From Mayor Hank Kuspa

First and foremost – Thanks!

As all of us face this Coronavirus pandemic and worry about its consequences upon our families and our community, I need to acknowledge those who protect us – those on the frontlines.

Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals across our nation who are doing their best, many under horrific stress and conditions, to help us get through this crisis.

Thanks to City of Oak Forest employees who are working hard to keep our community safe and secure during this time of concern and crisis: our police officers, firefighters and public workers, all first responders who must take extraordinary precautions because they interact with people on a daily basis without knowing if someone has the virus or not.

Thanks to our telecommunicators who receive emergency and non-emergency calls from Oak Forest residents who require help or simply have concerns about their family or their home. Thanks to our city hall staff and department managers who continue to answer your calls and take care of the city business that must go on.

I thank each healthcare professional and City employee for their service. I pray for their health and safety, as well as for their families. Working together, we will get through this.

… and a reminder from the Mayor

The Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is perhaps the most widespread and dangerous health hazard faced by humanity since the pandemic of 1918-19. Governor Pritzker has “shut down” the state of Illinois in an effort to minimize the virus’ impact by seeking to reduce human interaction, emphasizing that people stay at home, maintaining a safe distance from others, avoiding crowds and washing hands. This situation needs to be taken very seriously and the precautions previously noted need to be followed by everyone.

In Oak Forest, the City Council recently passed an ordinance granting the mayor the authority to declare a state of emergency and to exercise, by executive order during this of emergency, such powers of the corporate authorities as may be reasonably necessary to respond in an appropriate manner. The City of Oak Forest’s Plan of Action includes the following:

City Hall and other buildings: These remain closed to the public. Skeleton crews are working while others work from home. We encourage residents to drop off payments or other items in the night depository at City Hall, call us at 708-687-4050, or visit the City website at www.oak-forest.org.
Police Department: OFPD patrol activities and investigations continue as usual, but requests for assistance are being prioritized. Unless a 911 emergency, residents should call the OFPD’s non-emergency number at 708-687-1376 if no one is in danger. A Police Officer will be dispatched if a crime is in progress or a serious offense was committed.
Fire Department: Fire protection and emergency medical services also continue as usual. Call 911 in an emergency; otherwise call 708-687-6050 for OFFD assistance.
Public Works: Department employees are mainly working on water breaks, sewer maintenance and other emergencies. Public Works urges all residents not to flush disposable wipes, sanitary napkins or paper towels down toilets. Finally, Senior Bus services remain limited to essential trips only. If you need assistance, call 708-535-4090.
Building Department: Permits are being issued electronically and outdoor inspections are being made. Questions can be answered by calling 708-444-4819.
Mayor’s Office: Questions and concerns relating to the Coronavirus pandemic or other matters can be directed to the Mayor’s Office at 708-444-4805.

The City of Oak Forest’s responsibility is to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents and businesses. Each alderman and I say to you, residents of Oak Forest: Help us help you by complying with the Emergency Order of the Governor, the City’s Plan of Action and other steps that may need to be taken. Working together, we will get through this emergency. Be safe!

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:

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.

Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic Cancelled

The Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic sponsored by the Friends of Oak Forest Animal Control, scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2020, has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Should anyone have a question, please contact Oak Forest Animal Control at 708-705-5690. Thank you!

Keeping Your Family Safe While Staying Home

A Note from the Oak Forest Fire Department

Given the current global effort to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to review these home safety messages.

Many of our daily routines have been altered by these unprecedented times. People are spending more time in close quarters, with more people present, for longer periods of time.

Mass amounts of people who are used to working away from the home are teleworking, along with tutoring and supervising younger children. This is a very appropriate time to review or familiarize yourself with the home safety tips shared below.

Tips to help keep your family safe from scald burns:

Set your water heater at 120 degrees F/48 degrees C, or just below the medium setting
Use a thermometer to test the water coming out of your bath water tap
Run your hand through bath water to test for hot spots
Use back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot pull them down
Use oven mitts when cooking or handling hot food and drinks
Stir and test food cooked in the microwave before serving. Open heated containers away from you back to front
Keep children away from the stove when cooking by using a safety gate for younger children and marking with tape a 3-foot “no-kid zone”
Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters and avoid using tablecloths and placemats
Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks
Never hold or carry a child while you have a hot drink in your hand

More information can be found at the Flash Splash website.

Additional safety tips to review:

Be sure to keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children
Be sure to monitor what your children are doing online since many children will not be in a structured school environment and may have more time to experiment/explore
Check smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly
Practice the family escape plan in case of a fire or emergency

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 1^st.
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.

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.

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.

Nicor Gas Main and

Service & Meter Replacement

2nd 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 157^th Street on the north to 160^th 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.

IDOT 159^th Street Resurfacing Continues

Depending upon the weather, the Illinois Department of Transportation will be resurfacing 159^th Street (U.S. Route 6) and constructing ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps from 94^th 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.

Next Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting is Tuesday, April 14, 2020

City Hall Council Chambers - TIME: 7:00 PM

Click the image above to watch full coverage of the City Council meeting from Thursday, March 26, 2020 produced by the Oak Forest Broadcast Network.

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?

Chicagoland Vintage Home Association Energy Upgrades

Click the image above or visit oak-forest.org/energyupgrades to check your eligibility!

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.

Click here to watch live stream of CIC-TV.

CIC-TV Programming Schedule

If you do not subscribe to cable television, visit oak-forest.org/broadcast to learn more about the Oak Forest Broadcast Network. Click here to watch special coverage of community events, Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings. DVD archives are also available at Acorn Public Library.

If you have any issues with or do not get satisfaction from your cable company representatives, contact the Oak Forest Cable Commission at ofcable@oak-forest.org or call 708-687-4050 x 1600.

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.