Committee of the Whole

Village of Brookfield Agenda Committee of the Whole Meeting Monday, September 25, 2023 @ 7:00 PM or Immediately Following Village Board Meeting Edward Barcal Hall 8820 Brookfield Avenue Brookfield, IL 60513 I. ROLL CALL II. REGULAR BUSINESS 1. Discussion of the Village Tree Location Tree III. PUBLIC COMMENT IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Pursuant to Section 2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss purchase or lease of real property for the village’s use 2. Pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees V. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 5  Committee Item Memo Meeting Date: September 25, 2023 Staff Contact: Luke Gundersen, Director of Parks and Recreation Department: Parks and Recreation Subject: Discussion of the Village Tree Location Background Information: Summary: The history of the tree location has been in the center of the 8 corners circle. The recent reconstruction of the fountain has made it impossible to use that location for the tree. We did explore the feasibility of placing the tree over the fountain but after discussing it with Fountain Tech they highly discouraged it. Fountain tech mentioned that no Structural Engineer on the project accounted for the extra weight of a Christmas tree placed in the pool floor or on top of the pool walls. If something were to happen and the tree were to fall it would void our warranty on the fountain. We are now in need of a new location for the tree. We are proposing a couple of different locations for the tree. Each location considers recommendations from public works and police. Below are the options we would like to present along with our recommendation. Option #1: Progress Park- This location was used last year and seemed to work out well. First, from a public safety standpoint it was much easier for the police to manage the closure. Second, public works is ready with all the equipment to be able to put the tree there again. Lastly this location worked out well regarding logistics for the Holiday Celebration event. PRO CON Logistics for the Holiday Celebration event Not a permanent solution are planned at this location. Great visibility. Great location for tree lighting ceremony. Option #2: Kiwanis Park- This location would be ideal for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It features plenty of space for parking, a stage with electricity for the speakers, and the three evergreens on site would make a great location for the trees to be lit up for the event. This would save money by not requiring a crane and the work hours to put up and secure a tree. Also, from a conservation point of view this would be highly beneficial since a tree does not need to be cut down. Page 2 of 5  PRO CON Logistics for holiday celebration are simple. Small trees currently. Most sustainable option. Poor visibility from street. Great location for tree lighting ceremony. The three trees near band shell will get bigger each year. Option #3: Grossdale Station- It provides a closer option to the downtown area while still standing on its own. It sets a great photographic area for the backdrop having the historic station in the background. It is still reasonable walking distance from downtown and from the village hall. PRO CON Logistics will need to be figured out for power Location for Holiday Celebration is great. and anchoring. Great visibility. Great location for tree lighting ceremony. Great picture opportunity with station Option #4: Triangle Site Downtown- This is the closest location to downtown. It is highly walkable from downtown. The site will still need to get approval from the property owner. PRO CON Location for Holiday Celebration is great. Not a permanent solution Good visibility. Great location for Tree Lighting Ceremony. Option #5: Veterans Memorial- The location is great for visibility down Grand Blvd and for the trolley rides during the holiday celebration. It will also split the difference between 8 corners and downtown Brookfield. This location is not ideal for the Holiday Tree lighting that will fill and take up a lot of street space. The main issue will be cutting off traffic and controlling the flow of cars. Parking would not be ideal for the Tree lighting. PRO CON Location for Holiday Celebration is great. Smaller area. Great visibility. Poor location for Tree Lighting Ceremony. Page 3 of 5 PRO CON Not downtown or near businesses Financial Impact: The financial implication depends on which option chosen. Recommendation(s): I am recommending option #1 for this year’s tree placement. Attachments: Tree Page 4 of 5 Page 5 of 5