Regular Village Board Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Village of Oswego held its regular board meeting on June 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Oswego Village Hall, presided over by Village President Ryan Kaufman. The meeting included proclamations and recognitions, approval of consent agenda items, approval of the bill list, a discussion on establishing a Special Service Area (SSA) policy for Sonoma Trails, and approval of an economic incentive agreement for a new restaurant in the downtown. All votes were unanimous (5-0, with Trustee Noby absent).

Recognitions and Proclamations

• America’s 250th Anniversary Proclamation: President Kaufman read and signed a proclamation declaring July 4, 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the United States, encouraging local celebrations. Members of the Oswego 250 Committee were recognized.
• Business of the Month – Benny’s Place: Kevin from the Economic Development Commission presented the award to Benny’s Place, a family-owned restaurant operating for over 13 years, recognized for community support includining donations to schools and the police union.
• Artist Recognition – Terri Jacobs: Terri Jacobs was honored for her artwork displayed in Village Hall through August 27, 2026. She has been an Oswego resident since 2007 and is an art instructor.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the June 9, 2026 Committee of the Whole and Regular Village Board meetings.
• Approved and retained closed session minutes from June 9, 2026; authorized release of certain closed session minutes.
• Authorized an amendment to the HR Green professional services agreement to add plumbing inspection services.
• Authorized initial acceptance for Dunkin and reduction of project surety, effective June 23, 2026.
• Authorized a parking lot use agreement between the Village and Action Behavior Centers Therapy at 1012 Station Drive.
• Hudson Pointe I & II: Introduced ordinances to revoke previous Ordinance 26-29 and propose new Special Service Area (SSA) establishment ordinances for each phase, setting public hearings for future meetings.
• Hummel Trails 12 & 13: Approved the final Planned Unit Development (PUD) and subdivision plat for 48 duplex units and 11 single-family homes, and accepted a plat of easement at Hummel Trails Pod 18.

Bill List

• Approved the June 23, 2026 bill list in the amount of $4,730,164.87.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – Sonoma Trails SSA (26-SSA-001): Staff reported on a two-week study regarding how to handle SSAs across developments. The board had previously tabled the Sonoma Trails SSA to determine whether one SSA should cover the entire development or be split by phase. Staff recommended establishing a single dormant SSA for each preliminary plat (covering the entire development) to ensure uniform servicing of common areas and stormwater facilities. This will become the standard practice moving forward. The board approved the ordinance establishing SSA 26-SSA-001 for Sonoma Trails. Additionally, Hudson Point was treated separately in the consent agenda by proposing two separate SSAs (instead of one) to align with the new policy.
• New Business – Economic Incentive for 4 Guys Kitchen Oswego LLC (Elwood Steak and Fish House): Kevin presented a request for financial assistance to open a full-service restaurant at 180 W. Washington Street (corner of Hudson Crossing). The total project capital investment is approximately $1 million. The applicant (Chirag and Sweta Amin, owners of the successful DeKalb location) will contribute $150,000 in equity, and landlord Shoden Group is contributing $400,000 in tenant improvements. The applicant also secured a $300,000 private loan. To address a remaining gap, the Village proposed a $300,000 loan (3% interest, 15-year term, secured by fixtures, equipment, and personal guarantee) disbursed in three installments tied to construction milestones; a $40,000 grant upon project completion; and a sales tax rebate agreement for up to $300,000 (50% of local sales taxes collected at the restaurant over 10 years, or until the cap is reached). Staff and independent consultant Johnson Review Group verified the financial need. Board members expressed strong support, noting the restaurant fills a long‑vacant marquee space and fulfills residents’ desire for an upscale dining option. The ordinance approving the incentive and loan agreements passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Bill List: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sonoma Trails SSA Ordinance: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• 4 Guys Kitchen/Elwood Steak and Fish House Incentive: Approved unanimously (5-0). expected in the restaurant. The ongoing Waterlink groundbreaking and preparations for the July 4th celebration (3:30-9:00 PM at Prairie Point Park) were highlighted in the President’s report.