Oak Forest Weekly Update from Mayor Hank Kuspa

My fellow citizens of Oak Forest, it has been a challenging and stressful few months with a few national incidents that have affected all of us. First, Covid-19 forced us all to remain indoors. Then, the rains came down and down and down; flooding many of our Oak Forest streets and resident's backyards. This week was the civil unrest occurring in our surrounding suburban neighboring towns.

Our number one goal as your Mayor and City Council is to keep our Citizens of Oak Forest safe. With Covid-19, we are still following the State of Illinois' guidelines and plans for re-opening our town. We are currently at Phase-3, but with restrictions. The way we used to dine out, have a haircut or even an oil change, is much different nowadays. We need to continue to do our best to make sure people remain healthy and safe, which is why social distancing and the use of facemasks are still required. For the time being, that is what we need to do to insure that Covid-19 isn't spread and we all stay healthy and safe. Thank you to all those on the frontlines who put themselves at risk to help others.

Record-breaking rainfall these past few weeks, have put our Public Works crews face-to-face with flooding, sewer back-ups and other water related issues. The City is aware of the problems, grief and cost caused by excessive rainfall; many of us experience all of it ourselves. Our crews continue to work on these issues and requests for assistance from citizens experiencing problems.

In regards to recent protests and civil unrest in the Chicagoland area, Oak Forest did not experience any incidents. As always, our Police Department monitors situations as they arise. It has extensive connections with other departments. Our first responders were aware of the situation and ready to act, if necessary. Fortunately, there was no need to act and we never want to overreact.

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! Stay Alert! Stay Strong Oak Forest!

Forest In Bloom Awards 2020

The Forest In Bloom Awards are presented by the City of Oak Forest Streetscape Commission to Oak Forest residents, businesses and organizations who take the extra steps necessary to beautify their homes and properties through exceptional landscaping.

If you notice a home or business where pride of ownership really shines through, be sure to complete and submit the award nomination form at http://www.oak-forest.org/FormCenter/Oak-Forest-3/Forest-In-Bloom-2020-Award-Nomination-Fo-66.

Contact the City of Oak Forest

City Hall and other buildings: Open Monday-Friday with restrictions. 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. Unless a 911 emergency, residents should call the OFPD’s non-emergency number at 708-687-1376 if no one is in danger.
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. 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.

Vehicle Stickers – On Sale Now

Vehicle stickers are currently on sale. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is requesting that residents purchase stickers online at www.oak-forest.org or use the mail or drop it in the night depository at City Hall.

Senior citizens with the same vehicle as last year automatically received a vehicle sticker in the mail.

Event Cancellations Due to the Outbreak of Coronavirus

Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the necessity for social distancing, the following events held in Oak Forest have been cancelled:

City Wide Garage Sale – normally held in late May / early June
Oak Forest Community Pool – normally open in summer
Oak Fest – normally held in late June / early July
National Night Out – normally held in early August

Oak Forest Restaurant Guide

Open for takeout, delivery and possibly outdoor dining.
Please call for hours and reservations.
Current as of May 29th.

Collectively small, local businesses are the Illinois’ largest employer. During these difficult and uncertain economic times, the City encourages residents to support our local businesses. While continuing to shop local is important, there are ways to support our businesses even if you don’t have the ability to spend money. The OC-Chamber has put together a great list below:

Join the #keepitlocal Facebook group. This page allows businesses to add daily specials, offers, new hours.
Order take-out & delivery & be sure to tip
Like & review a business on Google & all social platforms they are on
Like & Share business’ social media posts. If you purchase a gift card or meal, take a picture and share it on your social media and use #keepitlocal or #IllinoisStrong
Buy a gift card for future use
Take online virtual classes from your favorite local business
Like the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area FB Page

Homewood Disposal
New & Important Information

The following is a link to important information from Homewood Disposal as it strives to provide its services to Oak Forest residents during the Coronavirus crisis:

Homewood Disposal Letter

Park District Playgrounds are Closed

Playgrounds Remain Closed in Phase 3

Playgrounds will remain closed and are not to be used. Pathways are open for walking, biking, etc. Please remember to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing at all times.

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 Scheduled City Council Meeting will be Teleconferenced on Tuesday, June 9, 2020

City Hall Council Chambers - TIME: 7:30 PM

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?

Click here to watch live stream of CIC-TV.

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.