North Cook News

Village of Northbrook Committee of the Whole met July 8

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. ROLL CALL

Attendee Name Title Status

Kathryn Ciesla Village President Present

Robert Israel Trustee Present

Heather Ross Trustee Present

Johannah Hebl Trustee Present

Joy Ebhomielen Trustee Present

Michelle Kohler Trustee Present

Matt Cassidy Trustee Present

Also Present: Village Manager, Cara Pavlicek

Deputy Village Manager, Jim Hawkins

Chief of Police, John Ustich

Fire Chief, David Schweihs

Public Works Director, Kelly Hamill

Deputy Public Works Director, Matt Morrison

Village Engineer, Aram Beladi

Emma Albers, Kimley-Horn and Associates

CFO, Steven Drazner

Village Clerk, Derek Gau

2. MINUTES APPROVAL

A. June 24, 2025 Committee of the Whole Minutes for Approval

RESULT: APPROVED [6 – 0]

MOVER: Robert Israel, Trustee

SECONDER: Johannah Hebl, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Cassidy

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: Kathryn Ciesla, President

ABSENT: None

3. DISCUSSION TOPICS

A. A Preliminary Review of the Stormwater Fund Utility Rate Study

Trustee Israel recognized the Village’s many completed projects, and President Ciesla suggested highlighting these accomplishments in the Village newsletter.

Trustee Hebl commended staff for improved communication around stormwater efforts. 

Matt Morrison, Deputy Director Public Works, shared results from the Village’s Stormwater Utility Rate Study, outlining alternatively fee structures to increase revenues to fund debt service related to previously completed project and well as ongoing operating and maintenance costs to reach as fund balance. The prior allocation of surplus general fund balance to the Stormwater Fund was also reviewed. Staff was asked to identify the time to reach a positive fund balance with a multiyear rate increase without a commitment to any additional capital projects other than the Koepke Road project due to the efficiency of combining road and stormwater improvements. Staff will prepare the updated information for review and a rate ordinance for consideration.

B. Review of the traffic study performed in the Charlemagne and Lone Tree Subdivisions

Aram Beladi, Village Engineer presented findings from a traffic study conducted by Kimley-Horn in response to traffic and speeding concerns reported by residents in the Charlemagne area. The study found that 85th percentile speeds were generally within 10 mph of the posted 25 mph limit, and traffic volumes did not meet MUTCD thresholds for additional stop signs. Temporary speed boards will be deployed. A full copy of the study is available on the Village agenda website.

Trustees discussed communication strategies with the HOA and the Board requested the report be presented at an upcoming Regular meeting of the Village Board.

It was also noted that the study will provide a baseline of traffic and speed data which will be reviewed when the Reserve at the Brook development is 80% occupied.

C. A discussion regarding reallocation of concrete street funding to address deteriorated concrete panels in the Charlemagne Subdivision

Village Engineer Beladi presented an analysis addressing conditions of concrete roadway panels in the Charlemagne area and comparatively Sky Harbor Industrial Park. While $1 million in patching is currently scheduled for FY 2030, the recommendation is to reallocate $500K from the FY 2026 Sky Harbor budget to begin work in Charlemagne, with another $500K planned for FY 2027. This would extend the Sky Harbor project timeline to FY 2028. The Board expressed general support, with formal updates expected in the August budget report. Construction could begin as early as October. Staff was asked to bring the matter forward to the Regular Board meeting for action.

4. REMARKS FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER - None

5. CLOSED SESSION - None

6. ADJOURN

RESULT: ADJOURN AT 7:20 P.M. [6 – 0]

MOVER: Michelle Kohler, Trustee

SECONDER: Matt Cassidy, Trustee

AYES: Israel, Ross, Hebl, Ebhomielen, Kohler, Cassidy

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: Kathryn Ciesla, President

ABSENT: None

https://northbrook-il.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=northbrook-il_0e44a1562a6bec339bcb214d4092379e.pdf&view=1