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Village staff outlines FY2026–27 goals: library expansion, trail planning and EV chargers
Summary
Staff presented a list of proposed goals for FY2026–27 including a Winnetka–Northfield Library District expansion (10,000–13,000 usable square feet), Skokie Valley Trail planning work, enhanced economic development outreach and pursuit of EV charger grants; trustees asked staff to prioritize sidewalks and crosswalk safety projects.
Village staff reviewed draft goals and objectives for fiscal 2026–27 and asked trustees to reaffirm priorities ahead of the budget process.
Patrick (speaker 4) told the board the goals list captures items the board has raised over several months. Top items include a centennial celebration fund, a Winnetka–Northfield Library District expansion the district estimates at roughly 10,000–13,000 usable square feet to address space constraints, enhanced economic development and resident outreach programs, planning for the Skokie Valley Trail (with grant funds available), sustainability measures such as seeking grants for electric vehicle charging stations, and potential conversion of a private lot on the north side of Orchard into public parking.
Trustees discussed timing and interagency coordination. Board members stressed prioritizing sidewalk and crosswalk connectivity—trustees asked that the sidewalk committee results guide capital planning for rapid flashing beacons at identified school and park crossings. Patrick cautioned that county and utility ownership of some rights-of-way (e.g., ComEd, Union Pacific) complicates trail alignments and can delay projects; trustees responded that grant-funded planning must continue to resolve those property and safety concerns.
Several trustees urged the staff to include sidewalk projects in the capital plan where feasible and to work with partner agencies on grant opportunities and permit timelines. Staff said cost estimates and final budget programming will follow as design phases progress.
