The Village Board of Trustees in Park Forest will meet on Monday evening to discuss several agenda items, including a proclamation for the late Police Officer Tim Jones, approval of the 2026 paratransit service agreement with PACE, acceptance of a $25,000 energy-efficiency grant, and the purchase of an electric vehicle for the Fire Department.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Drive.
One key item is a proclamation honoring Officer Tim Jones, who died on December 3 after facing nearly ten years of medical issues following a line-of-duty shooting in 2016. The proclamation highlights his recovery journey and the regional support that emerged through the “Tim Strong” movement. It also notes that he held honorary status within the department. Village officials state that Jones’ story became “a symbol of resilience and community unity.” In 2018, part of Lakewood Boulevard was named Honorary Officer Tim Jones Way.
Trustees will also review a resolution regarding the village’s participation in the 2026 Paratransit Service Provider Agreement with PACE. This agreement supports the Jolly Trolley Dial-A-Ride program by allowing Park Forest to lease PACE vehicles without cost and receive an operating subsidy of $45,102 along with a one-time payment of $6,765. According to staff documents, projected revenue for 2026 is expected to decrease slightly from $10,061 to $9,906. There are no planned changes to service levels. Rich Township would continue managing operations under an existing contract set through 2027.
Another agenda item involves accepting a $25,000 Low-income Energy Efficiency Outreach and Engagement (LIEEOE) grant provided by ComEd and managed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The funds would be used for Park Forest’s Energy Efficiency Education and Outreach project and would reimburse eligible expenses through 2026 if approved.
The Fire Department is seeking authorization to purchase an electric Ford F-150 Lightning as a support vehicle at a total cost not exceeding $70,897.62. This includes emergency-response modifications. Fire Chief Mark Cotrano indicated in briefing materials that purchasing now—before certain electric vehicle tax credits expire—would save more than $15,000 compared with waiting until fiscal year 2029. The village could also qualify for a $7,500 rebate from ComEd. The new truck would replace Car 5001 and be used for fire prevention work, public education initiatives, hazardous materials response efforts, and towing small trailers.
Additional consent agenda items include approving minutes from previous meetings, setting the village’s holiday schedule for 2026, reappointing members to various boards and commissions, as well as formal acceptance of the energy-efficiency grant.
Final readings are also scheduled on ordinances related to the village’s proposed tax levy for 2026 and abating part of next year’s levy.
