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Week Ending - July 22, 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 on the municipal parking lot maintenance closures, senior newsletter, volunteer opportunities, 988 Crisis Support Hotline, electric vehicle rebate program, the Urban Funding Forestry Award, Groovin' in the Grove, Shakespeare at the Grove, Cook County Family Health Day, Rib Fest, animal control, the Proviso Handyman Department, 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!
In Memory of Valerie Jones
The Village of Forest Park is saddened to learn about the passing of one of our crossing guards. Valerie Jones served as the crossing guard at the corner of Thomas Ave and Jackson Blvd for the last three years. During those years, she helped many children and their families get to school safely. In memory of Valerie, residents and school children have left flowers, balloons and messages of love on the bench she was often seen on. Our condolences to Valerie's family and loved ones.
Community Alert- Municipal Parking Lot
Maintenance Closures
The Public Works Department will be beginning their yearly deep cleaning of all Municipal parking lots this coming week. This consists of de-weeding, trimming shrubs/trees, sweeping and line striping. Please keep a look out for lot closure signage in your parking lot. All parking lots are posted one week in advance at the entrance and exit of each parking lot. All violators will be ticketed and towed. Thank you for your cooperation.
 
This coming week’s parking lots (week of 7/25):
Lathrop & Madison
Randolph & Brown
Washington & Desplaines
Madison & Circle (North & South)
Village Seeking Volunteers
The Village of Forest Park has several open positions on committees and boards, including the Recreation Board, Safety & Traffic Commission and several more. If you are interested in serving on one of these volunteer committees, please click here for information and to fill out an application.
Senior Newsletter
The July/August/September Senior Newsletter is now available! Click here for information on senior movies, trips and more!
988 -24/7 Crisis and Support Number Information
On July 16, 2022, 988 will be the new three-digit number for call (multiple languages), text or chat (English only) that connects people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health–related distress. The chat feature will be available through the Lifeline’s website. People can use 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Mental health or substance use crisis, or
  • Any other kind of emotion distress

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Simply calling or texting 988 or chatting 988lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress.
Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Application materials for the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program are now available. Applications for the first funding round are being accepted starting July 1, 2022 and must be postmarked on or before September 30, 2022.

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 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.
  • 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 after the vehicle purchase date.
  • Documentation requirements include a copy of purchase invoice, proof of purchase, vehicle registration, and IRS W-9 or W-8 forms.

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.
Urban Funding Forestry Award
The Village of Forest Park was awarded a $9,365 grant to complete a tree inventory of its managed public properties and rights-of-way and develop a management plan for its urban forest. Click here for the official press release on this award.

To view the Village's tree inventory, click here
Community Notice: Animal Safety
Summer heat affects our pets and animals too. Be sure to take proper precautions during the summer months. Cook County offers information on summer safety tips for pets, rabies shots and animal control and can be found by clicking here.
Community Info: Proviso Handyman Department Offerings
Forest Park Theater presents Shakespeare at The Grove
Cook County Family Health Day
Household Hazard Waste Event in Tinley Park
Groovin' in the Grove- Tuesday, August 16
Grab your friends and join us for the final FREE concert of the summer on Tuesday, August 16!
Ribfest- Save the Date!
Save the date! Tell your friends, call your family, the biggest event of the year is back and better than ever! Get ready for a day filled with live music, food and drink, and of course, lots of delicious ribs to sample! September 10th... see you there!
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:



Parking Enforcement Officer
The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills.

Part time PEO – Hourly Rate of Pay $17.89

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark.net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.


Crossing Guard
The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard. This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@forestpark.net.
 
Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.
 
Crossing Guard – Hourly Rate of Pay $16.73 (Hours 7:30am - 8:30am / 2:30pm – 3:30pm; occasional ½ days 7:30am – 8:30am – 11:00am – 12:30pm) 

Full Time Telecommunicator
The West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC) is currently accepting applications for the position of full-time Telecommunicator. WSCDC is a primary PSAP and answers calls and dispatches Police, Fire and EMS for the Villages of Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest.

Applicants must be able to type a minimum of 35 words-per-minute, successfully pass a written examination, criminal background check, drug and alcohol screenings, hearing tests, psychological tests, and be able to obtain full-access LEADS and Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. Employees must reside within the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, McHenry, Lake, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle and Will.

Full-time Telecommunicators work 12-hour shifts with rotating days off (0630-1830 or 1830-0630). While in training, it may be necessary to switch shifts periodically until permanent assignment is made when training is complete.

Telecommunicator salary range is $52,120 – $76,471 after completion of 6 years. WSCDC offers HMO or PPO medical plans, medical flexible spending, dental and eye insurance, life insurance, IMRF, and ICMA (457).
Applications can be downloaded at www.wscdc.org or can be picked up between the hours of 7:30am and 4:30pm at:

WSCDC (use the south building entrance)
400 Park Avenue
River Forest, IL. 60305

All applicants are required to deliver the completed application in person during the hours and address listed above. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

If you have any further questions please contact:
Executive Director Brian Staunton or the on-duty Supervisor at 708-771-9110.


West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center
Brian Staunton, Executive Director
400 Park Avenue
River Forest, IL 60305
708.771.9112 Office
708.771.9119 Fax
Community Notice: Water Rate Increase Effective June 1st
Effective June 1, water rates for all Forest Park customers will increase by 5%. Please plan accordingly this summer when watering your lawn or garden, filling your pool, doing laundry or dishes, and other daily activities that use larger amounts of water. Be sure to check your toilet and sinks for any leaks that may unknowingly add to an increase in water consumption. This increase reflects an increase in water rates passed along from the City of Chicago from whom the Village of Forest Park buys water from.
Community Notice: Parkway Planting
As warmer weather is upon us and gardens and landscapes begin to grow, the Village would like to remind residents that if you are planning on placing plantings other than grass on your parkway (the area between the sidewalk and the street), you must submit an Application For Private Parkway Plantings in addition to a waiver. Applications must be notarized and can be mailed or dropped off at Village Hall.
Community Notice: Lawn Maintenance
Spring time and rain mean grasses and weeds grow quickly. As a reminder, the Village of Forest Park requires property owners and occupants to maintain growth of any grasses, thistles, ragweed, and other weeds at a height below 10 inches. Failure to do so can result in a citation.

For more information on trees, shrubs and vegetation within the village, click here.
Community Notice: Public Works Announcement
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.
Reminder: Village of Forest Park - Utility Payment System
Take care of your water and sewer bill quickly and efficiently by paying 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.
Free White Sox Tickets for Veterans
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough is teaming up with the Chicago White Sox to offer game tickets to Veterans, Active-Duty Military, National Guard and Reserves. See the flyer below for more information.