Village of Brookfield Committee of the Whole met Feb. 23
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, Village Clerk Michael Melendez, and Trustee Kyle Whitehead
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Adam Durkin, Michael Kuruvilla, Derek Treichel, Tim Wiberg, Stevie Ferrari, Libby Popovic, Doug Cooper, Scott Viger, and Lauren Moore
ROLL CALL
REGULAR BUSINESS
Economic Development Commission 2025 Year in Review
The Village Board received the 2025 annual review presentation from the Economic Development Commission (EDC), delivered by Chair Chris Valdez. Mr. Valdez reported that the EDC had a productive year, including the review and recommendation of four Property Improvement Program (PIP) grants awarded to Bill’s Place, Hop District, Loca Mocha, and Tischler Finer Foods for signage and storefront enhancements. The Commission also reviewed and provided recommendations on several policy initiatives, including the rental registration program, updates to the economic incentive policy, and zoning and ordinance amendments related to electric vehicle infrastructure. The EDC engaged in extensive discussion regarding Village marketing and branding efforts; however, the matter was ultimately referred for consideration outside of the Commission’s purview. Additionally, the EDC supported the Brookfield Shops program and consulting efforts, discontinued the Shop Local gift card program, and supported the Shops Placemaking Grant initiative. Mr. Valdez concluded by noting the presentation fulfills the Commission’s annual reporting requirement and invited questions from the Board. The Village President thanked Mr. Valdez and the Commission for their time and service.
Discussion on a Revocation of a Special Use Permit at 8863 Ogden Avenue that Allowed a Cannabis Dispensary
Community Development Director Libby Popovic presented the proposed revocation of the special use permit for the former cannabis dispensary location. The petition, initiated by the Village and prepared by Village Attorney Durkin, was previously reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) in November. Village Attorney Durkin explained that under the Village Code, a special use permit may be rescinded through the same process by which it was granted. He noted that the original special use, approved in 2023 for the 1937 Group, included conditions specific to that applicant. Following a change in ownership to Shri Properties LLC and the failure to satisfy those conditions, staff recommended revocation to provide a “clean slate” for any future applicant. The Board discussed prior communications with the current property owner regarding a possible voluntary relinquishment, which never materialized, as well as ongoing code enforcement matters unrelated to the special use. Village Attorney Durkin advised that the current conditions are tailored solely to the 1937 Group and cannot be satisfied by another entity, and that revocation would allow the Board to evaluate any future special use application based on updated proposals and conditions. Staff recommended revoking the special use permit. Consensus of the Board was reached to put the item to a vote on the next Village Board meeting. Comments and questions were made by President Garvey and Trustees Ketchmark, Hendricks, Gilhooley, and Whitehead.
Discussion of Amendments to Division 5 of Village Code, Permitted Encroachments in Residentially Zoned Properties
Assistant Village Manager Stevie Ferrari presented the proposed amendments to Division Five of the Village Code regarding permitted encroachments in residentially zoned districts. Brookfield-La Grange Park School District 95 has requested permission to install brick pavers and a low barrier wall within the public parkway adjacent to S.E. Gross Middle School. The improvements are intended to address mud and wear caused by congregating families and to provide added safety for three- and four-year-old early childhood students, many of whom have specialized needs. Because the school is located in a residential zoning district, and current code provisions allow encroachments only for residential properties (such as pavers and irrigation systems), amendments would be required to permit the request.
Staff outlined options including amending the code to allow school districts to apply for encroachments under a license agreement, adding low barrier walls as a permitted encroachment, limiting amendments solely to this request, or declining to amend the code. Superintendent Ryan Evans spoke in support of the request, noting prior efforts by the district to improve parkway conditions and emphasizing student safety and accessibility needs. Board members expressed general support for the improvements, with discussion focusing on maintaining visibility, ensuring appropriate wall height and setback from the curb, and avoiding unintended precedent for encroachments. Following discussion, there was consensus to direct staff to prepare an ordinance amending the code to allow school districts in residential zones to apply for brick pavers and low barrier walls with the matter to be brought before the next Village Board meeting. Comments and questions were made by President Garvey and Trustees Hendricks, Ketchmark, Whitehead, Kaluzny, Gilhooley, and Narimatsu.
PUBLIC COMMENT
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole Meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Moved by Trustee Nicole Gilhooley, seconded by Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, Motion to Adjourn Committee of the Whole Meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Trustee Nicole Gilhooley, Trustee Jennifer Hendricks, Trustee Kathryn Kaluzny, Trustee Kit Ketchmark, Trustee Julie Narimatsu, and Trustee Kyle Whitehead
https://brookfieldil.civicweb.net/document/179298/
