West Cook News

Village of Brookfield Committee of the Whole met July 14

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Village Clerk Michael Melendez

STAFF PRESENT: Adam Durkin, Michael Kuruvilla, Noah Rife, Tim Wiberg, Libby Popovic, Doug Cooper, and Lauren Moore

ROLL CALL

REGULAR BUSINESS

Discussion of Amending Village Code Chapters 6-102 "S,S1,and S2 Subsidiary License" to Allow Class 14 Liquor License Holders to Hold a Class S Liquor License and 6-103 "Outdoor Cafes" to allow order-in food service as a Qualifier to Class S Subsidiary Licensing

Management Analyst Noah Rife discussed a proposed amendment to the Village Code related to liquor licensing, allowing businesses with a Class 14 license (brew pubs) to obtain a Class S license for outdoor alcohol service. He explained that Imperial Oak Brewery had been operating a beer garden without the proper outdoor liquor license due to a misalignment in the code. The Class S license was created before Class 14 existed, and the current code excludes Class 14 holders from being eligible for Class S. Staff recommended amending the code to include Class 14 as an eligible class and exempt Class 14 holders from the standard food service requirement, given that brewpubs like Imperial Oak do not always provide food. President Garvey and the Village Board acknowledged Imperial Oak’s good standing and viewed the amendment as a necessary cleanup after discussion. The board expressed support for the proposal, which will be brought for a vote at the July 28 board meeting. Comments and questions were made by President Garvey, Trustee Gilhooley, and Trustee Kaluzny.

Discussion Concerning a Resolution to Adopt an Economic Incentive Policy Community Development Director Libby Popovic summarized updates based on prior board input and recommendations from the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Changes included clearer definitions of eligibility, tax increment finance (TIF) explanations, and criteria for environmentally sustainable improvements. Trustees expressed support for the revisions, emphasizing clarity and the need to define the scope of tax abatements as applying only to the Village’s share of taxes. Trustee Hendricks suggested transferring review of larger facade grants to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) instead of the EDC, especially since some applications may involve variances. Trustees generally agreed this would streamline the process, with signage grants remaining under EDC review and facade grants moving to PZC. President Garvey noted that on a case by case basis he will consider going directly to the Village Board meeting for discussion after the PZC or EDC review the grant applications rather than requiring prior Committee of the Whole review. The policy is scheduled for a board vote on July 28. Comments and questions were made by President Garvey, Trustee Hendricks, Trustee Gihooley, Trustee Ketchmark, Trustee Whitehead, Trustee Narimatsu, and Trustee Kaluzny.

PUBLIC COMMENT

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole at 7:40pm

Moved by Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, seconded by Trustee Nicole Gilhooley, Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole at 7:40pm

Carried by the following votes: Ayes: Trustee Nicole Gilhooley, Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, Trustee Kit Ketchmark, and Trustee Julie Narimatsu

https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/176086/