Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Park Forest Village Board is set to convene on Monday, June 16, with a comprehensive agenda that includes significant financial and administrative decisions. The meeting will commence at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Drive, and will be accessible to the public.
Among the primary issues for consideration is the board's final vote on implementing a 1-percent local grocery sales tax. This proposal aims to sustain village revenues as Illinois phases out its own grocery tax. If passed, this local tax would be effective from January 1, 2026.
The board will also deliberate on adopting the fiscal year 2025–26 budget. This budget outlines priorities such as infrastructure, technology advancements, and community development initiatives.
A key transition in leadership is expected during this meeting as trustees plan to finalize a contract with Jon Kindseth, who is poised to become the new Village Manager. Under this agreement, Kindseth will receive an initial salary of $196,000, which will increase to $200,000 after a six-month performance review. His contract also includes a monthly vehicle allowance of $500 and a severance package that could provide up to 12 months of salary under specific conditions.
Outgoing Village Manager Tom Mick will be honored with a resolution of appreciation for his 27 years of service.
In matters concerning public safety and infrastructure, the board plans to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Local #660. This agreement spans from 2025 through 2030 and addresses updates in wages, benefits, and working conditions for Park Forest’s police officers.
Trustees are also expected to approve several infrastructure projects including:
- Installation of a new LED message board on Western Avenue costing approximately $125,000
- Flooring installation at the Artist Walk building valued at $26,500
- Water main sleeve installations and sanitary sewer lining projects exceeding $500,000
- Engineering services for designing the Chestnut Street lift station
Additionally, there will be authorization for disposing surplus village vehicles via public auction and extending the Illinois Strong Communities housing rehabilitation grant deadline through November 2026 with an additional funding of $211,200.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in public comments scheduled near the start of the meeting. The full agenda and supporting documents can be accessed at Village Hall or on the village’s website. Accommodations for residents with disabilities are available upon request by contacting 708-283-5605 at least two days prior.
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