Lake Forest Public Works

Lake Forest Public Works The Official page of Lake Forest, Illinois Public Works Department. This social media policy includes Terms of Use, Prohibited Content, and Disclaimer.

The Public Works Department consists of seven operating sections that provide high-quality services to the citizens of Lake Forest. These sections include Building Maintenance, Engineering, Fleet Maintenance, Sanitation, Streets, Water Plant, and Water & Sewer. MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Lake Forest Public Works Department is to respond to community needs consistent with policies determ

ined by the City Council, maintain a working environment built upon trust, respect and citizen involvement, and achieve the City’s goal of being responsive to resident needs. SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
The Lake Forest Public Works Department (LFPW) established a page. The intent of these social media sites is to serve as a communications tool between the LFPW and the public. The Public Information personnel are the sole administrators of these social media sites. Terms of Use:
As a communications tool, the Lake Forest Public Works Department shall utilize its social media accounts to raise awareness among the City of Lake Forest and neighboring residents and visitors, community partners, and interested fans and followers of Public Works news and information that affects the area surrounding the City of Lake Forest. Social media sites grant the LFPW an additional opportunity to share its messages with the general public. The LFPW shall utilize its social media accounts to post news releases or stories, photos, videos, and general information deemed of interest to the public. Whenever possible, the LFPW social media sites shall comply with all applicable City of Lake Forest policies and procedures. Prohibited Content:
The intended purpose of the LFPW social media sites is to serve as a means of communication between the LFPW and members of the public. Therefore, information, posts, and comments containing any of the following forms of content shall not be allowed and will be removed from the site. Profane language or content
Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or other protected status under applicable law
Inappropriate sexual content or links to inappropriate sexual content
Solicitations of commerce
Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity
Private and confidential information
Information that may tend to compromise the safety and security of the public or public systems
Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
Comments in support of or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures. The Lake Forest Public Works Department disclaims any and all responsibility and liability for any materials or content that the LFPW deems inappropriate for posting. The LFPW shall make efforts to remove said materials in an expeditious or otherwise timely manner, but disclaims liability if circumstances exist that prevent or hinder efforts to remove said materials. Disclaimer:
The Lake Forest Public Works Department does not endorse nor otherwise support or sponsor any advertising that may be posted by the Social Media host (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) on the LFPW site. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts are privately operated sites and the privacy terms of each respective site apply. Lake Forest Public Works Department does not guarantee the reliability or accuracy of any third-party links. Lake Forest Public Works Department reserves the right to remove any comment or conversation that is prohibited by this Social Media Policy. On this page, public comments do not reflect the views and values of The City of Lake Forest. The City makes no representation regarding the accuracy of any public comment and does not endorse any of the views or opinions of any member of the public that has commented on this page.

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a snow alert for the Lake Forest ar...
12/07/2025

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a snow alert for the Lake Forest area. Snow is expected to begin late tonight (Saturday) and continue into early Sunday morning. The Lake Forest area is forecasted to receive between 1 and 3 inches of snow.

Public Works Snow Command has been closely monitoring this weather event, and snow removal crews are prepared to respond.

Please use caution when driving and remain mindful of changing weather conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as snow operations continue throughout this event!

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a snow alert for the Lake Forest ar...
12/01/2025

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a snow alert for the Lake Forest area. Snow is expected to begin this afternoon (Monday) and continue into tonight. The Lake Forest area is forecasted to receive between 0.5 inches and 3 inches of snow.

Public Works Snow Command has been closely monitoring this weather event, and snow removal crews will respond if needed.

Please use caution when driving and remain mindful of changing weather conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as snow operations continue throughout this event!

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a Winter Storm warning for the Lake...
11/29/2025

🌨️Winter Weather Alert!🌨️

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a Winter Storm warning for the Lake Forest area. Snow is expected throughout the day on Saturday and into Sunday morning. The Lake Forest area is forecasted to receive between 7 inches and 11 inches of snow.

Public Works Snow Command has been closely monitoring this weather event, and snow removal crews are responding. Due to recent warmer temperatures, plowing sidewalks without causing damage to soft, wet parkway areas will be challenging. Sidewalk snow plowing will begin in school zones. Sidewalk snow removal outside of school zones is anticipated to occur early this week. To help prevent parkway damage, sidewalk crews will be moving more slowly than normal.

Please use caution when driving and remain mindful of changing weather conditions. Thank you for your patience and understanding as snow operations continue throughout this event!

09/17/2025

Some Lake Forest residents will soon notice a new item in their homes, and while the upgrade may be small in size, it marks a major leap in the City’s infrastructure and customer service.

This fall, the City of Lake Forest will launch its Water Meter Replacement Program, introducing smart water technology to every home over the next four years.

The initiative is rooted in both necessity and innovation.

“The existing water meters were installed in 2004, and after 20 years of service, they’ve reached the end of their useful life,” said Assistant Public Works Director Jim Lockefeer. “Many are experiencing failing batteries that are now obsolete and unavailable. This is a very important project to replace outdated and failing infrastructure.”

The City’s solution? A full rollout of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), a wireless smart metering system that will enhance water tracking, billing accuracy, and overall service for both the City and its residents. These new meters transmit real-time water usage data directly to the City’s system and eliminate the need for in-person or drive-by readings.

“This upgrade means residents will have access to a secure online portal where they can track their usage, receive alerts for unusual activity, and make better decisions about water conservation,” said Rich Volpe, the City’s Water and Sewer Supervisor. “It’s about providing better service, helping residents spot leaks faster, and making sure every drop counts.”

From an operations standpoint, this upgrade also marks a major efficiency gain.

“Currently, a Water and Sewer Section employee drives around collecting meter data using a radio receiver,” Lockefeer noted. “With the new system, those hours can now be redirected toward other high-priority services. It’s a big step forward for our operations.”

Over the next four years, the City will be replacing water meters one neighborhood at a time. Residents will be notified by mail when it's time to schedule their meter replacement.

“The process is designed to be simple and secure,” said Volpe. Once you receive your letter, you can book an appointment online or by calling the number listed. The appointment takes about 30 minutes, and someone 18 or older needs to be home.

Read the full story on Lake Forest Love: https://www.lakeforestlove.com/post/lake-forest-s-water-meter-upgrade-to-bring-smarter-service-to-residents

08/06/2025

Don’t let a battery start a fire!🔥 Lithium-ion batteries power our everyday devices - but if tossed in the trash, they can spark serious fires.

Three fires in Lake Forest were caused by improperly discarded lithium-ion batteries just in the last few months. These powerful batteries can overheat, explode, and endanger sanitation crews, equipment, and your home.

Help prevent a fire in your home by following these safety tips:

♻️RECYCLE batteries and battery-powered items responsibly. Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or your curbside recycling bin. Drop them off at the Compost & Recycling Center (1381 W. Kennedy Road), open Saturday: 8 am-5 pm and Sunday: 9 am-5 pm.

⚡CHARGE devices safely. Use the charging cables provided by the manufacturer and follow all instructions. Avoid overcharging and always charge devices on a hard surface – not on a bed or couch.

🚫STOP using any battery that smells strange, becomes hot, makes popping noises, or changes shape or color. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.

Common culprits: E-bikes, tablets, phones, toys, headphones, power tools, the devices we use daily.

Let’s keep our community safe – charge responsibly, recycle properly, and never throw batteries in the trash.

Huge thanks to the 2025 Citizens Public Works Academy participants for spending their time with us!
07/28/2025

Huge thanks to the 2025 Citizens Public Works Academy participants for spending their time with us!

07/16/2025
🌨️Winter Weather Alert! 🌨️The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a winter weather alert for snow th...
02/14/2025

🌨️Winter Weather Alert! 🌨️

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois has issued a winter weather alert for snow this tonight into Saturday.

Public Works Snow Command has been monitoring this weather event and snow removal crews are prepared to respond.

Please be mindful of the changing weather conditions and use caution when driving. Thank you for your patience and understanding as snow operations continue throughout this snow event.

01/13/2025

Reminder: the Deerpath Streetscape Project starts today!👷‍♂️

What you need to know:
⚠️ Deerpath is one-way eastbound only between Green Bay Road and Western Avenue.
⚠️ Westbound traffic is detoured to the north along Westminster and to the south along Illinois Road.
⚠️ Businesses are open and pedestrian access will be maintained.
⚠️ Free short-term parking (3 hour limit) is available in multiple lots.
⚠️ Expect delays, plan for extra time, and take alternate routes, if possible.

Improvements include:
✔️ Infrastructure Renewal: New watermain, sidewalks, and road paving.
✔️ Pedestrian Safety: New crosswalks, better sightlines, and traffic calming measures.
✔️ Beautification: New trees, decorative features, and hanging planter baskets.

While we’ve taken steps to minimize disruptions, the project team is committed to remaining responsive and addressing any questions or concerns promptly.

Find project information, detour and parking maps, and more at www.cityoflakeforest.com/DeerpathStreetscape.

This project has been years in the making - starting with planning in 2016 and community input through the Deerpath Streetscape Advisory Committee in 2019. Now, it’s time to bring those plans to life to create a safer, more beautiful downtown!✨

Address

800 N Field Drive
Lake Forest, IL
60045

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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