Flood Relief Coming Soon for Sara Ann Residents

After more than a year of working with the city, residents of Sara Ann Lane finally got their wish, as aldermen approved the installation of a 24-inch pipe that should alleviate flooding concerns.

Residents on Sara Ann Lane have been troubled by flooding for years, and many have asked the city to do something—anything—about the issue. Their persistence paid off, as aldermen Tuesday approved the installation of a 24-inch pipe that could remedy the issue, according to City Administrator Troy Ishler.  “It should do what we need it to, that's the main thing,” Ishler said. “We're looking to improve the situation and this should do that, markedly. Now, if you get multiple hundred-year storms back-to-back, nothing is going to help that.” Ishler said work will begin in about a week's time, and should take about a week to complete. “We're going to start doing exploration of utilities immediately,” he said. “Probably the contract will most …

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Sidewalk Coming to Central Avenue Near Library

Aldermen Tuesday took another step closer to laying sidewalk along Central Avenue, from James Drive to Independence Drive.

Oak Forest residents looking for a safer way to walk along Central Avenue might have an option coming soon.  Aldermen Tuesday signed off on an agreement with Acorn Public Library, that allows use of library land for a sidewalk, which will extend from James Drive to Independence Drive.  An easement agreement was necessary, as the library's property ownership extends to the curb of Central Avenue. Library board members approved the agreement at a meeting last month, said Director Eric Werthmann. The city recently received a grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund the installation.  "I think this is a very big deal to the city," said City Administrator Troy Ishler. "By putting these pieces of sidewalk in, we …

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City Finds Cheaper Electricity Supplier

Oak Forest residents will see 43 percent savings compared with ComEd's rate, city official say. This includes the added cost to guarantee 100 percent of energy comes from renewable sources.

The City of Oak Forest has selected a new energy supplier that officials said will save 43 percent off of ComEd's power rate. FirstEnergy Solutions was chosen from six companies that submitted bids after the City Council voted to seek a new supplier on May 8. One bid actually came in as the lowest, but couldn't promise a stipulation that it would guarantee a match ComEd's rates. The two-year contract will with FirstEnergy includes the cost to buy energy entirely from green sources. This added cost to secure renewable energy adds an extra 0.08 cent per kilowatt-hour, bringing the contract rate to 4.82 cents per kilowatt-hour. City officials said this is 43 percent less than rate just established by ComEd from their energy suppliers of 8.5 …

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Newsmakers

Ishler Takes the Reins in Appointment as City Administrator

The Public Works director has become the new Oak Forest City Administrator.

Troy Ishler became the city's newest City Administrator this week. The position, which had been vacant, is one that supervisors all city departments and makes recommendations to the mayor, among other duties. Ishler is a life-long resident of Oak Forest and had been in the Public Works position since 2005. He also actively volunteers in the community.  Read more about Ishler and the appointment. 

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Tell Us What You Think About Ishler's Appointment to City Administrator

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Nick Swedberg

2:24 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Thanks for contributing. Here's the main piece on Ishler: http://oakforest.patch.com/articles/council-appoints-ishler-to-top-spot-in-city-government   more ›

9 Public Works Jobs Saved By Negotiations, New Contract

Nine OF Public Works employees will remain on the job, after Teamsters and the City of Oak Forest shook on a new contract April 10.

Nine Oak Forest Public Works Department will keep their jobs, after the city and Teamsters Local 700 arrived at a compromise. Aldermen unanimously approved the new contract set to begin May 1, effective through April 30, 2014. The agreement was the product of negotiations and concessions between the two parties, after workers were previously issued notice of layoffs set for April 6.  “We were able to come to a recommendation to avoid the layoffs,” Public Works Director Troy Ishler told the city council. “What you see before you, essentially, is the $90,000 that we asked the bargaining unit for.” The new contract includes the provision that teamster members will take their first 80 hours of overtime and use it towards compensatory time …

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Another Disgruntled Resident

11:48 am on Friday, May 18, 2012

I agree. Patronizing and demeaning is how I find him.   more ›

City Council Approves First-Ever Water Survey

For the first time ever, Oak Forest will conduct a water survey, which will compare the city's water and sewer services and rates with other municipalities. The findings will then be used for future adjustments to services.

The City of Oak Forest is ready to step into uncharted territory in the near future, with its water services. During the April 10 Oak Forest City Council meeting, aldermen approved the first-ever water rate survey in the city's history. The survey will be conducted at a date in the near future, with an eye towards service rates, debt services and capital needs. "I think it's time we have an independent person come in and evaluate what we charge for our water and sewer systems, and what we should be charging," said Troy Ishler, Oak Forest's Public Works Director. The survey, which will be conducted by Manhard Consulting, will use benchmark comparisons from other municipalities and utilities to evaluate the personnel assignments to the water…

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Lauren Traut

2:19 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

It's a glitch, Erin. I think you posted before, but could you re-post your comment? We'd appreciate it! Thank you! Lauren   more ›