Northbrook manager's report highlights police hires, strategic-plan outreach and community-garden volunteer needs
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Summary
The Village of Northbrook's manager reported three new civilian police hires and upcoming seasonal public-works activity at the Oct. 28 board meeting, and trustees received an annual update on the community garden.
The Village of Northbrook's manager provided several updates on Oct. 28, citing personnel additions in the police department, upcoming public-works seasonal work downtown and invitations for residents to participate in an ongoing strategic-plan process.
The manager reported the police department added three civilian (non-sworn) employees: Jessica Arias, a licensed clinical professional counselor assigned to the counseling services unit; Olivia Sankiewicz, a licensed clinical social worker; and Stephanie Lubinski, who joined the records unit. The manager also congratulated Deputy Chief Mark Faiman on completing Northwestern University's School of Public Safety Executive Management program.
The manager noted Public Works will begin seasonal downtown changes starting Nov. 3 in preparation for holiday lighting and related events. Trustees were reminded the village's strategic-plan process runs through Nov. 17 with a dedicated website, an ideas wall, a community survey and in-person forums; QR-code posters and printed materials are available at Village Hall, and outreach has been sent to partner taxing bodies and HOAs.
Jeremy Reynolds, chair of the Sustainability Commission, delivered the annual community-garden update. Reynolds said the garden has operated for 17 seasons, involves about 60 resident plots, donates more than 1,000 pounds of produce annually to the Northfield Food Pantry and has engaged volunteers through roughly 16 Eagle Scout projects. Reynolds urged more volunteer involvement to sustain the program; he also noted the garden coordinates with local youth groups and community volunteers on maintenance.
Other community notices included a UNICEF proclamation signed by the board recognizing Oct. 31 as UNICEF Collection Day and reminders that trick-or-treating in Northbrook will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31 and that the village's Pumpkin Smash event will be Nov. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at Northbrook Court's northeast parking lot.
Consent and warrants: Trustees approved the amended consent agenda by roll call; Trustee Koehler abstained on item 8D. The board also approved escrow deposit performance-bond refunds totaling $28,500 (dates 10/01/2025' 10/15/2025) and invoices processed between 10/01/2025 and 10/15/2025 totaling $3,201,548.45.