Public Meetings - Oswego, Illinois

The Village Board of Oswego held a regular meeting on January 20, 2026. The meeting began with approval of electronic participation for Trustee Jennifer Hughes, followed by several recognitions and appointments. The consent agenda and bill list were approved unanimously. No public comments were made, and no old or new business was discussed. Recognitions and Appointments - Business of the Month Recognition: Floral Expressions and Gifts was recognized as the Economic Development Commission's Business of the Month for January 2026, highlighting its 24-year history in Oswego, community involvement, and three-in-one business model. - Proclamation: January was proclaimed Human Trafficking Prevention Month; Chris Baker from Inc. 180 accepted the proclamation and spoke about the importance of awareness and prevention. - Employee Service Awards: Darcy Blair (Finance Department) was recognized for 25 years of service, and Rod Zenner (Development Services Department) for 20 years of service. Both were unable to attend. - Staff Appointment: Curt Cassidy was appointed as Village Engineer, approved by unanimous roll call vote. Consent Calendar The following items were approved as a single consent agenda by unanimous roll call vote: - G.1: January 6, 2026 Committee of the Whole Minutes - G.2: January 6, 2026 Regular Village Board Minutes - G.3: Resolution authorizing reduction of project surety bond LICX1985844 to $1,574,222 for Reserve at Hudson Crossing Building 2 - G.4: Ordinance decreasing Class B-1 liquor license for Jay Varahi 24 Inc dba BJ's Wine & Spirits at 1154 Douglas Road - G.5: Ordinance amending Subdivision and Development Control Regulations (Table of Contents, Section 8.16 Underground Utilities, and Section 8.707) - G.6: Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 2 with J&S Construction Water & Sewer in the amount of $82,786.00 for the Wolfs Crossing Watermain Construction Project – Douglas Segment, bringing the total contract to $2,592,000.37 - G.7: Resolution authorizing contract award for the 2026 Sanitary Sewer and Manhole Rehabilitation (Main Street Area) Project to Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC in the amount of $523,601.50 - G.8: Resolution authorizing purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 4DR ACTIV (BZ31) from National Auto Fleet Group through Sourcewell for $39,045.00 - G.9a: Resolution authorizing purchase of a 2026 Ford F-250 4x4 Regular Cab chassis from Rod Baker Ford Sales, Inc. ($43,730.00) and service body upfitting from Monroe Truck Equipment, Inc. ($35,488.00), total $79,218.00 - G.9b: Ordinance authorizing disposal of surplus property (2013 Ford F-250, PW118) - G.10: Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Johnson Research Group, Inc. for financial consulting services Bill List - The bill list dated January 20, 2026, in the amount of $11,495,040.22 was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items (G.1–G.10) were approved by unanimous roll call votes (Trustees McCarthy Lang, Cooper, Novi, Koenig, Torres, Hughes all voting yes; Trustee Hughes participated electronically). - The bill list was approved unanimously. - Trustee and President reports included congratulations to awardees and recognition of community contributions, but no additional decisions were made.

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.

The Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission met on January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Village Hall. The main agenda item was a concept plan review for a proposed residential development on a 6.7‑acre site along Route 31, north of River Road. The applicant, Property Addon, presented a plan for 60 units (20 townhomes and 40 condominiums) at a density of 8.95 units per acre. After extensive discussion, the commission voted 5‑2 to reject the concept plan. Public forum followed, with four residents speaking. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (December 4, 2025): Unanimously approved by roll call vote (9‑0). Discussion Items - Route 31 Property Concept Plan (Project 1296.25): - Applicant Presentation: Carrie Hansen (Shoppy Design Associates) and Rohit Dhingra (Property Addon) presented a high‑level concept for 20 townhomes in five buildings and 40 condominiums in one five‑story building. The site is unincorporated, zoned R3 in Kendall County, and the applicant seeks annexation as D1 PUD. Key features: one divided boulevard entrance, 0.8 acres of stormwater management, 2.47 acres of open space, a 325‑foot setback from the Fox River, and parking exceeding UDO requirements. The project aligns with the 2015 Comprehensive Plan’s downtown district designation, which envisions expanded downtown with riverfront density. - Commissioner Concerns: Multiple commissioners expressed that the density (8.95 units/acre) was too high compared to surrounding single‑family homes (e.g., River Run at 2.27 units/acre, River Mist at 3.33 units/acre). The five‑story building was seen as out of scale and incompatible with existing neighborhoods. Concerns included impact on property values, lack of walkability to downtown (requiring crossing Route 31), insufficient emergency vehicle access, and disruption of wildlife and privacy for adjacent homeowners. Commissioner Pager argued the project was exactly what downtown needs to attract businesses and increase foot traffic. - Commissioner Positions: Several commissioners (Bradshaw, Hillman, Coon, McCallum, Sather) opposed the plan due to density and compatibility. Pager and Roode supported the concept in principle, with Roode suggesting reduced density (4–5 units/acre). - Staff Comments: Development Services noted the comp plan is being updated and encouraged public participation. The traffic study and detailed engineering would come later if the plan advanced. Public Comments & Testimony - John Brodemus (2470 State Route 31, 40‑year resident): Advocated for a “Burnham Plan” making the riverfront park space, noting sewer infrastructure challenges on the east side of Route 31. - Kevin Stone (90 Hickory Street, 40+ year resident): Thanked the commission for rejecting the plan. Said residents are “tired of seeing apartments” and urged more community input in the comp plan update. - Terry Anderson (568 Sudbury Circle, resident since 1967): Supported the concept, noting River Mist residents want walkability to downtown. Called for open‑mindedness about density near the river. - Renee Atkins (2216 State Route 31, riverfront owner): Opposed the plan as incompatible with surrounding acre‑lot homes. Asked to preserve the riverfront corridor’s character. Key Outcomes - Vote to Reject the Concept Plan: Motion by Commissioner Sather, seconded by Commissioner Bradshaw. Roll call: Bradshaw (yes), Collins (yes), Hillman (yes), Coon (yes), McCallum (yes), Pager (no), Roode (no). Motion carried 5‑2. The concept plan is denied at this stage; the applicant may choose to revise and return to the Village Board. - Next Steps: The developer may seek input from the Village Board. The next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2026.

The Village of Oswego held its regular board meeting on January 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included two promotions in the Police Department, approval of a consent agenda with thirteen items, payment of bills totaling $1,621,273.91, and brief trustee reports. Recognitions & Appointments - Oath of Office – Commander Andrew S. Most: Chief Baston introduced Commander Most, who joined the department in 2013 and has served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, sergeant, and in numerous specialty roles. He was promoted to commander and sworn in by President Kaufman. - Oath of Office – Sergeant Andrew S. Wagner: Sergeant Wagner, a Western Illinois University graduate, started with Kane County Corrections before joining Oswego in 2018. He has served as patrol officer, canine handler, field training officer, and instructor. He was promoted to sergeant and sworn in. Public Forum - No members of the public spoke. Consent Calendar The board unanimously approved the following items (motion by Trustee Cooper, seconded, roll call 6-0 with Trustees Hughes and Novi participating electronically): - G1: Approval of December 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes. - G2: Approval of December 9, 2025 Regular Village Board Minutes. - G3: Approval but not release of December 9, 2025 Closed Session Minutes. - G4: Ordinance decreasing Class P liquor license for Ilic Enterprises, LLC d.b.a. Board and Brush Oswego. - G5: Resolution renewing intergovernmental agreement for showmobile rental with Sugar Grove Park District. - G6: Resolution reducing project surety for Hudson Pointe Unit 2, effective January 6, 2026. - G7: Two ordinances transferring ownership of 113 Main Street liquor license: decrease Class C for 113 Main LLC and increase Class C for 113 Main St LLC. - G8: Resolution revising the Village of Oswego Procurement Policy. - G9: Ordinance decreasing Class C liquor license for IDG-Oswego d.b.a. The Brant at Oswego. - G10: Resolution authorizing purchase of a 2026 Ford-350 truck ($66,600.42 for vehicle and snow kit) and ordinance authorizing disposal of surplus 2009 Ford F-350. - G11: Resolutions authorizing engineering services agreements with HR Green, Inc. and Robinson Engineering, LTD. - G12: Resolution authorizing purchase of a 2025 Freightliner M2 forestry truck ($251,080.00) and ordinance authorizing disposal of surplus 2011 Dodge Ram 5500 bucket truck. - G13: Ordinance adopting a boundary agreement between the Village of Oswego and the United City of Yorkville. Bill List - Motion to approve bill list dated January 6, 2026, in the amount of $1,621,273.91. Approved unanimously (6-0). Trustee Reports - Trustee Novi: Wished everyone a happy new year and looked forward to 2026. - Trustee Hughes: Congratulated Command Most and Sergeant Wagner; reported that the Public Works Department's annual water loss report showed unaccounted water at 6.1%, below the state requirement. - Trustee Cooper: Thanked Andrea (likely Village Administrator) for her presentation; congratulated Commander Most and Sergeant Wagner. - Trustee Torres: Happy new year; thanked Andrea and congratulated the promoted officers. - Trustee Koenig: Wished happy new year; congratulated the officers and noted Mike Munn's retirement; appreciated the short meeting. - Trustee McCarthy Lang: Congratulated the promoted officers; praised Andrea's presentations; noted being ready to move on from 2025 and remembered community tragedies; proud of Finnegan's Law. - President Kaufman: Happy new year; congratulated the promoted officers; acknowledged the new year as full of opportunities. Key Outcomes - Approved requests for electronic participation by Trustees Jennifer Hughes and Karen Novi (motions carried unanimously). - Approved all consent agenda items (13 items) and the bill list unanimously. - No old business or new business was discussed. - The meeting adjourned shortly after trustee reports.

The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM on January 6, 2026, at Oswego Village Hall. Trustees present: Cooper, Koenig, McCarthy Lang, Torres. Trustees absent: Hughes, Novi. The board approved electronic participation for Trustees Hughes and Novi for the meeting. The public forum had no speakers. The meeting covered two main agenda items: an investment overview and a review of the fund balance and cash management policy. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - Investment Overview (F.1): Andrea, the village finance director, introduced Michelle Benz from PFM Asset Management. Benz provided a presentation on the village's investment history, including a laddered strategy established in 2022 that was later moved to cash due to upcoming capital projects. As of late December 2025, the village had about $49.4 million invested with PFM, with $21 million from the general fund, $20 million from recently issued bonds for the Lake Michigan connection, $4 million in capital fund reserves, and $4 million in water/sewer fund reserves. Cumulative investment earnings from 2022 to November 2025 exceeded $3.5 million; new accounts in 2025 earned over $400,000. Benz discussed state statute restrictions on permissible investments, noting that commercial paper and corporate notes have specific maturity and credit quality limits. She recommended updating the village’s 2013 investment policy to reflect statutory changes, including shortening maximum maturity from 10 to 5 years and requiring only government money market funds. Trustee McCarthy Lang asked about social/environmental investment restrictions; Benz and Andrea clarified that such language is suggested but not mandated, and the village currently does not include it. Trustee Torres asked about the breakdown of invested amounts and liquidity. Benz explained that the current inverted yield curve makes liquid holdings appropriate for funds needed soon. - Fund Balance and Cash Management Policy Review (F.2): Andrea presented a review of the general fund balance, defining categories (nonspendable, restricted, unrestricted). As of December 31, 2024, the general fund had a total fund balance of about $30 million, with $28 million unrestricted. The current policy targets an assigned fund balance of 30% of estimated next-year operating expenditures and a cash reserve of 25%. The village's 2025 estimated operating expenditures were $26 million, making the target unrestricted fund balance $7.8 million and the cash reserve $6.5 million. Actual unrestricted fund balance was $28 million (107% of expenditures). Staff projected that after planned transfers (including $15.5 million over 2026–2027 for the public works facility expansion), the remaining unrestricted fund balance would be $10.8 million (39% of expenditures), still above the 30% target. Andrea recommended keeping the 30% policy but making minor language updates to reflect the shift to a calendar fiscal year. Trustees discussed the impact on bond ratings (high fund balance is a positive), the revenue stability from grocery taxes, and the importance of a cushion for emergencies. The board did not take formal action but appeared supportive of the proposed minor policy revisions. Key Outcomes - The board approved electronic participation for Trustees Hughes and Novi (unanimous votes). - No formal votes were taken on the investment policy or fund balance policy. Staff indicated they would bring the revised investment policy for adoption at the next board meeting. The fund balance policy revisions will also be prepared for future board consideration. - The board discussed and generally concurred with staff’s recommendation to maintain the 30% fund balance target and update the policy for the fiscal year change.

The Oswego Village Board met in regular session on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Oswego Village Hall. President Coffin and all six trustees were present. The board approved the consent calendar, adopted Finnegan’s Law, granted a brick-painting variance at 76-78 Main Street, approved a sales-tax incentive agreement for a HomeGoods store, and approved the revised Traughber Estates concept plan while directing staff to negotiate a tri-party redevelopment agreement. The public forum was dominated by opposition to the Traughber Estates proposal, with additional comments about regional planning for large developments. Recognition - Hudson Design House, located at Main and Washington, was recognized as Business of the Month for its community involvement. Lisa Hildebrandt and representatives from the EDC Commission and Chamber attended. Public Comments & Testimony - Dominic Libertori spoke against the Traughber Estates development, saying the density is out of character with Oswego and that the first plan was unacceptable. He said critics are not claiming future residents are criminals, but that higher density with the same per-capita crime rate would mean more crime. He urged the board to look at more options. - Frank Woolley asked why the revised Traughber plan was not sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission through the usual protocol. He argued the project would create roughly 20 residences per acre compared with about 5 residences per acre in the original village, four times the density and out of character with the surrounding neighborhood. He said approving it would contradict preservation goals. - Don Draxler, a 34-year resident, said he strongly opposed the Traughber School Development Project, citing traffic congestion on Route 71, Washington Street, and Plainfield Road, multiple signal cycles, and impacts on neighborhood bus routes. He disputed police staffing adequacy, citing an FBI standard of 2.3 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, a projected population of 61,000, and 54 sworn officers. He referenced a reported 11% increase in traffic enforcement and 53% of stops targeting “fatal four” violations, while crashes increased. He urged a no vote and suggested single-family homes or a vocational program as alternatives. - Kevin Stone criticized the process and the developer, saying the school district had previously tried to sell the property for $3.5 million and had offers. He described the developer as a “TIF hunter” focused on profit, pointed to errors such as misspelling “Traughber Estates” as “Traver Estates” on plan documents, and asked the village to consider preemptive zoning and avoid a “sweetheart deal.” - Brad Chamberlain said he was not speaking about Traughber, but asked Oswego to help create a countywide approach for large developments, especially data centers. He proposed a joint review subcommittee, shared standards, developer-funded impact studies, land use guarantees, decommissioning plans, and transparent communication. - Sean McClure, a 25-year resident and military veteran, alleged that the developer was under federal investigation in connection with single-bid activity in Evanston’s District 65 and was the sole bidder on the Traughber property. He urged the board to research the company before approving anything. - Rick Kuhn, a Planning and Zoning Commission member speaking as a resident, urged the board to vote no. He argued the development would burden infrastructure and traffic, that questions about infrastructure had not been adequately answered, that the village is still implementing a new comprehensive plan, and that the property had not been listed for sale for over 10 years. He said a no vote would not be final and asked the board to pause. Staff Reports - Economic Development Director Kevin Lighty was recognized for earning his Certified Economic Developer (CED) certification. - Public Works gave an update on leaf collection and snow response. The annual leaf collection began in October, with the first pass completed October 28, the second November 21, and the third beginning November 24. A leaf vacuum broke November 25; staff fabricated a temporary repair and returned it to service November 29. A record-setting November storm dropped 7.7 inches of snow on November 30, and over the following 10 days the village received 13.7 inches of snow across five events. Crews ran 13 plows. Staff said bagged leaves were collected free of charge and that the final leaf pass would resume after snow melts, likely taking five to ten days. Consent Calendar - Item G7 was removed from the consent agenda and tabled until the January 6, 2026 board meeting. - Trustee Hughes pulled item G11, the dog park ordinance amendment. The board approved it as amended to eliminate the dog park license requirement in addition to eliminating permit fees, after discussion about administrative and enforcement burdens. - The remaining consent calendar items were approved by roll call vote with all trustees voting yes. New Business - Finnegan’s Law (I.1): Staff presented an ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance to require vehicle impact protection measures in high-risk locations, including certain public entrances, storefront windows up to two feet above grade, outdoor dining areas, daycare outdoor play areas, and areas where vehicles park perpendicular to buildings. Protective devices must withstand a 5,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour. The ordinance was named in response to the death of a two-year-old at a Portillo’s earlier this year. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0 on December 4. Board members expressed strong support and noted plans to work with the family’s foundation to promote similar protections elsewhere. The ordinance passed unanimously. - 76-78 Main Street Variance (I.2): The petitioner sought a variance from UDO Section 8.12, which prohibits painting brick and natural stone, after painting the brick facade without knowing the restriction. Staff said the brick had already been painted, and the PZC recommended approval 7-0. Trustees discussed whether the ordinance is achieving its aesthetic and historic preservation goals, whether alternatives such as brick repair existed, and the future maintenance burden of painted brick. A motion to grant the variance passed unanimously; the property maintenance code will require upkeep of the paint. - HomeGoods Economic Incentive Agreement (I.3): Staff presented an agreement with Prairie Market 24 LP / Edgemark for a 25,000-square-foot building addition between PetSmart and Aldi at Prairie Market East to accommodate HomeGoods. Staff said the deal was not viable without assistance because of below-market rents typical for junior box anchors, high construction costs, and borrowing costs. The agreement provides 100% of municipal sales taxes generated by the tenant for up to 15 years or $1.5 million, whichever comes first, with clawback provisions if the store closes or relocates. Staff projected about $144,000 per year in home-rule sales tax during the incentive, about $300,000 per year after, and about $2 million in total sales tax through 2040. The board amended the ordinance to correct a dollar-amount typo from $1,500,000 to $1.5 million and then approved it unanimously. Old Business - Traughber Estates Revised Concept Plan (J.1): The developer presented a revised concept for the old Traughber/Trauber school site. The plan now includes 161 units: 36 townhomes and 125 apartments in five three-story buildings, replacing the earlier five-story building. This is down from 202 units in October and about 85 units, or roughly 35%, from the February 2025 submittal. The mix is approximately 78% rental and 22% for-sale. The developer said parking would meet code at 1.75 spaces per apartment, with 219 apartment spaces, 17 clubhouse spaces, and 72 garage spaces for townhomes. Other changes included 3.85 acres of green space, about a 40% increase in trees, wider setbacks, improved stormwater detention, and a clubhouse of about 6,500 to 7,000 square feet that could potentially host community gatherings. - The civil engineer said the project would provide approximately 5.5 acre-feet of stormwater detention and reduce runoff by about 50% compared with existing conditions in a 100-year storm. The developer also committed to a wider traffic study scope and to a fiscal impact study of the project. The developer said the project would be market-rate housing with no Section 8 housing on the table, and agreed to a plaque commemorating Traughber’s history. - SD308 officials said the property was listed for sale in 2019 and that an RFP was issued in December 2024, with responses received in February 2025. They said the building costs about $250,000 a year in utilities, has not been maintained, and would require substantial code-related work. They projected the development would generate approximately 24 students and would not cause school overcrowding in that area. Police Chief Baston responded to public comments by saying FBI staffing figures are actual averages, not recommendations, and that the department is fully staffed with 56 officers. Public Works staff said they can provide services to the new development, and noted the village is expanding the public works facility. The developer denied allegations of a connection to a federal investigation, saying they were a “fabrication.” - A trustee read from the earlier PZC denial minutes, noting the stated reasons were the five-story building, elevation variety, parking and overflow, and traffic. The revised plan was sent to PZC members and they were invited to attend; only Commissioner Rick Kuhn, who had already spoken in public comment, was noted as attending. A public commenter and SD308 officials gave conflicting accounts of how recently the property had been listed for sale. Trustee and President Reports - Trustees congratulated Kevin Lighty, Hudson Design House, Christmas Walk organizers and staff, the Oswego football team, and public works crews for snow and leaf work. They also thanked staff and wished residents a safe holiday season. - President Coffin reported that Oswego is unlikely to receive data centers due to infrastructure limitations, thanked State Representative Matt Hanson for a $100,000 state grant for the Main Street ADA ramp, praised the Christmas Walk, announced a Toys for Tots breakfast on Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the fire station, and congratulated the Panther girls’ 4A state championship team, the 2A golf state champion, and the 8A football state runner-up team. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved 6-0, with G7 tabled and G11 amended as described. - Bill list approved unanimously in the amount of $1,665,942.46. - Finnegan’s Law approved unanimously. - 76-78 Main Street brick-painting variance approved unanimously. - HomeGoods economic incentive agreement approved unanimously as amended. - Traughber Estates revised concept plan approved 6-0. - Staff directed to begin negotiating a tri-party redevelopment agreement among the Village, School District 308, and the petitioner, approved 6-0. - Next steps include continued traffic and fiscal impact studies, site plan engineering, a return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for land-use review, and negotiation of the redevelopment agreement.

The Committee of the Whole met on December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Oswego Village Hall. The main agenda item was a presentation by Adam Hoover of NYMEC on a Community Solar Aggregation program for the village's municipal power accounts. No public comments were received. Following the discussion, trustees expressed support and directed NYMEC to proceed with seeking a contract. The meeting then moved into closed session. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public came forward during the public forum. Discussion Items - Community Solar Aggregation Presentation – Adam Hoover, representing NYMEC (the village's broker for electrical aggregation), presented an opportunity for the village to participate in a state-funded community solar program. The village currently has 20 municipal accounts with a fixed rate of 6.27¢/kWh (locked through 2028), saving about $92,000 annually compared to the current COMED rate of 9.7¢. The community solar program would provide a guaranteed 10% discount off the entire bill (supply and delivery), estimated at $40,000 per year in additional savings (total $800,000 over a typical 20-year term). The program involves no on-site solar panels; the village would effectively

This meeting of the Oswego Planning & Zoning Commission was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall. The commission approved three public hearing items: a text amendment to subdivision regulations, a variance for painting brick downtown, and a major update to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) including new vehicle impact protection requirements. Consent Calendar - Approval of the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes was moved and seconded; carried unanimously. Public Hearings D.1 – Subdivision & Development Control Regulations Text Amendment (Project 1292.25) - Staff proposed two changes: (1) requiring tracer wire on all underground utilities to comply with a new state law effective 2026, and (2) updating floodplain regulations to allow basements in buildings brought out of the floodplain by fill, under strict engineering standards (4 ft below base flood elevation maximum, per FEMA guidelines). No public comments were offered. Commissioners clarified that the floodplain change is stricter than FEMA and that future inspections would rely on engineer reports. The commission voted unanimously to approve the staff recommendation. D.2 – Variance for 76-78 Main Street (Project 1293.25) - Applicant Premier Investments, LLC requested a variance from UDO §8.12 prohibiting painting of brick/natural stone. Staff reported that painting was 95% complete when discovered; the owner was unaware of the rule. The owner explained the brick was deteriorating and patched, and painting created a cohesive look. Public comment from Leslie Hildebrandt (Hudson Design House) supported the painting, noting many downtowns have painted buildings. Commissioners debated future maintenance and precedent, but agreed to approve the variance because the building had existing half-painted/half-skim-coated condition. Motion to approve carried 8–0. D.3 – Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment (Project 1291.25) - Staff presented several amendments, most notably new vehicle impact protection requirements (Finnegan’s Law) in §10.10 of the UDO. For new non-residential construction, bollards, planters, or other devices are required at public entrances and storefront windows where parking or drive aisles are perpendicular to the facade. The design must meet impact‑force standards but can be decorative (e.g., planters, built‑in walls). Other changes include extending temporary storage container allowances for commercial/retail (15 days twice a year, with extensions), adjusting setbacks for roofed decks, and narrowing tree preservation standards to focus on high‑quality trees over 6″ diameter (with a 30″ threshold for residential). No public comments. Commissioners discussed bollard aesthetics and costs; staff confirmed flexibility. Motion to approve carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - D.1 Approved: Subdivision regulations updated to require tracer wire and to allow basements in floodplain‑fill sites with engineering safeguards. - D.2 Approved: Variance granted for painting brick at 76-78 Main Street; future painting requests for neighboring buildings will be denied. - D.3 Approved: UDO amended to include vehicle impact protection devices for new commercial buildings, modified storage container rules, deck setback changes, and refined tree preservation criteria. - Next regular meeting scheduled for January 8, 2026.

The Oswego Village Board held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Oswego Village Hall. The meeting included several recognitions, approval of consent agenda items, public hearings and votes on the 2025 property tax levy, the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2045, and the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Trustee Hughes was absent. Recognitions & Appointments - Proclamation for Brad and Judy Smith: Honored for their decades of service to Oswego, including Brad's 45-year tenure with the Oswego Volunteer Fire Department, 19 years as fire chief, 12 years as village trustee, and the donation of property at 76 Van Buren Street to the village. Judy served 24 years in various village roles. - Artist Recognition: Luisa Cedin, a Brazilian physical therapist and PhD candidate, was recognized for her watercolor exhibition at Village Hall through the Cultural Arts Commission. - Business of the Month: Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) was recognized for its 130+ years of community service, including its food pantry, chili supper at the Christmas Walk, and partnerships with the Salvation Army. - Proclamation: December 2025 was proclaimed as Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the board during the Public Forum portion of the meeting. Consent Agenda - Board unanimously approved the consent agenda (roll call vote: 6-0, with Trustee Hughes absent). Items included: - Minutes from the November 4, 2025 Committee of the Whole and Regular Board meetings. - Special Service Area (SSA) tax levies for SS60 and SS84 for tax year 2025. - Six tax levy abatement ordinances for various general obligation bond series (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025A, 2025B). - Resolution authorizing a Phase III engineering observation services contract for Wolfs Crossing and Douglas Road with V3 Companies for $1,278,209. - Resolution authorizing a reduction in the project surety bond for Reserve at Hudson Crossing Building 2 to $1,875,286. - Professional services agreements for water/wastewater engineering (RJN Group) and various engineering services (V3 Companies). - Resolution authorizing a farm contract with Creekside Farms, LLC. - Resolution accepting a real estate donation of 0.1556 acres at 76 Van Buren Street (the Smith property). New Business - 2025 Property Tax Levy: A public hearing was held. Andrea (staff) presented that the 2025 tax levy totals $1,845,047, an increase of $144,201 in dollars but a 2.0% decrease in the tax rate due to an estimated 10% increase in equalized assessed value. Multiple trustees praised the rate reduction, calling it the lowest on record. The ordinance passed 5-1, with Trustee Novi voting against. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2026-2045: Staff presented the CIP outlining $244.8 million in capital improvements over five years, with three revisions previously discussed. The ordinance passed unanimously (6-0). - Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: A public hearing was held. The budget totals $174.6 million across all funds, including operating and capital funds, and was discussed over three prior meetings. The ordinance adopting the budget passed unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - Approved Consent Agenda (unanimous). - Approved Bill list dated November 18, 2025, in the amount of $1,541,633.66 (unanimous). - Approved 2025 Property Tax Levy ordinance (5-1, Trustee Novi opposed). - Approved Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026-2045 (unanimous). - Approved Fiscal Year 2026 Village Budget ordinance (unanimous). - Adjourned at the conclusion of Trustee and President reports. Trustee Reports & President's Remarks - Trustees thanked honorees, highlighted upcoming events (Christmas Walk, OHS football semifinals on November 22 at 5 PM), noted the police department's seventh CalEA accreditation, promoted community giving opportunities, and suggested an evening community event with beer. President Kaufman gave a legislative update reminder (November 19 at noon, Oaks Grill).