Manager's Report — 15 May 2026: Solar Installation Approaching, Streets Near Completion, Sustainability Events Set
Sales tax collections are running 13% ahead of last fiscal year while several infrastructure projects approach finish lines and two sustainability events are scheduled for late May.
Key items
- Solar panel installation starting June 8 — Residents can track when the Public Works Center begins generating solar power after months of site prep.
- Sales tax 13% ahead of last fiscal year — A $18.4M year-to-date total signals stronger-than-expected Village revenues with two months left in FY26.
- 304 water meter accounts still unscheduled — Households that haven't booked a meter swap risk water service disruption.
- Public Works closed May 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Residents needing non-emergency help must call the Police Department line at (847) 564-2060 during the closure.
- Shermer Road and Metra lot nearly complete — New internal lot circulation eliminates cars exiting onto Shermer when aisles are full, and all parking spaces are now open.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Paramedic Graduations and RED Fridays
Five Northbrook firefighters — Arnold Aguilar, Dylan Valkenaar, Tim Hendricks, Bryan Mata, and Nick Pawlicki — graduated from the Highland Park Hospital Paramedic Education Program on May 9 and must pass the National Paramedic Licensure Exam before assuming paramedic duties. The department also wears red uniforms every Friday through the national RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) program honoring currently deployed service members.
Native Tree Giveaway — May 22
Free Silver Maple, River Birch, and Redbud saplings will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on May 22 in the Village Hall rear parking lot; no registration is required. Questions can be directed to sustainability@northbrook.il.us.
Northbrook Climate Action Day — May 30
A resource fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Hall (rear lot), featuring the Sustainability Commission, community partners, and sustainability experts alongside a demonstration garden covering energy-efficient practices for home, landscape, and transportation.
Disability Inclusion Award Nominations Open Through July 31
The Disability Inclusion Commission is accepting nominations for its inaugural award recognizing businesses and organizations that foster an inclusive community; submissions are accepted via online form through July 31.
Shermer Road and Metra Lot Nearing Completion
Construction on the Shermer Road Corridor between Willow Road and Walters Avenue is nearly done. Related Metra lot improvements are also nearly complete, including new internal circulation that prevents vehicles from exiting onto Shermer when a parking aisle is full; all parking spaces in the lot have been reopened. Contact Project Manager Michael Weller at 847-272-4711 or michael.weller@northbrook.il.us with questions.
Public Works Garage: Demolition Done, Geothermal Access Cleared
Crews finished demolishing the pre-engineered metal building shell, and ComEd removed the overhead powerline and transformer on the northern portion of the site, clearing access for future geothermal drilling. Work scheduled for the week of May 18 includes excavation for storm trap installation followed by reinforcing and pouring a concrete slab to support it.
Solar Panels at Public Works Center: Installation Targeted for June 8
Contractor SunPeak confirmed the new solar system's transfer switch integrates correctly with the backup generator. Materials are expected at SunPeak by end of May, with panel installation tentatively beginning the week of June 8.
Concrete Street Patching: Bordeaux, Brittany, and Touraine Areas
During the week of May 11, the contractor prepared subgrade and completed concrete pours along Bordeaux Drive, Bordeaux Court, Brittany Court, and Touraine Terrace, with one final pour anticipated the week of May 18. Restoration work begins after all concrete has been placed and cured. Contact Engineering Technician Luis Uriostegui at 847-272-4711 with questions.
Automated Water Meters: 11,872 Installed, 304 Accounts Remain
As of May 14, 11,872 meter installations have been completed since the project launched in April 2025. The 304 accounts not yet scheduled are urged to book appointments to avoid water service disruption.
Sales Tax: Monthly Dip but FY26 Running 13% Ahead
May 2026 collections (liability month February 2026) totaled $1,409,560 — $306,162 (17.8%) below the same month last year. Fiscal-year-to-date collections through February 2026 stand at $18,377,274, approximately 13% ahead of the $16,256,739 collected at the same point in FY25, with two months remaining in the fiscal year.
Public Works Closed 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on May 21
The department is celebrating National Public Works Week (May 17–23, APWA theme: "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community") internally and will be closed Thursday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; staff remain available for emergencies. Residents needing assistance during the closure should call the Police Department non-emergency line at (847) 564-2060.