Brookfield trustees approve liquor-code changes, adopt economic incentive policy and hire TIF consultant

The Village of Brookfield Board of Trustees on July 28 approved several measures aimed at supporting local businesses and future development, including changes to the village liquor code, a new Class S license for Imperial Oak Brewing, adoption of an economic incentive policy, and hiring SB Friedman to study tax-increment financing options.

The board passed an ordinance amending chapter 6 of the village code to allow Class 14 licensees to hold a Class S license and to exempt Class 14 holders from certain food-service requirements. Chair (presiding) described the change as a ‘‘cleanup’’ to formalize practices that have already allowed outdoor areas and food trucks. The motion passed on a roll-call vote.

Trustees also approved issuing a Class S liquor license to Imperial Oak Brewing. "Again, we discussed it at the previous committee," the Chair said before the vote, and trustees voted to approve the license.

On economic development policy, the board adopted an economic incentive policy vetted by staff and the Economic Development Commission. The Chair characterized the document as a "living, breathing document" designed to make incentives available to developers seeking projects and to give the village flexibility when negotiating terms.

The board voted to retain SB Friedman to provide tax-increment financing consulting services to evaluate options for prolonging or creating TIF districts and to analyze a proposed study area. Jeff Dickinson of SB Friedman told trustees the standard timeline for creating a new TIF district is roughly six months from the start of work, noting that process pacing can vary: "In terms of creating a new TIF district, the normal timeline is 6 months from the start of our work. That doesn't mean you have to do it that fast, but that's a normal process," he said.

Trustees asked whether a TIF would focus only on properties the village owns; staff said the study would prioritize village-owned parcels but would likely consider a somewhat broader target area. The Chair said the board was hiring professional advice so it could weigh options — including whether to amend an existing TIF or create a new district — before making any formal designation.

The board also approved the corporate warrant for $2,918,216.95. Trustees highlighted several large payments in the warrant, including a final payment for the Ellet Park renovation, a roughly $142,000 village share for Grand Boulevard improvements, about $800,000 for lead service lines remediation, and $577,000 for street improvements.

The Chair said staff and the EDC had spent months developing the incentive policy and emphasized that the policy can be updated as the village’s needs change.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance to amend village code (chapter 6, sections 102 & 103) — approved (roll call). - Ordinance issuing Class S license to Imperial Oak Brewing — approved (roll call). - Resolution adopting economic incentive policy — approved (roll call). - Resolution to contract SB Friedman for TIF consulting — approved (roll call). - Corporate warrant dated 07/28/2025 for $2,918,216.95 — approved (roll call).

Next steps: SB Friedman will prepare analyses and options for the village to consider; staff will return with more refined recommendations and any required ordinances or formal TIF designations.