Wilmette Park District

This document describes the installation of a new solar panel system at the Community Recreation Center by the Wulmet Park District and the Village of Wultt. It details the environmental benefits, including preventing 14,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions over 30 years, and financial savings of an estimated $50,000 annually. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and aims to set an example for future generations, contributing clean, renewable energy to the facility and the broader community.

The primary meeting addressed the consent agenda, which included approvals for minutes from prior Finance Committee of the Whole, Committee of the Whole, and a Regular Board Meeting, along with the February 2026 Voucher List. Key discussions involved an update from the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) and staff reports covering the Executive Director, Golf, Parks and Planning, Recreation, Operations, and Finance. New business focused on the consideration of carpet installation at the CRC, and the purchase of a truck and a dump truck.

The primary action during this special board meeting was the consideration and approval of Resolution 2026-R-1 regarding a lease agreement with the Beth Hillel Congregation. Following this, the meeting was adjourned.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the January 2026 Financial Update, the Comprehensive & Strategic Plan Annual Recap, and an update regarding the Centennial Cooling Tower. The Centennial Cooling Tower replacement necessitates relocating the unit from the rooftop to a ground-mounted installation, requiring the construction of an acoustical wall to comply with noise ordinances, for which a variance was unanimously approved by the Zoning Board. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn to a closed session for the discussion of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee.

The Board of Park Commissioners meeting agenda included several key items. Under the Consent Agenda, approval was sought for vouchers from December 2025, and minutes from previous meetings held on January 12, 2026 (Regular and Closed Session) and January 20, 2026 (Special Board Meeting). Staff reports covered updates from the Executive Director, Parks and Planning, Recreation, Operations, and Finance departments. The Executive Director's report discussed the 2026 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance approval, the approval of a taxable promissory note for up to $4,000,000 to bridge potential gaps in property tax revenue, the renewal of the Gillson Beach concession contract with The Fat Shallot, and a positive risk management review score. New Business included an update on the Sustainability Plan and considerations for HVAC units at the Wilmette Golf Club and Mallinckrodt.