Freedom of Information Act

Any individual person, group, association, corporation, firm, partnership or organization has the right to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to any state or local public body, including any city, township, or county office.

If one wishes to submit a FOIA request, one can do so in person at the Township office, or over the phone, during regular office hours. A written request can also be submitted via fax, email, or regular mail. Although it is not required by law, the Township office has its own form that it asks be filled out by those submitting a FOIA request, so that our office may have a record on file of such requests.

There is no charge for the first 50 black and white pages of information provided, after that, the Township office charges $0.15 per page. Information can also be provided electronically or on a compact disc. The Township has up to 5 business days to respond to a FOIA request, starting the day after a request is officially received.

If you have more questions or wish to submit a FOIA request, one can talk to the Township' s designated FOIA Officer, Marjorie Iniguez, during regular business hours.

Nurse' s Closet

The Riverside Township Nurse' s Closet makes available, to Riverside Township residents, the short-term loan (no more than 3 months) of durable medical equipment. Commodes, bath benches and seats, walkers, crutches, canes, and wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Donations of similarly new or slighty used equipment are acceptable as well. Residents are advised to contact the Township office before considering any and all medical equipment loans or donations. The Nurse' s Closest is open Monday through Friday, from 9am until 2:30pm.

Food Pantry

Riverside Township currently offers a non-perishable Food Pantry to Township residents. Two pieces of current identification proving residency are required, and it is recommended that residents call the Township office prior to visit. No more than one visit per month is allowed per resident. The Food Pantry also accepts donations of non-perishable food from community groups and residents in an effort to help keep the pantry shelves fully stocked. The pantry is open Monday through Friday, from 9am until 2:30pm.

Discount Prescription Cards

Riverside Township has partnered with Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. to offer a discount prescription card program to all its residents. The Coast2Coast Rx Card is a free discount prescription card that can save individuals 55% annually and up to 75% off single prescriptions. It allows one to save on both generic and brand names drugs and is accepted at over 60,000 participating pharmacies, both chain and independent stores. All members of a family can use the card and it is always free, available to be used immediately. There are no age, income, or other exclusions, and no forms to fill out. For more specific information on all benefits and restrictions, please visit the Coast2Coast website at www.coast2coastrx.com. You can print out your free prescription card from their website or pick one up in person at the Riverside Town Hall.

Reduced Fare Transit Card for Seniors

In February 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed into legislation changing the requirements of the Seniors Ride Free Program. As of September 1, 2011, the new fare program is in effect, meaning that only low-income seniors who meet the income requirements set by the Illinois Department On Aging' s Circuit Breaker Program will qualify for Free Rides. Seniors who are not eligible for the Circuit Breaker Program will still be able to obtain a Reduced Fare Permit to ride CTA, Pace, and Metra buses and trains at half-fare.

To continue to be eligible for the Seniors Ride Free Program, low-income seniors must first apply directly through the Illinois Circuit Breaker Program. Please contact the Illinois Department On Aging at (800) 252-8966 or online at http://www.cbrx.il.gov/. Current annual income limits for the Circuit Breaker Program are $27, 620 or less for an individual, $36,635 or less for a two-person household, and $45,657 for a household of three or more people.

All individuals should have received in the mail by now a new Free Ride permit if you are currently enrolled in the Circuit Breaker Program, or a Reduced Fare permit if you do not meet the income requirements.

Handicapped Parking Placards

Applications for a State of Illinois "Persons with Disabilities" Parking Placard are available in the Township office. Upon completion by both a physician and the applicant, this application entitles the individual to a permanent placard for long term disabilities or a temporary placard for short term disabilities. The application for a permanent placard must be mailed to Springfield, while the application for a temporary placard can be returned to the Township office. The Township only issues the temporary placard and this service is available Monday through Friday, from 9am until 2:30pm.

Voter Registration

The Riverside Township office can register United States citizens to vote. The voter registration applicant must be 18 years old by the next election, live at the address of registration at least 30 days before the next election, display two pieces of identification (one with a current address), and appear in person to sign the oath of registration. There is no charge for this service and it is recommended to call ahead of time to ensure the availability of the registrar. This service is available Monday through Friday, from 9am until 2:30pm.

Notary Public

The Township office also provides the services of a notary public. Any document to be notarized must be signed in the presence of the notary. There is no charge for this service and it is recommended to call ahead of time to ensure the availability of the notary. This service is available Monday through Friday, from 9am until 2:30pm.

General Assistance

The General Assistance program is designed to help needy residents who are not eligible for Social Security or a state supported program. Needy people who qualify are able to come to the Township for assistance. In order to determine if one meets all requirements necessary to apply for General Assistance, they should contact the Township Supervisor, Richard Tuscher, at 442-4400.