Accomplishments

THE PAST  FOUR YEARS

"Over the past 4 years I have been consistent in my approach as commissioner, working diligently to see things through. That said, these accomplishments would not have happened without community input or the advice and support from experienced village staff. Collaboration and open communication are key to positive working relationships and successful outcomes."

TREE CITY USA

Tree City Designation
&
Two Growth Awards

A 2019 campaign promise, Jessica helped secure the Village's first Tree City, USA designation in 2020. Forest Park has continued to  qualify each year, while also earning a Growth Award in 2021 and 2022. This designation means we’re taking action to protect and honor the impact trees have on our health, storm water management, and property values. We all benefit from cleaner air, shadier streets and the aesthetic beauty a well-maintained urban forest provides. This acknowledgement of our commitment helps to increase public awareness of the social, economic and environmental benefits of our efforts.

Link: 2021 Forest Park Review Article

TREE SURVEY & MANAGEMENT PLAN

Awarded a Morton Arboretum Urban and Community Forestry Core Grant

The Tree City, USA designation helped the Village receive a Morton Arboretum matching grant to complete a tree survey. The grant also provided the Village with an Urban Forest Management Plan. The plan outlined all of the data collected from the survey and  created a multi-year plan for the proper management our our village owned trees.
The tree survey has been crucial in helping the village better understand and manage our multi-million-dollar resource. Having a diverse species of trees keeps our urban forest healthy and resilient. A strong urban forest significantly reduces green house gasses, improves air quality, aids in stormwater management, while also increasing property values, lowering cooling costs and reducing the urban heat island effect.

LINK : Forest Park Tree Inventory

LINK : Forest Park Urban Forest Management Program.pdf

FLEET
MANAGEMENT

Early in Jessica's term it became evident to her that much of the village's fleet was long past its useful life. Equipment, some crucial to sewer maintenance or clearing and cleaning roads, was frequently in need of repairs or out of service.  Jess worked with staff for 3 years to modernize the village's fleet management plan. Director Stella has been a strong advocate for his department and their needs and now has an updated fleet management plan. Part of that plan has been to embrace technology and start using a software program. This allows for better tracking of the fleet and replacement schedules with the benefit of added transparency. The Village is now considering alternate fuel vehicles and assessing how and when they will fit into the fleet management plan.

LINK: 2021 Ailing Fleet ... Difficult For Public Works
LINK: 2021  OPINION Going Green w/o Going Red

FLEET REPLACEMENT CAPITAL ASSET FUND

In tandem with the fleet management plan, Jessica worked with Village Finance Director Olmsted to identify the best way to support timely replacement of vehicles and equipment. Having resources dedicated specifically to the maintenance and replacement of our village fleet is crucial, so they created an equipment fund which earmarks $.02 from the municipal motor fuel tax for this purpose. This fund is a promise to the future, guaranteeing resources are allocated for the proper care and life cycle planning of village equipment and vehicles.

ALTENHEIM ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Commissioner of Public Property oversees the management of all village owned property. As the last bit of open land in Forest Park, many folks hold some passionate views about potential uses and development. One main reason Jessica chose this department was to promote an open discussion about the future of the vacant property.  Her goal is to continually advocate for transparent public outreach and engagement. She encouraged the same from the Mayor, which led to the creation of the Altenheim Advisory Committee.  The Village received a high level of interest and expertise from community members looking to serve. The committee has been working to find potential uses for the property and will provide the village council with their recommendations.  Jessica looks forward to an open dialogue with the entire community regarding these recommendations and the village's next steps.

LINK:2019 Activist Tool Kit - #8 ALTENHEIM
LINK: 2021 Council Approves Demolition
LINK: 2021 Open Altenheim Planning
LINK: 2021 Altenheim Presentation Pulled
LINK: 2022 Advisory Committee Steer Future
LINK: 2022 Altenheim Committee Brainstorms

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FORUMS & TOWN HALLS

Jessica doesn't just say she supports community engagement and respectful responsiveness, She follows through!

Here are a few examples:​

• Supported the incredible efforts of a D91 student to raise $5k for improvements at the dog park. New dog agility toys will be installed this Spring!
• Worked with a resident concerned about an area near constitution court where plants consistently failed to thrive. This led to identifying a soil issue and the Village was able to plant items that were better suited to those conditions
• Started the now Annual Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Plantings. Worked with D91 and library staff to include students in these events.

• Launched seasonal community clean-up events. As ex-officio member of the recreation board, Jess helped transfer responsibility for the biannual event to the board. The next one will be in May 2023​
• Participated in a 2021 library event where she presented the sustainable efforts and accomplishments of the Village
• In 2019, she held a waste reduction and recycling forum for residents. The forum included presentations from local green initiative groups and the Village's waste hauler
• Worked with staff to organize a volunteer meet-and-greet which brought community leaders, volunteers, and organizations together 
• Led an affordable update of the Village website; making it easier to navigate and find information
• Encouraged stronger social media presence; reinstating the instagram account and creating a Facebook page