Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego President and Board of Trustees met Feb. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. President Kauffman provided the following about Matthew Dolmyer:

Matthew served in the United States Marine Corps from 2001-2009. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, and Camp Lejeune, NC, and was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 in support of combat operations. Matthew's military service awards include: three Iraq Campaign Medals; the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; the Defense Service Medal; a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for creation and fabrication of a grenade cover for open top troop transportation vehicles which saved countless lives. He is currently a part-time Police Officer and Veteran Officer of 15 years and also serves as a Veterans Service Officer with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kendall County.

Matthew Dolmyer 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 Kit Kuhrt, Karin McCarthy Lange, Karen Novy, Jennifer Jones Sinnott, and Andrew Torres.

Board Member Attended Electronically: Trustee Tom Guist.

Staff Physically Present: Dan Di Santo, Village Administrator; Jean Bueche, Asst. Village Administrator; Tina Touchette, Village 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; Julie Hoffman, Events Manager; Maddie Upham, Assistant to the Village Administrator; and Jim Murphy, Village Attorney.

CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS ON ANY REQUESTS FOR ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION IN MEETING

President Kauffman noted that Trustee Guist would like to electronically attend tonight’s Regular Village Board meeting. He submitted the necessary documents to the Village Clerk.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve Trustee Tom Guist to electronically attend the February 18, 2025 Regular Village Board Meeting.

Aye: Kit Kuhrt Karin    McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy                 Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Absent: Tom Guist

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes. Trustee Tom Guist attended electronically at 7:20 p.m.

RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

D.1 Business of the Month Recognition - Meijer Oswego (Store #239)

President Kauffman asked Matt Perez and other representatives for Meijer, EDC members, and Kevin Leighty to come to the front. Chief Bastin and Officer Spears also joined the group in the front. President Kauffman stated the following:

I’d like to extend our congratulations to Meijer of Oswego for being featured as the Economic Development Commission’s Business of the Month for February. Each month, the Economic Development Commissioners nominate and vote on a business to feature which has demonstrated significant involvement in the Oswego community. This month features Meijer Store #239, which is currently managed by Store Manager Matt Perez. Matt himself is an Oswego native who, like so many Meijer employees, started his career with the company when he was a college student at Waubonsee Community College. Meijer has been a member of Oswego’s business community since it opened in 2007. At the time, the grocery chain chose Oswego for many reasons, most notably the village’s tremendous potential and realized growth which of course still rings true today. Despite operating around 500 grocery stores across 6 states, Meijer has been and continues to be an active contributor to the community. In addition to being one of Oswego’s principal employers with just under 250 employees, Meijer also hosts several fundraisers for various non-profit organizations throughout the year. Most notably, the “Shop with a Cop” program helps children of families in need during the holiday season to pick out holiday gifts and meals. Since 2017, Meijer has dedicated anywhere from $2,500- $5,000 annually for Oswego police officers to take these children shopping for them and their families. The Oswego Meijer store has also donated thousands of dollars annually to several different causes including the local Toys for Tots drive and three major food pantries throughout Kendall County. I ask you to please join me once again in congratulating Meijer of Oswego for being the February 2025 Business of the Month and thanking them for all the contributions they have made to our community.

President Kauffman presented Matt Perez with a certificate of recognition. Matt Perez thanked everyone and the community; it’s an honor. Pictures were taken and they shook the hands of those at the dais.

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum was opened at 7:26 p.m.

Fred Mahler addressed the Board regarding the proposed grocery store. He lives in Steeplechase; how long was the traffic study done; seen extra traffic since Delta Sonic; lefthand turn signs are down at Delta Sonic; people will be coming through the subdivision; residents walk in the street because the sidewalks are uneven; like new businesses, but concerned with the traffic; need signage put back up. President Kauffman asked Fred to email him about the sidewalks.

There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:29 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

There were no staff reports.

CONSENT AGENDA

G.1 February 4, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes

G.2 February 4, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes

G.3 Chapman and Cutler Engagement Letters

a) Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP ("WIFIA Loan").

b) Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP ("General Obligation Bonds")

c) Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP (Taxable Bond Issuance")

G.4 Ordinance Amending Title 9 Chapter 4 Stopping, Standing, Parking (Stop and Yield Signs) and Adopting the Regulatory Traffic Control Signage Map.

G.5 Resolution Approving an Underwriting Engagement Letter with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated.

G.6 Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 5, Title 3 Chapter 10, Title 3 Chapter 11, Title 3 Chapter 33, and Appendix A of the Oswego Municipal Code.

G.7 Resolution Authorizing the Finance Director to Enter into a Contract for the Purchase of Electricity from the Optimal Electricity Provider for the Purposes of Street Lighting through the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative Bid Process.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Jones Sinnott to approve the Consent Agenda; Approving the February 4, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes; Approving the February 4, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes; and Approving the following ordinances and resolutions:

Ordinance No. 25-10; Ordinance Amending Title 9 Chapter 4 Stopping, Standing, Parking (Stop and Yield Signs) and Adopting the Regulatory Traffic Control Signage Map.

Ordinance No. 25-11; Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 5, Title 3 Chapter 10, Title 3 Chapter 11, Title 3 Chapter 33, and Appendix A of the Oswego Municipal Code.

Resolution No. 25-R-22; Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP ("WIFIA Loan").

Resolution No. 25-R-23; Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP ("General Obligation Bonds")

Resolution No. 25-R-24; Resolution Authorizing an Engagement Letter with Chapman and Cutler LLP (Taxable Bond Issuance")

Resolution No. 25-R-25; Resolution Approving an Underwriting Engagement Letter with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated.

Resolution No. 25-R-26; Resolution Authorizing the Finance Director to Enter into a Contract for the Purchase of Electricity from the Optimal Electricity Provider for the Purposes of Street Lighting through the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative Bid Process.

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 18, 2025, in the Amount of $1,155,529.69.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to approve the Bill List Dated February 18, 2025, in the Amount of $1,155,529.69.

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 the Final PUD to Allow for a Commercial Development Located at Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive. Ordinance No. 25-12

Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding a commercial development at Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive. The Petitioner, Benderson Development Company, LLC, is requesting approval of a Final PUD to allow for a Proposed Grocery Store and Proposed Retail/Restaurant in two buildings. The property is zoned B-1 Regional Business District. The plan shows two commercial buildings:

Proposed Retail Grocery Building

• Located in the northeast corner of the site

• 12,500 square foot “Proposed Retail” building

• Applicant proposes the use as a grocery store

The structure will have a loading dock and trash enclosure on the east side of the building. Per the UDO, loading areas and trash enclosures are not permitted in corner side yards, however the applicant is requesting a deviation due to the orientation of the building on the lot. Staff supports the deviation and is working with the applicant to ensure that the proposed screening is adequate.

Proposed Retail/Restaurant Building

• Located on the western side of the lot

• 10,000 square foot “Proposed Retail/Restaurant” building

• Applicant has indicated it may be used as a restaurant (6,667 sq ft) and bank (3,333 sq ft)

The structure includes a drive through with escape lane. Staff has requested clarification on whether the drive through is intended for the restaurant or bank, and for the vehicle stacking spaces to be shown on the site plan. There is also a trash enclosure at the rear of the building.

Architecture

The applicant has provided elevations for the “Proposed Retail” building. The elevations show a variety of high-quality materials, including brick, cultured stone, and stucco. The storefront entrance is at the southwest corner of the building and is covered with metal awnings. The UDO requires 60% transparency on street-facing facades, but because of the orientation of the building, staff supports a deviation from the UDO. At this time, the applicant has not provided elevations for the “Proposed Retail/Restaurant” building. It will be required to be consistent in architectural style and materials to the “Proposed Retail” building.

Parking

Based on the applicants proposed uses, the site should provide between 133 – 220 parking spaces. The applicant is proposing 214 parking spaces.

Due to the number of parking spaces, the applicant is also required 21 bicycle parking spaces; they are also meeting this requirement by providing 24 spaces. Staff has asked that the spaces at the Proposed Retail building be moved within 50 ft of the primary entrance, per UDO requirements.

Access

The site would provide three points of access. The applicant provided a traffic study, which supports the proposed access points.

• Route 34 – Western Full Access: There is an existing left turn lane in this area of Route 34 to facilitate left turns into the site. The applicant is not proposing any right turn lanes or deceleration lanes into this access point.

• Kendall Point Drive (northern) – Right-In Only: This access point will be right-in only due to an existing median on Kendall Point Drive. Per the UDO, this access point can only be a maximum of 12 ft in width at the property line; however, staff support a deviation from this requirement.

• Kendall Point Drive (southern) – Full Access: The applicant proposes removing the existing curbing on Kendall Point Drive to allow for full access. No turn lanes or deceleration lanes are proposed for this access point. This access point does not alter the existing access point configuration of the Delta Sonic facility which restricts left (southern) turning movements out of the Delta Sonic site.

The Village Engineer, along with the consulting engineer, continue to review the access points. Pedestrian circulation is also provided on the site plan, including sidewalks along both Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive. Each building also has sidewalks adjacent to parking spaces and primary entrances. Staff is working with the applicant to provide connections and crosswalks from the internal sidewalks to the sidewalks in the right-of-way.

Signage

The petitioner has provided a multi-tenant monument sign exhibit, which is in conformance with the UDO requirements. The monument sign would be located at the northeast corner of the site. Staff has asked that the applicant provide a landscaping bed around the monument sign. Due to the unique configuration of the buildings, the applicant is requesting wall sign standard deviations.

Board and staff discussed: signage is similar to Prairie Market; access points; parking spaces; tenants are not known yet; restaurant and bank; landscape plan; concerns with overgrown landscape on the west side of the property; making sure landscape doesn’t block vision; trimming landscape; setback from Route 34 is ten feet from parking; still fine tuning the plans; no minimum setback in B-1; monument sign will be located at the corner of Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive on the far northeast side of the site. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee Jones Sinnott and seconded by Trustee McCarthy-Lange to approve an Ordinance Approving the Final PUD to Allow for a Commercial Development Located at Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive.

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 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Ginkgo Planning and Design, Inc. to Conduct a Comprehensive Plan Update in the Amount of $185,000.00. Resolution No. 25- R-27

Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding an agreement with Ginkgo to conduct a Comprehensive Plan update. In 2015, the Village updated the Comprehensive Plan with the assistance of a consultant team headed by Ginkgo Planning and Design, Inc. The 2015 Plan was an update to the 2006 Plan to reflect the market demands at that time. It has been 10 years since the last update and the Village is looking to update the Plan to reflect the current market demands for development while balancing the character of the community. The Village Board directed staff to begin the update of the plan in 2025 with anticipated completion in 2026. Four firms were short-listed and invited to interview with the selection committee which consisted of a Village Trustee, a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, the Village Administrator, the Community Development Director, the Assistant Community Development Director, the Village Planner and the Assistant to the Village Administrator. After all interviews were held, the selection committee met to discuss the different firms and ultimately decided to select Ginkgo Planning and Design, Inc. based on their history with the Village, strong research methodologies, community first focus and their cost effectiveness. Once approved, work is scheduled to begin in March. The consultants will begin with data gathering and analysis of the current conditions. Interviews will be held with key stakeholders. There will be public participation throughout the process including a website, workshop/open houses, and public events. There will be a steering committee involving Village Board members to review the information that is gathered and to review policy/goals. Drafts of the plan will be brought to the Village Board for review and comment. The overall process is anticipated to take approximately 18 months.

Board and staff discussed: problem with getting people to do the study; does anything really fit in the comp plan; it’s $185,000; none of our land is annexed and it’s nothing to fall back on; it lays out the aspirations of what we don’t want to become; like having a plan for the community; gets buy-in from the community; would like to give the community a say; need ways to engage the community; multi-prong approach through email, newsletters, workshops, events, website, and surveys; had success at Board on Your Block; biggest concern is engagement; surveys are skewed; wish more would respond; the more responses the better; fully support; share areas of availability; keep momentum going; we all have a goal of growing the Village responsibly and substantively; housing study focused on affordability; Ginkgo has a good marketing firm; they were spot on the last time; they will put together a plan and policy for the Wolfs Crossing corridor; we already know what the builders want; community input in the warmer months; excited to see the process going; a builder has to have it make sense; the plan isn’t just about housing; it’s not going to change from the last time; will always welcome feedback. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Ginkgo Planning and Design, Inc. to Conduct a Comprehensive Plan Update in the Amount of $185,000.00.

Aye: Tom Guist    Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy         Jennifer Jones Sinnott

Andrew Torres

Nay: Kit Kuhrt

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with five (5) aye votes and one (1) nay vote.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

Trustee Guist- no report

Trustee Torres- congratulations to Meijer; stay warm and check water pipes.

Trustee Kuhrt- expo is this weekend; good presentation by Director Leighty; it should be a yearly report; thank you to me.

Trustee Novy- congratulations to Meijer; they are an asset to the community; they support and donate to Kiwanis and Community Cares; thank you to Director Leighty for the presentation; will be at the expo in the afternoon.

Trustee Jones Sinnott- shoutout to those here in the audience and braving the cold; looking forward to seeing everyone at the expo; great job by Director Leighty; keep up the great work; include an economic update in the weekly newsletter; thank you to Groot for picking up before the snow came; would like staff to look into the Kendall Point Drive signs that are missing; chat about the proposed grocery store.

Trustee McCarthy-Lange- congratulations to Meijer; really good partner; thank you Director Leighty; lots of great information; he is doing a great job; attended the Chocolate Walk and Daiso grand opening; there was a ton of people there; attending the expo; she has pancake breakfast tickets; Meijer is the sponsor of the pancake breakfast.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Congratulations to Meijer; attending the expo and pancake breakfast; State of the Village is next week at Village Hall at 4:30pm; it is hosted by the Chamber; happy to see the turnout for Daiso; line went down to Target; it is a neat store; daylight savings time is on March 9th; thank you to Bella Gia for hosting Hoops for Hope shootout for charity; fire department won; thank you to the police and fire departments; raised money for a great cause.

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 voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

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