E-News
PALOS PARK WEEKLY | OCTOBER 15, 2021
Wood Chips Available

Wood chips are available through the chipping program. Call 708-671-3721 to receive up to two loads (8 yards each) of wood chips during the remaining chipping weeks. When the truck is full you will be called to receive the load of wood chips. Leave your name, address, a phone number where you can be reached, and if you would like one or two loads of chips.  
Come hang out with Palos Park PD officers, and meet some of our team. The Palos Park Police Department will be hosting another "Coffee with A Cop" at the Plush Horse, located at 12301 S. 86th Ave., from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday October 20.
 
Our program highlights the fact that we are all stakeholders in the community and we need to engage in conversation with each other.
 
Events the past several years have highlighted the need for communication, respect, and transparency. We work for the public and want to build on that level of trust that we hope is formed by connecting, one cop and one cup, at a time.  Stop by, have a cup of coffee, and let's talk...even if it's just about the weather. It's a start toward open communication, sharing ideas, and developing a partnership.
Leaves Don't Belong in the Storm Drain
 
Yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams. Please remove leaves and grass clippings from the ditch around your home and dispose of them in yard waste containers.
 
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.
Snow is Coming – SHAKE YOUR MAILBOX

The Public Works Department asks all homeowners to assist with preparations for the snow season. During the month of October please give your mailbox a good shake. If your mailbox moves or wobbles when you shake it, it is not ready for the force of the snow being plowed from the street. An unstable mailbox will fall over and may be damaged as the snowplow throws snow into the right of way. If your mailbox moves, you need to make some quick repairs before the snow falls. Tighten screws and add any braces necessary to ensure the post and mail receptacle are secure and stable. Some minor maintenance will help prevent damage and costly repairs during the snow season. Remember to follow all US Post Office regulations for mailbox replacement. 

The Palos Park Beautification Committee also offers a mailbox replacement program. Click here for more information.
988 AND SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE

In August 2019, FCC staff—in consultation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the North American Numbering Council—released a report recommending the use of 988 as the 3-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In July 2020, the FCC adopted rules designating this new phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The transition, which will take place over the next two years, will result in phone service providers directing all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.

Topline Takeaways on 988:

• Suicide prevention is a critical need. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Americans in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes.

• Americans who need help today can find it by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 1-800-273- 8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, as well as by chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of approximately 170 local- and state-funded crisis centers. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which manages the Veterans Crisis Line.

• Under the new rules, calls to 988 will be directed to 1-800-273-TALK, which will remain operational during and after the 988 transition.

• The requirement to transition to 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline will take effect on July 16, 2022. The transition time gives phone companies time to make necessary network changes. It additionally provides time for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to prepare for a likely increase in the volume of calls following the switch.

• The adoption of the new rules reflects a commitment to delivering Americans necessary intervention services. Switching to an easy-to-remember 988 as the ‘911’ for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. FCC staff first proposed 988 as a three-digit, nationwide number in a report submitted to Congress in 2019.

Village of Palos Park Electric Aggregation Program
 
In June, the Village renewed its “Green” Electric Aggregation program with MC Squared, for billing periods that began in September of this year.

‘What is the Village’s “Green” Electric Aggregation Program and am I part of it?’ It depends. All residential and small business customers, who have not selected another energy supplier on their own, are considered part of the Village’s Green Electric Energy program regardless of whether the energy service is supplied by ComEd or MC Squared. Under the current program, the energy price is the same. Since 2012, the Village has operated an opt-out electric aggregation program for residential and small business customers to negotiate lower pricing and more protective terms for residents. The ‘green’ energy designation is accomplished through the purchase of renewable energy credits which comes from power generated by newer wind facilities located in the Midwest.

‘Recently, some Palos Park residential electric customers received notice that their accounts had been switched to ComEd as their electrical energy supplier. Why would my electric energy supplier be switched?’ The current agreement with MC Squared agreement requires each electric account to receive a valuation several times per year to determine how much energy is being used in high usage periods; this is known as the Peak Load Contribution (“PLC”). In the ComEd service area there are five coincident peaks (“5CP”) that are measured between June 1 and September 30 of each year. The 5CP periods are averaged and used to calculate the PLC for each customer. The PLC is used to determine how much it will cost to serve an account with electricity in the coming year. During the valuation, some customers are moved to ComEd and others to MC Squared.

‘Why haven’t I noticed this change before?’ During calendar years 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic saw many residential customers working from home, likely using more electricity during the 5CP’s. This shift in energy consumption has caused suppliers like MC Squared, to move customers back to the ComEd supply due to the cost to serve these accounts with electric energy. However, under the Village agreement with MC Squared, the energy price is the same.

Do I have a choice in our energy supplier?’ Yes, you may choose any electric energy supplier you wish.

‘Can I stay with Mc Squared if I was switched to ComEd?’ Yes, to switch back to Mc Squared call (888) 537-8418 or e-mail PalosPark@mc2energyservices.com.

Did You Know:
  • The Village of Palos Park Electric Aggregation program is available to all residents and small businesses in the community.
  • The energy rate in the current Village electric aggregation program is tied to the ComEd rate, which was the lowest rate quoted in a bid conducted in June 2021.
  • There is no penalty if you want to leave the Village electric aggregation program to move to another energy supplier.
  • The Village electric aggregation program is considered a ‘green’ program under USEPA standards as Renewable Energy Credits are purchased from power generated by wind facilities located in the Midwest.
  • Any resident or small business enrolled as part of the Village Electric Aggregation Program may choose to remain with MC Squared even if you received a letter from ComEd notifying you of a move in your energy supplier to ComEd. Requests can be made by calling (888) 537-8418 M-F, 8am to 5pm or by email at PalosPark@mc2energyservice.com
2021-2022 Vehicle Stickers

Vehicle Sticker late notices were sent out in the mail for any vehicles in our system with an outstanding balance. If you believe you have received a late notice in error, or you no longer own the vehicle attached to the late notice, please contact our office at (708) 671-3700.

Payment can be made in person or over the phone by contacting our front desk. You can also take advantage of our drop boxes located in the Kaptur parking lot or at the Metra Station.
Shop Local in The Park

Palos Park has a variety of local restaurants and fast food establishments for your dining pleasure, whether you are in the mood for American, Chinese, Italian, Thai, or seafood. Many of the restaurants offer delivery and carry out services, as well as great casual dining.

For a full listing of all Palos Park Businesses, visit our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT