Fleet Can't Fail Me Now

Nominations for the Green Awards in Oak Park can originate from any resident, but a division within Oak Park's was recognized by a longtime village employee. 

Karen Rozmus, Oak Park's environmental services manager since 1995, nominated Fleet Services for a long list of reasons, including its role as a trailblazer for other communities.

Under the tutelage of Ron Fantetti, the division moved into the new Public Works Center, 131 South Boulevard, in 2007 and began a series of environmentally conscious choices.

According to Rozmus' nomination, the division has, among other measures, instituted the following: 

• Using digital (paperless) repair orders, accessible by computer
• Recycling used oils and antifreeze
• Creating a bicycle fleet for village employees made possible by unclaimed bikes from the Oak Park Police Department's impound
• Training mechanics for bike repairs
• Installing pollution-slashing filters and ventilation systems on diesel trucks
• Organizing "Green Fleet" expos in 2009 and 2010 which showcased alternative fuel vehicles available for government fleets

The division also maintains a fleet of 24 "bi-fuel" vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, four hybrid vehicles running primarily on electricity and a trucks running exclusively on B-20 biodiesel fuel, Rozmus said. 

"I've worked closely with Ron and his team on a number of these issues and I am always amazed at their dedication to find a "green" way to do things while saving (taxpayers') money at the same time," Rozmus said. "Fleet Service employees take pride in their work and strive to demonstrate the environmental benefits of their initiatives on a daily basis – a commendable characteristic for employees housed in our green Public Works Center." 

Public works director John Wielebnicki said the division is always considering more ways to bring alternative fuel vehicles, including more electric cars, to the village's fleet. 

Wielebnicki said the division is also considering a bold move to offer its compressed natural gas supplies to churches and other area nonprofits. 

Right now, officials are exploring ways to have a natural gas system, which would likely require the purchase of a new dispenser and the implementation of a new payment mechanism, paid for by grant money. 

"The technology is there," Wielebnicki said. "Our goal would be to have it available to those folks who want to have a green fleet."