Village of Park Forest

The agenda for the regular meeting included several key items. Consent items involved approving the minutes from the February 16, 2026, meeting, authorizing the Village Manager to contract for electricity from the lowest cost provider via the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC) bid process, and authorizing an individual to execute contracts under the State of Illinois Salt Purchase Authority Certification. Debatable items included a first reading and discussion of an ordinance imposing a 1% Home Rule Municipal and Service Occupation tax, while exempting certain foods and drugs. Further debatable items involved awarding the contract for the Tamarack Standpipe Repainting and Maintenance project and authorizing the Construction Engineering Services Agreement for that same project. The board planned to enter executive session to discuss personnel, litigation, and claims. Upon returning to open session, a motion was slated to appoint the Bond Conway Law Firm as Village Attorney.

The agenda included the approval of the 2024/2025 Audit Report for presentation by the auditing firm. Debatable items centered on amending Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances regarding fire prevention and protection. Specifically, the board discussed a final reading of an ordinance to implement a service agreement with Fire Recovery USA, LLC, to bill insurance companies directly for emergency fire services, including extrication and vehicle fires. A related discussion concerned updating fees for services provided in unincorporated areas, adjusting rates for apparatus, personnel, and materials, and offering an annual contract option for unincorporated residents. Additionally, the board was scheduled to consider a motion to accept an additional $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for sanitary sewer installation projects, increasing the total award to $500,000.

The meeting began with ceremonial items, including the awarding of the Katie Armstrong Sustainability Awards by the Environment Commission and the Mayor reading a proclamation recognizing Black History Month. The Mayor also provided an update on the Autumn Ridge situation, noting ongoing efforts and cooperation issues with owners. Condolences were extended to the community of Harvey following the passing of Mayor Christopher Clark. Discussions under the debatable section focused on two related ordinances concerning the recovery of fire service costs. Specifically, the board reviewed the first reading of an ordinance allowing the Village to recover costs directly from insurance companies (Item 3) and an ordinance related to billing for services in unincorporated areas (Item 4). The potential income from this new billing structure is estimated to be between $10,000 and $20,000 annually after fees. The second reading for the ordinance changes is scheduled for the 16th. A resident expressed gratitude for assistance received from the Fire Department. The consent agenda was approved, which included a motion to appoint an Authorized Agent to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

The agenda for this Special Regular Meeting included the proclamation recognizing Black History Month for February 2026. Debatable items involved first readings and discussions of two ordinances related to Chapter 42 ('Fire Preventions & Protection'), Article II ('General'), Section 14 ('Rates and levels of fire service'), concerning emergency fire services billing and unincorporated area billing, respectively. Supporting documents included a services agreement with Fire Recovery USA and details on ordinance amendments for fire/rescue billing and unincorporated area billing rates.

The Rules Meeting involved discussing and potentially moving several items to the action agenda for the subsequent meeting. Key discussions included revising the Rules of Order and Procedure and adopting the 2026 meeting schedule, which allows for changes to meeting frequency and resident comment length. Another significant item involved authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Will County Forest Preserve concerning easements for storm sewer access related to Thorn Creek repairs, which included waiving costs for previously removed trees. Engineering services with Baxter and Woodman were discussed for the design of a culvert replacement at a known trouble spot on private property to prevent future flooding. The Board also revisited the purchase of a Fire Department support vehicle, opting for a hybrid replacement, and discussed the award of a contract for a new LED sign for the Fire Department, recommending Rodea based on bid results. Following these discussions, the Rules Meeting adjourned to allow for an Executive Session regarding real property purchase considerations, reconvening afterwards.