Will County Gazette

The Park Forest Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 27, to address two property-related items and to honor retiring Police Commander Julius Moore for his 20 years of service.

Commander Moore, who is stepping down after two decades with the Park Forest Police Department, will be recognized during the regular meeting at Village Hall. The board is expected to approve a resolution acknowledging his dedication and commitment to public safety as part of the consent agenda.

Police Chief Brian Rzyski commented on Moore’s career, stating, “Commander Moore’s professionalism and commitment to the community have been invaluable over the past two decades. He has set a high standard for those who will follow.”

In addition to recognizing Moore, the board will consider two measures aimed at improving property management in the village.

At the Rules meeting earlier in the evening, trustees will discuss a proposed ordinance that would require registration of foreclosing mortgaged properties within Park Forest. Village Manager Jon Kindseth presented the proposal, which is designed to hold mortgage lenders responsible for maintaining foreclosed properties and to ensure the village is notified when foreclosure proceedings begin.

Park Forest previously implemented a Vacant Property Registration Ordinance after the 2008 housing crisis. The new ordinance would expand on that policy by extending similar requirements to properties in foreclosure.

Kindseth explained that the goal is to prevent blight and protect property values by ensuring the village can contact responsible parties during foreclosure proceedings. “By adopting this ordinance now, we’re taking proactive steps to stabilize our housing market before the next economic downturn,” Kindseth said.

He also noted that foreclosure filings in Park Forest have decreased from over 750 a decade ago to about 120 in the past year. However, recent changes in state law have removed the requirement for banks to notify municipalities when a foreclosure is filed. The proposed ordinance would restore that communication and provide local oversight.

The board will also review a resolution authorizing a formal fence agreement between the village and the Forest Brook Townhome Association. The agreement specifies access rights for utility maintenance where the association’s fence was built over a public utility easement.

Assistant Director of Public Works Nicholas Christie said, “This agreement helps clarify responsibilities and prevent confusion for future property owners or association members.”

The Rules meeting will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the regular session. Both meetings are set to take place in the Boardroom at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.