Oswego Village Board Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Village Board of Oswego, Illinois, held its regular meeting on February 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included a recognition, approval of a consent agenda and bill list, a presentation and adoption of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, and reports from trustees and the president reflecting on recent community tragedies and upcoming events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0) the consent agenda as read, which included:
  • January 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes
  • January 20, 2026 Regular Village Board Minutes
  • 2026 Special Event IDOT Temporary Road Closures (Memorial Day Parade, PrairieFest Parade, Oswego High School Homecoming Parade, Gobbler Hobbler 10K & Mashed Potato Mile, Christmas Walk Parade)
  • Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Advanced Landscaping, LLC for Oswego Tree Pruning Services
  • Resolution Authorizing a Contract with ComEd for New Primary Electrical Feeds and Transformer for the Public Works Expansion Project in the amount of $31,790.37
  • Resolution Revising Fund Balance and Cash Management Policies
  • Resolution Revising the Investment Policy
  • Resolution Adopting Revised Fiscal Year 2026 Salary Ranges

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public forum.

Recognitions & Appointments

• Valerie Anderson was recognized by President Kaufman for creating the official logo for Oswego's 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Oswego 250 team selected her design from 10 submissions based on originality, creativity, relevance, and aesthetic.

Staff Reports

• Village Administrator Dan expressed the staff's heartfelt condolences regarding two recent tragedies in the community (a house explosion and a homicide). He praised the Oswego Police Department under the chief's leadership for their investigations and community support, as well as public works assistance. He noted the past seven months have been difficult but highlighted the community's support.

Discussion Items

• 2026-2030 Strategic Plan (Item J.1)
  • Maddie (staff) introduced the plan, noting that a Request for Proposals was issued in February 2025 and Art Municipal Services (AMS) , a veteran-owned consulting firm, was selected to facilitate the process.
  • Jim Arnt, President and CEO of AMS, presented the plan. He reviewed the process: community survey, department director meetings, and board planning sessions. Key elements:
    • Vision Statement: "Setting the standard of excellence while growing with purpose and nurturing our sense of community."
    • Mission Statement: "Deliver innovative and outstanding services that exceed community expectations."
    • Values: Collaboration, Belonging, Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Efficiency.
    • Strategic Priorities: Complete Whiff's Crossing, comprehensive marketing communication plan, transition to water source, plan for financial stability, create infrastructure asset management plan.
  • Arnt emphasized that the value of the plan comes from working it: regular reporting, linking to budgets, celebrating accomplishments, and modifying as needed.
  • Several trustees thanked Arnt for the process, noting productive debates during the library sessions and the comprehensive result.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan (Resolution 26-R-__) by a unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
• Approved the Bill List dated February 3, 2026, in the amount of $1,327,701.22 by a unanimous roll call vote (6-0).
• Approved electronic attendance for Trustee Jennifer Hughes for the meeting.

Trustee & President Reports

• Trustee Jen Hughes (via electronic participation) – No report.
• Trustee Jack Koenig – Acknowledged the Denim & Diamonds gala; congratulated the Oswego High School cheer team for making it to state; expressed gratitude for community support after the week's tragedies.
• Trustee Rochelle – Congratulated Valerie Anderson on the 250th logo; thanked fire districts for response to the house explosion; thanked police for swift homicide investigation; spoke about the frequency of violence against women (1 in 3 experience physical or sexual violence) and encouraged support for organizations like Mutual Ground.
• Trustee Karen McCarthy Lang – Congratulated Anderson (noted she lives in her neighborhood); echoed thanks to police, fire, and village staff for their compassion and strength during the past seven months.
• Trustee Andrew Torres – Reiterated pride in OPD and OFD; noted community unity; reminded residents to check pipes in freezing weather.
• Trustee Cooper – Congratulated Anderson on the logo among 10 submissions; praised first responders; offered to help a family affected by tragedy.
• President Ryan Kaufman – Led a moment of silence for Ashley Stewart (homicide victim) and the Fitzmaurice family (house explosion victims). Praised the Oswego Police Department for arresting a suspect within 27 minutes of the 911 call. Thanked fire departments and NICOR for their response to the house explosion. Announced upcoming events: Denim & Diamonds gala raised approximately $2.5 million toward senior center capital campaign (still about $800,000–$900,000 left); Chamber Expo on February 28 at OHS; community coffee on February 7 at Starbucks on Orchard Road at 9:00 AM (he arrives at 8:30), with Sheriff's Office and OPD representatives available to answer questions about recent incidents.