Oak Forest City Hall
Closed to the Public
Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the City Hall side of the Oak Forest Municipal Building at 15440 Central is now closed to the public. This action was taken in an effort to help protect City employees and the public.
Please call the Department with whom you wish to talk (listed below). There is staff answering these phones and they will be able to help you. You may also access the City of Oak Forest’s website at www.oak-forest.org.
If you need to drop something off at City Hall, please use the drop-box on the brick wall of City Hall to the right of the doors.
City updates will be available on e-Briefs, social media and the website.
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City of Oak ForestTelephone Numbers
City Hall Main Number -- 708-687-4050
Police or Fire Emergency -- 911
Police Department
(non-emergency) -- 708-687-1376
Fire Department
(non-emergency) -- 708-687-6050
Public Works Department -- 708-535-4090
Building Department -- 708-444-4819
Mayor’s Office -- 708-444-4805
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COVID-19 – Important Information
As we continue to monitor developments and consider the City of Oak Forest’s response and contingency plans relating to coronavirus developments, our priority is to help assure the health, safety and welfare of our residents and employees.
Please note the following preventative actions: |
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There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") always recommends these actions to help prevent the spread of this virus, including: - Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
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Homewood Disposal
Trash / Recycling Pick-up
As an Essential Service, Homewood Disposal Services (HDS) is continuing to pick-up trash and recyclables. However, HDS is concerned about employee safety. Please note the following points to help assure their and to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus:- Pickup times may vary so have your trash and recyclables at the curb by 6:00 am on your regular pickup day.
- Place only garbage generated during the week in your refuse container or cart.
- Bulk items will be picked-up only if placed into your refuse container or cart.
- Place recyclables only in your designated container or cart; rinse out containers.
- Yard waste collection begins April 1st.
- Electronic waste collections continue for residents who schedule a special pick-up.
- If there are questions, visit the HDS website at https://www.mydisposal.com.
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Public Works needs your help!
Please STOP putting “flushable” wipes, disinfecting wipes, and paper towels in your toilets.
They are touted as disposable and even flushable, but wipes are causing serious and costly problems relating to the city’s sewer system.
These products appeal to consumers in part because of manufacturers' claims that they can be conveniently flushed down the toilet. But their cloth-like material doesn't break down in the sanitary sewer system like toilet paper and can block sewer lines, clog pumps and increase maintenance and repair costs. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. Flushing other products down your toilets can create blockages and sewer backups in your home. These backups could mean expensive repairs to fix damage to your home or to unclog your pipes. Protect your pipes! Never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. |
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Building Department Update
The Building Department is still allowing work to occur and continues to issue permits electronically. You can email mpeters@oak-forest.org with permit applications or contractor registration applications. Payments can be made by mailing a check or via credit card electronically.
We continue to conduct inspections if outdoors or in vacant homes - please call Melissa at (708) 444-4819 to schedule. Solar panel inspections are on hold as of right now (we often need to get into the house). As for other inspections needed inside the house, contractors or homeowners will need to coordinate with Melissa at (708) 444-4819, so we can arrange for photos. |
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Nicor Gas Main andService & Meter Replacement2nd and 3rd Wards
Nicor Gas is starting work on a project to replace aging gas mains and install new service lines & gas meters to homes and businesses in Oak Forest. The project extends from 157th Street on the north to 160th Street on the south, and from Cicero Ave on the east to Laramie Ave on the west. NPL is the contractor that will be doing the work for Nicor Gas. This link will take you to a newsletter explaining the project from Nicor Gas to affected customers.
Nicor Gas, or their contractor NPL, will contact property owners to schedule an appointment to locate the existing natural gas service line and gas meter. Nicor will identify where the new meter(s) will be placed outside of each property and work with each property owner to complete the installation. Property owners are responsible for removing obstructions such as drywall, furniture, and other enclosures so Nicor can access the building’s natural gas piping.
Public Works will monitor Nicor’s work and facilitate communications with Nicor and our residents when the residents have questions or concerns.
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IDOT 159th Street Resurfacing Continues
Depending upon the weather, the Illinois Department of Transportation will be resurfacing 159th Street (U.S. Route 6) and constructing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps from 94th Avenue in Orland Park to Cicero Avenue in Oak Forest. This will require daily lane closures. Motorists can expect delays in travel time when traveling through this area. Completion of this work is expected in July.
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Next Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2020City Hall Council Chambers - TIME: 7:00 PM
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Cook County Board of Review Offers Surviving Spouse Tax Abatement
The Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Chicago City Council have passed ordinances to authorize a property tax abatement in their jurisdictions for the surviving spouses of Cook County's fallen heroes.
The Board of Review will consider applications and supporting evidence - hold a hearing if needed - and recommend qualifying applicants for final approval. This program is an opportunity to assist the families of our fallen heroes with the financial costs that have resulted from their loses.
Click here to learn more about the Cook County Surviving Spouses Tax Abatement.
View and download the application here.
For more information call 312-603-5542.
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Circuit Court of Cook County
Elder Justice Center
The Circuit Court of Cook County Elder Justice Center helps people age 60 and older by providing information and support in several ways, including help to avoid abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, and by making referrals to appropriate legal assistance and social service agencies. For more information, call 312-603-9233 or visit www.cookcountycourt.org.
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 A coyote in an Oak Forest backyard.
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Coyotes in Oak Forest
Forest preserves surround Oak Forest and serve as home to many wild animals, including coyotes. While coyotes generally avoid contact with people, they will prey on smaller animals. Never feed a coyote and make sure you do not leave garbage cans open. More information will be available in the next issue of FYI--the City of Oak Forest’s newsletter. Should you have questions or concerns about coyotes, please contact Oak Forest Animal Control at 708-705-5690. |
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School District 1462020 Kindergarten Pre-registration Is Open
Community Consolidated School District 146 2020-21 Kindergarten Pre-registration is now open. Children who turn 5 years of age on or by September 1, 2020 are eligible for Kindergarten pre-registration.
Complete the online Kindergarten pre-registration, present proof or residency, birth certificate before Thursday, April 23, 2020. Bring all documents to the District Administration Center at 6611 W. 171st Street, Tinley Park.
Pre-registration must be complete in order for your child to participate in the Kindergarten screening which will be held on April 25, 2020.
Visit district146.org/registration for more information. |
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United States Census 2020
By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. This will mark the first time that you will be able to respond
to the census online.
The Census has been a cornerstone of our democracy since the first national count in 1790. It is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.
The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Watch the video above or click below to learn more:
What is the Census? What is the 2020 Census?
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Join the Oak Forest Senior Commission!
The Oak Forest Senior Commission is looking for senior citizens who might like to serve as members of this commission, which meets in City Hall on every second Wednesday of the month at 1:00 PM.
The Senior Commission gets involved in various community events, such as the annual Health Fair at the Oak Forest Park District and sponsors the monthly senior lunches at the Oak Forest Park District's new Community Center at Central Park.
Should you wish to join this commission, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 708-687-4050, extension 1005.
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e-Briefs is a free, voluntary e-mail service, which provides information about government services, activities and events.
On a weekly basis, you can expect to find City Council news and agendas, construction updates, public safety reminders, senior and youth news, and much more! Please forward this e-mail to friends and family and encourage them to sign up
for the weekly e-Briefs by visiting the Notify Me section of our website. Contact the City of Oak Forest at 708-687-4050 or cityofoakforest@oak-forest.org. |
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