Oswego Village Board Meeting - October 7, 2025

The regular Village Board meeting on October 7, 2025, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and recognitions, followed by public comments, staff reports, and consent agenda approval. Key discussions included a boundary agreement with Plainfield, pedestrian protection measures, and the Senior Center funding request.

Recognitions & Appointments

• Oath of Office: Brian Holstead was sworn in as a Patrol Officer for the Oswego Police Department. He had previously served at another department but fulfilled his goal of working for Oswego.
• Employee Service Awards: Nicholas Carrington (5 years, Police Department) was recognized in absentia. Dan Di Santo (10 years, Administration) received a service award; trustees praised his leadership and mentorship.
• Business of the Month: Ron Westphal Chevrolet was recognized for 45 years in the community and ongoing sponsorship of local events.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Motorized Scooters/Bikes on Bike Paths: Al Gagenheimer, Sam Figola, and Tom Kabatski (all residents of Southbury) expressed safety concerns about children riding motorized scooters and bikes at high speeds on bike paths and sidewalks. They noted a lack of enforceable ordinances and asked for a team effort with the village to educate residents and create clear rules. The mayor confirmed that the Police Chief will bring an ordinance for discussion at the November 4 Committee of the Whole meeting.
• Old Traver Development: Mary Murray (131 East Tyler Street) opposed the proposed 200-unit rental development at the old Traver site, stating it is out of character with the single-family neighborhood. She raised concerns about traffic, school bus access, long-term maintenance of rental units, and the impact on the historic downtown area. She urged the board to consider alternative designs.

Staff Reports

• Oswegoland Senior and Community Center Presentation: Executive Director Michelle Bergeron provided an update. The center serves 1,756 unduplicated individuals annually, with over 36,000 visits (duplicated). They have 89 volunteers and 6 staff. The center received a $2.5 million state grant for an elevator and renovations. Bergeron requested $60,000 in operating funding from the village for the upcoming fiscal year, up from $50,000 the previous year. The mayor noted that the budget outlook is improving and will be discussed at the October 25 budget workshop.
• Pedestrian Protection Discussion: Staff (Rod Zenner) presented options for requiring pedestrian protections (bollards, planters, raised masonry) at new commercial buildings to prevent vehicle intrusions. The village currently requires protection for outdoor seating areas. Staff recommended adding requirements for storefront windows less than 2 feet above grade and for daycare playgrounds. Trustees favored planters for aesthetics and flexibility. Direction was given to draft text amendments for future code changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved as read (9 items) except item G9 which was pulled for separate discussion. Items included minutes, liquor license increases for Arandas Tacos and Mason Wok & Sushi, surety bond reduction, flow monitoring services contract ($56,800), Lake Michigan assistance amendment ($10,000), change order for Wolfs Crossing Watermain ($55,727.75), subdivision code amendments, Unified Development Ordinance amendments, and fee schedule updates.

Discussion Items

• Boundary Agreement with Plainfield (G9): The proposed agreement generally follows the existing 20-year boundary line but adjusts a section on 119th Street. A farm property (Arnmore Farms) currently in Oswego's planning boundary is adjacent to Plainfield utilities. The owner requested inclusion in Plainfield to allow near-term development. Trustees agreed it makes sense to cede the property to Plainfield due to utility proximity and to be good neighbors. Staff will negotiate and bring the revised agreement back at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved (unanimous roll call).
• Bill List Approved (October 7, 2025, $1,649,626.85) unanimously.
• Pedestrian Protection: Staff directed to develop text amendments for new commercial buildings requiring bollards, planters, or raised masonry at entrances and low storefront windows, and to consider daycare playground protection.
• Boundary Agreement: Staff to negotiate with Plainfield to move the farm property into Plainfield's planning boundary; item to return at the next regular meeting.
• Senior Center Funding: To be considered during the October 25 budget workshop; staff will provide updated financial information.