Highlights of March 27 Oswego Village Board Meeting

The March 27 Village Board meeting covered a range of topics from Village Hall signage to a new tourism brochure. The highlights are summed up as follows:

• Police Chief Dwight A. Baird reported that the Oswegoland Senior Center is requesting support for a bus for the center. They already have the support of Tom Cross, Kay Hatcher and Oswego Township. It was agreed that Baird would write a letter to help them obtain the funds.

• Baird also reported that the village is hoping to get a packet out to the public detailing financial reports of the village. “It’s easy to see where the money for  public works and police go, we’re always out there. Hopefully this report will show people where the money goes for the other departments.”

• Community Development Director Rod Zenner brought up the Churchill subdivision’s plan for changed building elevations. The overall recommendation from the board was to support either plan 4.6 or 4.7 for the subdivision.

• A new tourism guide is available, according to Community Relations Coordinator Michele Bergeron. 

• The members voted to approve the WaterSense Partnership, which will focus on helping save money on water bills and reduce water use.

• The options for the Village Hall signing were discussed and voted upon. There were four options total, the first costing around $1900 and featuring letters adorned to the side of the hall, and the rest featuring brick facades and structures with LED lighting averaging around $50,000. The board voted unanimously to choose option one, both for cost as well as practicality.

• The board voted unanimously to open up bidding for the water main relocation on Route 71. Public Works Director Jerry Weaver estimated the project would start around mid-May or June.

• Ross Dress for Less put in a request for signage letters that are 66-inches-tall for the word “Ross” and 33-inches-tall for “Dress for Less.” Tenants are normally limited to 40” high letters, although there have been exceptions (Old Navy is 60-inches-tall). Trustee Tony Giles said he understood that they were a distance from Route 34, but only supported up to 60 inches. Trustee Gail Johnson nominated that the Village allow Ross’ request for 66-inches-tall which was then voted on with a yes from all members except Giles.

• Village President Brian LeClerq reminded everyone that Earth Hour is at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and says even though March Madness will be on, he encourages everyone to turn off the television and electronics and find something fun to do.