Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego President and Board of Trustees met June 10.

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. Ron Elvin 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 Jac Cooper, Jennifer Hughes, Rachelle Koenig, Karin McCarthy-Lange, Karen Novy, and Andrew Torres.

Staff Physically Present: Dan Di Santo, Village Administrator; Jean Bueche, Asst. Village Administrator; Tina Touchette, Village Clerk; Jason Bastin, Police Chief; Curt Cassidy, Public Works Director; Andrea Lamberg, Finance Director; Rod Zenner, Development Services Director; Joe Renzetti, IT/GIS Director; Kevin Leighty, Economic Development Director; Phil Tartaglia, PW Deputy Director/Engineer; Maddie Upham, Asst. to the Village Administrator; Lisset Padilla, Communications Manager, and Jim Murphy, Village Attorney.

RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

D.1 Proclamation- In Memory of Richard 'Dick' Miller

President Kauffman asked his family and friends to come to the front and he read the proclamation. He stated Dick was a hero of his; may his memory live through us all. Pictures were taken.

D.2 Proclamation- Illinois Fallen Wall, Honoring Bob and Mary Patterson

President Kauffman asked Bob and Mary to come to the front and read the proclamation. Bob thanked the Village of Oswego for our support; it means so much to them; if you want to know how to thank a serviceman, be the best American you can. Pictures were taken.

D.3 Outstanding Citizen Award- Mason Trayser

President Kauffman asked Chief Bastin and Mason to come to the front. Chief Bastin noted that this award was nominated by Officer Cisneros. This type of award was started six months ago, and Mason is the first person to receive this type of award. Chief Bastin read the following: Mason’s heroic actions were critical to saving the life of an OEHS student on April 25, 2025. A fellow student was observed at the bottom of the pool and was drowning. Mason demonstrated remarkable composure and presence of mind. The student was 12 feet under water and not moving. Mason dove under water, grabbed the student by the wrist and brought the student to the surface. Mason’s courage and selflessness in a moment of crisis reflect the highest values of our SD308 community and the Oswego Police Department. Mason’s actions serve as an inspiring reminder of the care and protection one can have for another.

Chief Bastin additionally noted that we expect this from the police and fire department, but not from a citizen; you saved a life; you should be proud, your parents should be proud, your community should be proud; thank you for all you did. Mason shook the hands of those who were seated at the dais. Pictures were taken.

D.4 Employee Service Awards

a) Michael Barajas- 20 Years of Service (Police Department)

President Kauffman asked Chief Bastin and Commander Barajas to come to the front. Chief Bastin briefly spoke about Michael’s history on the department; they both started on the same day and worked the night shift together; he was the first officer to be part of the Federal Task Force; he served many years as a Detective; promoted to Seargeant, and in 2023 he was promoted to Commander; he served 16 years on the Kendall County Response Team with six of those years as the Commander for the team. He became a resident of Oswego 13 years ago and is a dedicated public servant. Michael thanked Chief for his kind words; it’s always new and exciting; thank you for the opportunity. He shook the hands of those who were seated at the dais. Pictures were taken.

b) Jason Bastin- 20 Years of Service (Police Department)

President Kauffman asked Administrator Di Santo and Chief Bastin to come to the front. Administrator Di Santo stated how fortunate it is to have a strong leader; he enjoys reading and encourages others to read; he sets the bar in Kendall County and grateful to have you as a Chief. President Kauffman stated whenever things go right, staff did it and if anything goes wrong, he has to be accountable for it; proud to have hired him as the Police Chief. Chief high-fived those who were seated at the dais. Pictures were taken.

D.5 Proclamation- Flag Day

President Kauffman read the proclamation.

D.6 Proclamation- Pride Month, June 2025

President Kauffman read the proclamation.

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum was opened at 7:49 p.m.

Carlo S. Sesta addressed the Board regarding the survey, a local church, and a tree on the new fire department property on Wolfs Crossing. Survey was spectacular; goal is having staff; open-ended questions; post on social media about a local church and rhetoric that was voiced; he wrote a letter to the church and will sending an email to the Village Board; love the expansion of Wolfs Crossing; beautiful tree on the new fire department property; is there a way to keep the 150 year old tree; maybe it can be incorporated into the building; holding on to the history.

There was no one else who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:55 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

Administrator Di Sano- recognized Director Lamberg for completing the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) program. She is a financial leader; congratulations; proud of you.

F.1 Quarterly Financial Update

Director Lamberg addressed the Board regarding the quarterly financials for the three months ending March 31, 2025.

Board and staff discussion included: water revenue; water rates; timing of projects; whether sales tax is outpacing the growth; staff will do an analysis of the sales tax and growth and follow-up; will see the true trend in six months; whether there is anything we should be concerned about; online sales tax distribution changed, but it’s to the positive; no concerns about the impact of the grocery tax; looking to 2026 to determine how we should adjust; people need to know how the grocery tax impacts us; grocery tax is incorporated into the sales tax; would like a breakdown of the major revenue sources; will incorporate the breakdown into the future quarterly reports; video gaming revenue is in the line item details; sales tax is also coming from brick and mortar businesses; increase from online sales. There was no further discussion.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item G.9 is being pulled from Consent and will be brought back to a future Board meeting. Item G.4 was requested to be pulled for a separate discussion and vote.

President Kauffman read the remaining items under consent.

G.1 May 27, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes

G.2 May 27, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes

G.3 May 27, 2025 Closed Session Minutes, Approve but Not Release

G.4 Resolution Approving an Agreement to Convey a Water Easement to the Village of Oswego. Pulled for separate discussion and vote.

G.5 Ordinance Amending Title 3 Chapter 7; Decrease Class C Liquor License for Mason Wok of Oswego Inc d.b.a. Mason Wok and Sushi Located at 2735 U.S. Hwy 34.

G.6 Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Trico Mechanical Inc. for the Public Works Trench Drain Replacement Project in the Amount of $107,856.00.

G.7 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of Improvements for Lot 2 of Orchard Plaza for the Development of Starbucks and Valvoline, 3439 Orchard Road and Release of Project Bond #100215164.

G.8 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Steve Piper and Sons, Inc. for Village Wide Stump Grinding and Restoration Services.

G.9 Resolution Authorizing the Final Acceptance of the Earthwork for the Piper Glen Subdivision and Release of Project Bond #OHHNSU0836986. Pulled from Consent

G.10 Resolution Authorizing Reduction in Project Surety Bond #OHHNSU0836989 to $792,144.10 for Piper Glen Subdivision Phase 1 Effective June 11th, 2025.

G.11 Ordinance Granting a Final PUD and Subdivision Plat for Sonoma Trails Phase 2. Final plat shows 45-foot-wide minimum lots and is the correct lot size. The 40-foot-wide lot, noted in the memo, is incorrect.

A motion was made by Trustee Koenig and seconded by Trustee Hughes to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended, by President Kauffman.

Aye: Jac Cooper Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy 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.

G.4 Resolution Approving an Agreement to Convey a Water Easement to the Village of Oswego. Pulled for separate discussion and vote.

Trustee Hughes noted in 2012 the State widened Route 71. Kendall County records show a right-of way that is not reflected in the plat.

A motion was made by Trustee Hughes and seconded by Trustee Torres to approve the Resolution Approving an Agreement to Convey a Water Easement to the Village of Oswego, subject to resolving the issue on the plat of easement.

Aye: Jac Cooper Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy Andrew Torres

Nay: None

The motion was declared carried by a roll call vote with six (6) aye votes and zero (0) nay votes.

BILL LIST

H.1 Approve Bill List Dated June 10, 2025, in the Amount of $1,172,259.52

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Koenig to approve the Bill List Dated June 10, 2025, in the Amount of $1,172,259.52.

Aye: Jac Cooper Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy 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 a Contract for Legal Services, AFFF PFAS Litigation.

Administrator Di Santo addressed the Board regarding a contract for legal services for the PFAS litigation.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in various consumer and industrial products for their water, stain, and fire resistance properties, but they are highly resistant to breakdown and accumulate in the environment as pollutants. Following PFAS regulatory changes around seven years ago, significant litigation has occurred nationwide, culminating in a $14B settlement involving 3M and DuPont. The litigation in question relates to harm incurred as a result of synthetic chemicals that were used in creating firefighting foam, and how over time these chemicals contaminated water supplies of some municipalities. Oswego has been identified as eligible to participate in the lawsuit, even though we have not had any positive PFAS tests in our finished water supply to date. By joining the litigation, Oswego stands to realize compensation for the harm suffered as a result of these forever chemicals.

We were recently approached by the law firm Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona (GKWW), who is working with the law firm of Stag Liuzza, LLC, about joining the pending PFAS litigation and settlement. Eligibility is contingent on agreeing not to pursue future claims for past actions against the companies. If we choose to proceed, the next steps include signing an engagement agreement, testing our raw water supply for PFAS, and compiling our damages claim. Yorkville joined the lawsuit earlier this year by signing on with GKWW and Stag Liuzza, LLC. The agreement authorizes the attorneys to negotiate, file suits, and employ experts as needed, and the Village would agree to pay the attorneys one-third of the gross amount recovered plus litigation expenses. Payment is only made to the attorneys in the event of a successful recovery. The contract also allows the Village to terminate the representation with written notice.

Board and staff discussion included: don’t have to pay if no PFAS is found; no cost to us; testing will be done at the source/raw product; the Village tests the finished product. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee Torres and seconded by Trustee Cooper to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract for Legal Services, AFFF PFAS Litigation.

Aye: Jac Cooper Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy 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 Koenig- congratulations to Chief and Mike for 20 years of service; thank you for all you and the PD folks do; congratulations to Andrea Lamberg for the CPFO and to Dan Di Santo for his ILCMA award; was unable to attend the Illinois Fallen Wall closing ceremony; thank you to Bob and Mary Patterson; this was important for our service members; so happy to honor Dick Miller; attended the business Chamber event; did the Mutual Ground Walk for Hope this past weekend; also walked in the Aurora Pride parade.

Trustee McCarthy-Lange- congratulations to Chief and Barajas; thank you to Bob and Mary Patterson for the wonderful memorial; walked through the memorial but missed the closing ceremony; thrilled to recognize Mason Trayser; should recognize more things; congratulations to Dan and Andrea; PrairieFest is this weekend; I will be at the Village booth on Friday and in the parade; enjoyed speaking with Park District leaders; looking forward to seeing everyone at PrairieFest.

Trustee Cooper- excited for PrairieFest; love seeing people in the parade; this is week three of being home with kids; godspeed; make memories with the kids; great job to Mason for taking action and saving someone; you are a role model to young kids; shoutout to Chief and the PD for keeping us safe; congratulations to Andrea.

Trustee Hughes- this is a call for all of us to serve and use our talents; we are rapidly losing Dick Miller’s generation; ask their names, about their lives and what they sacrificed; thank you to Chief, Barajas, Andrea and Dan for all your hard work; the police, fire and public works had a hard day last Friday between the fire and the boil order; this is an example of people giving up their weekends for service; wasn’t sure if I would be welcome in Oswego, but it has been extremely welcoming; we are seen; my service has been to everyone and appreciate we are seen and appreciated.

Trustee Novy- I walked in Aurora’s Pride parade; so much joy and love; would like to see more in Oswego for Pride month; I have family and friends who would appreciate it; thank you to Bob and Mary Patterson; wish the wall could have been here longer; thank you to Chief and Barajas for 20 years of service; thank you for your hard work; nice to see Mason save someone; thank you to Andrea and Dan.

Trustee Torres- 20 years of service is a testament to Chief’s and Barajas’ dedication; Mason is miraculous; remembrance of Dick Miller; thank you to Bob and Mary Patterson; excellence in serving one another; we have great staff that wants to be greater; thank you to everyone who was honored and involved; missed the Pride parade; give people a hug; everyone should go to PrairieFest.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

We accomplished a lot tonight. I attended the Aurora Pride parade and walked with Rep. Underwood; can we fly a Pride flag?; congratulations to Chief and Barajas on 20 years of service; keep up the great work; the community engagement program is amazing; PrairieFest starts on Thursday; I will be at the opening ceremony at 7pm and all day on Saturday; this will be the 10th year of pouring beer for the Park District; I will be in the parade on Sunday; Mason is an incredible young man; he gave someone else a chance in life; Sonoma Trails ribbon cutting is tomorrow; congratulations Dan and Andrea; you are rockstars for the Village; rest in peace Dick Miller; hope we make you proud; thank you to Bob and Mary Patterson for bringing the Illinois Fallen Wall to Oswego; amazing Veterans committee; Happy Father’s Day.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Trustee Torres 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 8:44 p.m.

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