Park Ridge City Council Regular Meeting - March 18, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, proclamations, a consent agenda, citizen comments, and multiple action items from boards and commissions. All votes were conducted via roll call due to Alderperson Moran's remote participation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the final reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code to adopt the Single-Use Bag Program.
• Approved a purchase order for one Zoll X Series cardiac monitor/defibrillator with accessories from Zoll Medical Corporation for $41,280.68.
• Approved a one-year extension to the contract for the Tree Planting Program with Yellowstone Landscape in the amount of $50,650.
• Approved a one-year extension for the Sidewalk Replacement Program with Strada Construction Co. in the amount of $221,380.
• All consent items were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Millot (10 North Summit) addressed the Council regarding a request for a dog park at Hinckley Park. He noted he is blind and walks his dog in the area. Mayor Maloney referred him to the Park Ridge Park District and specifically to board president Cindy Graul, noting that a dog park already exists near Oakton Sports Complex.

Discussion Items

• Minutes Approval: The Council approved the March 2, 2026 City Council meeting minutes (7-0) and the March 2, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes (6-0-1, with Alderperson Lefler abstaining due to absence). A correction was noted for the Committee of the Whole minutes: the names of the motion mover and seconder under adjournment were missing and will be corrected by reviewing the recording.
• Mayor's Report: Two proclamations were presented:
  • Proclamation declaring Nicholas Hayward as "Mayor for the Day" – a second-grade student at Roseville, recognized for his civic engagement and community involvement.
  • Proclamation declaring March 29, 2026 as "Education and Sharing Day" in Park Ridge, honoring the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson and emphasizing moral and ethical education.
• City Clerk Report: Election day (primary) ran smoothly. Early voting saw over 2,300 residents; 15 election judges served. Final results will be certified in coming weeks.
• Finance Director Report: Alderperson Rapisand reviewed five warrant reports covering periods ending February 27, March 4, March 12, March 3, and March 4, 2026, in amounts ranging from $262.98 to $852,224.88.
• Finance & Budget Committee: Approved the purchase of a Storage Area Network (SAN) for a not-to-exceed cost of $30,000.00 (7-0). The SAN will replace aging equipment and provide redundant data storage; price is volatile due to market demand, so the city will use a sourcewell contract for a 7.75% discount off list price.
• Planning & Zoning Commission: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a special use for a medical/dental clinic at 27 N Northwest Highway (SU-26-03) (7-0). The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval 6-0 after a public hearing with no comments. The property is the former American Science Center building.
• Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 1: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a variance for a wall sign for a second-story business at 120 Main Street, Unit 202 (VA-26-02) (7-0). The sign is for an existing tutoring center changing its name to Elevated Minds; the ZBA recommended approval 7-0.
• Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 2: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting a variance to operate a medical/dental clinic without providing minimum off-street parking at 813 Devon Avenue (VA-26-04) (7-0). The applicant, Abby Ruba (1505 Bell Plain Avenue), described the business as appointment-only, operating 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, with average appointments of 90 minutes and about nine clients per day. The ZBA recommended approval 6-1. Several alderpersons expressed concern about cumulative parking demand in the South Park neighborhood, especially with an ice cream shop and childcare center on the same block. Despite voting yes, they urged a longer-term parking solution.
• Zoning Board of Appeals – Item 3: Approved final reading of an ordinance granting three variances for a wall sign at 120 S. Northwest Highway (VA-26-05) (7-0). The variances allow a replacement sign for a funeral home that is not on the sign frieze, covers architectural detail, and exceeds maximum size. The ZBA recommended approval 7-0 on each variance. Jackie Matthews of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce spoke in support, noting the business's long history and new owners' community service. The applicant confirmed that an existing white sign will be removed, leaving only the new sign.

Key Outcomes

• All four action items (SAN purchase, special use, and three zoning variances) were approved by 7-0 votes.
• The consent agenda was approved 7-0.
• Minutes were approved: Council minutes 7-0; Committee of the Whole minutes 6-0-1 (Lefler abstain).
• The Council adjourned at the conclusion of the meeting, with the next meeting (Committee of the Whole) to follow shortly.