Joseph A. Woods Mayor | Village of Park Forest
Joseph A. Woods Mayor | Village of Park Forest
The Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, Oct. 20, to discuss a range of topics related to public safety, infrastructure, and community recognition.
One item on the agenda is a proclamation from Mayor Joseph A. Woods recognizing Oct. 28 as National First Responders Day in Park Forest. The proclamation honors various emergency personnel including firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators, paramedics, and public works professionals for their service.
“First responders are the backbone of our community,” Woods said. “Their courage and commitment ensure the safety and well-being of Park Forest residents every day, often at great personal risk. This proclamation is a small but meaningful way to express our deep gratitude.”
The board will also review several resolutions and contracts during the meeting.
A resolution setting trick-or-treating hours for Halloween is included on the consent agenda. Trick-or-treating in Park Forest this year will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The Village establishes these hours annually to promote safety and consistency for families.
Trustees will consider a proposal to replace the roof at the Park Forest Fire Department building due to age-related leaks and insulation problems. Solaris Roofing Solutions Inc., based in Elburn, Illinois, submitted the lowest responsible bid after a competitive process. Staff recommends awarding Solaris Option II with a Fleeced PVC membrane for increased durability and weather resistance.
The total project cost is $153,829.50 with contingency included—below the $200,000 allocated in the Village’s fiscal year 2025–26 capital improvement plan. According to staff: “This project aligns with our long-term facility improvement plan,” staff wrote in the agenda memo. “The upgraded system will provide better protection for critical emergency infrastructure and reduce maintenance costs in the years ahead.”
Another item involves entering into an intergovernmental agreement to create the Southland Public Safety Communications Dispatch System by merging SouthCom and ECom dispatch centers. The new consolidated center will be located in Hazel Crest and serve as an emergency communications hub for member communities.
Village officials state that this consolidation aims to improve coordination among agencies while reducing costs and enhancing response times across the region. As noted in a staff report: “This project exemplifies smart government — shared resources, lower costs and better service,”
The meeting begins at 7 p.m., Monday at Village Hall’s Board Room at 350 Victory Drive. Residents can attend or watch online via livestream.
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