2025-08-04 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - MinutesMINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEET]NG OF THE VILLAGE PRESIDENT &
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE HELD IN THE
JEFFREY S. BRAIMAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT VILLACE HALL.50 RAUPP BOULEVARD.
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS. MONDAY AUGUST 4,2025
hesident Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M
Flag.
CALL TO ORDER
Those present stood and pledged allegiance to the
ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following present: hesident Smith: Trustees Johnson. Richards, Cesario. Bocek, and
Weidenfeld. Trustee Ottenheimer was absent.
The Commitlee ofthe Whol€ Meeting consisted ofstaffreports and Board discussion on the listed topics. with
staffanswering questions ftom the Board on each topic.
!'I L L CE PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Trustee Johnson urged all ofour residents to come out to Rylko Park tomorrow night. August 5. 2025, tojoin
our first responders and participate in Natioral Night Out. America's night out against crime.
Trustee Johnson reported on our upcoming Buffalo Grove Days celebration. urging residents to participate in
the fun, join in the Parade, and purchase wrist bands for the carnival.
Trustee Johnson noted there is a Community Survey on our website with the opportunity for all residents to
share their ideas and visions as to what they would like to see in Clove Park. Trustee Johnson urged residents
to particiPate in this survey and to share it with fiiends and neighbors so that everyone has a chance to be a part
ofand be proud ofthis community gathering space.
Ms. Cillespie presented a brief overview of the Caring Community Program, which was initiated in early
2025 to celebrate individuals, groups, organizations. and programs in Buffalo Grove that embody the
community's "Sman. With Heart." brand. This initiative recognizes outstanding contributions that enhance thequality oflife, demonstrate leadership. and reflect the values of collaboration. ciompassion. and innovationwithin the village. and presents an opponunity to uprift individuars. groups. and initiatives that exemprifoBuffalo Grove's "Smart. with Heart.".ethos-. This program will not onlyiecognize excellence but also inspire
continued community engagement and reinforce the virues that make B;ffalo-croye exceptiona[.
President smith recognized the three community memben who were each nominated by their peers and are therecipients of ton ight's.awards: Adhya Garrapati, Rob Krawans. and Gina Kapinos. preiident smith thensummarized the contributions that each ofthem have made to our community ana p..r.nt.a tn.. *iit,
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cenificates as they were thanked and congratulated by the auaience anJ trre
'goard-
Ms. Garlapati noi.o tt utshe is truly honored to receive this award ind to be a ian ofthe grfrrio c.or..ormunity. and stated that shewill keep learning, growing and making a difference.
AIso present were: Dane Bragg, Village Manager: Patrick Brankin. Village Attorney: Chris Stilling, Deputy
Village Manager: Mike Skibbe. Deputy Village Manager/Director of Public Works: Tyler Grace. Assistant
Village Manager - Administrative Servicesl Katie Golbach. Director of Human Resources; Chris Black,
Finance Director: Christine Berman. Deputy Finance Director: Molly Cillespie. Communications Director;
Kelly Purvis, Deputy Director of Community Development; Jim Wamstedt, Deputy Director of Public Works;
GeoffTollefson, Director GolfOperations; Deputy Police ChiefSpolar: and Fire Chief Kane.
Mr. Grace briefly commented on the Community Survey Overview, details of which are contained in the
Agenda Item Summary that he prepared.
Through a PowerPoint presentation. Sonya Wytinck. representing Polco.National Research Center, provided
context and an in-depth overview ofthe results of this survey. Before beginning her presentation Ms. Wytinck
thanked Mr. Grace for all his help, providing insightful and thoughtful and detailed feedback regarding the
community.
Board members commented on how pleased they are with the results ofthe survey and that the residents are
happy with the overall direction in which the Village is headed. Thanks to the staff for their dedication and
professionalism and thanks to the Board for their vision to move ahead. Special thanks to the Communications
Department for getting information out to the community.
E!'ENTS & PROCRA }I I N(; STUD\'/PI,AN
Ms. Gillespie reviewed that the Village is preparing to conduct a comprehensive study of its special events and
programming, in collaboration with consultants fiom Keen lndependent Research. This effort will evaluate
current offerings alongside broader community-wide events and identi! opportunities to enhance strategic
initiatives and activate emerging venue spaces. The resulting plan will outline a clear path forward, including
recommended resources. potential parmerships, and sustainable funding strategies. while also helping to define
or reaffirm roles and responsibilities. The study's goal is to assess existing programming within the broader
context ofevents hosted by other agencies and align future effons with community preferences and Village
Board priorities.
CAPITAL IMPR v ME
Mr. Wamstedt reviewed the 2026 Capital Improvement Program Requests. details of which are contained in the
memo that he and Ms. Schwab sent to Mr. Bragg dated July 22,2025. as well as the PowerPoint presentation
that he proYided.
FY 2025 -SIX M ONTH REPORT
Mr. Black reviewed the FY 2025 Budgel Six Month Status, details of which are contained in his memo to Mr.
Bragg ofAugust 4, 2025.
SUNSET HOME RU & UTI LITY TAXES
Mr' Black reviewed the Home Rule Sales and Utility Taxes. details of which are contained in his memo toMr. Bragg of August 4. 2025.
Mr' Black reviewed the proposed rax Lery 2025, detairs ofwhich are contained in his memo to Mr. Bragg ofAuBust 4.2025, as well as the powerpoint presentation that h" p.ouiA.J.
5PR MINA TAX L Y
PU LIC C OMM NT
President smith reviewed the parameters to be followed by speakers and asked ifftere were any questions liomthe audience on items not on tonight.s agenda; th... *;;;'r;;;;;;r;i"rr.
COMMUNITY SURVEY OVERVIEW
2026 GENERAL WAGf, INCREASE/MERIT POOL
Ms. Colbach reviewed the 2026 General Wage Increase and Merit Pool recommendation. details of which are
contained in her memo to Mr. Bragg ofAugust 4, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Moved by Johnson. seconded by Cesario. to move to Executive Session to discuss: Section 2(C)(5) ofthe
lllinois Open Meetings Act: (5) the Purchase or Lease of Real Prop€rty for the Use of the Public Body,
lncluding Meetings Held for the Purpose of Discussing Whether a Psrticular Parcel Should be Acquired.
Upon roll call. Trustees voted as follows
AYES: 5 Johnson, Richards, Cesario, Bocek. Weidenfeld
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: I - Ottenheimer
Motion declared canied.
The Board moved to Executive Session from 8: lE P.M. to 9:34 P.M
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Weidenfeld, seconded by Cesario.lo adjoum the meeting. Upnn voice vote. the motion was
unanimously declared carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 P.M.
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. Sirabian. Village Clerk
APPROVED BY ME THIS I8't'DAY OF Ausust 2025
llage ftesident
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