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Oswego board discusses using $428,000 MFT surplus to advance South Harrison streetscape and local road repairs
Summary
The Village Board considered four options for about $428,000 in leftover MFT/CIP funds and signaled support for advancing engineering for the South Harrison streetscape while funding targeted repairs on Millstream Lane and a Mill Road wheel-path patch; staff cautioned the general fund is earmarked for a new public works facility.
The Village of Oswego board discussed how to allocate roughly $428,000 in leftover capital funds from the 2025 MFT/CIP road maintenance project, with trustees indicating support for advancing engineering on South Harrison Street and completing targeted road repairs in residential neighborhoods.
Andrejungerman, the project engineer, told the board that after design and construction the village had “approximately 428,000” remaining and presented four alternatives: reserve the funds for 2026; advance South Harrison improvements (streetscape engineering, estimated $205,000, and a Benton Street connection engineering estimate of $330,000); build temporary parking at Van Buren or Adams (engineering and construction estimated at $145,000, or a smaller Adams site estimated at $25,000 for roughly 17 spaces); or use the funds for additional 2025 roadway resurfacing (examples and estimates he gave included Millstream Lane, $192,000; Whitewater Lane, $95,000; and a Mill Road wheel-path patch, $25,000).
Trustees discussed mixing options rather than choosing one single use. Several trustees said residents who drive on Millstream Lane and Mill Road consider those repairs urgent; at the same time, trustees and staff noted South Harrison Street and a Benton connector are identified in the village’s 2015 comprehensive plan as key downtown/riverfront projects. Trustee comments favored advancing the Harrison streetscape engineering while applying remaining dollars to high-priority residential repairs so residents see near-term benefits.
One trustee asked whether the three prioritized projects could be done together; staff said combining South Harrison streetscape engineering with repairs to Millstream and Mill Road would exceed the surplus by about $64,000. A staff speaker cautioned against routinely drawing from the general fund to cover surpluses because that reserve is earmarked for a new public works facility and there are still unknowns about that project.
Trustees also discussed design details for the downtown streetscape, including sidewalk and easement widths to enable street-level activity, and noted the streetscape work would be phased with construction occurring after engineering and any required right-of-way work. Several trustees emphasized the need for clear public communication explaining why some nonresidential segments may be advanced ahead of residential repairs.
No formal vote on an allocation was recorded in open session; trustees appeared to reach a direction to move forward with South Harrison engineering and to allocate remaining funds toward Millstream Lane and the Mill Road wheel-path patch, with staff directed to follow up on costs, schedule and public communication. The board then moved into a closed session for other matters and returned to adjourn and transition into the village board meeting.
Next steps: staff will refine cost estimates and schedules, clarify whether property/right-of-way acquisitions are required for the Benton connector, and prepare communications for residents outlining project timing and priorities.
