The Park Forest Board of Trustees meets on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to recognize community service and address housing, infrastructure, and environmental justice measures.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.
Trustees plan to issue a proclamation honoring Blake-Lamb Funeral Home for its service following the line-of-duty death of Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones on Dec. 3, 2025. The Oak Lawn–based funeral home paid for Jones's funeral expenses, which Village officials say eased his family's burden and honored his service to the community.
The board will also recognize Doug Price for over 26 years of service on the Park Forest Planning and Zoning Commission. Appointed in 1998, Price played a key role in numerous planning initiatives, driving multiple downtown master plans, the Village’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan, the Comprehensive Housing Plan, and the 211th Street Metra Station transit-oriented development study. He also served as the commission's vice chair.
The agenda includes a final reading of an ordinance that establishes a Foreclosure Registry Program. The proposed ordinance requires foreclosing property owners to register with the Village, enabling staff to better track and maintain properties during foreclosure proceedings.
Village officials believe the registry will help stabilize neighborhoods and reduce blight, particularly as they expect foreclosure filings to rise after certain federal mortgage relief programs end and state notification requirements change.
Trustees will also consider approving a professional services agreement with HERA Property Registry LLC to administer the program.
Several infrastructure projects will be considered. Among these is the approval of the 2026 Water Main Improvement Contract, which would replace about 1.95 miles of water main throughout the Village. The project is supported by low-interest loans and loan forgiveness through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program.
Iroquois Paving of Watseka submitted the lowest qualified bid for the project at approximately $4.87 million. Trustees will also review an engineering services agreement with Baxter and Woodman Consulting Engineers to oversee construction.
The meeting will feature reports from Village officials and invite public comment. Trustees plan to adjourn into executive session to discuss litigation, as permitted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.