The Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet Monday, Oct. 27, to consider a pair of property-related measures and recognize longtime Police Commander Julius Moore for two decades of service to the community.
Moore, who is retiring after 20 years with the Park Forest Police Department, will be honored during Monday’s regular meeting at Village Hall. A resolution recognizing his dedication and commitment to public safety is expected to be approved as part of the evening’s consent agenda.
Police Chief Brian Rzyski praised Moore’s career and leadership, noting that his work has made a lasting impact on both the department and the residents he served. “Commander Moore’s professionalism and commitment to the community have been invaluable over the past two decades,” Rzyski said. “He has set a high standard for those who will follow.”
In addition to honoring Moore, trustees will review two agenda items aimed at improving local property management and maintenance practices.
During the Rules meeting earlier in the evening, the board will discuss an ordinance requiring the registration of foreclosing mortgaged properties within the Village. The proposal, presented by Village Manager Jon Kindseth, seeks to hold mortgage lenders accountable for maintaining foreclosed properties and ensuring the Village is notified when a foreclosure process begins.
Park Forest previously adopted a Vacant Property Registration Ordinance (VPRO) following the 2008 housing crisis. The new foreclosure registration ordinance builds upon that framework by extending similar reporting and maintenance requirements to properties in foreclosure.
According to Kindseth, the measure is intended to prevent blight and protect property values by ensuring the Village can reach responsible parties during foreclosure proceedings. “By adopting this ordinance now, we’re taking proactive steps to stabilize our housing market before the next economic downturn,” Kindseth said in his briefing.
He noted that while foreclosure filings in Park Forest have dropped from more than 750 a decade ago to about 120 in the past year, recent changes to state law have removed the requirement for banks to notify municipalities when a foreclosure is filed. The proposed ordinance would reestablish that communication and provide local oversight.
Also on the agenda is a resolution authorizing a formal fence agreement between the Village and the Forest Brook Townhome Association. The agreement outlines access rights for utility maintenance in areas where the Association’s fence was constructed over a public utility easement.
Assistant Director of Public Works Nicholas Christie said the measure ensures the Village retains necessary access to water, sewer, and storm lines in the event of future repairs. “This agreement helps clarify responsibilities and prevent confusion for future property owners or association members,” Christie said.
The Board will first convene for its Rules meeting at 7 p.m., followed by the regular session. Both meetings will be held in the Boardroom at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.