North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees met Feb. 25

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Village President Kathryn Ciesla called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM

1. ROLL CALL

Attendee Name Title Status

Kathryn Ciesla Village President Present

Robert Israel Trustee Present

Heather Ross Trustee Absent

Daniel Pepoon Trustee Absent

Johannah Hebl Trustee Absent

Joy Ebhomielen Trustee Present

Michelle Kohler Trustee Present

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. SWEARING-IN OF FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDICS NICHOLAS PAWLICKI AND

ARNOLD AGUILAR

4. MINUTES APPROVAL

A. February 11, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes for Approval

RESULT: APPROVED AS AMENDED [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

5. PUBLIC COMMENT TIME

Village Attorney Steve Elrod spoke on the preliminary review process.

David Petrich expressed concern about a Facebook message exchange between a trustee and a first responder.

Muriel Collison recognized the Village Board for their service and supportive housing initiatives.

David Hozkberg expressed concern regarding construction delays for the Northbrook Court project and left a case of water advertising his business.

Eric Burger requested the Village Board pass an ordinance to regulate hemp.

6. MANAGER'S REPORT

Village Manager Pavlicek reminded everyone that severe weather preparedness week is March

3 – 7 and to look at their home safety plans.

7. WARRANT LIST

A. Review and Approval of Escrow Deposits/Performance Bond Refunds Processed

Between February 1, 2025 - February 15, 2025 in the amount of $1,500.00.

RESULT: APPROVED [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

B. Review and Approval of Payments Processed Between February 1, 2025 - February 15, 2025 in the amount of $2,811,629.58.

RESULT: APPROVED [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

8. PRESIDENT'S REPORT

President Ciesla reported the Village hosted a successful Cultural Affair on February 23, 2025, and The Fresh Market is opening on February 26, 2025.

Community Moment

Phillip Shapiro, Community Commission, discussed the successful Annual Cultural Affair. He explained how the event showcases various cultures within the community. Furthermore, he encouraged the public to attend the Annual Flamingo Friday Kick-Off event on May 9, 2025

9. CONSENT AGENDA

RESULT: APPROVED ITEMS A – B [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Michelle Kohler, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

A. Resolution 2025-R-23 Amending the A133 Agreement with Leopardo

Construction, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois and Guaranteed Maximum Price to Incorporate the Remaining Components of the Scope of Work for the Northbrook Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape Enhancement Project.

B. Resolution 2025-R-24 Accepting the Recommendation from the Architectural Control Commission (1657 Shermer Road)

10. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE – None

11. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A. Preliminary Review of a Request to Amend Ordinance No. 2023-66 Granting Special Permits for a Mixed Use Planned Development (including Combined Development Concept Plan and Final Plan Approval) and for Certain Specified Uses in the C-4 Regional Shopping District for Northbrook Court Shopping Center

RESULT: MOTION TO REFER TO PLAN COMMISSION [4 – 0]

MOVER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

SECONDER: Michelle Kohler, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services, discussed an application submitted by Northbrook Court Newco, LLC and Northbrook Anchor Acquisitions, LLC, for the property located at 1515-1775 Lake Cook Road.

The applicant is requesting to amend previously approved Ordinance No. 2023-66 to modify the construction sequence for the Northbrook Court project. She provided a brief overview of the following: property’s history, development project, and proposed amendment. She noted the requested relief/primary issues the Village Board should consider.

Trustee Israel spoke in favor of the proposed development project and asked the Village Attorney a few clarifying questions.

Trustees Ebhomielen and Kohler spoke in favor of the proposed development project.

President Ciesla spoke on the public’s concerns regarding the lengthy development project. She recognized the applicant for partnering with the Village to develop the property to benefit the community.

B. Preliminary Review of a Zoning Request for a Special Permit for Amusement and Recreational Services and Parking Variation at 2724-2726 Dundee Road (Little Mountain Gym)

RESULT: MOTION TO REFER TO PLAN COMMISSION [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services, discussed an application submitted by Little Mountain Gymnastics LLC, for the property located at 2724-2726 Dundee Road.

The applicant is requesting a special permit to allow children's gymnastics. She provided a brief overview of the following: property’s history, zoning, and proposed plan. She noted the requested relief/primary issues the Village Board should consider.

Audrey Jones, Applicant, clarified business operations with Trustee Ebhomielen.

Trustees Israel, Ebhomielen, and Kohler spoke in favor of the application.

President Ciesla requested the Plan Commission review pick-up/drop-off operations.

C. Presentation on an Initial Review of a Request for a Cook County Class 6B for the Property Located at 3075-3085 Commercial Avenue

Michaela Kohlstedt, Deputy Director of Development and Planning Services, discussed an application submitted by Catalina Properties, LLC, for the property located at 3075-3085

Commercial Avenue.

The applicant is requesting a Cook County Class 6B. She provided a brief overview of the following: property’s history, zoning, and Cook County Class 6B tax incentive.

She noted the requested relief/primary issues the Village Board should consider. Furthermore, she confirmed for Trustee Kohler the applicant is renovating the property.

Victor Cuellar, Applicant, stated the renovation expenses amount to $1.2 million. Furthermore, they plan on relocating the dairy plant to Northbrook, if the tax incentive application is approved.

Trustees Israel, Ebhomielen, and Kohler spoke in favor of the application.

President Ciesla thanked the applicant for choosing to invest in Northbrook.

12. COMMUNITY AND SUSTAINABILITY – None

13. PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES – None

14. PUBLIC SAFETY – None

15. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH – None

16. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER – None

17. CLOSED SESSION – None

18. ADJOURN

RESULT: ADJOURN AT 8:37 PM [4 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Joy Ebhomielen, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Ciesla

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: None

ABSENT: Heather Ross, Trustee, Daniel Pepoon, Trustee, Johannah Hebl, Trustee

https://northbrook-il.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=northbrook-il_c4cbf97cb98260059193f55a5ea99488.pdf&view=1