Saturday forecast includes snow

According to local weather reports, the Chicago area is set to experience two weather systems, rain and snow, through Saturday.  In the event that 2" or more of snow falls, the city's ordinance prohibiting vehicles from parking on city streets will be in effect. Please keep in mind:

• The City of Oak Forest will tow vehicles that are on city streets after 2” of snow has fallen.  No warnings will be issued.  Vehicles must remain off city streets for 12 hours after the end of the snowfall.  If your vehicle is towed, you could face fines of up to $260. 
  
  
  
• Do not shovel or blow snow from driveways into the streets as this can cause a hazard and is against city ordinance.  When snow is shoveled into the street, the plow is likely to push it right back in front of the driveway.  Although the city’s plows may leave some snow across driveway entrances, they try to keep it to a minimum.  Regardless, please note, that Public Works will not remove snow from driveway entrances.  The diagram below demonstrates the appropriate way to remove snow from your driveway so you do not get plowed in.  
  
  
  
• If a city plow physically strikes and damages your mailbox, Public Works will replace it with a standard mailbox as long as it was located in accordance with United States Post Office and City of Oak Forest standards.  Click here for standards.  However, if the mailbox is incorrectly located or knocked down from the weight of snow rolling off a plow, the resident is responsible for replacing the mailbox.  The department will not be responsible for decorative or brick mailboxes.  If a decorative or brick mailbox is struck by a plow, a resident may be eligible for a reimbursement up to $40 from the city.  If your mailbox is damaged, call Public Works at 708-535-4090 to request an inspection. 

Want to be an election judge?

Are you interested in being part of the 2016 Presidential Primary Election on March 15, 2016? The Cook County Clerk’s Office is seeking community members to hire and train for Election Day.

This is a unique opportunity to get paid for serving voters as an election judge or equipment manager. High School seniors will be considered as this a powerful learning experience. All community members are encouraged to apply and support democracy during a primary election. Poll workers are paid $175 or $325, based on the position they choose. Bilingual judges are always needed.

Questions? Call the Clerk’s Office at 312.603.0965.

ComEd Warns scammers are posing as utility workers 

ComEd is warning customers to be on the alert for scam artists claiming to be a ComEd representative seeking payment. Over the last few weeks, the company has seen a tremendous increase in reports from small businesses and some residential customers who have been contacted by scam artists. From November to December 2015, ComEd saw a 260 percent jump in the number of reported scams. When compared to December 2014, the number of reported impersonations increased more than eight times the previous year’s figure.

Do you know an Unsung Heroine?

In recognition of Women's History Month (March), the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues will present the Unsung Heroine Award to 18 women from across Cook County. Unsung Heroines are women who, either in a professional or volunteer capacity, have made significant contributions to their community for which they have not received widespread recognition. Elected officials are not eligible for consideration.

Nominations for Unsung Heroines who live in Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy’s 6th Cook County District should be sent to jsmall@govst.edu (preferred) or fax to 708-534-8959 no later than January 14.

City Hall is closed tomorrow

City Hall is closed Saturday, January 9.  During non-business hours, please use the night deposit mail slot at City Hall, pay parking or ordinance tickets online or sign up for online water bill payments.  

Learn what's going on at next week's City Council meeting

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 12 at 8 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.  Citizens are invited to attend City Council meetings and are welcome to participate at the designated time.

Tune into CIC-TV

If you are a cable television subscriber, you can view the Community Information Channel (CIC-TV) on Comcast channel 19, Wide Open West channel 6 and AT&T U-verse channel 99 to learn more about city programs and events.  If you do not subscribe to cable television, you can watch Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings online or check out the DVDs at Acorn Public Library.