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Week Ending - April 22nd, 2022
Welcome to the latest edition of the Village of Forest Park's e-newsletter, a weekly resource to provide you with important news, events and resources happening in and around Forest Park.

In this edition, please find important community notices about the Altenheim Advisory Committee, rising COVID-19 cases in the County, the Village’s draft of a Public Right-of-Ways ADA Transition Plan, new job opportunities, property tax resources, upcoming events and more!

As a reminder, you can visit www.forestpark.net to pay your water bill, parking permits and more. Have a fantastic weekend!
Community Notice: Altenheim Advisory Committee
The Village of Forest Park is in the process of assembling an Altenheim Advisory Committee. The Village seeks diverse community representation that will include those in closest proximity to the property (such as the Altenheim Senior Community and The Residences at the Grove).

The goal of the committee is to provide guidance and leadership in the public input process within the overall consideration of the uses and future of the Altenheim property and to work with Village Staff to collect ideas, information, and make recommendations to the Village Council. The committee shall ensure that objectives are met in an open and unbiased fashion.

The Altenheim Advisory Committee is strictly an advisory board. Applications can be found here. For more information on the Altenheim Property, click here.
Upcoming Event: Electronics, Textiles, Book Recycling at Brookfield Zoo (4/23)
In celebration of Earth Day, the Brookfield Zoo is hosting an Electronics, Textiles, and Book Recycling event on Saturday, April 23rd. The event will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the North Parking Lot of the Zoo. There is no charge to drop off recycling; however, tickets or membership is required if you plan to visit the zoo.  For a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items for the event please see below or visit www.czs.org/PartyPlanet.
 
WHERE
Brookfield Zoo North Parking Lot, off 31st street, around the corner from the North main entrance.

WHEN
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHAT CAN YOU DONATE
See the full list below of items that are acceptable as well as items that will not be accepted. 

Additional questions? Contact us at marketingteam@czs.org.
Upcoming Event: Community Clean Up Day (4/24)
Save the date for Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 24th at 9:00 a.m. Pickers, gloves and garbage bags will provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sunblock, a hat, and bring a reusable water bottle. A water refill jug will be available.

Volunteers are invited back to the Roos around 12:00 -12:30 p.m. for a complimentary ice cream treat courtesy of The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor. To register, please click here.

For additional information or questions, contact the Rec Board at recboard@forestpark.net.

Rain Date (If Applicable): Saturday, April 30, 2022. Same Time, Same Place.
Village-Wide Tree Inventory to Commence (Week of April 25th)
Beginning the week of April 25th, crews from Great Lakes Urban Forestry Management (GLUFM) of Batavia, IL will begin collecting data on all parkway and public property trees in the Village. We expect this process to continue through the end of May. This project is being done in cooperation with, and partially funded by, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Morton Arboretum. Data collected will include the location, size, species, and condition of all public trees regardless of size. 

The information gathered will be used to formulate an Urban Forestry Management Plan that will allow the best possible management of our Urban Forest to achieve the goals of increased species diversity, improved tree health, and the reduction of risk.  Employees of GLUFM will be wearing high-visibility vests with the Company name and logo, measuring each tree with a special tape designed to measure tree diameter, and recording data on hand-held tablets or phones. If you have questions regarding the program, please direct them to the Department of Public Works at 708-615-6266.
Community Notice: Rising Covid-19 Cases
While COVID-19 community levels are currently low, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) expects cases of COVID-19 to increase in the coming weeks. CCDPH is encouraging everyone to prepare for this possibility. Consistent with national and state trends, CCDPH is seeing an increase in Omicron variant strain BA.2, replacing BA.1. This new BA.2 strain seems to be more contagious than BA.1. Vaccines seem to be just as effective in preventing severe illness with BA.2 as they are with BA.1.

For a list of things you can do to stay protected and protect those around you, please click this link for more information.
Reminder: Village of Forest Park - 2022 Vehicle Stickers
2022 Vehicle stickers are now available! When renewing your vehicle sticker online, follow these steps to compete the renewal process:

  1. Choose GUEST when logging into the system. Do not use your email address.
  2. DO NOT enter your VIN number
  3. Enter the license plate number and first 3 letters of your last name exactly as they appear on your renewal form.

The system will only recognize license plate numbers and last names exactly as they are on your renewal forms. If changes to your form need to be made, or if you are registering a new vehicle, you will need to visit the office. You may also mail in your form or drop it in the night depository and we will mail you your vehicle sticker.

Special note: The Village has extended the due date for displaying the 2022 Forest Park Vehicle Sticker to April 22nd. Vehicles that do not display a valid 2022-2023 vehicle sticker by May 1st are subject to citations. After May 1st, fees for vehicle stickers double.

Clerk's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Feedback Requested: Public Right-of-Ways
ADA Transition Plan
The Village of Forest Park is seeking public input on the Village’s draft Public Right-of-Ways ADA Transition Plan. The Transition Plan addresses the public right-of-ways portion of the ADA requirements and not the public facilities portion (Village buildings and other facilities and village owned parking lots.) The draft of the plan can be found here.
 
Public comments on the draft plan can be emailed to mamidei@forestpark.net . Please put “ADA Transition Plan” in the subject line. You may also call 708-615-6201.
Upcoming Event: Arbor Day (4/29)
National Arbor Day is April 29, 2022. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the tree planter’s holiday, and we’re excited to celebrate with you!

Join us at 9:00 am at Garfield School, on the corner of Hannah Avenue & Jackson Boulevard, to watch Public Works plant a Redpointe Maple tree along the parkway on Hannah Avenue.

The Village of Forest Park will be on hand to pass out informational pamphlets, gifts for participating students & Milkweed packets. Click here for more information. Click here to read the official Arbor Day Foundation Tree City proclamation.
Hiring: Childcare Worker Positions
The Village of Forest Park has immediate openings for its before and after school programs. Part-time hours are M-F 2-6 p.m. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a driver’s license and also must pass drug screening and background checks. $12.00 per hour. 

Applicants may apply in-person at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Boulevard, Forest Park, IL 60130. For more information, please contact 708-771-7737. Employment applications are available to download by clicking here.
Hiring: Public Works Laborer
The Forest Park Public Works Department seeks a safety-oriented individual for the union position of Public Works Laborer/Truck Driver to perform a variety of manual labor tasks requiring varying skill levels. Under general supervision, the position of Public Works Laborer operates and maintains the Village’s infrastructure and buildings.

This position works indoors and outdoors throughout the year in all weather conditions. The ideal candidate for this position will be one who can work as part of a team, has a strong work ethic, and is willing to learn and perform a variety of maintenance and construction related activities. Essential job duties include but are not limited to: 
  • Snow removal with vehicle mounted plows, skid steers, snow blowers and shovels.
  • Care and maintenance of Village owned buildings and properties including mowing, weeding, trash removal, tree management and maintenance, storm drain maintenance.
  • Pavement and sidewalk removal and replacement. 
  • Maintenance of traffic signage.
  • Repair of concrete and asphalt pavement. 
  • Operation of heavy duty construction equipment. 

The individual selected for this position will be required to respond to emergencies outside of regular business hours as needed. Experience in all construction related fields and disciplines are preferred. Position requires a high school diploma or GED, two years Public Works or construction experience and an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or ability to obtain a CDL within 6 months of employment. 

Position will be open until filled, however submittal by April 30, 2022 is encouraged. EOE. The application form can be found here.  

Qualified individuals interested in this position should email their application form and resume to vmoritz@forestpark.net with Public Works in the subject field.
Community Notice: Public Works Announcements
Yard Waste Disposal
Please be advised that home owners are responsible for disposal of all yard waste and leaves, unless it is during the village’s leaf removal program from October 1st – December 1st. Residents shall not put any debris into the street that can hinder water flow and cause flooding and blockage of catch basin lids. Spring is here and the threat for heavy rain fall is upon us. Please do your part in helping keep our streets clean. Thank you.

Electronics Recycling
The Public Works yearly bulk pick-up and electronics recycling event will take place Monday, May 16th – Saturday, May 21st. During that time, village residents are encouraged to put any bulk items on their parkway to be hauled away. All electronics, lightbulbs, batteries and oil can be brought down to the Public Works facility at 7343 W. 15th St. for disposal. Proof of residency is required. Public Works will be open that week from Monday – Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Paint is not allowed. If you are trying to dispose of paint, you can open the lid and let it slowly dry or add cat litter to speed up the process. At that point, Republic Services will haul it away with your other trash in the alley.
Community Notice: Rats
Spring weather also brings out pests and rats are no exception. Follow these tips to help Forest Park control rats in our village.

  1. Look for rat activity and food sources each month. Take actions right away before things get worse.
  2. Store trash in rate resistant toters and dumpsters.
  3. Rinse cans and bottles for recycling.
  4. Eliminate rodent hiding places such as tall grass, weeds and other ground covering vegetation. Wood piles, lumber, litter, old boxes, and junk in the yard must also be eliminated.
  5. Immediately clean up after pets in the yard.
  6. Remove pet food from the garage and store in heavy duty, tight closing containers.
  7. Clean bird feeders weekly and rake bird food on the ground.
  8. Weatherize your home. Seal all possible pest entry points.
  9. Work with neighbors by sharing information and lending a hand to combat pest problems.
  10. Contact the Village of Forest Park at 708-615-6276 when you see a rat or damaged rat bait station.
Community Notice: Harlem Ave Resurfacing and I-290 Bridge Work
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that patching and resurfacing of Harlem Avenue (Illinois 43) from 26th Street, in Berwyn, Riverside and North Riverside to North Avenue (Illinois 64) in Oak Park, passing through Forest Park and River Forest, will require intermittent daytime lane closures, beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, March 29.

The $5.7 million project consists of resurfacing the 4.5-mile stretch of Harlem Avenue, installing new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and replacing deteriorated curbs, along with deck repairs to the bridge carrying Harlem Avenue over the Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290). Access to residences and businesses within the work zone will be maintained throughout construction, which is expected to be completed in late October.

Des Plaines Ave and Circle Ave Bridge work is also expected to begin in April. Cleaning and painting of the existing steel structures will take place along 290

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
Community Notice: Mobile Payment App Scams on the Rise
In the latest scam trend, scammers contact ComEd customers by phone, text or email to demand payment to a particular account under the threat of immediate service disconnection. The imposter then instructs the customer to use a mobile payment app, which often have higher transaction limits than prepaid cash cards. The full release is posted here.

To help customers identify and avoid scams, ComEd offers the following tips:

1. ComEd will never call or come to a customer’s home or business to:
  • Ask for direct payment with a prepaid cash card, cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or third-party payment app like Cash App, QuickPay, Venmo or Zelle.
  • Demand immediate payment.
  • Ask for a ComEd account number or other personal information, such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number or bank information.

2.  To identify an actual ComEd employee or communication, remember:
  • All ComEd field employees wear a uniform with the ComEd logo and visibly display a company ID badge with the logo and employee’s name. ComEd recently changed its logo, so you may continue to see the former ComEd logo on uniforms, badges and vehicles until it is phased out.
  • Check the name on email or websites and make sure they match the name and address of the company you do business with. Look for misspellings or slight alterations.
  • Make a call to verify the suspected email or website is from a trusted source. Use a phone number from your personal business records or the company’s official website and not the number provided in the email.

ComEd urges anyone who believes they have been a target or victim of a scam to call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661). To learn more visit ComEd.com/ScamAlert.
ComEd - Smart Assistance Manager
Please see a recent press release below from ComEd regarding the launch of its Smart Assistance Manager, a new tool that makes it easier for customers to take control of their bills and energy use.


New Tool Makes It Easier for ComEd Customers to Take Control of Their Bills and Energy Use
Smart Assistance Manager guides customers to individualized financial-assistance and energy-saving options

CHICAGO (March 1, 2022) – With the launch of its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM), ComEd has made it easier for families and individuals to access customized financial-assistance options, as well as programs to help them manage their electric bills.

SAM is an online self-service tool for all residential customers that finds and displays support options based on their household information, such as energy usage and billing history. Customers who create an online account with ComEd through the "My Account" tool can log in while using SAM to get even more personalized, targeted results. (Read more here.)
 Proviso East Class of 2003 Scholarship
The mission of the Proviso East Class of 2003 Scholarship fund is to empower youth to create better futures for themselves, their families and their community. The recipient of the scholarship will exemplify qualities that are characteristic of a well-rounded student and community member. For more information, please click here The deadline to apply is April 22nd.
Community Notice: Emergency Overnight Shelter
Housing Forward is opening an emergency overnight shelter to supplement warming center options in the community. The shelter will be open 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday during March and April. This flyer includes all the details for the month of March. Please share with your networks or anyone that you know who may need to take advantage of an emergency overnight shelter.

If you need more information about other warming sites, please click here for a complete listing of local warming centers and emergency warming shelters.
Community Notice: Mail from the Assessor's Office
In response to COVID-19, the Cook County Assessor’s Office will continue the automatic renewal of the Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions; the Homeowner and Senior Exemptions will continue to auto-renew every year. If a homeowner received any of these five exemptions last year (tax year 2020), they do not need to reapply this year (tax year 2021). 

Homeowners were mailed either a postcard or letter last week confirming which exemptions will be automatically renewed. If you received a letter or postcard, no action is needed on your part. However, homeowners are encouraged to scan the QR code with their phone and fill out the short online form to continue receiving updates about their property tax exemptions next year. 

To verify which exemptions were received last year, homeowners can visit the Cook County Property Tax Portal at cookcountypropertyinfo.com, enter their PIN and look under the exemption tab.

For first-time applicants, the 2021 tax year exemption filing period is now open and homeowners are encouraged to file online. To learn more about property tax exemptions and eligibility, click here.
Community Notice: Applications for Property Tax Savings are Now Available
Please see a press release below from the Cook County Assessor's Office regarding new for applications for property tax savings.

New, Easier-to-use Applications for Property Tax Savings are Now Available Everything Homeowners Need to Know

Cook County - Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announces property-tax-saving exemptions for the 2021 tax year are now available online in a new, streamlined application. Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. The most common is the Homeowner Exemption, which saves a Cook County property owner an average of $973 dollars each year. Before existing and new homeowners apply, there are a few things to know that will save them time and effort.

First, existing homeowners should determine which exemptions they received last year (tax year 2020) and determine if they will automatically renew this year (tax year 2021). The Assessor’s Office will continue the automatic renewal of the Homeowner, Senior, Senior Freeze, Veterans with Disabilities, and Persons with Disabilities Exemptions. Homeowners can check their exemptions by visiting the Cook County Portal and reviewing the Exemption History section. (Read more English/Spanish.)
CEDA Low-Income Water Assistance Program
The Illinois Low Income Household Water Assistance Program is a crisis program for water and wastewater. Eligible customers may receive a benefit of up to $1,500 total for: 
  • Reconnection Assistance
  • Disconnection Prevention
  • Past Due Balance 
  • Disconnection Fees 
  • Late Fees 

For more information, please click here.
Reminder: Village of Forest Park - Utility Payment System Change (Effective Immediately)
Take care of your water and sewer bill quickly and efficiently by paying online.

Beginning in January 2022, the Village of Forest Park began phasing out use of the e-Pay portal and is asking customers to use the Springbrook Civic Pay portal to pay water bills online.

Springbrook Civic Pay portal allows water customers the ability to view and download their water account activity, including usage, billing, and payment history. The portal enables 24/7 access to accounts, with the option for safe collection of payments commonly made in person. Payments are posted in real time. Users can make one time payments or create an online profile, choose paperless billing as an option, and sign up for auto pay.

When you pay your next water bill, please click here to create a new account in Springbrook Civic Pay and have access to bill payment and account history. You will need you water account number when creating your account.

Customers will still be able to use the Village's Automatic Debit Program. This free and convenient method pays your water bill from your checking or savings accounts. For information on the automatic debit program, contact us at 708-366-2323.


*Special Note* – If you sign up for auto pay after the invoice has been generated, it will not go into effect until the next billing cycle.
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:

Upcoming Event: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day On Saturday April 30th
The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,000 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.

On Saturday, April 30, 2022, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.

A location finder and partner toolbox are available at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year.
Upcoming Event: Blood Drive (5/12)
Join us on Thursday, May 12th for a blood drive at the Howard Mohr Community Center. Please see the flyer below for more information.
Proviso Handyman Department - April Availability
Spring is just around the corner! Do you need to replace your drapes? Do you need blinds repaired or new ones installed? Give the Proviso Handyman office a call to schedule an appointment or to register for its program at 708 547-4001. The Proviso Township Handyman Program serves homeowners over the age of 60 and disabled homeowners who are residents of Proviso Township. For more information, see the flyer below. 
Forest Park Senior News and Resources
The newest edition (April/May/June) of the Forest Park Senior News is now available. Please click here to read more.