Woodridge, Village of

The Joint Review Board (JRB) meeting commenced with the selection of an interim chair, Al Stonitsch. The primary focus was to render an advisory vote to the Woodridge Board regarding the recommendation to approve the TIF Redevelopment Plan & Project Area, specifically whether it satisfies the qualifications of the TIF Act. Several members of the public voiced concerns regarding the TIF process, the criteria for blight, potential impacts on housing, and the selection process for the public member. Several taxing bodies, including Community High School #99, Center Cass Grade School #66, Woodridge Grade School #68, and Woodridge Park District, expressed appreciation for Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) negotiated with the Village to mitigate potential financial losses or impacts. While some members noted deficiencies in the provided eligibility report—such as lacking locational references for photographs and insufficient analysis of recent property improvements—others, like the Library Board, confirmed the material presented satisfied the narrow statutory requirements for eligibility. The final advisory vote resulted in three 'Yes' votes, zero 'No' votes, and seven 'Abstentions'. The Board also confirmed that further IGA discussions can occur and that the JRB will reconvene annually.

The Joint Review Board meeting was briefed on the process for recommending the approval of the TIF Redevelopment Plan & Project Area, noting that the first meeting occurred on December 3, 2025. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the duration of commitment under the TIF process and compliance with the Open Meetings Act concerning agenda posting and public representation at the meeting. The Board ultimately motioned to continue the meeting to a future date for further discussion.

The meeting commenced with dedication of the session in memory of three deceased neighbors: Nancy Jonardo, Barb Caneram, and Henry Curry, followed by the pledge of allegiance. A special resolution honored three long-standing volunteers of Woodridge's local television station, Channel 6, for their dedication to community storytelling. The board subsequently approved Resolution 2025-122, which involved sunsetting Channel 6 and recognizing the volunteers. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment and presentation on the proposed 2025 property tax levy for 2026 collection, noting that 100% of property tax revenues are applied to the police pension fund, with a resulting shortage funded from the general fund. The presentation also detailed the distribution of general fund revenues and the tax rates for associated Special Service Areas (Seven Bridges, Richfield Place, and Timber's Edge). The library board's 2025 tax levy for 2026 expenditures was also presented. The omnibus agenda included endorsing the legislative action program for the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and authorizing the execution of a vehicle agreement with ALAS Mobile Field Force for a Ford F350 for the Police Department. The Mayor concluded with a holiday message expressing gratitude to the community.

The Joint Review Board meeting focused on the proposed Woodridge 75th Street Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Key discussions included the explanation of TIF by Special Attorney Herb Klein, the nomination and appointment of Kimberly Clarke as Chairperson, and a discussion of the contents of the Joint Review Board Booklet and various TIF Ordinances. The Village's proposed TIF Plan, aimed at revitalizing underutilized spaces and encouraging new development, was presented. Concerns were raised by board members regarding eligible parcels, the boundary areas, housing development funding within School District 58, the scope and 23-year length of the TIF, and the reliance of school districts on property taxes due to reduced state funding. The meeting was continued to January 7, 2026, pending an advisory vote.

The meeting initiated discussions regarding the Proposed Woodridge 75th Street Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Key topics included the upcoming January 15, 2026 Public Hearing and the presentation of the proposed ordinance approving the TIF at the February 5, 2026 Village Board Meeting. Members discussed the draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and the possibility of continuing the meeting to January 12, 2026, to allow more time for review. Specific questions were raised about the Village providing examples of tax implications with and without the TIF, and whether objecting taxing bodies would still be subject to the IGA. It was clarified that the JRB vote is advisory regarding the TIF Act process, not the satisfaction level with the IGA.