The Park Forest Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The agenda includes infrastructure investments, a proposed sales tax ordinance, and the appointment of a new Village attorney.
The meeting will open with a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” which acknowledges the contributions of women in government, education, business, and community leadership. The Park Forest Police Department will also present awards for Officer of the Year and Civilian Officer of the Year.
A key item for discussion is the first reading of an ordinance that would establish a 1% Home Rule Municipal and Service Occupation Tax. Certain foods and drugs would be exempt from this tax. Village officials said, “the measure is intended to increase revenues without raising property taxes and generating more revenue paid by nonresidents.” They added that this change would bring Park Forest’s total sales tax rate closer to those in neighboring communities. If approved after a second reading later in March, the tax could take effect July 1.
Trustees are also set to review several aspects of the Tamarack Standpipe rehabilitation project. The Board will consider awarding a contract to Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc., not exceeding $1,311,240, for repainting and structural improvements to the water storage facility. Planned work includes steel repairs, coating replacement, cathodic protection upgrades, and installation of a mixer to enhance water quality.
Additionally, an agreement with Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers for construction engineering services related to the project will be considered at a cost not exceeding $155,318. Officials noted these improvements are aimed at supporting long-term water system reliability and are partially funded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program with loan forgiveness included.
Items on the consent agenda include approval of previous meeting minutes; authorization for the village manager to execute a power supply agreement through cooperative procurement for competitive electricity pricing; and approval of participation in the State of Illinois Salt Purchase Authority Certification joint salt purchasing program for winter 2026-2027.
After an executive session, trustees are expected to consider appointing Bond Conway Law Firm as village attorney. Village leadership said this change aims “to improve communication, responsiveness, and strategic alignment in the Village’s legal representation.”
Public comments will be accepted during the meeting.
Meeting agendas can be found in the Village Hall lobby or viewed online via the official website. The site notes that Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions and programs and has received recognition for its sustainability efforts in town planning (source). The local government operates under a council-manager structure led by a mayor and six trustees (source). According to information provided online (source), Park Forest works toward economic growth by encouraging collaboration and innovation while providing educational opportunities like its Civic Leadership Academy.
