Regular Village Board Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Oswego Village Board met on September 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM (following the Committee of the Whole meeting) at Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included recognitions, public forum, consent agenda, bill list approval, and several new business items, notably the adoption of a municipal grocery tax ordinance, approval of a $26.4 million budget for the new Public Works Facility, and approval of economic incentive agreements and a right-of-way vacation.

Recognitions & Appointments

• Sarah Skilton was honored for her 31-year tenure as Library Director (1999-2025) and her leadership in tripling the service population, with a retirement effective September 30, 2025.
• Beth Berry was recognized as the Village Hall artist exhibitor; her landscape paintings will be on display through August 29, 2025 (note: the proclamation text stated August 29, but the agenda listed Art at Village Hall recognition; transcript states her work has been on display since August 14 and will be through August 29).
• Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce Week was proclaimed for September 14-20, 2025. The Chamber has served the community for over 100 years.
• Charlie Pajor was reappointed as Chairperson of the Planning & Zoning Commission and Joel Pyle reappointed as member, both for terms expiring October 6, 2029. Approved 7-0.
• Constitution Week was proclaimed for September 17-23, 2025 (238th anniversary of the drafting).
• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was proclaimed for October 2025, noting 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board during the public forum.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items G.1 through G.8) was approved unanimously by roll call vote. Items included:
  • September 2, 2025 Committee of the Whole and Regular Village Board minutes.
  • Resolution supporting the Illinois America250 Commemoration.
  • Ordinance granting a variance for a detached garage at 316 Chicago Road.
  • Resolution authorizing agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
  • Resolution rescinding initial acceptance of public improvements and reducing surety for Deerpath Trails Unit 6, effective September 17, 2025.
  • Resolution authorizing Task Order No. 5 with RJN Group, Inc. for Main Street sanitary design and construction management services in the amount of $88,000.
  • Resolution authorizing a repayment agreement for water and sewer charges between Oswego Community School District 308 and the Village.

Bill List

• The bill list dated September 16, 2025, in the amount of $394,512.05, was approved unanimously.

Discussion Items & New Business

J1 – Municipal Grocery Tax

• Staff Presentation: Village Administrator Dan described the grocery tax, in place since 1990, as a 1% tax on groceries that historically generated about $1 million annually for the Village, with approximately 50% paid by non-residents shopping in Oswego. The state had cut its own share, forcing municipalities to either adopt a local ordinance or lose the revenue.
• Board Discussion: Multiple trustees expressed support for retaining the tax, citing its long-standing presence and the fact that it shifts a portion of the cost to non-residents. Trustee Torres noted that losing the $1 million would require service cuts. Mayor Kaufman advocated for keeping the tax but redirecting a portion (e.g., $50 per household rebate through water bills) to residents. Other trustees preferred to discuss allocation during the upcoming budget workshop to see the full financial picture. The ordinance to implement the tax passed unanimously.
• Ordinance Vote: Motion to approve the Municipal Grocery Retailers' Occupation Tax and Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax carried 7-0.
• Allocation Discussion (Item b): The board discussed whether to allocate some grocery tax revenue to the water fund (to offset rising Lake Michigan Water Project costs) or to provide a $50 annual rebate to residential water customers. A draft budget showed a $200,000 deficit if the tax were not renewed; with the tax, an $800,000 surplus would exist. Several trustees requested waiting for the full budget presentation in October before deciding. The matter was tabled to the October 25 budget workshop.

J2 – New Public Works Facility Budget

• Presentation: Steve, along with architects and construction managers, presented the revised budget of $26,408,960 – an increase of approximately $1.5 million from the earlier $25 million estimate due to poor soil conditions requiring aggregate piers and compaction. The project includes a new garage (expanding from 24,000 sq ft to ~75,000 sq ft), offices, locker rooms, a fitness room (~800-1,100 sq ft), a training/lunch room, and a quiet room. The budget includes $800,000 design contingency and 5% construction contingency. The steering committee had already cut $1.6 million in cosmetic items to manage costs.
• Board Discussion: Trustees questioned soil reports, tariff risks (bids open March 2026, with pre-purchasing of long-lead items like precast panels), and the fitness room as a potential area for cost reduction. Staff explained that the fitness room is standard for such facilities and helps reduce worker injuries. The building is designed to meet needs through 2050 with room for expansion. The board was assured that if contingencies are not used, funds return to reserves.
• Vote: Resolution authorizing the budget in the amount of $26,408,960 passed 7-0.

J3 – Preliminary and Final PUD and Plat for Public Works Expansion

• Overview: The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on September 4, 2025. Two residents spoke: one from Stonehill in favor, another with questions about expansion capability. The PZC recommended approval 8-0. Staff also recommended approval.
• Design Details: The new building will use precast panels with brick to match the existing building, and will be solar-ready (no solar panels initially). The site includes a secure parking yard for staff and public parking in the front. Construction is expected to begin May 2026 with completion by fall 2027.
• Vote: Ordinance granting preliminary and final PUD and plat passed 7-0.

J4 – Economic Incentive Agreement: Tri-County Insurance Agency (44 Monroe Street)

• Request: $5,000 (maximum award) toward a $12,000 parking lot replacement, approved under the revised economic incentive policy (July 2025). The property is in a TIF district. The applicant, Tom Bentley, was present. Staff recommended approval.
• Vote: Ordinance approved 7-0.

J5 – Economic Incentive Agreement: Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce (25 E. Jackson Street)

• Request: $5,000 (maximum award) toward a ~$15,000 parking lot resurfacing for a shared lot. The Chamber received $10,000 in 2022 for exterior improvements. Staff recommended approval; Chamber representative absent due to illness.
• Vote: Ordinance approved 7-0.

J6 – Vacation of Public Right-of-Way near 55-61 Main Street

• Request: Vacation of an alley to allow a permanent outdoor patio for Nash Vegas, Fox Valley Winery, and future Bay 54. The property owners (Art Black for 44 Monroe and the owner of an adjacent vacant lot) agreed to reimburse the Village for all legal and engineering costs (~$2,000-$3,000) via a recoverable cost agreement. The Village and utilities will retain permanent easements. The vacation will generate property tax revenue.
• Vote: Ordinance vacating the public right-of-way passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Grocery Tax Ordinance Adopted (7-0). Allocation of revenue to water fund or rebates postponed to budget workshop (October 25, 2025).
• Public Works Facility Budget Approved at $26,408,960 (7-0). Construction start: May 2026; completion: fall 2027.
• Public Works Expansion PUD Approved (7-0), clearing the way for site development.
• Tri-County Insurance Incentive Approved (7-0): $5,000 grant for parking lot.
• Chamber of Commerce Incentive Approved (7-0): $5,000 grant for parking lot.
• Alley Vacation Approved (7-0), enabling permanent outdoor patio for Main Street businesses.
• Reappointments to Planning & Zoning Commission (7-0).
• Consent Agenda and Bill List Approved (both 7-0).
• Allocation of Grocery Tax Revenue will be discussed at the October 25 budget workshop; start time may be moved to 8:00 AM to accommodate a trustee's family commitment.