Oswego Village Board Regular Meeting - April 7, 2026

The Oswego Village Board held its regular meeting on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included recognitions, public comments regarding a proposed trail easement, approval of a consent agenda with numerous resolutions and ordinances, and two major new business items: Jade Estates PUD and Dutch Bros Coffee development. All votes were taken, and the board also heard trustee reports highlighting community projects and events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from March 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole, Regular Village Board, and Closed Session (not released).
• Approved ordinance amending liquor licenses for Buffalo Wild Wings #159 (decrease Class C for Blazin Wings Inc.) and Oswego Wing Company, LLC (increase Class C) at 1550 Douglas Road.
• Approved ordinance proposing Special Service Area for Hudson Pointe I and II, calling for a public hearing.
• Approved ordinance revoking Ordinance 25-111 and proposing Special Service Area for Sonoma Trails, calling for a public hearing.
• Approved resolution authorizing a $3,353,329.69 contract with D. Construction, Inc. for 2026 Annual Road Maintenance/Street Resurfacing Project.
• Approved resolution authorizing purchase of a refurbished Variable Frequency Drive from Frank Marshall Electric, LLC for Well 8 at $44,056.00, waiving competitive bidding.
• Approved resolution authorizing a $130,000 contract with D. Construction, Inc. for excavation of Wolfs Crossing at Douglas Road Stormwater Detention Basin, waiving competitive bidding.
• Approved resolution authorizing a $396,280 contract with Frank Marshall Electric for Booster Station Generator Project.
• Approved resolution authorizing a $231,813 contract with Frank Marshall Electric for Village Hall Generator Replacement.
• Approved resolution authorizing a $43,520 contract with CDW Government for Parking Deck 2 Security Cameras.
• Approved ordinance amending the FY2025 budget (adopted by Ordinance 24-92).
• Approved resolution authorizing a compensation study contract with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. not to exceed $40,585.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Malley (North Adams Street resident) opposed a bike path through backyards, stating no neighbors want it and the existing path on North Adams Street works fine.
• Ellen Von Olin (speaking for Backyard Property Protectors) opposed forced easements for the Fox River Trail through private backyards, urging the village to route trails through park district land and honor the CMAP engagement process. She emphasized village values of belonging and accountability.
• Diane Osgood opposed the proposed bike trail, arguing it would require truck access, reduce property values by a third, and that cheaper alternatives exist (e.g., extending existing paths that end at the bridge).
• George Stenitzer (North Adams Street resident, presenting a formal signed petition from 12 residents) cited constitutional protections against eminent domain, argued that three-fourths of the trail network already uses park district land, and requested no action until a dedicated public hearing and independent study of alternative routes are completed. He urged the board to affirm commitment to private property rights.
• Village President Kaufman clarified that the idea of a path along Route 31 (not Adams Street) was a resident comment at a prior public forum and has received no board direction or staff support. He assured that there is no plan or interest in forcing easements or using eminent domain. Trustee Cooper added that there is an absolute firm commitment to respecting private property, and no plan exists to put a path through backyards. Trustee Hughes confirmed that the long-term plan is for a sidewalk/bike path on the street side of Route 31 (front yard, not riverside), and any such plan would involve extensive public comment.

Discussion Items

• Jade Estates of Oswego (J1): Staff (Rod) presented the request for a Preliminary and Final PUD and Subdivision Plat for 52 units (42 duplex, 12 townhomes) on a site already annexed. The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommended denial (8-0) in September 2025, but staff recommended approval because the plan substantially conforms to the approved annexation agreement. Trustee McCarthy Lane expressed concerns about density (reduced from 66 to 52), lack of parkland, and no connection to a larger plan, stating she would vote no. Other trustees noted the project complies with the comprehensive plan and annexation agreement; the village has already acquired land for the Wolf's Crossing roundabout and will build the detention pond (cost reduced to $130,000). Motion to approve passed 6-1 (McCarthy Lane opposed).
• Dutch Bros Coffee (J2): Staff (Rod) presented the request for annexation, rezoning, and PUD approval for a two-lot commercial development (Dutch Bros Coffee on 0.87 acres; lot two for future development) at Route 34 and Ogden Falls Boulevard. The PZC recommended approval (6-0). The building is approximately 1,193 sq. ft., drive-thru only with a walk-up window, right-in/right-out on Route 34, and cross-access to the west. The petitioner (representative of developer) expressed excitement and noted over 56% of loyalty users are under 25, with over a third of sales after 3 PM. Trustees and the president expressed enthusiasm, highlighted positive interactions with village staff, and anticipated opening by end of fall 2026. Motion to approve all four ordinances (annexation, rezoning, preliminary PUD, final PUD) passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Bill List ($2,161,421) approved unanimously (7-0).
• Jade Estates of Oswego PUD approved 6-1 (Trustee McCarthy Lane opposed).
• Dutch Bros Coffee (all four ordinances) approved unanimously (7-0).
• Recognitions: Beery Heating & Cooling named Business of the Month; Anthony Bavuso and Justin Tallman recognized for 10 years of service; multiple commission reappointments approved; Earth Day Proclamation (April 22, 2026) and Arbor Day Proclamation (April 24, 2026) read.
• Trustee Reports: Updates on the Douglas Road roundabout groundbreaking (project since 2013, to be built without closing roads), village staff promotions (Kathy Schultz, Claire Bragg), water main repair, and Springfield legislative trip. Trustees thanked public forum participants and reiterated no plan for trail easements through backyards.