) Directionally bore the water and sanitary service

∙• $74,870

∙• Preferred option

2) Cut both services

• $51,860

• There would be additional costs to both the Oswego Chamber of Commerce and the applicant, Peter Metrou.

The incentive application is for substantial renovations being made to the property at 19 E. Jackson Street. The applicant is requesting up to $38,672 in grant funding to help offset the high construction costs that exist in the current market. The requested incentive amount is based on a total project budget of up to $77,345. The scope of work includes the complete separation of a common sanitary sewer hookup that it shares with the neighboring property at 25 E. Jackson Street. The application submitted meets all the specific criteria of the grant program and funding is being used for the substantial rehabilitation of a downtown building. The amount of funding requested does not exceed 50% of the total project costs. Administrator Di Santo noted that item J.2 on tonight’s agenda is connected to J.1.

Director Leighty also noted there a few edits to the incentive agreement. Corrected agreements were provided to the Board members ahead of the start of the Board meeting. The changes are as follows and should be considered amended as part of the motion:

1. Section 2. A.: added the following language:

• “and waive all Village permit fees associated with the Improvements”

2. Section 6. A. 3.: removed b) from the paragraph:

• “b) all Village costs incurred drafting and negotiating this Agreement, including legal fees and expenses";

Applicant, Peter Metrou and his wife Christina, were present to answer questions.

Board and staff discussed: approval of this incentive drains the incentive account for the next eleven months; would love to see more investment in the downtown; need to discuss tools and options for Director Leighty to have; whether we can have a Committee of the Whole discussion; Board can increase the amount of money in the incentive grant fund; whether we can borrow money from next year’s budget; can take on additional projects that the Board would decide on; eleven months is a long time; incentive grant is a good tool; would need to approach it in a different way with only $5,000 left in the fund; there’s a lot of interest in the program; will definitely have more requests for the grant; best use of the program is for the downtown; grant program is only for the TIF District; don’t have to wait until next budget year to increase the fund amount. Staff was directed to add a discussion, on the incentive grant, for a future Committee of the Whole meeting. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve an Ordinance Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement by and Between the Village of Oswego and 19 Jackson Street, LLC (19 E. Jackson Street), as Amended.

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 Resolution Approving an Agreement with Respect to Sewer and Water Service to 19 E. Jackson Street. Resolution No. 25-R-21

Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding an agreement for the sewer and water service to 19 E. Jackson Street. The current owners are seeking business occupancy permits for their respective businesses, which the Village cannot grant while they are in violation of the 1985 agreement. The Village proposes a new agreement to replace the 1985 agreement and ensure proper provision of utility services. If the new agreement is approved, each parties’ responsibilities would include the following:

Chamber of Commerce obligations

• Convey a public utility easement to 19 E Jackson Owner and permit the contractors on Chamber Property to complete the Project.

• Apply for no-cost building permits for any restoration work associated with the Project and pursue a Final Occupancy Permit with the Village’s Building Department.

19 E. Jackson Street obligations

• Engage and pay contractors to install the sewer and water lines, as well as to repair or replace any fence or patio damage during construction of the Project.

• Apply for appropriate permits from the Village of Oswego Public Works Department and Fox Metro Water Reclamation District.

• Complete the project on or before July 21, 2025.

Village obligations

• Grant a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy to 19 E Jackson Owner which shall expire on July 21, 2025.

Board and staff discussed: this fixes a 40-year-old problem; thank you to Peter Metrou for being patient and stepping up to the plate. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Jones Sinnott to approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Respect to Sewer and Water Service To 19 E. Jackson Street.

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.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

Trustee Kuhrt- attended the legislative breakfast and lunch, and the Senior Center’s Denim & Diamonds fundraising event; thank you to Bridget Bittman for her service; you will be missed.

Trustee Novy- Denim & Diamonds was wonderful; it was a fun evening; congratulations to Cathy Nevara; Bridget Bittman will be missed; good luck in your future endeavors.

Trustee Jones Sinnott- it’s been a pleasure with Bridget Bittman being here; she has been a cheerleader for our businesses and residents; super appreciative; you will be missed and best of luck; would like a Committee of the Whole discussion, in March, regarding the grocery tax.

Board and staff discussed grocery tax: Will County Government League is discussing in June; recommend we discuss the first meeting in March; will only have Oswego information, but not what other communities will be doing; only the smaller towns have made s decision; would prefer to discuss later; not sure what resolution we would come to; shouldn’t matter what other towns are doing; finance will not have numbers by March 4th; we have until October to make a decision; finance will have numbers in April; educating and getting involved; good opportunity to talk with other government officials; consensus was to discuss at the April 22nd Committee of the Whole meeting.

Trustee Guist- amazed at the gala for the Senior Center; this speaks to the community; good luck to Bridget Bittman; saw great social media presence when she was here.

Trustee Torres- congratulations to Cathy Nevara and Bridget Bittman; legislative breakfast was great; thank you Director Lamberg for the report.

Trustee McCarthy-Lange- Bridget Bittman will be missed along with your smiling face; social media presence is amazing; good luck in your future endeavors; congratulations to Cathy Nevara; attended Denim & Diamonds; attendance grew for this event; got a group picture of the Village Board; attended the Kendall County Regional Planning Commission meeting Saturday morning; heard from other local communities; thank you to Rachel Riemenschneider for representing Oswego.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Thank you to Bridget Bittman and wish you all the best; love the live streaming; thank you Cathy Nevara for 20 years of service; highly appreciated; Happy Birthday to Trustee Kit Kuhrt; his birthday was on January 20th; legislative breakfast was a success; love getting everyone together; thank you to everyone who attended; State of the Village is February 26th in the Village Hall Board Room at 4:30 p.m.; Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy the ones you love.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

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