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Week Ending - December 16, 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!

Important News

Away From Home Safety Tips

During the holidays, many people leave their homes for extended periods of time to visit family and friends. Overflowing mailboxes and unread newspapers and fliers can be open invitations to thieves that a home is empty. When leaving home for extended periods of time, follow these tips:

Use timers to set lights to go on and off
Temporarily pause mail service by contacting the US Postal Service or ask a neighbor to collect your mail or packages
Let a trusted neighbor know you are out of town and ask them to keep watch on your home

Winter Holiday Parking Info

To accommodate guests who may be visiting over the Winter Holidays, the overnight parking restrictions will be suspended beginning at 5am on Friday, December 23, 2022 through 5am on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The next time to request an overnight parking pass is after 8pm on Tuesday, January 3rd for overnight parking 2am-5am on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

As a reminder, in the event of 2" or more of snow, the snow routes will be in effect. To avoid being ticketed or towed, remember to follow the snow route guidelines found in the Public Works section of this newsletter.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, December 18

The Village of Forest Park will hold a Menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 18th at 4pm. The ceremony will take place at Constitution Court (Madison Street and Thomas Ave). All are welcome to Join Mayor Hoskins and the Village of Forest Park in the celebration of Chanukah, the first day of Hanukkah, and the Festival of Lights.

Village Council News

Village Council Meeting Information

The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. In December, the Village Council will only hold one meeting. Click here for the meeting agenda and packet.

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.

Powering the Holidays Grant

We are proud to announce that the Village of Forest Park has been awarded a Powering the Holidays grant from Com Ed and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. This matching grant of $2500 will be used to expand holiday lights and decorations throughout the village. We are excited and grateful to be chosen as a grant awardee this year!

News from the Village Clerk's Office

Holiday Office Hours

Village Offices will be closed the following days in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays:

Friday, December 23: closing at 2pm

Monday, December 26: closed

Friday, December 30: closing at 2pm

Monday, January 2: closed

Garbage, Yard Waste, and Recycling Rate Increase

Takes Effect January 1, 2023

Garbage, recycling, and yard waste fees will increase on January 1, 2023. To view the new rates please click here.

2023 Village Calendars - Now Available

2023 Village Calendars are now available. You may pick one up at Village Hall, Ed's Way, the Library, the Community Center and the Park District.

To view or download the Village Calendar online, click here.

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.

The next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 20th at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall. Click here for more information

News from the Public Works Department

Winter Weather Tips

When the weather dips below freezing for an extended period of time and during bursts of extreme cold, please follow these tips to help you avoid frozen interior water pipes:

Let the water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home or business set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
Shut off outside water.

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

Updated Illinois Smoke Alarm Law

In 2017, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance worked with the General Assembly to pass a law which will require Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms with the type that has a long-term, 10-year sealed battery beginning January 1, 2023. This would apply to residents that are still using alarms with removable batteries or alarms that are not hardwired. Please see the graphic below for more information.

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

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. Texta 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.

Package Theft Prevention

Many Forest Park residents have started their online holiday shopping. The increase in online shopping means an increase in packages being delivered to your homes. This also translates to an increase in package thefts. Please take steps to prevent package theft in Forest Park by following the tips listed below.

Citizens Police Academy

The Forest Park Police department is happy to announce the dates for its 2023 Citizens’ Police Academy. Come and meet the men and women of the Forest Park Police Department and learn about a variety of law enforcement-related topics.

Classes will meet in the Village of Forest Park’s Council Chambers on Thursdays from 6:30pm – 8:30pm starting January 12 through March 16, 2023. This program is free, however, there are a limited number of spots available. Click on the links below for more info and the application.

Citizens’ Police Academy Flyer 2023

Citizens’ Police Academy Application 2023

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 December Neighborhood Watch meeting we will be on Tuesday, December 20th at 7pm at the Community Center. 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 & Events

Homeowners: Are you missing exemptions on your property tax bill? How to apply for Certificate(s) of Error

As homeowners in Cook County receive their 2021 Second Installment Tax Bill in the mail they are encouraged to look at the bottom left corner to ensure that the correct exemption(s) are applied.

If a homeowner believes they are entitled to an exemption that is not reflected on their tax bill, they can apply for what is called a Certificate of Error. The Certificate of Error process provides homeowners an opportunity to redeem missing exemptions for up to three years in addition to the current tax year. Homeowners can now apply for 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018 tax years. www.cookcountyassessor.com/certificates-error

Homeowners are responsible for paying the entirety of the tax bill to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by Friday, December 30, 2022. www.cookcountytreasurer.com/