The Village of Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet Monday, Oct. 20, to consider several items focused on public safety, infrastructure and community recognition.

A proclamation recognizing Oct. 28 as National First Responders Day in Park Forest will be among the highlights of the meeting. The proclamation, issued by Mayor Joseph A. Woods, honors firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators, paramedics and public works professionals for their service and sacrifice.

“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.”

The board will also consider a series of resolutions and contracts during the meeting.

Halloween Trick-or-Treating Hours

A resolution setting trick-or-treating hours for Halloween will appear on the consent agenda. This year, trick-or-treating in Park Forest is scheduled from 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31.
The Village sets trick-or-treating hours each year to promote safety and consistency for families and residents.

Fire Department Roof Replacement

Trustees will review a proposal to replace the roof of the Park Forest Fire Department, which is more than 20 years old and has developed leaks and insulation issues.

Following a competitive bid process, Solaris Roofing Solutions Inc. of Elburn, Illinois, submitted the lowest responsible bid. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Solaris for Option II, which includes a Fleeced PVC membrane designed for greater durability and weather resistance.

The project will cost $139,845, with a 10% contingency, bringing the total to $153,829.50 — 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.”

Regional Dispatch Consolidation

The board will also consider entering into an intergovernmental agreement creating the Southland Public Safety Communications Dispatch System, a merger between SouthCom and ECom dispatch centers.

The new consolidated Southland Dispatch Center, located in a renovated former bank building in Hazel Crest, will serve as the unified emergency communications hub for member communities.

Village officials said the project will improve coordination, reduce costs and enhance response times for residents across the Southland region.

“This project exemplifies smart government — shared resources, lower costs and better service,” the staff report said.

The Park Forest Board of Trustees meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, in the Board Room at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or view the meeting online through the Village’s livestream.