The Village of Park Forest will hold its Special Rules and Regular meeting on Monday, July 21, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

During the meeting, trustees will review several business matters, including the purchase of vehicles for both the Park Forest Police and Public Works Departments.  Additionally, the board is also expected to hear four resolutions honoring long-serving Village employees who have recently announced their retirements.

Among those being honored is Park Forest Fire Chief Tracy Natyshok, who will retire this month after 28 years of service. Natyshok began his career with the Park Forest Fire Department in 1997 and has served as chief since 2017. During his tenure, he led efforts to modernize the department, launched advanced training programs, and guided the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also retiring is Shift Commander and Paramedic Patrick Hisel, who joined the department as a paid-on-call firefighter in 1991 and became a full-time staff member in 1995. A lifelong Park Forest resident and Rich East graduate, Hisel was named Firefighter of the Year in 2015 and has served as the Village’s emergency management coordinator. He is leaving to become the deputy fire chief in Richton Park.

Lieutenant William Kennedy, who began his service in 1986 as a paid-on-call firefighter, is also being recognized for his nearly 40 years of commitment. Kennedy has served as a trainer, mentor, and leader in the department’s paid-on-call division, holding the distinction of being its most senior member at the time of his retirement earlier this month.

In the Finance Department, Accounting Manager Terrie McAvoy is retiring after 19 years of service. She played a key role in implementing the Village’s ERP software and contributed to multiple Government Finance Officers Association awards during her tenure. Colleagues credit her with having great attention to detail and a collaborative spirit.

Following the retirement resolutions, the Park Forest Board of Trustees will address the rest of the agenda items.

One item on the agenda is a proposed resolution to approve a contract with Currie Motors for the purchase of three replacement vehicles for the Park Forest Police Department. According to Village staff, these new vehicles are part of the department’s regular replacement schedule and will be funded through the capital equipment budget.

Additionally, the board will consider authorizing the purchase of two new 2026 Ford pickup trucks for the Public Works Department. These vehicles will be acquired through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative, which allows for cost savings through bulk buying. The total cost for both trucks is $98,312, which is under the $110,000 budgeted. The new vehicles will replace two aging trucks currently used by the water billing staff, one of which will be reassigned to the Recreation and Parks Department, and the other may be offered to other departments or auctioned off.

The board will also vote on approving a Local Agency Agreement and funding resolution for federal participation in road improvements on Blackhawk Drive, from Sauk Trail to Monee Road. This project is funded through the federal Surface Transportation Program, with 80% covered by federal funds and the remaining 20% offset by Tollway Credits, resulting in no direct cost to the Village. The first two phases—preliminary engineering and design engineering—will proceed using Motor Fuel Tax funds, with an expected reimbursement of $259,697. The total estimated cost for these phases is $324,621.

Additionally, the board will consider approving the fire department’s request to purchase new battery-powered extrication tools. The current set of hydraulic and battery-operated tools is outdated and in need of costly repairs. The department plans to trade in the old equipment and purchase a new Genesis SLI 18-volt set, considered the industry standard. The total cost after the trade-in is $39,453.60.

As mentioned, the board meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday night, and residents can watch online by visiting the Village's website.

To review Monday night's agenda, click here.