City of Brookfield

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several key financial matters. Discussions included approving vouchers exceeding $50,000 requiring immediate action, establishing the variance fee amount for Sign Code variance requests, and approving a license agreement with T-Mobile USA Tower LLC (Crown Castle) for wireless communications facilities near the Brookfield Square well site. Numerous budget amendments were approved across multiple funds (General Fund, Economic Development Fund, Self-Supporting Recreation Programs Fund, Fleet Services Fund, Wastewater Utility fund, Water Utility fund, Health Insurance fund, and Employee Retirement fund). These amendments implemented provisions of the 2026 salary ordinance, adjusted health/insurance costs, provided funds for additional mosquito treatment costs incurred in 2025, and reflected 2026 health insurance elections and expected expenditures for retiree health insurance coverage.

The Finance Committee meeting agenda included reviewing vouchers exceeding $50,000 requiring immediate action, as well as several resolutions. Key resolutions involved establishing an ordinance regarding sewer impact fees for the Brookfield Square Sewer Basin Improvements, approving the establishment of this impact fee, and authorizing the Police Department to purchase police squad vehicles and related equipment. Furthermore, the committee addressed resolutions to approve budget amendments for multiple funds (General Fund, Economic Development Fund, Self-Supporting Recreation Programs Fund, Fleet Services Fund, Wastewater Utility fund, Water Utility fund, Health Insurance fund, and Employee Retirement fund) primarily to implement the 2026 salary ordinance and adjust insurance costs. A committee-only item involved a presentation by PFM Asset Management regarding City investments and a review of the timeline for the 2026 capital budget update and promissory note issuance.

The regular Common Council meeting addressed several items across various committees. The Plan Commission section included resolutions approving a revised plan for The Find and Willoughby Wood Works and adopting a zoning amendment ordinance for 450 N. Sunny Slope Road, which was removed from the consent agenda for separate deliberation. The Finance Committee handled vouchers exceeding $50,000, including significant expenditures for grip pumps and replacement patrol trucks, and approved multiple budget amendments across General Fund, Economic Development Fund, Self-Supporting Recreation Programs Fund, Fleet Services Fund, Wastewater Utility fund, Water Utility fund, Health Insurance fund, and Employee Retirement fund, largely related to implementing the 2026 salary ordinance and adjusting insurance costs. The Legislative & Licensing Committee approved several bartender/operator licenses and temporary Class B Beer & Wine licenses, and adopted ordinances amending the Municipal Code for Digital Submissions for Fire Permits and for Sign application variances. The Board of Public Works awarded contracts for the Rolling Meadows Park Pond Dredging Project and the 2026 Road Resurfacing Project, and approved a Letter of Support for a federal grant. The Water & Sewer Board awarded a contract for the 2026 Water Main Extension Project and accepted dedications of water main improvements from two separate LLCs.

The Bishop's Woods Neighborhood Plan aims to transform the Bishop's Woods business park into a walkable, sustainable, and high-quality suburban community. The plan outlines strategies for mixed-use redevelopment, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access, conserving natural areas, and integrating green architectural design standards. It seeks to support high-quality employment institutions and improve the overall quality-of-life, alongside implementing multi-modal transportation solutions and fostering public-private partnerships.

Key discussions during this meeting included a verbal report from the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) President and CEO, Nancy Justman. The committee also reviewed a request for a Facade Improvement Grant for The Find, LLC, located at 2915 N. Brookfield Road, which involved presenting staff reports and architectural plans for proposed facade updates, including entranceway improvements, lighting, and material replacements. Furthermore, the committee received a report detailing Brookfield's vacancy and absorption rates for the industrial, office, and retail markets for the First Quarter of 2026. Note that the minutes of the December 1, 2025 meeting were presented for approval.