Manager's Report — 26 Jun 2026: Chief Ustich Retires After 30 Years
Police Chief John Ustich, who has served the Northbrook Police Department for 30 years, will retire June 30, as the Village also marks active construction on two major facilities and prepares for its Fourth of July celebration.
Key items
- Chief Ustich Retirement — After 30 years leading the Northbrook Police Department, Chief Ustich's public send-off is open to all community members on June 30 at Village Hall.
- Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks — Parade route road closures begin at 2:30 p.m. July 4 and 'No Parking' signs go up as early as July 2, affecting residents along the route.
- Asphalt Street Rehabilitation — Milling and paving is actively underway on nine Village streets, with a second asphalt layer still to come — residents on affected roads should expect continued disruption.
- Fire Station 11 and Fleet Garage Construction — Both major Village facilities are in active foundation work, with Fire Station 11 concrete placement targeted for completion around July 20.
- Public Works Solar Panels Installed — SunPeak has finished installation, but the system cannot operate until ComEd and the Village Electrical Inspector grant approval.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Chief Ustich Retirement Celebration — June 30
After 30 years of service, Chief Ustich's retirement celebration will be held at Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane) from 2–4 p.m., with a program beginning at 2:30 p.m. Community members are invited to attend.
Fourth of July — Parade at 4 p.m., Fireworks at Dusk
Northbrook's annual celebration on Saturday, July 4 carries added significance as the Village marks its 125th anniversary and America its 250th birthday. The parade steps off at 4 p.m., with fireworks at dusk; the event is co-produced by the Northbrook Park District and the Village. Road closures take effect at 2:30 p.m., with "No Parking" signs going up as early as Thursday, July 2; residents along the route have received direct mail with details. More information: northbrook4thofjuly.com.
2026 Asphalt Street Rehabilitation Program
Pavement milling is underway on Surrey Lane, Red Hawk Road, Pointe Drive, Woodhead Drive, Eva Drive, Dana Court, and Donovan Glen Court. The contractor will next place a first asphalt layer (approximately ¾-inch thick leveling course) on those streets plus Marden Court and Grace Road, followed by a final 1½-inch layer after curing. Residents can sign up for updates via the Village's NotifyMe system or contact Engineering Technician Jim Huff at 847-272-4711 or James.Huff@northbrook.il.us.
Fleet Maintenance Garage Construction
Crews this week completed StormTrap and underground plumbing installation on the lower level and began placing concrete masonry units (CMU) to support the foundation and load-bearing at the south elevator location. Work planned for the week of June 29 includes excavating and pouring garage foundations and excavating for lift foundations designed to handle heavy concentrated loads.
Fire Station 11 Construction
Foundation work began this week with excavation and rebar setting starting on the north side and progressing southward; concrete placement is anticipated to wrap up by the week of July 20. Backfilling around the StormTrap is expected to finish this week, with stormwater piping connecting to the StormTrap system set to begin next week.
Public Works Center Solar Panels Complete
Contractor SunPeak has finished installing the solar panels at the Public Works Center. The system still requires testing and approval from ComEd to tie into the utility network, as well as sign-off from the Village's Electrical Inspector, before it goes live.
Hydrant Flushing — 41% Complete
Public Works crews have flushed 443 of 1,083 scheduled Village-owned hydrants, with work currently concentrated in the eastern portion of the Village. Residents may notice temporary water discoloration; running cold water until it clears is recommended. Questions: Public Works at 847-272-4711.
Development Updates
Hometown Coffee received a building permit for an addition to accommodate adaptive reuse of its existing building for a future restaurant. Individual residential permits for the 7-lot Northgate Estates Subdivision at 2420–2450 Landwehr Road are now being submitted following completion of site work. The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved both applications heard June 22: a front-yard fence exceeding permitted height along Waukegan Road, and a setback variation for a new single-family home on an irregularly shaped lot.
Community Programs and Events
Northbrook firefighters Paul Schwarz and Robert Pentek attended the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance's "Camp I Am Me" in Ingleside on June 16, a free summer camp for young burn survivors now in its 35th year. The Police Department delivered an "Identity Theft and Scam Prevention" program at North Shore Place and a "Stranger Danger" presentation for multiple age groups at Bright Horizons Daycare. Volunteers are also needed for the Northbrook Grand Prix on Thursday, July 23, with roles in registration, course marshaling, and other activities — no prior experience required.