Plainfield Committee of the Whole Workshop – October 27, 2025

The Plainfield Village Board held a Committee of the Whole Workshop on October 27, 2025, to discuss appointments to boards, a residential concept plan from Pulte Homes, the 2025 tax levy preliminary estimate, and water/sewer rate proposals. No public comments were made.

Consent Calendar

• The Board unanimously approved the minutes of the October 13, 2025 Committee of the Whole Workshop.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

Presidential Appointments and Swearing-In

• The Board unanimously approved the appointment of Azalia Allen to the Police Commission (term expiring April 30, 2028) and Kim Wagner to the Plan Commission (term expiring April 30, 2027), along with Michael Stogdill and Hagen Kern as ex-officio Plan Commission members (terms expiring April 30, 2028). The new commissioners were sworn in.

F.1 Pulte – Varley Property (Concept Plan)

• Pulte Homes presented a concept plan for 89 single-family homes on approximately 40 acres at the northeast corner of 119th Street and 248th Avenue. The proposal includes a mix of ranch-style and two-story homes (1,600–3,300 sq. ft.) with lot sizes ranging from 7,600 to 13,000 sq. ft., resulting in a density of 2.2 units per acre—well below the comprehensive plan's target of 7 units per acre for mixed residential.
• Board members and staff provided feedback: requested connectivity to existing multi-use paths on 119th and 248th, preservation of existing trees, use of native plants in landscaping, and more creative naming. Concerns were raised about traffic on 119th Street and the need for sidewalks and crosswalks, especially near Plainfield North High School. The Board encouraged Pulte to include a wider range of housing types, including workforce housing options. No formal vote was taken; the discussion was for preliminary input only.

F.2 2025 Tax Levy

• Tracy Pleckham presented the preliminary tax levy estimate for 2025. The recommended preliminary estimate is $11,586,000, based on a projected 15% increase in equalized assessed value (EAV) to maintain the current tax rate of 0.4430. The 2024 extension was $10,074,204.
• Key points: The village's property tax rate has remained stable for 14 years with only one reduction. Most new revenue would be directed to police pension and tort immunity funds due to rising costs (36% increase in workers' comp and liability insurance). Staff also provided draft budgets for Tort Immunity, Audit, and Police Pension funds.
• Discussion included the impact of a 5% rate reduction scenario, which would reduce corporate fund revenue by $442,000. The Board agreed to consider the preliminary estimate at the November 3 Village Board meeting and further discuss rate adjustments at the November 10 workshop.

F.3 Water/Sewer Rates

• Scott Threewit and Dan Beerman presented an overview of water and wastewater operations, capital projects (including a new 1-million-gallon water tower, ground storage tank, and PFAS treatment preparations), and rate comparisons. Plainfield’s average monthly bill for 1,000 cubic feet ($124.20) is well below the regional average ($156) and the Lake Michigan communities average ($157.85).
• Staff proposed annual rate increases tied to Illinois American Water’s wholesale rate increases (average 3.4% annually) plus an additional $0.50 monthly capital charge increase each year. The goal is to make the water/sewer fund self-sustaining and reduce reliance on non-operating revenues (e.g., home rule sales tax transfers of $3 million annually).
• Board members expressed support for aligning rates with Illinois American Water increases, possibly codified by ordinance with a cap requiring board approval for spikes (e.g., increases above a certain percentage). The Board directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance for further discussion at upcoming workshops. Transparency and addressing PFAS costs were emphasized.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of minutes from October 13, 2025.
• Unanimous approval of appointments to Police and Plan Commissions.
• Preliminary input provided to Pulte on Varley property; no vote taken.
• Board acknowledged the preliminary tax levy estimate; will consider at November 3 board meeting.
• Board directed staff to develop a water/sewer rate ordinance tied to Illinois American Water increases, with potential cap and annual adjustments.