WHO WE ARE:

The Palos Hills Chamber of Commerce is comprised of local business people working together to promote the success of area businesses as well as encourage new businesses to locate to Palos Hills. The Chamber officers and board of directors are volunteer businessmen and women who are elected to serve on the Chamber Board by the general membership.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:

• Keep you informed of legislative and municipal matters that concern your business through our involvement in the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce.
• Encourage members and area residents to utilize the goods and services provided by all Chamber members.
• Offer educational and social programs which provide an opportunity for you to meet fellow business persons, learn new information and share insights.
• Promote you business to the community through the annual directory, regular newsletters.
• Support your community through events such as the Palos Summerfest, sports team sponsorships, youth program sponsorships and special projects which are selected for their positive impact on Palos Hills.
• Promote good business practice in local businesses.

The Chamber constantly strives to meet the changing needs of its membership and welcomes any comments or suggestions. We hope you will consider how the Chamber can benefit your business and become an active member. For additional information, please feel free to call any Chamber Board Member.

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HISTORY OF PALOS HILLS:

The area known as Palos Hills was formed during the Ice Age when the last glacier covering the area melted and left land that would eventually be sloping hills and valleys. About a thousand years ago, this marshy land known as the Sagaunash Swamp was an ideal settling place for Indians because it provided the elements necessary for primitive man to survive. Birds, fish, and fur-bearing animals were found in watery areas, and plants on the shore provided edible roots and berries. Fertile soil was available for growing crops of corn, beans, and squash, while fresh water was found in springs and streams. Deer and raccoon were hunted in nearby woods and hills. Artifacts showing the presence of Indians have been found on the site of the present Police Department and at the model airplane field on Route 45 and 107th Street.

The first white men arrived in the Palos area in 1673 when Fr. Marquette and Louis Joliet passed through the area bringing French trappers. It has been recorded that Fr. Marquette held a mass on the site of St. James of the Sag Church at 107th and Archer Avenue. Soon French forts were erected and the history of the area is rather sketchy until around 1839 when the Illinois-Michigan Canal was built bringing Irish and German settlers to the area.

Palos Hills was predominantly a farming community until World War ll when the Chrysler Corporation built an airplane factory at Ford City, and land developers discovered the area known then as North Palos. Soon after the war's end, commercial home building in the areas began, and in 1946 the first Fire House was erected. The first school in North Palos District 117 was built in 1940.

In 1957, it became apparent that Hickory Hills, Worth, Bridgeview, and Chicago Ridge were gradually extending their boundaries into North Palos. It was time for some action to be taken towards a charter and the North Palos Community Council was formed with Earl Potter chosen as president. A referendum was held on October 25, 1958 at which time residents voted to incorporate the city of Palos Hills. Soon after the referendum passed, Carleton Ihde was elected the first Mayor.

Since that time the city has grown considerably, bringing to the community the Green Hills Library, A.A. Stagg High School, and Moraine Valley Community College, and various churches and schools, as well as numerous businesses.

In the Early 1980's, Palos Hills began a new City Administration under the leadership of Gerald R. Bennett as Mayor. Many major improvements have been made since this time; including new roadways, drainage, improved sidewalks, lighting projects on our main thoroughfares and neighborhood streets. We've also seen the addition of a municipal golf course, expanded park services and a community resource department serving the needs of all age groups. In 1994, a new City Hall at 10335 South Roberts Road was dedicated which houses the departments of Administration, Sewer & Water, Building and Licensing, Community Resources and our Ordinance/Animal Control Officer.

Palos Hills has become a Community that all of our residents can be proud of. We strive to serve all of our citizens; from educating our youth to serving our senior citizens' needs, while maintaining a safe place to live and work for all of us.

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The administrative staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations at City Hall. The staff can assist with information pertaining to ordinances, bill payments, vehicle stickers, garage sale permits, etc.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voter registration is provided during regular business hours for a nominal fee.

VEHICLE STICKERS

Annual stickers may be purchased at City Hall and must be displayed before March 1st of each year. New residents and owners of new vehicles have 30 days to obtain a sticker, with necessary proof.

BUSINESS LICENSES

Business licenses are required for all establishments conducting business, in the City of Palos Hills. Licenses are renewed annually and must be displayed by May 1st.

DOG/HORSE LICENSES

All dogs and horses must be licensed by July 1st of each year. Inoculation proof is required. Dog licenses: $2.00; Horse Licenses: $5.00.

GARAGE SALE PERMITS

Permits are required, and must be posted in a visible place. They are good for 2 consecutive days and are limited to three during any one calendar year.

NIGHT DEPOSITORY

Depository available 24 hours for payments. It is not advisable to leave cash payments in the depository box.

Payments for any city services can be made by Visa or MasterCard.

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The Police Department provides law enforcement services in accordance with federal,state and civil laws; along with the policies and regulations of the Police and Fire Commissions. Community policing is a positive way to reduce neighborhood crime by combining the efforts and resources of the police, local government and community members. The Palos Hills Police Department has long recognized the importance of working with the community in a productive partnership. Public safety and crime awareness programs are the cornerstone of community policing. They allow law enforcement to become a part of the community so residents feel encouraged to contact police before a serious problem arises, not after the fact. The Police Department consists of approximately 60 employees: including 30 full-time community service officers. Community Service Officers answer non-violent calls; including paperwork calls, public relations work, public service, auto lock-outs and house watches. Recent additions to the Police Department include 2 canine units, 2 bicycle patrol units, a motorcycle patrol unit and an enhanced records management system.

POLICE CADETS

A state accredited program for young men and women Interested in a career in law enforcement. Cadets provide support auxiliary services.

CRIME PREVENTION/D.A.R.E.

An educational program offering general information on safety and well being to the young population. "Trusty," the robot police car aids in teaching safety.

HIGH SCHOOL D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

Our Department is one of the first in Illinois to select this program for Sophomore students.

I-SEARCH

Part of a national network created to search for lost children. Identification packets are available upon request.

VACATION WATCH

Residents leaving for vacation must request to have their home put on a special watch.

SENIOR CITIZEN OFFICER PROGRAM

The police department has an officer assigned to assisting the senior citizen community; including assisting them with understanding the laws, accompanying them to court and trying to eliminate confusion trying to regard police matters.

Future plans include laptop computers for all personnel. With an advanced records management system in place, reports may be generated in cars and downloaded in the mainframe at the police station; eliminating paperwork and downtime for officers.

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