The Park Forest Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. The agenda includes discussion of infrastructure projects, a new sales tax ordinance, and the appointment of a new Village attorney.
The session will begin with a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The proclamation recognizes the role women have played in government, education, business, and community leadership. Awards for Officer of the Year and Civilian Officer of the Year will also be presented by the Park Forest Police Department.
Trustees are set to review an ordinance proposing a 1% Home Rule Municipal and Service Occupation Tax. Certain foods and drugs would be exempt from this tax. According to village officials, “the measure is intended to increase revenues without raising property taxes and generating more revenue paid by nonresidents.” If approved after a second reading later in March, it could take effect July 1. Officials said that adopting this tax would align Park Forest’s total sales tax rate more closely with neighboring communities.
Another key item on the agenda is related to improvements for the Tamarack Standpipe water storage facility. The Board will consider awarding Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc. up to $1,311,240 for repainting and structural repairs at the site. Planned upgrades include steel repairs, replacement of protective coatings, cathodic protection enhancements, and installation of equipment designed to improve water quality.
Additionally, trustees will decide whether to approve an agreement with Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers for construction engineering services tied to this project at a cost not exceeding $155,318. These infrastructure investments aim to support long-term reliability in local water systems and are partly funded through loan forgiveness under the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program.
On the consent agenda are items such as approval of minutes from previous meetings; authorization for the village manager to enter into an electricity supply contract through cooperative procurement; and certification for participation in Illinois’ joint salt purchasing program for winter 2026-2027.
After an executive session, trustees are expected to vote on appointing Bond Conway Law Firm as village attorney. According to village leadership: “the proposed change is intended to improve communication, responsiveness, and strategic alignment in the Village’s legal representation.”
Residents may offer public comments during the meeting.
Agendas can be found in person at Village Hall or online via the official website. The Village operates under a council-manager system led by a mayor and six trustees as its governing body (source). Park Forest emphasizes community health initiatives (source), sustainability efforts (source), economic development strategies (source), climate protection commitments (source), and educational programs such as its Civic Leadership Academy (source).
