The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Village Manager's Weekly Report

Week Ending December 20, 2024

Meetings scheduled for the next three weeks:

  • Monday, December 23 – Friday, December 27
    • No meetings scheduled
    • Village Hall closes at noon on Dec. 24 for Christmas Eve
    • Village Hall closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day
  • Monday, December 30 – Friday, January 3:
    • No meetings scheduled
    • Village Hall closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day
  • Monday, January 6:
    • No meetings scheduled
  • Tuesday, January 7:
    • Environment & Energy Commission, 7 p.m. in Room 101
  • Wednesday, January 8:
    • Citizen Involvement Commission, 7 p.m. in Room 102
    • Farmers’ Market Commission, 7 p.m. in Room 101
    • Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m. in Council Chambers
  • Thursday, January 9:
    • Board of Health, 6 p.m. in Room 102
    • Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee, 6 p.m. in Room 101
    • Civic Information Systems Commission, 7 p.m. in Room 215
    • Historic Preservation Commission, 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers
  • Friday, January 10:
    • No meetings scheduled


Click here to view this week's report via GovDelivery

Electronic waste recycling event a success – Oak Park residents dropped off 6,100 pounds of electronic waste for recycling during an event at the Public Works Center on Dec. 14. A total of 150 households participated in the event. LRS, the Village’s waste hauler, provided the service at no cost and had a large group of its staff on hand to assist with loading the materials in bins to be hauled away. The event was particularly intended to give residents of large multifamily buildings an opportunity to recycle electronics for free. Residents in single-family homes and buildings with up to five units served by the Village’s waste hauling contract can schedule an e-waste pickup year-round from their home by filling out the form at www.lrsrecycles.com/oakpark.  

Volunteers needed to assist at warming center – The Village is seeking volunteers to help manage Oak Park’s emergency warming center, which typically operates during overnight hours when temperatures are coldest. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum four-hour shift and complete training on administering Narcan, a medication that stops an opioid overdose. Volunteers of all backgrounds are welcome, but in particular the Village is seeking individuals with experience in medical services, social services or related fields or prior experience assisting at shelters for the unhoused. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Lee Christenson, the Village’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, at lchristenson@oak-park.us.

New development secures demolition permit – The new development taking shape at the northwest corner of Austin Boulevard and Roosevelt Road is the future home of Driven Car Wash. The owners of Driven Car Wash secured a Village demolition permit this week that will facilitate the removal of the old bank building that currently sits on the site along the Roosevelt Road business corridor. This demolition permit is the first one issued since the Village Board increased the cost of demolition permits and dedicated the revenue associated with such permits to the Village’s Housing Trust Fund. Driven Car Wash intends to remove the existing building and construct the new enclosed car wash in 2025. Find more information about Driven Car Wash at www.drivencarwash.com.

Vehicle license sales update – The Village has sold 17,790 vehicle licenses through Dec. 18. This represents a decrease of 1,143 licenses purchased compared to 2023 but a slight increase of 89 licenses purchased compared to 2022. While the July 15 deadline to purchase a license before a price increase has passed, residents can still renew an active license or apply for a new license at www.oak-park.us/vehiclelicense. A current vehicle license is needed to purchase an Oak Park parking permit. Vehicle license rates vary by type of vehicle, with discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and active-duty veterans. For more information, call 708.358.7275, email parking@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/vehiclelicenseinfo.

Meadows obtains certification – Building Inspector Zach Meadows recently passed the tests required to obtain the International Code Council Residential Mechanical Inspector Certification. Congratulations to Zach on this achievement. Zach was also sworn in on Thursday to his role within the Development Services Department after joining the Permits & Development Division earlier this month.

Holidays affect Village Hall hours –Village Hall will close at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and remain closed all day Wednesday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Village Hall also will be closed all day on Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. The next Village Manager's report will be issued Jan 10. More information about Village Hall hours is posted on the Village website. The holidays also will delay refuse and recycling collection  by one day the next two weeks for residents whose collection date is Wednesday through Friday.

Parking restrictions eased for holidays – As a courtesy to residents and their guests, starting tonight overnight parking restrictions will not be enforced on most Oak Park residential streets from 2:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 through the New Year’s holiday. Restrictions will resume at 2:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6. Please keep in mind restrictions are not lifted in paid overnight permit areas, including posted on-street zones. All other parking regulations also remain in effect, including daytime restrictions and regulations related to traffic and public safety. More information about parking rules and regulations is posted at www.oak-park.us/parking.

Police offer tips to help prevent seasonal crime – The Oak Park Police Department is working to raise public awareness of some common crimes of the season by offering tips to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim. From package theft and pickpockets to auto burglaries and motor vehicle theft, criminals can become especially bold during the holiday season. Click here for more information

Home for the Holidays event in Downtown Oak Park – Get into the holiday spirit by taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, enjoying a free cup of hot cocoa and saying hello to Santa as he visits the Downtown Oak Park Business District during the Home for the Holidays event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 21. More information is on the Downtown Oak Park website.  

Sewer televising update – The Village’s contractor spent the week televising sewers located in the south section of Oak Park associated with upcoming capital improvement projects. Once complete, the contractor will head north and televise locations adjacent to schools. Partial lane closures are anticipated while work is ongoing.