Big City Access Small Town Charm

Week Ending - June 9, 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter for 2023! 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, the Clerk's Office, Public Works, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the 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, June 12 2023, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.

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.

Volunteer Boards and Commissions

Seeking Volunteers

The Village of Forest Park is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Youth Commission and Diversity Commission. Interested individuals should complete an application and email it to rentler@forestpark.net or mail/drop off at Village Hall, attention: Rachell Entler, 517 Desplaines Ave. For more information, please call 708-615-6203. For application, click here.

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Village Clerk's Office Hour Changes

The Village Clerk’s Office window will be open for walk-in traffic between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Residents and customers are encouraged to utilize the Village’s online resources available on our website (www.forestpark.net) as well as the secured drop box that is located outside of the front door of Village Hall. If needed, envelopes will be available for one’s use in the lobby of Village Hall to accommodate payments and paper submissions in the drop box. Also, all are encouraged to utilize the direct phone numbers and email addresses of applicable Village departments in efforts to provide remote assistance during those hours prior to 1 p.m.

The Police Department and Building Department will continue to be open from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.

To purchase a municipal parking lot permit online, click here. New users will need to Register New User.

To pay your water bill, licenses, building department or accounts receivable, click here.

To purchase your vehicle sticker, click here. Use GUEST, do not enter VIN. Your Sticker will be mailed to you.

Employment Opportunities

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

Information Records Clerk- Police Department

Police Officer

Firefighter/Paramedic

Accounts Receivable Clerk

Public Works - Seasonal

Dispatcher (WESCOM)

Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO)

Bus Driver

Childcare Worker

Crossing Guard

Click here for more information.

News from the Department of Public Health & Safety

West Nile Virus

Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District

With the return of warm temperatures coupled with drier conditions during May, the production of mosquitoes involved in the transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) is on the increase. WNV-positive mosquito samples have been found in northern Cook County, and it is only a matter of time when positive samples will be found in our area. While the risk of WNV transmission is still low at this time, amplification of WNV within the adult mosquito population will occur.

Residents are encouraged to use a common sense approach in avoiding exposure to adult mosquitoes and any potential mosquito-borne diseases. Window screens should be inspected and repaired if damaged to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home. In addition, any openings around window air conditioners, clothes dryer vents, etc. should be eliminated for the same reason. If possible, avoid outdoor activities around dusk. If not possible, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best. Appropriate use of insect repellents per the manufacturer’s instructions is recommended.

Residents should look for potential mosquito breeding sources around the home and take the following simple steps:

1) Throw away all trash that can hold water as cans, jars, bottles, etc.

2) Clean rain gutters/downspouts to prevent water from standing in gutters or on flat roofs.

3) Change water in bird baths, wading pools, etc. at least once a week.

4) Maintain swimming pools properly.

5) Remove or turn over containers, buckets, wheelbarrows, etc. which may accumulate water.

6) Screen rain barrels to prevent adult mosquitoes from depositing eggs on the water’s surface.

7) Aerate ornamental ponds and stock with goldfish or other surface-feeding fish to control mosquito production.

8) Dispose of any used tires without rims to prevent water accumulation.

For additional information, please visit the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District’s website at www.desplainesvalleymad.com

Rat Control

The Village of Forest Park is asking residents to help with rat control around their homes and businesses. Rats will eat nearly any type of food, but they prefer meat and grains. They will even eat pet waste! They require water when feeding on dry food.

Keep garbage in trash cans and dumpsters. Close the lids tightly. Rats can easily chew through plastic bags.
Rinse cans and bottles before you put them into the recycling bin.
If you feed pets outside, remove the food dish after the meal and collect pet feces daily. Cleaning feces in the evening makes this food source unavailable to the rats to feed on overnight.
Feeding birds and squirrels can attract rats. Do not throw bird food on the ground. Use feeders and regularly rake up and remove spilled seeds.

If you have a rat problem, your neighbor probably does too. Work together to share information and offer to lend a hand. Rat management can be successful only if performed over property lines.

If you see a rat or a damaged bait station, contact the Village at 708-615-6276.

For more information on how to control rats in your neighborhood, please click here.

News from the Public Works Department

Road Project Updates

Road Project Updates Can Be Found on the Village’s Website. Click here for updates.

News from the Community Center

Senior Newsletter

The May/June Senior Newsletter is now available by clicking here.

The July/August Senior Newsletter is now available by clicking here.

Groov'n In The Grove Returns This Summer!

Groov'n In The Grove returns this summer! Join us at the The Grove (7824 Madison Street) for an evening of FREE music under the stars. Feel free to bring your own chairs, food and drink. Concessions will also be available for purchase. The fun starts at 7pm.

June 20 - Sundance

July 18 - Lakeside Revival

August 15 - R-Gang

Food Pantry

Residents who are in need of assistance with groceries can visit the Forest Park Food Pantry located at the Community Center. For hours and more information, call 708-771-7737.

News from the Fire Department

A Reminder About Fireworks

Most fireworks are illegal to purchase or detonate in Illinois. Fireworks can cause serious injuries and should be left for use by professionals. Sparklers and small legal explosives should be used with care.

Outdoor Grilling

The nicer weather means grills will be fired up. The Fire Department reminds everyone that grills must be placed on non-combustible surfaces at ground level and are not allowed on balconies (Ord. 5-2-11).

News from the Police Department

Police Officer Openings - Now Hiring

The Board of Police and Fire Commissioners of the Village of Forest Park, Illinois is accepting applications for the position of police officer with the Forest Park Police Department.

Salary: $71,017.18 - $105,495.21 (7 years)

Population: 15,000

Sworn Police Officers: 38

For more information, click here.

Medication Disposal Information

The Forest Park Police Department takes part in the Cook County MEDS Disposal Initiative. If you have expired, unused or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications, you can bring them to the Forest Park Police Department located at 517 Desplaines Ave, Forest Park, IL. Police department staff will dispose of the medication in a secure receptacle that is emptied regularly by staff from the Cook County Sheriff's Police. More information can be found at: https://cookcountymeds.org/

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The group is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, please call 708-366-2425 for more information.

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

For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here.

LOSS (Loving Outreach to Suicide Survivors)

LOSS is a well-regarded non-denominational program funded and run by Catholic Charities. LOSS provides services for anyone affected by suicide loss, including spouses, parents, children, siblings, other relatives, and friends. For more information, click here.

Boards & Commissions

Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings

All meetings are held at Village Hall unless otherwise noted.

Dates and Times are subject to change- check the village website for the most up-to-date information.

June 8, Recreation Board 7pm- CANCELED

June 15, Safety & Traffic Commission, 7pm

June 20, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm

June 28, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm

Altenheim Advisory Committee

Altenheim Advisory Committee has completed its work and has forwarded a final report to the Village Council for their consideration. In the near future, the Council will determine the next steps in this process. A copy of the report can be found here.

Public comment regarding the report and the Altenheim Property is still welcomed and may be sent to mamidei@forestpark.net. The report may be viewed by clicking here.

Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4)

The Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4), of which the Village of Forest Park is a member, has a sub-committee that is studying green (battery-powered) landscape technologies.

As part of future outreach efforts to landscape contractors regarding the use of battery-powered landscape technologies, C4 is looking to identify landscape contractors that provide service to Forest Park properties in efforts to include them in future outreach efforts.

Since the Village does not have a good database of landscape contractors, the Village is asking that property owners provide landscape contractor contact information to the C4 consultants so a good distribution list can be started and built upon.

Please provide the name of the company, phone number and email address of your landscape contractor to Wynton Jones of Urban Efficiency Group at Wyntonjones@urbanefficiencygroup.com

Environmental Control Commission (ECC)

The 2022 CCR Water Quality Report has now been posted to the Village's website. to review, click here.

Single-Use Foodware: Effective on July 1, 2023, Village of Forest Park Ordinance O-17-23 requires that for delivery or take-out orders at food establishments, single-use foodware be provided only upon request from the customer or at a self-service station. By limiting the use of single-use foodware, where possible and practicable, environmental impacts are lessened due to less waste. Further, businesses may benefit as less money will be spent on overhead costs. The Village also asks that consumers think twice before requesting single-use foodware during delivery or take-out orders from food establishments.

Cleaning up the yard this weekend? Brush and branches that don't fit into yard waste containers can be placed in the parkway for pick up. The Forestry department picks up branches every Friday. Harlem Ave homeowners should call the Village at 708-366-2323 or email publicworks@forestpark.net for alley pick-up. Let's work together to keep yard waste out of landfills.

Coming soon: Info on Plastic-Free July!

Go Green Tidbit: Laid end to end, the plastic spoons, forks and knives used every year at restaurants in Forest Park would stretch down Madison Street from Exit Strategy to Fatduck . . . over 250 times!

Recreation Board

The Rec Board meeting for June has been canceled. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 13 at Village Hall.

As we clean up inside our homes, we are inviting folks to step outside and pick up around their front yards too. Our public works department cleans up litter all week long and it is one of those seemingly endless tasks. If we all pick up just the little bit in our yards, we reduce the amount that ends up blowing around all over town! While this can be done all week long, Fridays are especially helpful as we go into the weekend when there is no village staff on hand to pick up. We can keep this going all summer long and you may meet a neighbor or two while you are out there!

Planning & Zoning Commission

The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall. Please check the website for more information.

Volunteer Boards and Commissions

Seeking Volunteers

The Village of Forest Park is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Youth Commission, and Diversity Commission. Interested individuals should complete an application and email it to rentler@forestpark.net or mail/drop off at Village Hall, attention: Rachell Entler, 517 Desplaines Ave. For more information, please call 708-615-6203. For application, click here.

Community News & Events

Juneteenth Pool Party

Saturday, June 10

The 2023 Juneteenth Pool Party will be held at the Forest Park Aquatic Center on Saturday, June 10th from 6:45pm to 10pm. Please be sure to register using the QR code below.

Representative Welch Job Fair

Saturday, June 10

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is set to host his annual job fair on Saturday, June 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at Proviso Math and Science Academy on Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. It is free and open to the public.

"I’m thrilled to again help local job seekers connect with employers from all across this state,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “This is a great opportunity for those in my district to learn about opportunities and other resources available to them.”

This event is intended to help local job seekers connect with employers. Multiple vendors from state agencies to local companies that are looking to hire will be there. Attendees are encouraged to network, submit their resumes, and will be able to receive information about resources for the unemployed and underemployed.

Secretary of State Mobile Unit

Wednesday, June 14

The Westchester Police Department and the Secretary of State Office will be hosting the Secretary of State Mobile Unit Driver & Vehicle Services Facility on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Westchester Community Church 1840 Westchester Blvd.

To register for this event email Community Service Officer Dave Kosir at dkosir@westchester-il.gov or call the Police Department at 708-345-0060 extension 2 during business hours, Monday thru Friday 8 am to 4 pm. When registering please leave your name, date of birth, and what service you are requesting. For more information, click here.

CTA Virtual Career Fair

Thursday, June 22

Forest Park Pride Celebration

Friday, June 23

The Forest Park Pride Celebration returns on Friday, June 23rd! The Pride Stroll begins at 5pm at sponsoring businesses, then join us in Constitution Court (Madison Street at Thomas Ave, just west of Louie's Grill) for a Pride Drag Performance. Want to keep the celebration going? Come to the Pride After Party at the old Doc Ryan's! See flyer below for details.

Local Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are available at various local agencies. Click on the links below for more information.

Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Illinois Youth Investment Program

Illinois residents between the ages of 16-24 can apply to get connected to hundreds of companies for full-time employment or internships. Competitive pay starting at $15/hour or more based on employer.

For more information, contact the Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action, Inc (PLCCA) at 708-450-3500.

Proviso Handyman June Flyer

Local Hiring Opportunities

The Village of Forest Park and several community partners are hiring. Please see the links below for more information and to apply:

Important Phone Numbers

Police, Fire and Medical Needs

Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911

24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988

Text to 911 Now Available

West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center which provides emergency response services to Forest Park, along with Oak Park and River Forest can now receive 911 texts from a cell phone to report an emergency.

While calls to 911 will best assist emergency responders in being able to locate a caller, texting is an option for those who may need it. Text should only be used when some is unable to voice call to 911.

A text to 911 cannot include any other recipients. Texts to 911 may also take longer to reach the dispatch center.

Texts to 911 should be brief. Please include the type of help needed and the location where help is needed. Be prepared to respond to follow-up questions via text to better assist emergency responders.