Oak Forest meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Oak Forest Council to weigh $188,300 restroom renovation, drone purchase; no decisions yet from recent meetings

No decisions have been published from Oak Forest government meetings held in the past two weeks, as all recent agendas are pending minutes. The City Council is scheduled to act on several items at its Aug. 25 meeting, including a $188,300 contract for restroom renovations at City Hall and a $17,724.92 drone purchase.

Recent meetings (agenda only)

The Fire & Police Commission met Aug. 10 to conduct oral interviews for lateral police officer candidates. No other business was listed.

The City Council met Aug. 11 with a consent agenda that included routine bills, minutes, and a firefighter promotion. The council also considered ordinances on commercial filming regulations, a zoning map amendment for 5100-5359 W. 159th St. (changing from C1 to C2), and a text amendment on massage parlors. A pay estimate of $362,506.37 for the 2026 MFT Road Program was on the agenda, along with special event permits with temporary liquor licenses for St. Damian Church and Cooper's Bar and Grill.

The Cable Commission met Aug. 13 to hear updates from Comcast, WOW, and AT&T, and to review reports from the secretary and treasurer. The commission also considered approving July 2026 minutes and discussed general business for the Oak Forest Broadcast Network and OFC-TV.

Two public hearings were held Aug. 15 by the Planning and Zoning Commission. One considered a zoning map amendment for 5347-5100 159th Street from C1 to C2. The other discussed a text amendment to Zoning Code Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A regarding massage establishments and special use permits.

The Oak Forest Economic Advisory Council meeting scheduled for Aug. 5 was canceled; no items were discussed.

The Police Pension Board met Aug. 20 to review financial and investment reports, consider applications for membership and retirement benefits, and conduct board officer elections. The agenda included approval of bills, a membership application from Andrew Bernas, approval of deferred regular retirement benefits for Thomas Lynch, and a discussion on cash management policy.

Upcoming meetings

The City Council will meet Aug. 25. The agenda includes:

• A contract award to Exmoor Construction for $188,300 to demolish and renovate three restrooms in City Hall.
• Purchase of nine drones from US Drone Supply and B&H Photo for $17,724.92.
• Approval of legal representation with Timothy Lapp for prosecutorial services for Liquor Commission hearings.
• Traffic regulation agreements with Culvers of Oak Forest (5410 West 159th Street) and Oak Forest Commons (5424-5570 West 159th Street/15801-15841 South Central Avenue).
• Swearing-in of Police Investigator William Engle and Patrol Officer Garrick Corder to Sergeant.

The Committee of the Whole will also meet Aug. 25 to discuss the renewal of employee health, vision, dental, and life insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield for 2026-2027. The agenda includes an executive session on pending or probable litigation. No dollar amounts for the insurance contract are listed.

Coming up

• **City Council** – Aug. 25, 2026: restroom renovation contract, drone purchase, liquor commission legal representation, traffic agreements, police sergeant promotions.
• **Committee of the Whole** – Aug. 25, 2026: employee insurance renewal discussion with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Both meetings are open to the public; check the city website for times and locations.

Oak Forest Council to weigh $362K road payment, zoning changes; pension board meets

Oak Forest boards met this week on emergency phone systems, police hiring, and cable services, while the City Council is set to consider a $362,506.37 road program payment and zoning changes. No final decisions have been published yet; all items below are from agendas.

City Council (Aug. 11)

The council will vote on a consent agenda that includes routine bills and minutes, a new ordinance regulating commercial filming (Ordinance 2026-08-1165O), and special event permits with temporary liquor licenses for St. Damian Church and Cooper's Bar and Grill. The agenda also includes a $362,506.37 payment for the 2026 MFT Road Program (Pay Estimate No. 1).

Separately, the council will consider a zoning map amendment (Ordinance 2026-08-1163O) to change 5100-5359 W. 159th St. from C1 Local Commercial to C2 General Service Commercial, and a text amendment (Ordinance 2026-08-1164O) regarding massage parlor special use permits. A firefighter promotion is also scheduled to be sworn in.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 5 and Aug. 15)

The commission held public hearings on two items: a city-initiated rezoning of 5347-5100 159th Street from C1 to C2 (ZC# 26-16), and a text amendment to Zoning Code Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A concerning massage establishment special use permits (ZC# 26-17). The rezoning would align the segment with the rest of the commercial corridor, allowing greater building heights and automotive special uses.

Emergency Telephone System Board (Aug. 4)

The board met to approve minutes, bills, and a $6,378.65 annual contract with Nelson Systems for Voicelogger services. No other substantive business was listed.

Fire & Police Commission (Aug. 10)

The commission conducted oral interviews for lateral police officer candidates. No other business was on the agenda.

Cable Commission (Aug. 13)

The commission received updates from Comcast, WOW, and AT&T, and reviewed reports from the secretary and treasurer. It also considered approving July 2026 minutes and treasurer's reports for Jan.-Dec. 2025 and Jan.-June 2026, plus general business for the Oak Forest Broadcast Network and OFC-TV.

Economic Advisory Council (Aug. 5)

The meeting was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

• **Police Pension Board (Aug. 20)** – The board will review financial and investment reports, consider a membership application from Andrew Bernas, approve deferred regular retirement benefits for Thomas Lynch, and hold officer elections for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary. A discussion on cash management policy is also scheduled.
• **Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 19)** – The agenda lists a cancellation notice for the Economic Advisory Council; no items are scheduled for discussion.

Oak Forest Council to weigh Teamsters contract; zoning hearings set for Aug. 15

The Oak Forest City Council will consider a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 700 for clerical and secretarial employees at its July 28 meeting, according to the agenda. The council also discussed potential guidelines for commercial filming and considered proposals for building inspection services and water meter data reads. No minutes have been published for any of the recent meetings, so no final votes are confirmed.

City Council

The council's main item is Resolution 2026-07-0551R, which would approve a four-year agreement with Teamsters Local 700. The agenda also includes a general discussion on potential guidelines for commercial filming activities, a proposal from Lakeside Consultants for temporary as-needed building inspection services, and a proposal from Core and Main for water meter data read files.

Two other items are listed: Ordinance 2026-07-1162O, which would amend the city code regarding bonds, and Resolution 2026-07-0550R, a farmer's market licensing agreement with Bosco's Marketplace. The consent agenda includes approval of bills, meeting minutes, and a special event permit for a car show at Chicago Gaelic Park.

Other recent meetings

Tax Increment Financing District Joint Review Board (July 28) – The board reviewed annual reports for TIF Districts No. 3 through 8 for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. It also selected a public member and chairperson for each district and held a question-and-answer period. No specific funding amounts or new projects were listed on the procedural agenda.

Emergency Telephone System Board (Aug. 4) – The board's agenda included approval of minutes, bills, and a $6,378.65 annual contract with Nelson Systems for Voicelogger services. No other substantive new business was listed.

Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 5) – The commission held public hearings on two items: a city-initiated request to rezone 5347-5100 159th Street from C1 Local Commercial to C2 General Service Commercial (ZC# 26-16), and a text amendment to Zoning Code Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A regarding massage parlor special use permits (ZC# 26-17). The rezoning would align the segment with the rest of the commercial corridor, allowing for greater building heights and automotive special uses.

Coming up

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold two public hearings on Aug. 15. The first is on the zoning map amendment for 5347-5100 159th Street, changing it from C1 to C2. The second is on updates to the zoning code regarding massage establishments and special use permits, covering Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A: Zoning Table of Uses. Both hearings are open to the public.

Oak Forest Roundup: City Council Set to Vote on Teamsters Contract; Zoning Hearings Ahead on 159th Street

The Oak Forest City Council was scheduled July 28 to vote on a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 700 covering clerical and secretarial employees, alongside a bond ordinance amendment and a farmer's market licensing agreement. Minutes from that meeting and others covered here have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — July 28

The City Council agenda included Resolution 2026-07-0551R, approving a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 700 for clerical and secretarial employees. The consent agenda listed approval of bills, meeting minutes, and a special event permit for a car show at Chicago Gaelic Park.

Other agenda items were:

• A general discussion on potential guidelines for commercial filming activities in Oak Forest.
• A proposal from Lakeside Consultants for temporary, as-needed building inspection services.
• A proposal from Core and Main for water meter data read files.
• Ordinance 2026-07-1162O, amending the Code of Oak Forest regarding bonds.
• Resolution 2026-07-0550R, a farmer's market licensing agreement with Bosco's Marketplace.

Because minutes have not been published, it is not yet known which items were approved, tabled, or modified.

Fire & Police Commission — July 20

The Fire & Police Commission was scheduled to meet July 20 with routine items including roll call, approval of minutes, and correspondence. The agenda listed an approval of a fire lieutenant promotion, followed by citizen participation. Minutes are not yet published, so the outcome of the promotion vote is not confirmed.

Joint Review Board (TIF Districts) — July 28

The Oak Forest Joint Review Board was scheduled to review annual reports for TIF Districts No. 3 through 8 covering fiscal years ending 2023, 2024, and 2025. The agenda also included selecting a public member and chairperson for each district board, a public question-and-answer period for each district, and required attendance by representatives from Cook County, school districts, the park district, and other taxing bodies. No specific funding amounts or new projects were listed. This was a procedural agenda; minutes are not yet published.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Emergency Telephone System Board:** The board will consider a $6,378.65 annual contract with Nelson Systems for Voicelogger services, along with approval of minutes and bills. No other substantive new business is listed.
• **Aug. 5 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** The commission will hold public hearings on two items: a city-initiated request to rezone 5347-5100 159th Street from C1 Local Commercial to C2 General Service Commercial (ZC# 26-16), and a text amendment to Zoning Code Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A regarding massage parlor special use permits (ZC# 26-17). The rezoning would align the segment with the rest of the commercial corridor, allowing for greater building heights and automotive special uses.
• **Aug. 15 — Public Hearings:** The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on the zoning map amendment for 5347-5100 159th Street (C1 to C2) and on text amendments to Zoning Code Section 8 Part III-B and Appendix A regarding massage establishments and special use permits.

All recent meeting outcomes listed above remain unconfirmed until official minutes are published. Readers can consult the city's official agendas and minutes for authoritative records.

Oak Forest roundup: Cable Commission flags missing financial reports; City Council weighs $435,000 in infrastructure proposals

Cable Commission notes no financial reports for 2025

The only board with published minutes this week was the Cable Commission, which met July 9 and approved its May 2026 minutes. The Treasurer reported that no financial reports had been received for all of 2025 or for January through March 2026. No further detail was included in the minutes.

City Council proposals — not yet voted on

The City Council met July 14 with a lengthy agenda. Because only agendas are available and minutes have not been published, the following items were proposed for consideration, not confirmed as decided:

• A new telephone system from AVI-SPL for **$105,718.68**.
• Replacement of the Fire Station 1 boiler and air handler units by Johnson Controls for **$329,500**.
• Appointment of **Andrew Bernas** as a Police Officer.
• A four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Oak Forest Firefighters' Union, Local 3039.
• Settlement of *Juan Villa v. City of Oak Forest* (Case No. 2025 L 004983).
• A Business Improvement Grant for Clover's Bar and Grill at **15548 South Cicero Avenue**.
• An engineering agreement with HR Green for ground storage tank inflow pipe replacement.

A Special Committee of the Whole also met July 14 and entered executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters or employee salary schedules.

Emergency Telephone System Board

The Emergency Telephone System Board met July 7 to consider approving bills totaling more than $66,000:

• **$64,238.15** to McWilliams Electric for the remaining balance on a completed job.
• **$2,263.00** to SAFE-Electric for running outlets in dispatch to emergency backup.

Minutes were not yet published, so approval is not confirmed.

Planning & Zoning Commission

On July 15, the commission was scheduled to hold a public hearing and vote on a Major Design Review Permit allowing Carefree Village at 151st Street and Cicero Avenue to substitute utility brick for cultured veneer stone on its exterior. The agenda also included discussion of rezoning C1 parcels on 159th Street to C2, a review of Part III-B of the Oak Forest Zoning Code regarding massage establishments, and approval of May 20, 2026 minutes. No minutes have been published.

Other boards and commissions

• **Consumer Protection Commission** (July 8): Reviewed previous minutes and discussed city developments. No new business was listed.
• **Civil Service Commission** (July 16): Discussed the telecommunicators exam and approved June 11, 2026 minutes.
• **Veterans Commission** (July 16): Discussed why two food vendors — BoFill's BBQ and Jack Frost — did not appear at a recent event, reviewed the five attending vendors including Kona Ice and Coopers Bar, considered buying hats for commission members, appointed John Perales as food-vendor contact, and inquired about progress on a Veterans Museum.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Fire & Police Commission**: Will vote on a fire lieutenant promotion, plus routine items including roll call, minutes approval, and citizen participation.
• **July 28 — Tax Increment Financing Joint Review Board**: Will review annual TIF reports for Districts No. 3 through 8 covering fiscal years ending 2023, 2024, and 2025. The board will also select a public member and chairperson for each district and hold a public question-and-answer period. Representatives from Cook County, school districts, the park district, and other taxing bodies are required to attend.

Oak Forest meeting roundup: City Council to weigh $329,500 fire station upgrade and $105,718 phone system July 14

No meeting minutes have been published for any of the five Oak Forest advisory and commission meetings held in the first half of July, so no final decisions from those sessions are available to report. The most consequential items on the calendar are scheduled for the July 14 City Council meeting, where aldermen will consider infrastructure contracts totaling more than $435,000.

City Council — July 14

The City Council has two agenda listings for July 14. Together they include:

• A proposal from Johnson Controls to replace the Fire Station 1 boiler and air handler units for $329,500.
• A proposal for a new telephone system from AVI-SPL for $105,718.68.
• A four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Oak Forest Firefighters' Union, Local 3039.
• Appointment of Andrew Bernas as a Police Officer.
• Settlement of Juan Villa v. City of Oak Forest (Case No. 2025 L 004983).
• A Business Improvement Grant for Clover's Bar and Grill at 15548 South Cicero Avenue.
• An engineering agreement with HR Green for ground storage tank inflow pipe replacement.

The City Council will also hold a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on July 14, with an executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters or employee salary schedules.

Economic Advisory Council — July 1

The Economic Advisory Council was scheduled to review a Business Improvement Grant request of $10,875 for Tamir Enterprises Inc. (Clover's Bar & Grill) at 15548 S. Cicero Avenue. The request would fund a new patio, sidewalk, and bollards. The council was to determine whether to recommend the grant for approval to the City Council. Minutes have not been published, so the recommendation outcome is not yet known.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 1

The July 1 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Emergency Telephone System Board — July 7

The Emergency Telephone System Board was scheduled to approve bills totaling $66,501.15, including $64,238.15 to McWilliams Electric for a remaining balance on a completed job and $2,263.00 to SAFE-Electric for running outlets in dispatch to emergency backup. The agenda also included approval of previous minutes, old and new business, and a public comment period. Minutes have not been published.

Consumer Protection Commission — July 8

The Consumer Protection Commission was scheduled to review and approve previous meeting minutes and discuss city developments. No new business was listed. Minutes have not been published.

Cable Commission — July 9

The Cable Commission agenda noted that no financial reports had been received from cable companies for 2025 or for January through May 2026. The commission was also scheduled to consider approving the May 2026 meeting minutes and treasurer's reports covering expenses for January through December 2025 and January through May 2026. Updates from Comcast, WOW, and AT&T were listed on a rotating schedule, along with reports on Oak Forest Broadcast Network programming and the CIC-TV producer. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

• **July 14 — City Council** (two agenda listings): Fire Station 1 boiler and air handler replacement ($329,500), new telephone system ($105,718.68), firefighters' union contract, police officer appointment, legal settlement, and Clover's Bar & Grill grant.
• **July 14 — Committee of the Whole**: Executive session on collective negotiating matters or employee salary schedules.
• **July 15 — Planning & Zoning Commission**: Public hearing and vote on a Major Design Review Permit for Carefree Village at 151st Street and Cicero Avenue to change exterior material from cultured veneer stone to utility brick. Also, discussion of rezoning C1 parcels on 159th Street to C2, and a review of Part III-B of the Oak Forest Zoning Code regarding massage establishments.
• **July 16 — Civil Service Commission**: Quarterly meeting including discussion of the telecommunicators exam and approval of June 11, 2026 minutes.

Oak Forest Roundup: $639K Lift Station Contract Heads Council Agenda; Grant Request for Clover's Patio Under Review

The Oak Forest City Council's June 23 meeting agenda included a $639,000 contract for the Crescent Green Lift Station Improvements project, the largest dollar item among several contracts and permits set for consideration. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so it is not yet confirmed which items were approved.

City Council — June 23 (minutes pending)

The council agenda listed five main items:

• **Crescent Green Lift Station Improvements** — a proposed $639,000 contract award to Steve Spiess.
• **Oak Park Avenue Resurfacing Project** — selection of HR Green for Phase I and II engineering on the segment from 147th to 159th Street.
• **Janitorial Services** — a resolution authorizing a contract with Vega Building Maintenance.
• **Farmers Market** — a licensing agreement with Boscos Marketplace, LLC.
• **Irish Fest** — a special event permit and temporary Class K liquor license for Chicago Gaelic Park, scheduled for August 21–23.

Because minutes are not yet available, the outcome of each item cannot be confirmed from the public record. Readers should check the city's official meeting minutes once posted.

Economic Advisory Council — July 1 (minutes pending)

The Economic Advisory Council was scheduled to review a Business Improvement Grant request of $10,875 for Tamir Enterprises Inc., operating as Clover's Bar & Grill, at 15548 S. Cicero Avenue. The request covers a new patio, sidewalk, and bollards. The council's role is to recommend whether the grant should go to the City Council for approval. Minutes are not yet published, so no recommendation is confirmed.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 1 (canceled)

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for July 1 was canceled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

Emergency Telephone System Board — July 7. The board, formerly called the 911 Commission, will consider approving two payments totaling $66,501.15:

• $64,238.15 to McWilliams Electric for the remaining balance on a completed job.
• $2,263.00 to SAFE-Electric for running outlets in dispatch to emergency backup.

The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes, old and new business, and a public comment period.

*Note: All recent meetings listed above are marked "agenda only" in the city record, meaning minutes have not yet been published. Items described reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed outcomes. Check the City of Oak Forest's official postings for finalized minutes and vote tallies.*

Oak Forest Council Agenda Features $639K Lift Station Project, Irish Fest; Votes Still Unpublished

Oak Forest’s City Council weighed a $639,000 contract for sewer lift station work, a special event permit for Irish Fest, and several other items during its June 23 meeting, though official minutes and vote tallies had not been released as of July 5. The Economic Advisory Council also met to consider a small-business grant, and the Planning and Zoning Commission session was canceled.

City Council agenda: lift station, Irish Fest, farmers market

The June 23 council agenda included a resolution awarding a $639,000 contract to Steve Spiess for the Crescent Green Lift Station Improvements project. Also on the agenda were a janitorial services contract with Vega Building Maintenance, a license agreement with Boscos Marketplace LLC for a farmers market, and the selection of HR Green for Phase I and II engineering services on the Oak Park Avenue resurfacing between 147th and 159th Streets. A special event permit and temporary Class K liquor license for the Aug. 21–23 Irish Fest at Chicago Gaelic Park were up for a vote as well. No vote results or final actions were available because minutes have not been published.

Economic Advisory Council considers patio grant

Meeting on July 1, the Economic Advisory Council took up a Business Improvement Grant request of $10,875 from Tamir Enterprises Inc., which operates Clover’s Bar & Grill at 15548 S. Cicero Avenue. The funds would help cover a new patio, sidewalk, and bollards. The council’s recommendation to the full City Council had not been made public by press time.

Planning and Zoning Commission meeting canceled

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s July 1 meeting was canceled. No items were scheduled, and no action will be taken until the next regular session.

Coming up

The Emergency Telephone System Board (formerly the 911 Commission) will meet on July 7. Board members are expected to approve $64,238.15 to McWilliams Electric for a job balance, and $2,263.00 to SAFE-Electric for running outlets in dispatch to emergency backup power. The meeting will also include previous minutes, new and old business, and a public comment period.