Brookfield Board of Health Meeting Draws Wave of Public Concerns
BROOKFIELD — A three-hour meeting of the Brookfield Board of Health on March 25, 2026, brought forward a wide range of concerns from local businesses, residents, and advocates, as new leadership opened the floor to expanded public participation.
Under the direction of Chair Christina Predella—recently elected to the role—the Board encouraged members of the community to come forward with any concerns. That approach was reflected in both the structure of the meeting and the number of individuals who chose to speak.
Public comment was also allowed at both the beginning and end of the meeting, resulting in multiple residents, business owners, and stakeholders addressing the Board directly.
Several agenda items involved direct input from local businesses.
Representatives from Wildberry Acres, White’s Landing, and Dollar General each addressed the Board regarding prior interactions. During the discussion involving Dollar General, a store manager described what they characterized as an intimidating situation in which tobacco products were removed from shelves over an alleged non payment licensing issue. It was stated during the meeting that corporate documentation showed payment had been made, though questions remained about where that payment had ultimately been processed by the Board.
Public records previously obtained by the Brookfield Examiner indicate that, in past instances, the Board of Health has misplaced records, applications, and associated fees—issues that were indirectly reflected in concerns raised during the meeting.
The Board also discussed an ADA accommodations policy, with concerns raised regarding equal participation in public meetings and the need for consistent accessibility for those attending remotely due to disability.
During the meeting, the Board indicated it would use the proposed ADA policy as a guiding framework moving forward. The guidance includes ensuring that individuals attending remotely due to disability are able to participate without being muted in advance of meetings.
The change in approach to remote participation also extended beyond the formal meeting itself. Following adjournment, this reporter was able to briefly communicate with Chair Christina Predella to offer congratulations on the meeting—an interaction that had not been possible for over a year.
This reporter previously raised concerns that disabled remote attendees were muted and unable to speak before, during, or after meetings, while able-bodied individuals physically present were able to communicate freely. For the first time under the Board’s current leadership, that dynamic appeared to change.
An additional concern was raised regarding the inclusion of full residential addresses in publicly posted meeting minutes. The issue was framed as both a privacy and safety concern, given that meeting minutes are subject to public records law.
Following discussion, the Board agreed and revised its approach, indicating that the perviously approved minutes will not include full residential addresses.
The meeting concluded with a vote to appoint dog officer Deb Young as interim clerk. During that discussion, the former chair exited the meeting prior to the vote after making a brief remark and did not participate in the decision. The remaining two Board members voted in favor of the appointment.
A consistent theme emerged throughout the meeting, as multiple business owners and members of the public expressed frustration with how they had been spoken to or treated in prior interactions with the Board of Health and its representatives. Although each situation involved different circumstances, the concerns reflected a broader pattern of strained communication and negative experiences in the past. In contrast, during this meeting the current Board heard from each speaker and engaged directly with their concerns, signaling a shift toward a more open and responsive approach and a willingness by the Board to hear concerns and make adjustments in real time.
Because several of the matters raised during the meeting involve detailed concerns from individual businesses and residents, the Brookfield Examiner will be publishing additional follow-up articles in the coming days to provide more in-depth coverage of those issues.
Meeting Video Timestamps (Watch Specific Segments)
Wildberry Acres discussion – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=248
Dollar General interaction https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=1356
White’s Landing discussion. https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=2139
ADA accommodations policy discussion. – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=5829
Meeting minutes / address privacy concern – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=9369
(Final public comment period)
Former clerk resigns – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=9740
Clerk appointment vote (Deb Young) – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=10430
Former chair exits meeting – https://youtu.be/6Z-3Dox3MXw?t=10552