West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Committee of the Whole met June 23

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Village President Michael Garvey, Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, Trustee Kit Ketchmark, Trustee Julie Narimatsu, and Trustee Kyle Whitehead

MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Nicole Gilhooley and Village Clerk Michael Melendez

STAFF PRESENT: Adam Durkin, Tim Wiberg, Stevie Ferrari, Libby Popovic, and Doug Cooper

ROLL CALL

REGULAR BUSINESS

Discussion of a Resolution to Adopt an Economic Incentive Policy 

Community Development Director Libby Popovic presented an overview of the proposed Economic Incentive Policy, which had been unanimously supported by the Economic Development Commission. The goal of the policy is to create a comprehensive, strategic, and uniform approach to attracting and retaining developments. The proposal builds upon existing programs, including the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy, Property Improvement Program (PIP), and the business retention and retail incubator program. Key additions to the policy include potential sales tax incentives, property tax rebates, Cook County tax abatement support, grocery store incentives, and customized development agreements. Community Director Popovic proposed updates to the PIP, suggesting a two-tier system. Tier one would include a business signage and awning grant (up to $2,000), while tier two would cover broader façade renovations (up to $20,000). The additional incentive policies are designed to serve as a menu of options. Village staff may negotiate the scale and scope of incentives with developers, but all final decisions are made by the Village Board. The Board decided to revisit the incentive policy at the July 14 Committee of the Whole meeting. Trustees wanted more time to review comparative policies from other municipalities and to ensure the absent Trustee Gilhooley could provide input. Comments and questions were made by Trustee Kaluzny, Trustee Whitehead, Trustee Narimatsu, Trustee Ketchmark, and Trustee Hendricks.

Establishment of a Municipal Grocery Sales Tax

Finance Director Doug Cooper discussed the potential establishment of a 1% municipal grocery sales tax. The State of Illinois will eliminate its 1% grocery tax effective January 1, 2026. Municipalities are permitted to adopt their own 1% tax to replace the lost revenue. Brookfield currently receives about $50,000 annually from this tax. Finance Director Cooper stated that passing the ordinance by October 1, 2025, is necessary to ensure uninterrupted revenue via the Illinois Department of Revenue. He also noted that surrounding communities, such as La Grange Park and North Riverside, are expected to adopt similar taxes. The board decided to revisit the discussion at its first meeting in July and to ensure the absent Trustee Gilhooley could provide input. Comments and questions were made by Trustee Kaluzny, Trustee Whitehead, Trustee Narimatsu, Trustee Ketchmark, and Trustee Hendricks.

PUBLIC COMMENT

David from Blue Sky Builders commented on the Village’s EV regulations, recommending that the Village permit separate 100-amp electrical service lines from the utility pole directly to residential garages to accommodate EV charging.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7:53pm

Moved by Trustee Julie Narimatsu, seconded by Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole Meeting at 7:53pm

Carried by the following votes:

Ayes: Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, Trustee Kit Ketchmark, Trustee Julie Narimatsu, and Trustee Kyle Whitehead

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/175674/