New development and properties under review at Roscoe meeting

Roscoe trustees had only one resolution up for approval at the Oct. 18 Village Board meeting - getting a 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport for the Village code enforcer, Vic Wilder, for $28,929.32.

After that, at their Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees talked about potential duplexes near Hononegah Road, annual animal control fees, residential street improvements in Sagewood, the land donation adjacent to Porter Park, and a fire department exercise at a vacant house.

The purpose of a Committee of the Whole meeting is to discuss and give detailed consideration of issues concerning the Village. No final decisions are made.

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The Roscoe Committee of the Whole is comprised of Village trustees, and is chaired by Village Administrator Scott Sanders.

Under New Business:

Trustees discussed and approved Final Plat No. 1, in the Villas of Rose Way, between Bluestem and Prairie Rose Drive. Developers want to build 27 duplexes on the property, which is zoned two-family residential  (duplex). The property is owned by Dennis Gilg.

Trustees voted to send the replatting proposal to the general board for approval. The developer's specific plan is not yet on the agenda.

Next, Sanders said the Winnebago County Animal Services department has increased their service charges to the Village. They had been charging $15,918.12 yearly since 2019. They are now increasing the charge to $21,000.

Sanders said the Village does not have a contract with the animal service.

“It’s wrong that there is no contract,” trustee Carol Gustafson said.  “What are our statutory obligations? They have us over a barrel.”

Winnebago Animal Services pick up sick and wild animals, friendly strays, surrendered animals, and all bite occurrences.

Trustees voted unanimously to pay $15.918,12, and look at future options.

Brandon Boggs, Village Engineer, reported on capital projects including a five-year Residential Street improvements program.  Boggs said a large amount is earmarked for improvements in the Sagewood area.

Under Old Business:

Gustafson asked for an update of the property across from Porter Park, on Windflower Lane.  The park is bounded by Swanson Road and McDonald Road.

The approximately twelve-acre property was donated to the Village.  The Village has agreed to pay half of the taxes on the property - about $1,200.

Plans for Porter Park and the property across the street are to improve and maintain the cabin on the property.  Additional options are to increase the size of the disc golf area, walking paths, and exercise stations.

The Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department is planning a training “burn” at the vacant house located at 10586 Pearl St. east of the police station. The house and land are owned by the Village. No plans are in place to develop the property. The “burn” is scheduled for mid-December.

The next Village meeting is scheduled for Nov. 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

As always, the public is invited to attend.