The Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, where trustees will consider infrastructure investments, a proposed sales tax ordinance, and the appointment of a new Village attorney.
The meeting will begin with a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women’s History Month, highlighting this year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” and celebrating the contributions of women in government, education, business, and community leadership. Additionally, the Park Forest Police Department will present awards for Officer of the Year and Civilian Officer of the Year.
Among the items scheduled for discussion is a first reading of an ordinance establishing a 1% Home Rule Municipal and Service Occupation Tax, with exemptions for certain foods and drugs. Village officials said the measure is intended to increase revenues without raising property taxes and generating more revenue paid by nonresidents. This would bring Park Forest’s total sales tax rate more in line with our neighboring communities. If approved, the tax could take effect July 1, following a second reading and adoption later in March.
Trustees will also review multiple items related to the Tamarack Standpipe rehabilitation project. The Board will consider awarding a contract to Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,311,240 for repainting and structural improvements to the water storage facility. The project includes steel repairs, coating replacement, cathodic protection upgrades, and installation of a mixer to improve water quality.
In addition, the Board will consider an agreement with Baxter & Woodman Consulting Engineers for construction engineering services associated with the project, with costs not to exceed $155,318. Officials said the improvements support long-term water system reliability and are partially funded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program, which includes loan forgiveness.
Consent agenda items include approval of previous meeting minutes, authorization for the village manager to execute a power supply agreement through a cooperative procurement process to secure competitive electricity pricing, and approval of a State of Illinois Salt Purchase Authority Certification for participation in the joint salt purchasing program for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Following the executive session, the Board is expected to consider a motion to appoint the Bond Conway Law Firm as the village attorney. Village leadership said the proposed change is intended to improve communication, responsiveness, and strategic alignment in the Village’s legal representation.
Public comments will be accepted during the meeting.
Meeting agendas are available in the Village Hall lobby, and the full agenda packet can be viewed on the Village website.