Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole met on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, beginning at 7:45 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council addressed a wide range of items including the creation of a new farmers market liquor license, the 2026 outdoor dining program, a traffic attorney contract, parking amendments, a lead service line replacement loan, and other operational matters.

Consent Calendar

• One-Year Contract Extension with DLZ Illinois, Inc. – Approved unanimously (7-0) to extend civil engineering consulting services for site plan review and stormwater inspections. Rates unchanged.
• Traffic Court Attorney Contract (PD-26-01) – Approved (voice vote, unanimous) to award $78,000 to Addis Law Group of Northbrook for prosecution of local ordinance and misdemeanor traffic arrests. Fine revenue increased 81% under the prior contract (from ~$28,000 in 2024 to ~$62,000 in 2025, excluding four months).
• Certificate of Authority for Rock Salt Purchase – Approved (voice vote) to join the state of Illinois Central Management Services’ joint purchasing agreement for bulk rock salt.
• FY2026 Budget Amendments for FY2025 Carryover Items – Approved (voice vote) to amend the budget for capital projects and equipment that were not completed in the prior fiscal year, plus an $18,000 increase for motor equipment costs.
• Intergovernmental Agreement for Park Ridge Fireworks Display – Approved (voice vote) to define roles and responsibilities among the city, Maine Township High School District 207, and the Park Ridge Park District.
• First Reading of SSA No. 26‑112 (Washington/Harrison Green Alley) – Approved (voice vote) to propose a special service area with 50% city/50% resident funding for alley paving. Public hearing set for Monday, June 15, 2026. Estimated total cost: $507,483.
• Asphalt Alley Engineering Contract with Spaceco, Inc. – Approved (voice vote) for $133,300 to design and inspect five alleys in poorest condition.
• First Reading of Parking Prohibition on S. Rose (Devon Ave north 200 feet) – Approved (voice vote) to change restricted hours from 7–9 a.m. to 8 a.m.–2 p.m. to match surrounding streets. Survey: 2 out of 3 property owners in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Farmers Market Liquor License: Tasso Pirulis (owner of Elias Cafe) spoke in support, noting mimosas would be made with fresh juices and that the cafe has insurance covering the city. A member of the Farmers Market Committee (via letter) had expressed opposition; the committee voted to approve with that one exception. Rocco Catalano also voiced support.
• Expanded Outdoor Dining: Michael Athens (business owner, 32 Main Street) opposed the program, citing loss of 90+ parking spaces for six months and difficulty attracting employees. He noted that commuters use the freed metered spaces and urged reconsidering the season length and parking impact.
• Green Alley Paving: Katie Mainwaring (resident) expressed strong support, describing frequent flooding from the dirt alley.

Discussion Items

• First Reading: Ordinance Creating an S‑5 Farmers Market On‑Premise Consumption Liquor License – Staff proposed a new license allowing beer and wine sales (limited to a single vendor this year, Elias Cafe, serving mimosas). Hours initially set at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Council debated hours, footprint (including Cumberland Park), safety, liability, and age‑verification. The vendor requested earlier hours (8 a.m.) for business reasons. After discussion, the ordinance was approved on first reading by a vote of 5–2 (Aldermen Steinfelds and Ramperson opposed).
• Expanded Outdoor Dining Program for 2026 – Staff sought guidance on four points: continuing the program, charging a fee, the fee amount, and season duration (currently May 1–November 1). Council consensus favored shortening the season (e.g., mid‑May to mid‑October) and increasing fees by more than the 2.4% CPI, pending feedback from restaurants. Staff was directed to research other municipalities’ fees and to survey participating restaurants on the shortened season.
• Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Program – The city must replace 2,488 known lead service lines by 2037. Staff recommended applying for a zero‑interest federal loan (IEPA Public Water Supply Loan Program) to cover the full $3.73 million annual cost (250 replacements/year) for 30 years, rather than billing residents. Council expressed strong support for applying; no opposition was voiced.
• Parking Prohibition on Manor Lane (Northwest Highway to Potter Road) – Staff proposed restricted parking 7–9 a.m. (resident permit only) after a survey showed 6 of 8 property owners in favor. Council raised concerns that the restriction would shift parking to nearby streets (e.g., Northwest Highway multifamily residents). A motion to table the item passed (voice vote) to allow staff to develop a holistic citywide solution for similar parking conflicts.
• Waste Hauler Update – Director Mitchell reported that SBC will begin service on May 1, 2026. New carts will be delivered in April; Groot will pick up old carts. Food scrap collection will be offered in yard waste bins (not paper bags).
• Uptown Metra Station Update – The station remains open with limited hours (5 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and reduced access due to vandalism. The city is seeking a new vendor to occupy the space and provide oversight.

Key Outcomes

• Farmers Market Liquor License – Approved first reading (5–2). Final reading will be scheduled later.
• Outdoor Dining Program – No vote taken; staff will return with updated season length, fee proposal, and restaurant feedback.
• Lead Service Line Loan – Council consensus to submit the loan application; staff will bring back loan acceptance and necessary ordinances if awarded (expected late 2026/early 2027).
• Manor Lane Parking – Tabled indefinitely pending a broader parking study.
• Police Recruitment – Three conditional offers made for the police academy; a fourth is anticipated. A second social worker position is being developed.