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Forest Park council shifts entertainment-license approvals to administrator, greenlights police contract and other routine measures
Summary
Council voted to let the village administrator handle entertainment-license approvals (with council appeal), approved a surplus sale of a speed trailer, a police collective-bargaining agreement, and several resolutions including a library-tax levy and an agreement for workplace substance-abuse testing. The police department also was reported to be eligible for a COPS grant of up to $375,000 to hire three officers.
At its Oct. 24 meeting the Village Council of Forest Park approved multiple ordinances and resolutions aimed at administrative streamlining and community services.
Entertainment licenses: The council adopted an amendment to the liquor code (Ord. 0-38-22) that makes entertainment-license applicants apply to the village administrator for an initial decision. The council clarified that denied applications may be appealed to the full council; members voted in favor on roll call.
Surplus property: Council approved the sale/disposition of a surplus speed trailer (Ord. 0-39-22). Commissioners discussed exploring grant opportunities, including through the village’s grant writer, to fund solar or small permanent radar units for high-need locations such as near the cemetery.
Police contract and testing: The council approved a collective bargaining agreement between the village and patrol officers/sergeants represented by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (resolution label in the transcript begins with 'r-96' and passed by roll call). Separately, the council approved a resolution for a 2023 agreement with Edward Elmer Occupational Health Services to provide a substance-abuse random testing program (R-9422).
Library tax and community items: The council approved a resolution to levy an additional library tax for building and maintenance (R-9522) and accepted holiday-decorations and banner proposals (R-9722, R-98D22). The council also approved a raffle license for the American Legion and a banner request from St. Luke’s / St. Bernardine’s parish.
Police grant opportunity: During administrative reports officials said the police department was awarded or is eligible for a U.S. Department of Justice COPS program grant opportunity that could provide up to $375,000 to support hiring three officers. Council members noted the grant would offset general-fund costs.
Votes and procedure: Most measures were moved, seconded and passed on unanimous roll-call votes recorded by the clerk. One vote on a banner request recorded Commissioner Nero as excused for that item.
Community engagement: Administrators and commissioners praised turnout at recent public events — notably a chickens town hall and the village casket-race event — and outlined next steps for public outreach (an FAQ and online survey on potential single-use foodware policy).
