Facilities Management staff briefed the DuPage County Public Works Committee on multiple capital and campus projects, including solar arrays, electric-vehicle charging, courtyard improvements and progress on the Heritage Gallery schematic design.

Solar: Staff reported the 421 South solar array went online last year and has produced about 44 megawatt-hours as of last week (staff later checked and noted 46.9 MWh the following morning). Staff estimated that production equates to about $4,000 in avoided electricity costs at current pricing and that on the best days the array supplied roughly 10% of the building's energy use. Bids for a north-side array should go out in the coming weeks, with potential installations later this year. Staff also identified possible arrays for animal services and the 501 sheriff roof and added those projects to the capital improvements plan and ECPG funding requests.

EV chargers: Staff said the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus received grant funding that included DuPage County as a participant; county staff are still clarifying award size and restrictions. Planned chargers include a Level 3 (fast charger) location across from the care center and Level 2 dual chargers in other parking areas. Staff noted Buy American requirements are being reviewed to identify compliant chargers and that some installations could proceed later this year using ECPG funds.

Courtyard and Heritage Gallery: Sidewalk pours in the courtyard are complete and landscaping/amenity work is scheduled for spring. The Heritage Gallery schematic design has been revised by Taylor Studios; staff expect to distribute materials to board members ahead of the Feb. 4 committee vote and are planning a stakeholder focus group (tentatively March 4) and a public survey. Staff said the concept design will return to the committee in late April after stakeholder input is incorporated.

Ending: Staff asked for continued committee feedback and said they will provide updates as bids and funding details are finalized.