Jean Bueche

The agenda for the meeting covered several significant topics, including staff reports on the Little Libraries Project and the Utility Boxes Project. Old Business involved discussions regarding the 2026 Art at Village Hall display, the 2026 Lookup Oswego Project, silo apparel promotion, and planning for the Lantern Walk event. The commission also reviewed the budget and prepared for the 2026 downtown student art banners project. New Business included discussions on general commission matters.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the consideration and approval of electronic participation for one Trustee. The agenda featured recognitions for a local business, Floral Expressions and Gifts, as Business of the Month, and the issuance of a proclamation for Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which included remarks from an advocate against human trafficking. Employee service awards were acknowledged for two staff members nearing significant milestones. A key staff appointment involved approving Curt Cassidy as Village Engineer. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for minutes from previous Committee of the Whole and Regular Village Board meetings, several ordinances amending liquor licensing and subdivision regulations, resolutions concerning project surety bond reduction and change orders for watermain construction, and the authorization to purchase and dispose of public works vehicles. The Bill List for January 20, 2026, totaling $11,495,040.22, was also approved.

The agenda for the Regular Village Board Meeting included several items for consideration and action. Key discussions involved a Proclamation for National Athletic Training Month, Employee Service Awards, and appointments to the Economic Development Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission. The Consent Agenda featured the adoption of the Official Village of Oswego Zoning Map and several resolutions related to the Redwood Apartments projects, including acceptance, surety release, and surety reduction for various phases. Further consent items included initial acceptance for DeVille Manor, an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois State Police for participation in the Violent Crime Intelligence Task Force, and an Ordinance amending municipal code regarding Administrative Fleeing/Eluding Fees. New Business included conducting a Public Hearing and approving the First Amendment to the Jade Estates of Oswego Annexation Agreement.

The Committee of the Whole meeting included consideration of electronic participation requests, which was approved for one trustee. The Public Forum segment concluded without any speakers. There was no old business. Under new business, the Board discussed proposing amendments to the Municipal Code to introduce a $750.00 administrative fee for instances of fleeing or attempting to elude the police, citing an increase in such incidents since 2020 and the associated investigation costs. The Police Chief recommended this amendment based on time and resource expenditure for prosecution. Following discussion on prevention, cost recoupment, and policy precedent, the Chief was directed to investigate late fee structures and determine the residency of offenders involved in fleeing incidents. No closed session was held.

The strategic plan for the Village of Oswego establishes a clear direction and framework, defining an inspiring Vision, guiding Mission, and shared Organizational Values. It aims to set a standard of excellence, grow with purpose, and nurture community sense by delivering innovative and outstanding services. The plan outlines key strategic goals including increasing community connectivity, developing the downtown area, completing Wolf's Crossing, implementing a comprehensive marketing communications plan, ensuring financial stability, transitioning the water source, and creating an infrastructure asset management plan.