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Week Ending - November 18, 2022

Welcome to the weekend and the latest edition of the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter! Please use this e-newsletter as a resource to provide you with the latest news, events and resources in and around Forest Park!

In this edition, please find updates from the Village Council, Public Works, the Forest Park Police, and Community Center, community news, job opportunities and more!

We want to hear from you! If you have news or events that you would like to include in future editions, please let us know. Have a wonderful weekend!

Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall.

Can't make the meeting in person? Village Council meetings are streamed live and recordings are published to the Village website within a few days after the meeting.

To view the meetings live via Zoom, click here and then click on the Zoom link for the current meeting. Meetings will start at 7pm.

To view recordings of the Village Council meetings, click here, then click on the date you would like to view.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village Hall Hours - Thanksgiving Holiday

In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, Village Offices will be closed during the following hours:

Wednesday, November 23rd- Village Offices will close at 2pm

Thursday, November 24th- Village Offices will be closed

Friday, November 25th- Village Offices will be closed

We will re-open at 8am on Monday, November 28.

Employment Opportunities

The Village of Forest Park has the following employment opportunities available:

Police Desk Clerk

Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer

Bus Driver

Childcare Worker

Crossing Guard

Click here for more information

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

The Department of Public Health and Safety is researching code in nearby towns that allow a limited number of backyard hens. Click here for more information.

News from the Public Works Department

Juliet Harrington’s successful fundraising campaign to upgrade the Village dog park is progressing as planned. Juliet, along with her mom, Allison Harrington, met with Commissioner Jessica Voogd and Public Works director Sal Stella to inspect the recently delivered dog park agility toys. We are thrilled that so many generous people helped Juliet reach her fundraising goals.

We are looking forward to the Spring 2023 groundbreaking and grand re-opening leash cutting celebration for the upgraded park! The village will share updates as they develop.

Leaf Removal Program

The Village of Forest Park offers an opportunity for residents to dispose of leaves during the fall season. There is no added cost for this service. Leaves should be raked curbside into the street gutters and will later be removed by the Village's Public Works Department. The Public Works Department Leaf Removal Program spans from October 1 – December 1 each year. The leaf pick-up schedule follows the street sweeper daily schedule, which is available by clicking here. Residents shall rake their leaves curbside a day before their scheduled pickup day. No grass clippings, bags or tree limbs are allowed. Contractors illegally dumping leaves (from other sites) will be cited.

Residents are also encouraged to bag their leaves and place them by their trash receptacles. Unlimited yard waste removal is included during spring, summer, and fall, in the Village’s refuse contract.

Snow Routes

Colder temperatures also bring the chance of snow. In the event of 2 inches of snow or more, the Village's snow routes automatically go into effect. Snow routes signs are typically located on the side of the street with the streetlights. There is no parking in the snow routes. If you must park on the street, you must park opposite the snow route. Main streets will be plowed first, followed by side streets. Alleys and sidewalks will be plowed once the streets have been completed. Only streets will be salted. Snow routes will be in effect for up to 48 hours following this snow event.

Cars parked in the snow routes during snow events are subject to being ticketed and towed. Please help us get the word out by telling your guests and neighbors about the snow routes so everyone can be prepared for the upcoming Winter Snow Season. We appreciate your help!

News from the Community Center

Senior Newsletter

The October/November/December Senior Newsletter is now available! Click here for information on senior movies, trips and more!

News from the Fire Department

Firefighter Testing- Now Accepting Applications

The Forest Park Fire Department is currently accepting applications for testing. We have 4 immediate openings and an additional 3 in the next 2-3 years. To apply, click here.

News from the Police Department

Arrive Safely this Thanksgiving: Buckle Up!

As millions of motorists hit the road to celebrate Thanksgiving, Illinois law enforcement will be working around the clock to make sure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving safely. The Forest Park Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police to remind motorists to “Click It or Ticket.”

The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities. Correct seat-belt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants. According to IDOT, the statewide seat-belt usage rate is at 93%.

“Wearing your seat belt is second nature for most,” said Chief Ken Gross. “We’re looking for the 7% of Illinois motorists who skip this lifesaving step.”

Drivers and passengers can expect a ticket from the Forest Park Police Department if they are spotted without a seat belt. Stepped-up patrols and seat belt enforcement zones will be seen throughout Forest Park and the state Nov. 18-28.

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, please remember:

· Plan for a sober ride home before you go out.

· If you’ve been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs, call a taxi, take mass transit, or call a family member to get you home safely.

· Use your favorite ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, or use public transportation.

· If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.

· Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is the best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Thanksgiving Holiday Overnight Parking Info

In an effort to accommodate guests who may be visiting over the Thanksgiving Holiday, the overnight parking restrictions will be suspended beginning at 5am on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 through 5am on Sunday, November 27, 2022. The next time to request an overnight parking pass is after 8pm on Sunday, November 27th for overnight parking 2am-5am on Monday, November 28.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

The December Neighborhood Watch meeting we will be on Tuesday, December 20th at 7pm. Forest Park residents and business owners are welcome to join.

Overnight On Street Parking Restrictions

Just a friendly reminder that there is no parking on any street in the Village between the hours of 2am – 5am. If overnight parking is needed, please call 708-366-7272 between the hours of 8 PM & 2 AM or click here to obtain a parking pass. Only five passes can be issued per month. You will need the license plate number, make of vehicle and where the vehicle is parked.

This parking restriction is in place for street sweeping and the safety of our residents. Please obey the restrictions. Violators will be ticketed and possibly towed.

Community News

Teller's Night

The Forest Park Arts Alliance and Exit Strategy Brewing Company are pleased to invite you to another Tellers' Night with professional storytellers to entertain and delight you. Smokey Joel will again make available his wonderful hot dogs and chili which pair so well with the ESBC brews. Tuesday, December 6th. Doors open at 6:30pm, Tellers begin at 7:00pm. Entrance is $15, but only $10 for FPAA members.

Mayor Hoskins' Community Toy Drive

Save the Date: December 7

Electric Vehicle Rebate Program - Round 2

Applications for the second funding round for the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program are being accepted starting November 1, 2022 and must be postmarked on or before January 31, 2023.

To be eligible for a rebate, the vehicle must be exclusively powered and refueled by electricity, plugged in to charge, and licensed to drive on public roadways.

Eligibility requirements for an EV rebate in Illinois include, but are not limited to:

The purchaser must reside in Illinois at time of vehicle purchase and at the time the rebate is issued.
The vehicle must be purchased from a dealer located in Illinois and licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Rented or leased vehicles do not qualify for the rebate.
The vehicle cannot have been the subject of a previous EV rebate under this new program in Illinois.
Only individuals can receive a rebate and can only receive one rebate. Businesses, government units, organizations, and other entities that are not individuals will be denied a rebate. Applicants must ensure that all documentation is in the name of the individual applying for the rebate and do not include or list an entity (i.e., LLC, Inc., Corp.) as the purchaser or co-purchaser of the vehicle or the vehicle registrant.
The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.
The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date.
The purchaser must apply for the rebate within 90-days of the vehicle purchase date.
Along with the application form, an applicant must submit FOUR types of documentation as listed in Section 4 on the second page of the form:
Copy of the bill of sale, purchase invoice, or purchase agreement from an Illinois dealership;
Documentation of proof of purchase, such as a copy of a canceled check, an invoice or bill showing that the applicable amount has been paid or that no remaining balance exists, or loan documents (depending on the type of sales document used by the dealership, the proof of purchase could be shown on the invoice or agreement, such as a $0 balance owed to the dealer; separate proof of purchase documentation will be needed if the invoice shows that an amount is owed to the dealer and the payment documentation amount(s) will need to match the "owed amount" on the invoice);
Copy of the Illinois vehicle registration or temporary permit provided by the dealership at the time of sale/delivery; and
IRS W-9 or W-8 form (substitutions for these forms using other government documents or financial statements are not acceptable).

As required under CEJA, Illinois EPA will prioritize the review of applications from low-income purchasers and award rebates to purchasers accordingly.

Full details including the Application and Instructions are found

here.

Forest Park Holiday Walk & Festival of Lights

Friday, December 2

The Forest Park Holiday Walk & Festival of Lights will be held on Friday, December 2 - 6 to 9 pm.

Live window displays, merchant open houses, horse-drawn carriage rides, balloon twisting, Santa & Mrs. Claus and an Ice Sculpture photo op are just part of the magic of this annual Holiday Walk on Madison Street.

6 PM – Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive by fire engine at Constitution Court to light the tree (Madison & Thomas)

6-8 PM – Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at Forest Park Bank (7348 Madison)

6-9 PM – Horse-drawn sleigh rides – Beloit & Madison and Elgin & Madison

For more information visit: https://www .facebook.com/events/1502148346891825

Proviso Handyman November Flyer