West Cook News

Village of Forest Park Village Council met Feb. 24

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Hoskins led all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the minutes from the February 10, 2025, Regular meeting of the Council be approved.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSTAIN: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Steve Rummel spoke as a citizen and a member of the Forest Park Police Pension Board. Mr. Rummel stated he is concerned about the underfunding of the pension plan. The Pension Board wrote to the village about a year ago , requesting that the village sell the Altenheim property and use the money to pay the pension deficit.

COMMUNICATIONS:

None

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

The Fire Department submitted its January, 2025, report.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

R-17-25

RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $608,297.63

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $608,297.63

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARKETING UPDATE AND PRESENTATION

Ms. Laurie Kokenes and Mr. Neil Rembos, representing the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, provided a summary of the year-to-date marketing activities. In January, West Suburban Living Magazine published a Forest Park Town Focus and a fullpage ad. In addition, the chamber provided a summary of holiday activities and promotions that were hosted to drive traffic for the holiday season. They have been focusing on creating the right content for blogs and social media to enrich engagement. They are also exploring options to reach other audiences through ESPN. They closed by stating they are always available for questions and will continue to work diligently to make the most of the marketing funds provided by the village.

FOREST PARK ARTS ALLIANCE INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATION PRESENTATION AND REQUEST

Ms. Bridget Lane, of the Forest Park Arts Alliance, gave a presentation promoting the village’s permission for an interactive Art Installation Pilot program. The proposed installation would be created by Artist Ian Pfaff, of Forest Park, and is hoped to be premiered on the day of the Spring Wine Walk. They hope to continue the program, pending the success and lessons learned from the pilot. The Alliance asked for permission to hold the Installation and for the village to waive application fees and insurance requirements for use of the public way.

O-13-25

ORDINANCE ABATING 2024 TAX FOR SERIES 2012 G.O. BONDS

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2024 to pay the principal and interest on the village’s $6,745,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds (alternate revenue source), Series 2012, of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

O-14-25

ORDINANCE GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE FOR 334 CIRCLE AVENUE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Ordinance granting approval of a conditional use for an existing Medical Clinic in the R-2 district in the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois (PZC 2025-01: 334 Circle Avenue) be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-18-25

RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution for Maintenance under the Illinois Highway Code be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-19-25

RESOLUTION PUBLISHING OFFICIAL ZONING MAP

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Resolution approving and publishing the Official Zoning Map of the Village of Forest Park be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-20-25

RESOLUTION APPROVING HIGHWAY AUTHORITY AGREEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT WITH COMBINED REAL ESTATE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of a Highway Authority Agreement and Supplemental Highway Authority Agreement by and between Combined Real Estate, LLC and the Village of Forest Park be adopted. It was noted that there was a scrivener’s error on page one of the agreement, which will be corrected by Clerk Moritz.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-21-25

RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION FOR FIRE STATION REHAB GRANT

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of the application for a Fire Station Rehabilitation and Construction Grant with the office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS DIRECTED TO HIRE TWO PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to direct the Forest Park Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to appoint two candidates from its current Probationary Police Officer Eligibility List to fill vacancies in the Police Department.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

COMMMUNITY CENTER AGREEMENT

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the execution of an agreement with Hollywood Blvd Cinema, related to Community Center activities.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Administrator Entler reminded everyone that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this Saturday. The administrator reported that she has been working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Alliance on some informal economic growth strategies. In addition, this last month, the village mailed out water bills to our customers, and many property owners did not receive the bill. We extended the due date from February 21 to February 26 and are trying to get to the bottom of what may have happened. Administrator Entler gave kudos to the Clerk’s office staff, who have been working very hard with the water billing issue, and vehicle sticker renewal activity. Water bills can be accessed through the village’s website (account number is required).

COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:

Commissioner Maxham expressed her appreciation to the Clerk’s office staff for their year-round hard work. In addition, the commissioner thanked Administrator Entler, the Chamber and all of the village staff who has been preparing for the parade. Last, the commissioner thanked the Chamber and the Arts Alliance for their presentations at tonight’s meeting.

Commissioner Nero reminded residents that the Board of Health issued a community survey at the beginning of January and is seeking more input from residents. Another push for responses will be included in an upcoming newsletter and on the website. The commissioner expressed his support for the Arts project and stated that he is looking forward to the parade this weekend. Last, Commissioner Nero requested that the Zoning Code Updates Ordinance be placed on the next agenda.

Commissioner Melin-Rogovin reported that she is participating in a job fair, representing Forest Park on Friday, February 28th at the Local 73 Sheet Metal Union Hall at 4550 Roosevelt Road in Hillside from 10-2:00. All are welcome. The commissioner thanked all those who are preparing for the parade on Saturday and announced that she is planning to attend a Women Leaders in Forest Park fundraiser for Sarah’s Inn, being held on Friday 3/7/2025, at Robert’s West Side. Last, the commissioner reported that the Traffic and Safety Commissioner moved its regular meeting date to the 3rd Wednesday of the month, with the next meeting being Wednesday, March 19th. 

Commissioner Voogd shared her appreciation for all of the hard work staff is doing in preparation for Saturday’s parade. For those parade attendees, who are sensitive to loud noise, the commissioner highlighted the Siren Free Zone, which will be from Van Buren to Des Plaines. Commissioner Voogd thanked the Arts Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce for their participation tonight and stated that she appreciates their partnership with the Village of Forest Park. Last, the commissioner reported that the Recreation Board has a couple of vacancies. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Commissioner Voogd for the application.

Mayor Hoskins reported that hearings have begun in Springfield about the proposed Transit Consolidation. He and the village officials will be carefully following this issue as transit is a very important feature of Forest Park.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Nero moved, and Commissioner Maxham seconded to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 7:46 P.M.

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