Committee of the Whole Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Oswego Village Board Committee of the Whole met on January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Village Hall. Trustees approved electronic attendance for absent Trustee Hughes and then discussed a proposed amendment to the municipal code to add a $750 administrative fee for fleeing or attempting to elude police. Chief of Police Aston presented the rationale, including rising incidents, cost recovery, and public safety deterrence. No action was taken on the fee; the board directed staff to prepare a formal ordinance for a future meeting.

Electronic Participation Approval

• Motion passed unanimously (roll call: all present trustees voted yes) to allow Trustee Jennifer Hughes to attend electronically, having submitted required documents.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board.

Discussion: Fleeing/Eluding Administrative Fee

• Chief Aston presented statistics: Since 2020, Oswego has seen a rise in fleeing/eluding incidents, correlating with stricter pursuit policies. Since 2020, the department initiated only three pursuits. Fleeing incidents peaked in 2024 at 12, but dropped to 4 in 2025. The average cost per incident is over $700 (3 patrol hours, 5 investigations hours, 3 court hours). The proposed $750 fee is intended to recover these costs and deter flight.
• The fee would be assessed administratively against the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. Owners can transfer liability by having the actual driver sign an affidavit at the police station. Stolen or hijacked vehicles are exempt.
• Trustee Koenig asked about proof of driver identity and whether the fee would apply if the owner was not driving. Chief clarified that the driver must personally acknowledge responsibility.
• Trustee Torres questioned the definition of “fleeing.” Chief explained it requires driver actions like speeding up or erratic driving, not simply continuing at normal speed.
• Trustee Novi asked about other municipalities; Chief cited Naperville (originator, ~2023) and Schaumburg.
• Trustee Cooper questioned collection costs. Chief noted the village contracts with a collection agency that retains 30% if the fee is unpaid after 30 days. No late fee is currently included, but the board asked staff to review adding one.
• Trustee Novi asked about repeat offenders; the fee is a fixed amount per incident, not escalated.
• Trustee McCarthy Lang asked about the 2024 spike; Chief could not identify a cause.
• President Kaufman emphasized the fee is not a revenue tool but for public safety, noting that the village often waives impound fees to avoid burdening citizens. He highlighted the national debate on pursuit policies and the trend toward such administrative fees.
• Chief Aston expressed hope that the fee would deter flight and save lives, even if only used a few times per year.
• Trustee Hughes (via phone) asked about applicability to unregistered vehicles (e.g., dirt bikes); Chief responded it is limited to registered vehicles under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

Key Outcomes

• No vote taken on the fee itself; the discussion was to inform the board.
• Directive: Staff (Chief Aston and village attorney) were instructed to draft a formal ordinance incorporating the $750 fee, and to investigate including a late fee for unpaid charges.
• Further research: Chief will provide a breakdown of fleeing incidents by Oswego residents vs. non-residents.