Memorial Day Thank You

The Owen W. Winter, Jr. VFW Post and the Oak Forest Veterans Commission recently held the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony by the Veterans Memorial on the City Hall Campus. It was a fitting tribute to all military personnel who gave their lives fighting for the freedom of the United States of America.

Common Home Water Leaks

Not sure why your water bill is higher than last time? Take a look at the most common plumbing system leaks that cause problems (and water bill increases) for homeowners.

Leaking Bathtub or Leaking Shower - A faulty seal is the most common reason your tub will leak. Obviously, a bathroom floor is bound to get wet. However, a leaking bathtub produces a lot more water than wet feet fresh out of a shower. The water from a leaking tub or shower can cause mold growth either on your floor; or even worse and less noticeable, in your subfloor. In a worst case scenario, a leaking tub can necessitate a full bathroom remodel.

Leaking Faucet - While there are a few exceptions, generally, a leaking faucet doesn’t cause too much damage. When a faucet leaks, the water drains down the sink itself or pools on the countertop. That doesn’t mean you can ignore a leaking a faucet, though. All home water leaks should be taken seriously.

Leaking Toilet - Your toilet can leak in two ways: around the seal or internally.
A toilet that leaks around the seal can cause mold damage similar to a leaking tub. Your floor, subfloor, and anything in the surrounding area are in danger of disgusting and unhealthy mold growth.

An internal toilet leak causes water from the toilet tank to drain right into the sewer. Since this water leak doesn’t make a mess, you’ll likely only notice a toilet leak when you see the spike in your water bill.

Vehicle Stickers On Sale Now!

The 2021-2022 Vehicle Stickers are currently on sale through July 31st. Like last year, please purchase vehicle stickers by mail or online only! Renewal applications have been sent to all residents. The link to purchase is: Oak Forest Vehicle Sticker V-Pay

People turning 65 during 2021:

Mail your application, a copy of your driver's license and vehicle registration(s) to City Hall, or drop them in an envelope in the night depository at City Hall. The vehicle sticker(s) will be mailed to you.

All others:

Mail your application and a check to City Hall, or drop them in an envelope in the night deposit box. The vehicle sticker(s) will be mailed to you.

Online:

Please reference the "VEHICLE ID" number on your pre-printed application when purchasing a vehicle sticker(s) online.

Oak Forest-Crestwood Chamber

Please join the Oak Forest-Crestwood Chamber of Commerce for their annual Golf-Classic at the prestigious George Dunne National Golf Course on July 29, 2021.

The day will include a lunch at noon, a 1:00 p.m. shotgun golf start, and enjoy the 19th Hole with a buffet dinner, open bar, games, raffles and great networking opportunities. If you have any questions please contact 708-687-4600.

GOLFING OPPORTUNITIES

Participating as a golfer in the event includes, in addition to the above, Green Fees, 18 Holes with a Cart, open Driving Range, complimentary bag drop, unlimited beverages on the course, games & giveaways with our onsite sponsors, and a buffet dinner with open bar. The cost is as follows:

$125 per Golfer
$500 per Foursome (Book a 2nd Foursome for $400)
$40 for 19th Hole Only

About the Chamber

The Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization, "In Business for Business." Their mission is to be an active leader and a strong voice for the commercial, industrial, civic and general interests of the local business community. It is a proactive force that is focused on marketing, networking and service to our members.

The “OC” Chamber firmly believes in ongoing connections in the community. They host the Oak Forest Fleadh and Community Expo, which bring local residents and businesses together. The #keepitlocal campaign was created to drive the importance of supporting all of our local businesses.

Collectively small, local businesses are the Illinois’ largest employer. Let's support our local businesses as much as we can. While continuing to shop local is important, there are ways to support our businesses even if you don’t have the ability to spend money. The OC-Chamber has put together a great list below:

Join the #keepitlocal Facebook group. This page allows businesses to add daily specials, offers, new hours.
Order take-out & delivery & be sure to tip
Like & review a business on Google & all social platforms they are on
Like & Share business’ social media posts. If you purchase a gift card or meal, take a picture and share it on your social media and use #keepitlocal or #IllinoisStrong
Buy a gift card for future use
Take online virtual classes from your favorite local business
Like the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area FB Page

OAK FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE

Oak Forest city codes are readily available online. Feel free to search, review, and / or print at your leisure. The Web-based city code is updated monthly. Hard copy code books, which are available for viewing in the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, are updated semi-annually. The following is an example of one of the current codes that needs to be adhered to:

Code 131.09 Boisterous Parties or Gatherings

(A) Prohibited actions. It is unlawful for any persons who are in possession of, or are record owners of a premises, to permit guests, tenants, invitees, visitors or trespassers to engage in any of the following activities:

(1) Create such noise as disturbs and interrupts the peace, quiet and repose of the neighborhood;

(2) Amplify music or other sounds to disturb the peace, quiet and repose of the neighborhood;

(3) Litter public property;

(4) Trespass onto adjacent private property without specific consent of the owners of that private property;

(5) Litter private property without consent;

(6) Block or obstruct public rights-of-way;

(7) Allow harmful, offensive or noxious odors to permeate the air of adjacent property; and

(8) Engage in fighting, boxing, wrestling or any martial art.

(B) Authority to order dispersal. Any police officer of the city may order all persons present at any such boisterous party or gathering, wherein any or all of those persons present are engaging in any of the foregoing prohibited activities, to disperse immediately.

(C) Duty of owners or occupants to abate disturbance. Owners or occupants of the premises, upon being given a dispersal order by any police officer, shall immediately abate the disturbance within 30 minutes, and failing to do so, shall be in violation of this section.

(D) Resumption of party constitutes second offense. In the event that the boisterous party or gathering on the premises reconvenes within two hours of the order of abatement by any police officer, the resumption shall be considered a second offense.

(2000 Code, § 9.08.080)

Oak Forest City Council Meeting

The next Oak Forest City Council Meeting will be held on June 8, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Click on the image below to view the previous City Council Meeting from May 25, 2021.

OAK FOREST BROADCAST NETWORK AIRS MEETINGS LIVE

Residents are invited to attend the meeting (must wear a mask and practice social distancing) or you can watch live on CIC-TV at www.oak-forest.org/live or on one of the following television channels:

AT&T U-verse - Channel 99
Comcast Xfinity - Channel 4
Wide Open West - Channel 6

If you do not subscribe to cable television, visit oak-forest.org/broadcast to learn more about the Oak Forest Broadcast Network.

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION

The Oak Forest City Council invites public comment at its meetings, but it generally does not have the ability to provide an immediate response to some questions raised during the Citizens Participation portion of a council meeting without some reasonable opportunity to review them. Therefore, the City Council encourages questions to also be submitted in writing in the event that they need to be referred to City staff to help assure a more thoughtful and informed response. The Council Chambers is open for the public to attend. Social distancing must be maintained by attendees.

Here is the link to the most recent meeting: May 25, 2021 City Council Meeting