Oak Forest public meetings in 2022

Consumer Protection Commission

The commission reported that all existing complaints are resolved. No new business was introduced during the meeting.

• Confirmed all complaints are resolved

City Council

The City Council approved a 2.5% property tax levy increase to fund pensions and general operations. The board also approved several bond tax abatements, infrastructure upgrades for IT and fire services, and multiple zoning variations for businesses on S. Cicero Avenue.

• Approved 2.5% property tax levy increase for FY 2022-2023 (7-0)
• Approved three bond tax abatements for 2013, 2015, and 2016 obligations (7-0 each)
• Approved $59,030 network connection from City Hall to Public Works (7-0)
• Approved $61,918 for a new Metra camera system (7-0)
• Approved HR Green for 2023 Motor Fuel Tax Road Program engineering (7-0)
• Approved $13,820.58 for emergency repair to fire truck 40 transmission (7-0)
• Approved $33,414.25 for repairs to 2009 International Vactor Truck (7-0)
• Tabled rezoning of 15801 Lorel Avenue to R6 multi-family residential (7-0)

Cable Commission

The Cable Commission approved the minutes from the November meeting. The commission received the April year-end treasurer's report, while the October approval remains pending.

• Approved November minutes

Fire & Police Commission

The Commission approved the meeting minutes from November 10 and November 30, 2022. Members voted to renew the annual dues for the Illinois Fire and Police Association. The board discussed the cost of the Fire Department Captains test.

• Approved meeting minutes from 11-10-22 and 11-30-22
• Approved renewal of Illinois Fire and Police Association annual dues

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval for a zoning map amendment to allow a 40-unit multi-family building at 15801 Lorel Avenue. The commission also recommended approval for two parking variations on S. Cicero Avenue and a special use permit for a pole sign. All four items were referred to the City Council for a December 13, 2022, meeting.

• Recommended approval of zoning map amendment to R6 Multi-Family Residential at 15801 Lorel Avenue (5-1-0)
• Recommended approval of parking variation for 15150-15158 S. Cicero Avenue (5-0-1)
• Recommended approval of parking variation for 15417-15427 S. Cicero Avenue (6-0-0)
• Recommended approval of special use permit and variation for pole sign at 15548 S. Cicero Avenue (5-1-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates (6-0-0)
• Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-0)

Economic Advisory Council

The provided document contains only the meeting header and location information. There are no specific topics, proposals, or decisions listed in the record.

Emergency Telephone System Board (Formerly 911 Commission)

The meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not reached. No substantive decisions were made.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee discussed a projected $563,000 deficit for the next fiscal year, primarily driven by police and fire pension contributions. No final vote was taken on the levy; the Finance Director will return with ordinances in three weeks after considering member feedback on a 0% to 5% increase.

• Tabled final decision on 2023-2024 tax levy until December
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

City Council

The City Council approved the sale of 1.75 acres of city-owned property to Oak Forest Leaf LLC for a cannabis dispensary. The council also approved a self-insured workers compensation renewal and a property and casualty insurance renewal. Additionally, the board approved zoning changes for tattoo parlors and signage for Oak Forest High School.

• Approved self-insured 2023 Workers Compensation Insurance renewal with ICRMT (6-0)
• Approved 2023 Property and Casualty Insurance renewal with ICRMT (6-0)
• Approved PD VEBA MOU amendment for FY 2023 (6-0)
• Approved Class B license reclassification for The Linger Experience (6-0)
• Approved pole sign and electronic message center for Oak Forest High School (6-0)
• Approved text amendment allowing tattoo parlors in C1 and C3 districts (6-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit for Silver Raven Tattoos at 15701 Waverly Avenue (6-0)
• Approved land sale and permit extension for cannabis dispensary at 5940 W. 159th Street (5-1)

Veterans Commission

The Oak Forest Veterans Commission is meeting to discuss old and new business. Old business includes a flag receptacle update, a flag retirement event, a possible parade theme change to 'Home Town Heroes', and yard cleanup assistance for a member. New business covers tree decorating, a birthday drive-by for a Korean War veteran, and a motion to cancel the December meeting.

• Flag receptacle now has plastic pallets to keep flags dry; planning day needed
• Flag retirement coordinated for Saturday, Nov. 19 at a friend's house
• Parade theme change to 'Home Town Heroes' suggested
• December 10 drive-by for a Korean War veteran turning 90
• Motion by Mitzner to cancel December meeting

The Commission approved the October meeting minutes. Members discussed a flag retirement event scheduled for November 19 and proposed a new parade theme of "Home Town Heroes."

• Approved October minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled flag retirement for November 19 at 9:00 AM
• Proposed "Home Town Heroes" as new parade theme

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval for a text amendment to allow tattoo parlors in C1 and C3 districts and a special use permit for a parlor at 15701 Waverly Avenue. The commission also recommended approval for two sign-related requests for Oak Forest High School. All recommendations will go before the City Council on November 22, 2022.

• Recommended approval of special use permit and EMC variation for Oak Forest High School pole sign (7-0-0)
• Recommended approval of variation for number of ground signs at Oak Forest High School (7-0-0)
• Recommended approval of text amendment to allow tattoo parlors in C1 and C3 districts (7-0-0)
• Recommended approval of special use permit for Silver Raven Tattoos at 15701 Waverly Avenue (7-0-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from November 2, 2022 (7-0-0)

Cable Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the October meeting. Astound representative Tom McKay reported service issues following the WOW acquisition and announced the discontinuation of WOW Ultra TV and WOW Clear. The commission noted a $13,994.42 computer maintenance charge in the September budget for further review.

• Approved October minutes

Senior Citizens Commission

The provided document consists of illegible text and fragments. No substantive decisions, motions, or actions were recorded.

Consumer Protection Commission

The Commission stated that all previous complaints have been resolved and store dealers are following city codes. No new substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Reported all old complaints completed
• Confirmed store dealers are following city codes

City Council

The City Council approved a cannabis retailer occupation tax amendment and several public works contracts. The council also consented to a property tax incentive application for a Culver's location. Discussions were held regarding drainage issues on Temple Street and Lorel Avenue, but no action was taken.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2022-11-09330 amending Municipal Cannabis Retailer's Occupation Tax (6-0)
• Approved $44,690 proposal from Cardinal State for east industrial park detention basin improvements (6-0)
• Approved $27,495 two-year contract with ME Simpson for water distribution leak detection (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2022-11-0932R for Class 8 Property Tax Incentive at 5410 W. 159th Street (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including September 27 minutes and various commission reports (6-0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session to discuss real property and litigation (6-0)

Economic Advisory Council

The Economic Advisory Council will discuss a Class 8 property tax incentive request from Oak Forest Custard, LLC (Culver's) for a location at 5410 W. 159th Street. The council will also receive project updates from the Economic Development Director and Community Planner, and consider approval of minutes from the July 6, 2022 meeting.

• Class 8 property tax incentive request for Oak Forest Custard, LLC (Culver's) at 5410 W. 159th Street
• Approval of minutes from July 6, 2022 meeting
• Project updates from Economic Development Director Cage and Community Planner Ruane

The Economic Advisory Council approved a Class 8 tax incentive for Oak Forest Custard, LLC (Culver’s) at 5410 W. 159th Street. Director Cage stated the incentive was necessary for the business to move forward due to high taxes. The council also received updates on several local development projects.

• Approved Class 8 Tax Incentive for Culver’s at 5410 W. 159th Street (5-0)
• Approved July 6, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a design review for facade material updates at 15850-15852 S. Cicero Avenue. Two petitions regarding Oak Forest High School signs were scheduled to be removed from tabled status at a future meeting.

• Approved PZC Resolution 22-29 for facade material updates at 15850-15852 S. Cicero Avenue (6-0-0, 1 absent)
• Approved removing ZC# 22-024 Oak Forest High School Pole Sign Special Use Permit and EMC Variation from tabled status for Nov 16, 2022 meeting
• Approved removing ZC# 22-025 Oak Forest High School Total Ground Signs Variation from tabled status for Nov 16, 2022 meeting
• Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0-0, 1 absent)

Emergency Telephone System Board (Formerly 911 Commission)

The board approved the minutes from September 6 and October 4. No new contracts were awarded, though quotes for server upgrades and a UVL were submitted for review.

• Approved September 6 and October 4 meeting minutes
• Paid AT&T invoices of $750.00 and $157.64

City Council

The City Council appointed a new Deputy Clerk and approved two IT security and infrastructure expenditures. The council also approved a consent agenda covering regular and supplemental bills and various commission minutes.

• Appointed Nicole Therese Tormey as Deputy Clerk (7-0)
• Approved $33,004.34 purchase of two Dell servers for Police Department CAD and mobile environment (7-0)
• Approved $10,692 for annual multi-factor authentication security application with RKON (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including regular and supplemental bills and commission minutes (7-0)

Veterans Commission

The Oak Forest Veterans Commission met on October 20, 2022, to approve August minutes, report on flag receptacle improvements and a missile painting project by Oak Forest High School students, and discuss changing the parade theme to 'Hometown Heroes' as well as Veterans Day activities. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17 at 6:00 PM.

• Flag receptacle now has plastic pallets for bottom to keep flags dry; Don Sitzman coordinating flag retirement.
• Oak Forest High School art students painted the base of Nike Hercules missile at Oak Forest Park District.
• Discussion on changing parade theme to 'Hometown Heroes'.
• Members will assist with yard clean-up for a fellow veteran.
• Next meeting moved to November 17 at 18:00 in Blue Room.

The Oak Forest Veterans Commission approved the August meeting minutes unanimously and noted the September meeting was canceled due to scheduling conflicts. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of procedural items and discussions about future events.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Canceled September meeting due to conflicts

Economic Advisory Council

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate information. No specific discussion items or decisions were listed.

Veterans Commission

The Oak Forest Veterans Commission met to discuss updates to the flag receptacle and the cancellation of a scheduled parade. Members are seeking alternative ideas for veteran activities and discussed a community service project for a member.

• Cancellation of the "I am an American Day" parade scheduled for September 4
• Installation of plastic pallets in the flag receptacle to keep flags dry
• Oak Forest High School art students painting the base of the flag receptacle
• Proposal for a community service yard clean-up project for a commission member

Economic Advisory Council

The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.

Veterans Commission

The commission discussed maintenance for flag receptacles to keep flags dry. Members also noted ongoing discussions regarding painting the base of the Nike Missile.

• Discussion on adding pallets to flag receptacles
• Ongoing discussion regarding painting the base of the Nike Missile

Economic Advisory Council

The Economic Advisory Council is reviewing a request from TPN Properties, LTD to renew a property tax incentive for Xocalo Taco & Margarita Bar. The proposal seeks to extend the current incentive that reduces the assessed value of the 16200 S. Cicero Avenue property.

• Class 8 incentive renewal request for 16200 S. Cicero Ave
• Tax assessment reduction from 25% to 10% of market value

Veterans Commission

The Veterans Commission met to review ongoing projects including the Hometown Military Heroes banners and flag disposal. The body discussed participation in the Midlothian Independence Day Parade and a request for a television in the city hall lobby.

• Hometown Military Heroes banners program
• Midlothian Independence Day Parade participation on June 25
• Request for a TV in the city hall lobby for event advertising
• Painting of the Nike Missile base
• Flag disposal via Larry Nolan's funeral home

Economic Advisory Council

The Economic Advisory Council is meeting to discuss a façade grant request for a business located at 5420 W. 159th Street. The council will also receive project updates from the Economic Development Director and Community Planner.

• Façade Grant Request for Grey’s Social at 5420 W. 159th Street

Veterans Commission

The commission discussed several community events including flag placement for Memorial Day and the Midlothian Independence Day Parade. Members also proposed creating a plaque to honor Rich Simon for establishing the commission.

• Flag placement throughout town scheduled for May 28
• Flag receptacle cleaning scheduled for May 28 at 13:00
• Midlothian Independence Day Parade participation on June 25
• Senior luncheon presentation at Park Place on May 26
• Proposed plaque honoring Rich Simon for establishing the Veterans Commission

Economic Advisory Council

The provided document contains only the meeting location and contact information. There are no specific topics, proposals, or decisions listed for discussion.

Veterans Commission

The Oak Forest Veterans Commission met to review the status of the Hometown Heroes banner program and discuss maintenance of local monuments. The body also addressed the cleaning of a flag receptacle.

• Hometown Heroes banners program with 80 plus requests
• Discussion on painting the base of the Nike Missile
• Cleaning of the flag receptacle

Economic Advisory Council

The provided document contains only meeting location and contact information. There are no specific items listed for discussion or decision.

Veterans Commission

The commission reviewed updates on the Hometown Heroes banner program and flag retirement. Members also discussed potential painting of the Nike Missile base and a proposal for a military museum.

• Hometown Heroes banners cost $75 each
• Discussion regarding a Military Museum at Oak Forest Medical Center
• Discussion regarding painting the base of the Nike Missile at Oak Forest Park District

Economic Advisory Council

The meeting of the Oak Forest Economic Advisory Council scheduled for February 2, 2022, was cancelled.

Veterans Commission

The Commission is working to establish a policy for the veteran banner program, including costs and quantities. Members are also preparing for the upcoming FLEADH 5k run and parade on March 5.

• Banner program policy development regarding quantity and cost
• FLEADH 5k run and parade scheduled for March 5
• Maintenance of flag receptacles and retirement of flags

Economic Advisory Council

The council met to discuss its strategy and vision, and to receive a project update from Community Planner Ruane. The meeting also included the approval of a Cook County Class 8 Tax Incentive request for industrial buildings at 16701 Kilpatrick Avenue.

• Approval of Cook County Class 8 Tax Incentive request for 16701 Kilpatrick Avenue
• Proposed industrial buildings for warehouse/distribution users at 16701 Kilpatrick Avenue
• Introduction of Director of Community and Economic Development
• Project update from Community Planner Ruane regarding city projects and new businesses

Economic Advisory Council

The meeting scheduled for February 2, 2022, was postponed. No other business was listed on the agenda.

Veterans Commission

The commission is researching options for veteran honor banners and monitoring flag box supplies. Members also discussed the upcoming FLEADH parade on Central Avenue.

• Researching banners honoring veterans
• Monitoring flag box status
• FLEADH parade participation on Central Avenue

Economic Advisory Council

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and location information. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.