Kendall County Times

Village of Oswego Board of Trustees met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Ryan Kauffman called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Joe McGillis 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, and Karen Novy.

Board Members Absent: Trustee 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; Lisset Padilla, Communications Manager; and Dave Silverman, Village Attorney.

RECOGNITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

D.1 Oath of Office

a) Selim Smlatic - Patrol Officer

President Kauffman asked Chief Bastin and Selim to come to the front. Chief thanked the Police Commission Chairperson, Carrie Niesman and member Bill Burnette for all their work. Chief noted the family members of Selim who were present and briefly spoke about his background. He will be badge# 97. President Kauffman swore him in. Selim shook the hands of those at the dais. Pictures were taken.

D.2 Joe McGillis- Certificate of Recognition

President Kauffman asked Joe to come to the front and read the following recognition write-up:

Joe McGillis has been a dedicated Public Works Technician with the Village of Oswego since July 1, 2014. He has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, abundant energy, and a willingness to assist whenever needed. His contributions have significantly impacted the forestry division and the community as a whole. In addition to his service to the Village, Joe has an impressive military record. He served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers from April 2008 to October 2013, with deployments to Iraq, New Mexico, and Arizona. His roles included serving as a heavy equipment operator in Hawaii and as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) heavy equipment operator in Kentucky. Joe has continued his military service in the US Army Reserve while employed by the Village of Oswego, with deployments to El Salvador, Belize, Rwanda, Afghanistan, and most recently, Joliet, Illinois. US Army First Class Joe McGillis is being presented with a Certificate of Recognition to honor his outstanding service and dedication to both the Village of Oswego and our nation. This recognition will serve as a token of our gratitude for his unwavering commitment to serving others. Congratulations Joe!

President Kauffman presented him with a certificate of recognition and also thanked Joe for the award he recently received on June 21, 2025, during the Army’s 250th Birthday celebration at Cantigny Memorial Park: the ESGR Pro Patria Award which is the highest honor given by the Illinois employer

Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award recognizes employers who go above and beyond in supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Pictures were taken.

D.3 Business of the Month Recognition - Imagination Print & Design

Item moved to the August 4, 2025, Regular Village Board meeting.

PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum was opened at 7:16 p.m. There was no one who requested to speak. The public forum was closed at 7:16 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

F.1 Crime Suppression Detail Presentation

Chief Bastin and Under Sheriff Bobby Richardson presented the following:

Presentation included: great working relationships in Kendall County, Oswego and Montgomery; ability to work with all police departments in the area; this is important to Oswego, Montgomery and the unincorporated areas; helping how we prevent violent crimes; takes large amounts of money and overtime; does not take officers away from their patrols; has exceeded expectations; we have an exceptional leader of the task force team; up to 17 people on the team; statistics are specific to this task force; President Kauffman has been instrumental from the beginning; gang members are noticing; it’s been a quiet summer; word got out that we have a task force in the area; task force is helping relieve officers of other duties; they are additional resources; officers can’t be everywhere.

Board, staff and Under Sheriff discussion included: how you recognize gang members; 80 gang members were certified in the system; this is a County-wide task force; Oswego officers were deputized so they can work throughout the County; appreciate the work; fantastic program; whether the task force is going to continue; will evaluate and see if we do this again; it costs money; use as a model for others being able to do this; we are very lucky and blessed here; partner in things that are unknown to the public; unknown on the end date of the task force; hope it continues. Under Sheriff Richardson thanked the Board for their support. President Kauffman thanked them for keeping the communities safer. There was no further discussion.

There were no other staff reports.

CONSENT AGENDA

President Kauffman read the items under consent.

G.1 June 24, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes

G.2 June 24, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes

G.3 June 24, 2025 Closed Session Minutes, Approve but Not Release

G.4 Resolution Approving Changes to the Economic Development Incentive Award (EDIA) Eligibility & Program Criteria

G.5 Ordinance Amending Section 2.00 Purpose, 8.08 Opinion of Probable Cost, 8.09 Insurance, 8.11 Notice to Proceed, 8.13 Construction Supervision, 8.16 Final Processing and Initial/Final Acceptance, 8.17 Burying of Overhead Lines Required, 8.302 Service Areas, 8.304 Location, 8.402A Surface Flow, and 8.402D Sump Pump Connections of the Subdivision and Development Control Regulations.

G.6 Ordinance Granting a Variance to Section 9.03.2 of the Unified Development Ordinance to Permit a Six-Foot Privacy Fence in the Corner Side Yard of the Property Located at 107 N. Madison Street

G.7 Ordinance Granting a Major Planned Unit Development Amendment for the MJR Oswego Development Located at 2830-2834 US Route 34 (Candy Cloud).

A motion was made by Trustee Koenig and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve the Consent Agenda as read by President Kauffman.

Aye: Jac Cooper      Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig      Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy

Nay: None

Absent: Andrew Torres

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

BILL LIST

H.1 Approve Bill List Dated July 15, 2025, in the Amount of $4,705,583.32.

A motion was made by Trustee Cooper and seconded by Trustee Novy to approve the Bill List Dated July 15, 2025, in the Amount of $4,705,583.32.

Aye: Jac Cooper      Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig      Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy

Nay: None

Absent: Andrew Torres

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 Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement and a Loan Agreement by and between the Village of Oswego, A2T Hospitality and AHB 345 Enterprises, LLC (57 Main Street)

Director Leighty addressed the Board regarding an incentive agreement. A2T Hospitality is proposing to open an upscale cocktail lounge called “Bay 54”. Bay 54 is being proposed by the same group that currently owns and operates The Lewis along Main Street in St. Charles. The theme for the Oswego lounge will be different than The Lewis’ 70’s concept though the menu offerings, level of service, and types of events will be largely similar. The business is at 57 Main Street which will soon be vacated by The Bike Rack later this month. The applicant is requesting $32,628 in loan funding and $38,580 in grant funding to help offset the high building material and construction costs that exist in the current market. This represents a total financial assistance package of $71,208 for the project. The requested incentive amount is based upon a total project budget of approximately $142,418. The scope of work includes costs for the design and construction of the buildout along with the purchase of all necessary equipment.

Grant-Eligible

• Plumbing renovations = $39,785

• Installation of ADA chair lift = $22,976

• Egress door/ramp construction = $11,000

• New restroom framing/drywall = $2,000

• Structural engineering work = $1,400

TOTAL = $77,161

Loan-Eligible

• Purchase of furniture/fixtures = $33,871

• Purchase of initial inventory = $15,000

• Purchase of equipment = $12,386

• Interior painting/remodel = $4,000

TOTAL = $65,257

The application submitted meets all the specific criteria of the RLF and grant programs. Supporting documentation has been reviewed and the amount requested is less than the eligible amount to be loaned under the program limits. The loan will feature a 3% interest rate on the outstanding balance with a repayment term of 10 years. The monthly payment will be approximately $315 per month for 120 months. The loan is supported by equipment and fixtures as collateral along with a personal guarantee.

Board, staff and applicant (Dan Thomas) discussion included: excited to have this business here; it’s different and interesting; we want more businesses like this; don’t want it to be a standard bar; creating a welcoming and warm environment; will be a bar/lounge restaurant; will open at 5pm each day and could hold special events during the day; donating back to the community; partnering with Oswego; being responsible and respectful; will be a two phased project; 2,600 square feet; installing an ADA lift to expand the space to the upstairs; opening first floor first and then expand in a year and a half to the second floor; 80 seats on the first floor; 60 seats on the second floor; will offer flat breads and charcuterie; will encourage carryout food be brought in; Americana style lounge areas; have worked with a lot of communities and Oswego has been wonderful to work with; door will need to be installed on the north side of the building; the door will not affect the empty property next door. Applicant will be signing the lease tomorrow; occupying the space on August 1st and opening in late September, early October. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Koenig to approve an Ordinance Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement and a Loan Agreement by and between the Village of Oswego, A2T Hospitality and AHB 345 Enterprises, LLC (57 Main Street).

Aye: Jac Cooper      Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig      Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy

Nay: None

Absent: Andrew Torres

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

J.2 Ordinance Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement by and between the Village of Oswego, TDCantina Corporation and Denver Capital, LLC (123 Washington Street).

Director Leighty addressed the Board regarding an incentive agreement. TDCantina Corporation will be opening a full-service restaurant called Taco Dale Cantina. Taco Dale Cantina is a “higher end” concept. Taco Dale has existing restaurant locations in Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Lisle, and Romeoville. The applicant is requesting $21,981 in grant funding to help offset the high building material and construction costs that exist in the current market. The requested incentive amount is based on a total project budget of $63,562. The applicant is proposing to construct a new walk-in cooler, complete significant repairs to the existing furniture fixtures, make cosmetic renovations to the interior of the space (painting, wall/ceiling repairs), and install new exterior signage. According to the EDIA Eligibility and Program Criteria, the applicant’s eligible expenses include the walk-in cooler ($25,500) and the permanent exterior signage ($18,462) for an eligible project total of $43,962. The application submitted meets all the specific criteria of the grant program and funding is being used for the substantial rehabilitation of a downtown property. Additionally, the amount of funding requested does not exceed 50% of the total project costs.

Board, staff and applicant (Ilda Rodriguez) discussion included: full service bar and restaurant; higher end concept; previous walk-in cooler was in the basement; new cooler is being moved to the first floor; excited about another restaurant; have concerns that a sign is already installed; additional exterior signage still needs to be installed; concerns that this is another same type of restaurant opening; what is happening with the basement space; everything has been removed from the basement; the owner of the building will be renting out the basement space; applicant will be submitting for permits and installing new sprinkler system; restaurant will be different from the others; will offer two concepts: 1) takeout, 2) upscale dine-in; not just Mexican food; will have American food and appetizers; they do a lot of catering; party room will be used for showers and other events; have already spent $150,000; new equipment is needed; Village has already put a lot of money into this building; how do we know we will get the money back; opening in mid-August (8/22); whether the incentive policy takes into account redundancy and encourages different uses; policy includes language regarding full service and not negatively impacting other businesses; Oswego’s message should be that we encourage businesses to come here; there are plenty of cuisines in town; need to be conscious of the chatter in town. There was no further discussion.

A motion was made by Trustee Hughes and seconded by Trustee Cooper to approve an Ordinance Approving an Economic Incentive Agreement by and between the Village of Oswego, TDCantina Corporation and Denver Capital, LLC (123 Washington Street).

Aye: Jac Cooper      Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig      Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy

Nay: None

Absent: Andrew Torres

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

J.3 Resolution Authorizing a Professional Service Agreement with the Lakota Group, Chicago, Illinois to Conduct a Comprehensive Plan Update in the Amount of $173,752.00.

Director Zenner addressed the Board regarding an agreement with Lakota Group. In February 2025, the Village approved a contract with Gingko Planning in the amount of $185,000. The planning firm was terminated, early in the planning process, due to a range of ongoing issues that impacted the project's progress and quality. As a result, the decision was made to end the contract early to prevent further disruption and to allow for the engagement of a more suitable planning partner. To date, the Village has spent $30,820.00 for services rendered by Gingko and their subconsultants. Following the early termination of Gingko Planning and Design, Inc, the second-ranked firm from the original selection process, The Lakota Group, was contacted to take over and complete the comprehensive plan project. After confirming their continued interest and availability, they were formally engaged to assume responsibility for the remaining phases of the comprehensive planning process. This decision was made based on their strong qualifications, proven experience, and favorable evaluation during the initial RFP process. The Lakota Group has familiarity with the Village as they conducted the Oswegoland Park District’s most recent comprehensive plan. The Project lead, Siraj Asfahani, who worked on the Oswegoland Park District plan, demonstrated a solid understanding of the project’s goals and had presented a well-structured approach during their proposal, making them a logical and efficient choice to ensure continuity and maintain project momentum.

Clear expectations were established to address previous challenges that were experienced. The Lakota Group is excited to begin work and have demonstrated a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and timely delivery. Additionally, The Lakota Group plans to use SB Friedman as a subconsultant. This was the same subconsultant that the previous firm used so the transfer of data will be smooth, and a portion of the costs already paid to date ($17,400) was accounted for in the new contract cost and will not be ‘double charged”. The total cost for services from Lakota Group for the entirety of the comprehensive plan equals $191,152.00. This is below the total budgeted amount and is $6,152.00 or 3.325% more than the previous contract with Gingko. Once this contract is approved, work is scheduled to begin as soon as possible. This change has altered the estimated delivery date of the Comprehensive Plan, but only by a few months.

Board, staff and Scott Freres, President of The Lakota Group, discussion included: familiar with the community; has worked with Yorkville and the Oswegoland Park District; people don’t go to you, you go to them during events; need to play some catch-up; there’s ways to engage people and businesses;

going to Brew at the Bridge, Country Market, Christmas Walk and school events. 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 Service Agreement with the Lakota Group, Chicago, Illinois to Conduct a Comprehensive Plan Update in the Amount of $173,752.00.

Aye: Jac Cooper      Jennifer Hughes

Rachelle Koenig      Karin McCarthy-Lange

Karen Novy

Nay: None

Absent: Andrew Torres

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

TRUSTEE REPORTS

Trustee Cooper- welcome to the new officer; thank you to Chief for the report; thank you to the officers; welcome to Bay 54; excited about them opening; good luck to the public safety cadets; the run, walk, ruck event was a great success; next one is on July 27th; thank you to the Park District for the opportunities for kids and adults; tonight is his son’s last baseball game.

Trustee Koenig- ditto on the recognitions; flood tragedy in Texas; we don’t have flood risks in Oswego, but we do have tornado risks; what do we do and how do we work with others when tragedies happen; we need to prepare and be collaborative; went with Trustee Hughes to the MetroWest BBQ; did not wear a Hawaiian shirt; downtown sidewalk sales are taking place now through July 20th.

Trustee Hughes- member of the Public Works mutual aid network (IPWMAN); one of the few states to have this network; they provide help and training; recognition on the planning side that parks are not built in flood plains; thank you for recognizing Joe McGillis; there are many Public Works employees in the military; Joe is an awesome guy; Oswego has a long history of supporting the military and veterans; welcome to the new officer; thank you to SD308 for granting easement for the water transmission main; thank you for the revisions to the Subdivision regulations; attended the Cultural Arts Commission meeting with Trustee McCarthy-Lange where the commission discussed a variety of projects and events; looking forward to seeing what projects they come up with; played for the Oswego Village team at the softball competition on Saturday; great event; good to see the community come together; congratulations to Chief, Officer Cisneros and retired Officer Hart for completing the 387- mile bike ride as part of the Cycle Across Illinois event; Cab Cab is this Saturday at Arranmore; it’s important for the community to participate in the comprehensive plan; the comp plan drives us to what we look like in the future; need input from the residents.

Trustee Novy- congratulations to the new officer and Joe McGillis; great that we have crime units keeping us safe; thank you for the hard work; great things happening and can’t wait to see what we look like in one year; stop by downtown and do some shopping; saw Lt Dan Band at Cantigny; would like to see us have an event like this in Oswego.

Trustee McCarthy-Lange- congratulations to Joe McGillis and welcome to the new officer; thank you for the crime program and presentation; would like to have more discussions about funding for this program; love the Cultural Arts Commission commitment to the community; looking forward to their presentation; excited for what’s coming; starting to see the benefits of the TIF and the development in downtown; thank you to staff for the fireworks.

Trustee Torres- absent; no report.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Oswego is open for business; we want businesses to come to the downtown; glad we are on the right track with the comprehensive plan; we need resident input and feedback; congratulations to the new officer; next run, walk, ruck is on July 27th; thank you to SD308 for the easement; SD0308 has been

an amazing partner; new Park District building ribbon cutting is on July 28th at 5pm; Joe McGillis smiles all the time; he is a great spokesperson to Oswego; thank you to Joe.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Trustee McCarthy-Lange and seconded by Trustee Koenig to adjourn the meeting; upon a voice vote with all remaining members voting aye, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

https://www.oswegoil.org/home/showpublisheddocument/8278/638900928626470000