Will County Gazette

The Village of Park Forest is set to hold its Special Rules and Regular meeting on Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. During this meeting, several business matters will be reviewed by trustees, including vehicle purchases for the Park Forest Police and Public Works Departments.

Four resolutions will honor long-serving Village employees who have announced their retirements. Among those being recognized is Fire Chief Tracy Natyshok, retiring after 28 years of service. Natyshok began his career with the department in 1997 and has served as chief since 2017. His contributions include modernizing the department and launching advanced training programs.

Shift Commander and Paramedic Patrick Hisel is also retiring. He joined the department in 1991 as a paid-on-call firefighter and became a full-time staff member in 1995. Hisel was named Firefighter of the Year in 2015 and served as the emergency management coordinator for the Village.

Lieutenant William Kennedy will be acknowledged for nearly four decades of service. Starting in 1986 as a paid-on-call firefighter, Kennedy has been a trainer, mentor, and leader within his division.

In the Finance Department, Accounting Manager Terrie McAvoy is retiring after 19 years. She played a key role in implementing ERP software for the Village.

Following these resolutions, other agenda items will be addressed by the Board of Trustees. One such item involves approving a contract with Currie Motors for three replacement vehicles for the police department's regular replacement schedule.

Additionally, two new Ford pickup trucks are proposed for purchase through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative to replace aging vehicles used by water billing staff.

The board will vote on a Local Agency Agreement concerning road improvements on Blackhawk Drive funded through federal programs with no direct cost to Park Forest due to Tollway Credits offsetting expenses.

Another proposal involves acquiring new battery-powered extrication tools for the fire department to replace outdated equipment at an adjusted cost of $39,453.60 after trade-in.

Residents can attend or watch online via the Village's website when proceedings commence at 7 p.m., Monday night.