Week Ending - November 5th, 2021
Welcome to the first full week of November and the latest edition of the Forest Park Newsletter. This edition is full of the latest news and resources to keep you informed about what's happening in Forest Park. If this is your first time reading, we welcome you! Have a great, safe weekend!
Bodycam Rollout
After a successful pilot program that began in March of 2021, the Forest Park Police Department will roll out its body worn camera program to all officers on November 1, 2021. 

By the Illinois Compiled Statutes, a village the size of Forest Park is to implement a body worn camera program by January 1, 2025. With the program being rolled out in November 2021, the Forest Park Police Department is in compliance with state law several years early and before many local jurisdictions.
Energy Saving Program Information
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, via the UIC Energy Resources Center, is offering free, income-eligible energy-saving kits that include the following items: LED bulbs, an LED nightlight, an advanced power strip, a high-efficiency showerhead, high-efficiency aerators for the kitchen and bathroom, and educational instructions to help residents make one money-saving improvement at a time. Households that received the kits have saved $76/year on their electric bills. 

The energy-saving kits can only be distributed to residents whose incomes fall below the lower 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their ZIP code. This form will help one determine eligibility requirements. When picking up an energy-saving kit at the Village Hall or Community Center (during regular business hours), residents shall fill out their contact information on a proof of delivery sign-in sheet. Supplies are limited.

The energy-saving kits program runs through December 31, 2021 and is sponsored by ComEd.

For more information about Residential Energy Efficiency & Assistance Programs offered through the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, please click here.
Text-to-911 Program
Many residents might now be able to use their mobile phones to send text messages to 911 during emergencies. The ‘Text-to-911’ service is available to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon customers living in or traveling through the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch service area, which serves the villages of Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest.

This service is especially beneficial for individuals with speech or hearing impairments. For more information about this service, including how and when it should be used, click here.
ComEd Bill Payment Assistance
To help customers stay current with their energy bills, and to avoid additional fees, ComEd has two available programs for those needing assistance.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that can help you stay warm in during winter by providing eligible customers with a one-time payment towards your energy bills.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is a choice within Illinois LIHEAP to help manage energy bills year-round.

Applications for LIHEAP and PIPP can be submitted online, by phone or in person and are available at your Local Administering Agency. Visit LIHEAPillinois.com for more information.
Senior News and Resources
Missed the latest edition of the Forest Park Senior newsletter? No worries, click here to read the newsletter on the latest news and resources for seniors.
Local Hiring Opportunities
The Village of Forest Park and a number of community partners are hiring! Please see the links below for more information and to apply!

 
 
Public Works 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.