Oswego Village Board Regular Meeting – April 22, 2025

The Village of Oswego held its regular board meeting on April 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, a consent agenda, discussion of a trespass ordinance, and a concept plan review for the proposed Jade Estates development. Trustees thanked outgoing members and staff, and several proclamations were issued.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items (G1–G3, G5–G11) unanimously, with G4 pulled for separate discussion.
• G1: April 8 Committee of the Whole minutes.
• G2: April 8 regular board minutes.
• G3: Closed session minutes approved and not released.
• G5: Ordinance amending liquor license for Floral Expressions & Gifts at 26 Main Street (increase Class H).
• G6: Work order with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for water distribution system model and transition plan Phase 1 ($138,500).
• G7: Ordinance establishing a four-way stop at Fifth Street & Bluegrass Parkway.
• G8: Traffic signal maintenance agreement with Meade Electric Company, Inc. ($52,903.48).
• G9: Variance for chain-link fence at 429 Main Street.
• G10: Reduction of surety bond for Sonoma Trails Phase 1 to $3,925,648.65.
• G11: Addendum to professional services agreement with Azavar Government Solutions.
• Bill list approved in the amount of $11,725,857.93.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Russ Petro Yak spoke about historical designation for a property at 100 Parkers Mill. He noted it is a fifth-generation family home since 1929 and argued that allowing a change in the 1.5-mile rule for historic districts would not increase taxes. He petitioned the board to create a motion enabling incorporation.
• Russell [last name not stated] addressed the Jade Estates concept plan (Item J1). He noted the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) had unanimously recommended against the original proposal and expressed agreement with concerns about density (6–7 units/acre vs. current comp plan of 2–3), access points, private streets, and lack of connectivity. He urged the board to send any substantial changes back to the PZC for public input, warning that bypassing the commission would undermine the process. He also encouraged integrating rain barrels and water conservation into new developments.

Discussion Items

• G4 – Trespass Ordinance (pulled from consent): Police Chief explained the ordinance primarily addresses unauthorized fishing in HOA-owned ponds, which causes erosion and equipment damage. The current state statute requires a complainant for enforcement, often unavailable during work hours. The new ordinance allows officers to take immediate action when signs are posted. Trustee Kirk raised concerns about children receiving tickets, but the Chief noted most violators are adults and the ordinance does not remove officers' discretion to give warnings. Homeowner confederations have expressed support. The ordinance was later approved unanimously.
• J1 – Jade Estates Concept Plan: Applicant David Dorgan and Ram Prashata presented a revised plan for 56 duplex units on an 8-acre parcel (from a 10-acre site; 2 acres dedicated for Wolfs Crossing/Douglas Road roundabout). Units would be 1,800–2,000 sq. ft., with first-floor bedroom options, targeting empty nesters at a price point of $390,000–$420,000. They lowered density from 66 to 56 units, made streets public except one short private section (which they agreed to try to convert), and pulled homes back from Douglas Road. They apologized for missing the PZC meeting, citing a still-evolving plan. Trustees expressed concerns: density (previous plan had 52 units for townhomes), preference for all public roads, and desire for higher-quality design. Trustee Geist noted he had received more resident feedback on this than any issue in two years. The board did not approve or deny the concept plan; instead, the applicant was directed to continue working with staff and present a revised plan to the PZC on May 8, 2025.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the trespass ordinance (G4) unanimously.
• Approved the consent agenda (as modified) and bill list.
• No action taken on Jade Estates; concept plan will be refined and go back to the PZC on May 8, 2025.
• Entered closed session for litigation, personnel, collective bargaining, and property matters; returned and adjourned.
• Recognized outgoing trustees Kit Kurt, Jennifer Jones, and Tom Geist for their service.
• Issued proclamations: Building Safety Month, Frontline Worker Appreciation Month, Mental Health Month, Motorcycle Awareness Month, National Historic Preservation Month, Rain Barrel Month, Drinking Water Week, National Small Business Week, Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and Public Service Recognition Week.
• Recognized Pam's Boutique as Business of the Month for April 2025, celebrating 40 years in business.