Septemberfest Committee

SEPTEMBERFEST MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 COMMITTEE ROLL CALL Chair Rich Wiskirchen presiding. Committee members Jeannette Ackland, Arturo Barin, Mike Braheny, Marc Campbell, Victor D’Amelio, Bill Flesch, Jay R. Flynn, John Fraser, Dawn Hamilton, Brandy Hansen, Natalie Hansen, Mary Jane Lange, Joe Lenoci, Maui Mendez, George Mussman, Jeff Mytych, Jeff Sanderson, Eric Todd, and Bruce Webber present. Committee members Laura Sue Awick, Melanie Brown, Ken Johnson, Tracy Richter-Papaproko, and Crystal Schuster absent. STAFF ROLL CALL Roxane Benvenuti (Special Events Coordinator), Department of Cultural Services; Tiana Weiler (Director), Department of Cultural Services; Michael Rons, Fire Department; Bob Mamrot, EPW Department; Sgt. Todd Bochenek, Police Department, and Heather Anderson, Community Development Department present. Lt. Adam Wis, Police Department, was absent. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ROLL CALL Julia Strojny, Schaumburg High School; Arohi Deshmukh, Conant High School; and Vihaan Thakkar, Hoffman Estates High School present. GUEST ROLL CALL Mike Lange, Arts & Crafts Show Assistant; Eric Engelson, Festival Assistant; Carol Brey, Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club; Jack Brey, Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club; Mike Rapp; Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club; and Mary Wroblewski, Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. CALL TO ORDER Chair Rich Wiskirchen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 6, 2025. Motion to approve made by Mr. John Fraser, seconded by Ms. Brandy Hansen. Voice vote taken, all ayes. Motion carries. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES 1. None NEW BUSINESS 1. Student Representatives posed for a photo with Sons and Daughters of Italy in America members for their scholarship. 2. Septemberfest 2026 Meeting Schedule Review The committee reviewed and approved the 2026 meeting schedule. 3. Septemberfest 2026 Planning Updates No updates were available. SEPTEMBERFEST MINUTES Monday, November 3, 2025 Page 2 of 3 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Septemberfest Critique List Fireworks Item Discussion Consider a drone show choreographed to music to replace fireworks, given the reduced parking issues with Our Saviour's United Methodist Church and the cost for parking lot rental. The geofencing zone for drones is much smaller than fireworks and should not affect their parking lot. The cost of drone displays has decreased since we last released an RFP in 2024 and should be able to contract a 150-300 drone show in 2026. Mrs. Benvenuti will request a proposal for Septemberfest Drone Display Service for review at the January meeting. CHAIR REPORT 1. Chair Rich Wiskirchen reported that Ms. Liv Frullani and Mr. Eric Engelson each submitted a request to be appointed to the committee. COORDINATOR REPORT 1. Mrs. Benvenuti reported that she is working on tying out the budget with Ms. Weiler to complete the final report for the November FLAGG meeting. 2. Mrs. Benvenuti congratulated Mr. Jay R. Flynn for the honor of being recognized with Western Governors University’s Distinguished Graduate Award at the Chicagoland Elevating Impact Event. Mr. Jay R. Flynn was selected as a member of the 2024 Distinguished Graduate Award cohort for his commitment to public service with the Village of Schaumburg for nearly two decades. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Arts & Crafts Show: We need to consider booth fee pricing for next year to update and post various event listings as well as budgeting purposes. 2. Craft Beer & Wine: No report. 3. Layout & Carnival: No report. 4. Local Entertainment: No report. 5. Main Stage Entertainment: No report. 6. Maintenance & Fireworks: No report. 7. Parade: No report. 8. Sponsorship & Marketing: No report. 9. Student Representatives: Mr. George Mussman informed the committee that successors have been selected for next year. 10. Taste of Schaumburg: No report. SEPTEMBERFEST MINUTES Monday, November 3, 2025 Page 3 of 3 11. Taste of Schaumburg’s Not-for-Profit Day: No report. 12. Volunteers: No report. STAFF REPORTS 1. Community Development Department (CDD): Heather Anderson, Community Development Department, introduced herself as the new Septemberfest liaison. 2. Engineering Public Works Department (EPW): No report. 3. Fire Department: No report. 4. Police Department: No report. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC 1. Ms. Weiler reported that Septemberfest is $50,000 favorable to budget and we lost less than expected with three out of four areas met. Business participation climbed from 67 to 94 partners—a 40% increase—showing strong community and corporate backing. 2. Ms. Weiler brought the Village’s annual holiday ornament that features the 30th anniversary of the Nutcracker this year and said that it is available for purchase at the Prairie Center for $20. Ms. Weiler also informed the committee about the Prairie Center Foundation raffle opportunity. ADJOURNMENT Chair Rich Wiskirchen entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Mr. John Fraser, seconded by Mrs. Dawn Hamilton. Voice vote taken, all ayes. Motion carries. Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting is on January 5, 2026.