Big City Access Small Town Charm | | |
Week Ending - September 13, 2025
Welcome to 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!
Joke of the week: Why shouldn't you gossip in Chemistry class?
There are too many reactions!
| News From the Village Administrator's Office | |
If you were unable to attend Monday’s Village Council meeting, a full recording is available here. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM, and we encourage residents to attend or tune in.
As I mentioned during the meeting, the Mayor and I met this week with a representative from Motorola regarding the recent audit conducted by the Illinois Secretary of State. We were informed that the Secretary of State will be issuing updated protocols to Motorola to further prevent any inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information—an issue that recently made headlines. Please rest assured that the Village responded immediately, and we are now fully compliant with state requirements.
This week, I also participated in an online briefing hosted by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. At this time, the County has confirmed that there is no deployment of the National Guard in the Forest Park or greater Chicago area.
We did receive several inquiries from residents regarding activity at the former Army Reserve site on Roosevelt Road. After contacting the Illinois National Guard, we can confirm they are not currently deployed in Forest Park. The activity seen at that site is related to construction work, as the facility is in the process of being transferred from the U.S. Army to the Illinois National Guard. The vehicles on-site are construction vehicles, not ICE or military units. For more information, visit the Forest Park Review, including the article titled The National Guard is not in Forest Park.
On a lighter note, I’d like to thank our Recreation Board as they host their 5th Annual Community Clean-Up tomorrow. Each spring and fall, this dedicated group of volunteers puts in countless hours to help keep our village clean and beautiful. A special thanks to Commissioner Jessica Voogd, Board Chair Amy Binns-Calvey, all Rec Board members, and the many volunteers who make this effort possible.
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Rachell Entler
Village Administrator
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Village Council News
At Monday’s Village Council meeting, an ordinance was approved to update the vehicle license fee schedule, with changes taking effect in 2026. This marks the first fee adjustment in nine years.
Beginning in 2026, all vehicle sticker fees will increase by $10.
For example:
Passenger cars will go from $35 to $45
B trucks will increase from $40 to $50
Senior rates will change from $10 to $20
This is an annual fee that helps fund essential services for the community. Revenue from vehicle stickers supports street maintenance, snow plowing, salting during winter months, and other core services that keep the village running safely and smoothly.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support in helping us maintain a high quality of life for all residents.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office |
Who to Call at the Village — Quick Reference for Residents
Have a question but not sure who to contact at the Village of Forest Park? We’re here to help!
General Questions
If you're unsure which department to call, start with us!
Call 708-366-2323 or email contact@forestpark.net, and we'll point you in the right direction.
Questions About...
- Water bills
- Garbage & recycling pickup
- Vehicle stickers
- Dog park passes
Building Permits or Inspections
Contact the Building Department at 708-615-6276 or email building@forestpark.net.
Public Works
For issues or questions regarding streets, snow removal, or trees, contact Sal Stella at:
708-366-4876 or sstella@forestpark.net
Community Center
Call 708-771-7737 for senior services, children programs, and rentals.
Police & Fire
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Non-emergency police inquiries, records, or parking: Call 708-366-7272
FOIA Requests
Submit to foia@forestpark.net
| News from the Mayor's Office | |
The Mayor would like to reiterate, as mentioned in the Village Administrator’s section, that once the Village was made aware of an audit confirming a violation involving the unauthorized sharing of data, immediate corrective actions were taken to ensure compliance with state law. The Village is committed to protecting the privacy of its residents, and both the Mayor’s Office and the Police Department will be reviewing internal procedures to help prevent any similar issues in the future.
Separately, the Office of the Cook County President Office has reached out to municipalities in connection with Operation Midway Blitz, which recently took place on the Southwest Side of Chicago and some surrounding suburbs. The Village is sharing the following information on behalf of Cook County to help keep residents informed and reassured.
Cook County is a Welcoming County, and residents should feel safe accessing health care, schools, or the courts without fear. If approached by ICE, individuals are reminded not to open their doors unless a warrant signed by a judge is presented. People have the right to remain silent, the right to contact an attorney, and the right to make a phone call. A 24-hour hotline is available for those needing assistance: 855-435-7693.
While there have been no reports of enforcement activity in Illinois health care facilities, Cook County Health staff are trained to respond appropriately and protect patient privacy. Telehealth and virtual care services remain available through ExpressCare for non-emergency medical needs, and appointments can be made by calling 312-864-0200.
Additional community resources can be found here.
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News from the Public Works Department
Water Meter Replacement
Now through December 2025, the Village will replace water meters in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as part of a system-wide upgrade.
Many current meters are past their recommended 20-year lifespan. Replacing them will improve water usage accuracy and help make billing more efficient for everyone.
Residents should keep an eye out for a green scheduling postcard in the mail. Once you receive your postcard, call to schedule your appointment. Please wait until your postcard arrives before calling, as replacements are being completed in sections across the Village.
An informational video can be found here.
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News from the Department of Public Health & Safety
Health Alert: Leptospirosis Cases on the Rise in Chicago
Chicago area health officials are raising concerns after six cases of leptospirosis were reported this year—triple the usual annual average. The disease, which is spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by infected animal urine (often from rats), has recently affected residents in the Logan Square and West Town areas. Most cases occurred between mid-July and late August, with exposures linked to gardening, yard work, or direct contact with rodent waste.
While most cases are mild, about 10% can become severe, potentially leading to kidney or liver failure, lung bleeding, or even death. Symptoms typically appear 5–14 days after exposure and may come in two phases, with some patients experiencing a brief recovery before worsening. More information can be found here.
Residents are urged to take precautions when working outdoors, especially in areas where rodents may be present.
| | News from the Fire Department | | |
Fire Safety Tip: Cozy and Safe This Season
With cooler weather upon us, many enjoy the warmth of candles indoors and outdoor fires with family and friends. To keep everyone safe, never leave candles unattended and place them away from flammable items on stable surfaces. When enjoying outdoor fire pits or bonfires, always keep fires contained, never leave them unattended, and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Be sure to fully extinguish all fires before leaving the area. A little caution goes a long way in keeping our homes and community safe this season!
| | News from the Police Department | | |
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.
September 16, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm
September 17, Safety & Traffic, 7pm
September 22, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
September 24, Environmental Control Commision, 7pm
October 1, Board of Health, 7pm
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Tour de Proviso Returns – Saturday, October 4
Forest Park residents are invited to take part in the Sixth Annual Tour de Proviso, happening on Saturday, October 4. This free, community-wide bike ride promotes health, wellness, and connection across Proviso Township and neighboring villages.
This year, Forest Park is proud to co-host alongside Oak Park and River Forest. The event highlights the strength of collaboration between our communities and the importance of coming together to support shared goals of healthy, connected neighborhoods.
Those who register by Sunday, September 14 at 11:59 PM will receive an official Tour de Proviso T-shirt and medal.
Register here.
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Back by Popular Demand: Invasion of the Scarecrows!
The scarecrows are returning to Forest Park! Join your fellow residents in this fun and creative village-wide tradition.
The Forest Park Historical Society and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are once again teaming up this fall for their annual Invasion of the Scarecrows fundraiser—and everyone is invited to participate!
Want to join in?
Registration and information can be found here. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Forest Park’s favorite fall events.
Already registered?
Scarecrow kits will be available for pick-up on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 13 and Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 7410 Madison Street
Let’s fill Forest Park with creativity and fall spirit—one scarecrow at a time!
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Proviso Handyman September News
Proviso Handyman department is here to serve the needs of our senior residents over the age of 60 and /or disabled residents who are homeowners in our community.
| | 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:
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Important Phone Numbers
Police, Fire and Medical Needs
Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988
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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.
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Village Hall/Clerk's Office - 708-366-2323
Police Department - 708-366-2425
Parking/Records - 708-366-7272
Fire Department - 708-366-1234
Community Center - 708-771-7737
Forest Park Public Library - 708-366-7171
Park District of Forest Park 708-366-7500
School District 91 - 708-366-5700
Proviso Township High School - 708- 338-5900
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