Will County Gazette

The Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, Oct. 20, with an agenda that includes public safety initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and community recognition.

A key item for the meeting is a proclamation by Mayor Joseph A. Woods recognizing Oct. 28 as National First Responders Day in Park Forest. The proclamation acknowledges the contributions of firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators, paramedics, and public works professionals. "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."

Trustees will also review several resolutions and contracts during the session.

On the consent agenda is a resolution setting Halloween trick-or-treating hours for this year from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The annual establishment of trick-or-treating hours aims to promote safety and consistency for families in Park Forest.

Another topic for consideration is the replacement of the roof at the Park Forest Fire Department building, which has exceeded 20 years in service and now shows signs of leaks and insulation problems. After a competitive bidding process, Solaris Roofing Solutions Inc., based in Elburn, Illinois, submitted the lowest responsible bid for Option II—a Fleeced PVC membrane intended to improve durability and weather resistance. The project cost totals $153,829.50 including contingency funds, which remains below the $200,000 budgeted in the Village’s fiscal year 2025–26 capital improvement plan.

"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."

The board will also consider entering into an intergovernmental agreement to create the Southland Public Safety Communications Dispatch System by merging SouthCom and ECom dispatch centers. The new consolidated Southland Dispatch Center will operate from a renovated former bank building in Hazel Crest and serve as a unified emergency communications hub for member communities. According to village officials, this consolidation is expected to enhance coordination among agencies, lower operational costs, and improve emergency response times across the region.

"This project exemplifies smart government — shared resources, lower costs and better service," according to the staff report.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m., Monday in the Board Room at Village Hall located at 350 Victory Drive. Residents may attend in person or view proceedings online through a livestream provided by the Village.