Robert J. Lifka

The penalty increases to $45 from $30, effective immediately

River Forest firefighter/paramedics and lieutenants will receive 3.25% annual salary increases under three-year contracts approved by the village board April 29.

The River Forest Park District’s proposed renovation of Constitution Park took a step forward after the River Forest Village Board instructed staff members to continue with the planned development process April 28.

By becoming an anchor account for a forthcoming community solar project, River Forest not only strengthens the village’s commitment to alternate energy but also saves taxpayer dollars, village officials said.

With the assistance of two groups of graduate students from the University of Illinois Chicago, River Forest officials have started work on creating a climate action plan for the village.

It’s back to the drawing board for proposed zoning changes in River Forest after the village board surprised many by unanimously voting June 17 to accept the recommendation of the zoning board of appeals and deny the proposed changes.

Although eliminating the statewide tax on groceries will leave a $1 million hole in River Forest’s budget, village officials are expected to institute a local tax on groceries that would offset the loss.

The village president competed in the Hyrox fitness competition held in Nice, France

River Forest is making progress on replacing lead service lines in the village but reaching compliance with state requirements will take time and money, Jack Bielak, director of public works and engineering, told officials at the July 8 Village Board meeting.

River Forest residents will be allowed to split the use of a compost cart and related costs with a neighbor following action by the village board July 8.