Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. to discuss and vote on several action items and discussion topics including public works contracts, budget transfers, a liquor license amendment, electronic signage regulations, an EV readiness program, a school resource officer MOU, and received annual reports from the police and fire departments.

Public Works – Action Items

• Alley Repair Program: Approved a contract with Davis Concrete Construction Co. in the amount of $104,005.00 for restoration of approximately 848 square yards of concrete alley pavement at two locations (Stewart to Crescent between Chester and Clifton, and Western and Garden from Lincoln to Western). Eleven bids were received, ranging from $104,005 to $229,062. Motion passed by voice vote.
• Summit Mall Parking Lot Resurfacing: Approved a contract with Patriot Pavement Maintenance, Inc. in the amount of $209,309.00 for resurfacing approximately 5,700 square yards of pavement in the Euclid lot and north portion near Northwest Highway. Eleven bids received, ranging from $209,309 to $394,178.32. Work will be phased (south and north) to minimize disruption. Motion passed by voice vote.
• Water Main Valve Replacement: Approved a contract with Superior Excavating Co. in the amount of $80,480.00 for replacement of three water valves to reduce residents without water during main breaks. Five bids received, ranging from $80,480 to $144,704. Motion passed by voice vote.
• Water and Sewer Materials Extension: Approved a one-year extension (first of two optional) with Mid-American Water in the amount of $142,739.65 for purchase of water and sewer parts, with no change in pricing. Motion passed by voice vote.

Public Works – Discussion & Department Head Report

• Alderman Steinfeld asked for an update on the lead service line loan application to the IEPA; staff reported they have applied and are awaiting a decision.

Finance and Budget

• Budget Transfers: Approved transfers within the FY2026 General Fund from Finance and Public Works – Engineering Regular Salaries accounts to the Human Resources Unemployment account, necessary due to separations. Motion passed by roll call vote (6-0).

Administrative Services

• Human Resources Report: Staff presented a monthly snapshot including new hires, pension meetings, and noted that the new HR Manager Art Melanowski has started. No action taken.

Procedures and Regulations – Action Item

• Liquor License Amendment – Driving Range: Approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 12-6-7 of the Municipal Code to allow the sale of alcohol at the driving range building under the Class S5 Public Recreation Center license, following a request from the operator at Oakton Sports Complex. Motion passed by voice vote.

Procedures and Regulations – Discussion Items

Electronic Signage Regulations

• Staff presented options for allowing electronic signs on government property (municipality, park district, schools). Public comments: John Shea (Park Ridge Park District Executive Director) expressed interest and noted Schaumburg as a comparable; Joan Bendy encouraged allowing signs for community connectivity. Council members voiced concerns: Aldermen Lingan, Steinfelds, and Moran opposed, citing risks of opening the door to other entities (schools, churches), light intrusion in dense neighborhoods, and lack of compelling need. Alderman Leffler was in favor but noted lack of consensus. The consensus leaned against pursuing electronic signage at this time. No formal vote was taken.

EV Readiness Program

• Staff introduced the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus EV Readiness Program (bronze/silver/gold rating) to help the city update zoning, permitting, and training for electric vehicle infrastructure. The program is a resource grant with no direct cost but requires staff time (estimated 40-100 hours depending on level). Public comment: Tim Ilburn, program technical advisor, explained benefits and addressed fire safety concerns. Council discussion: Aldermen Steinfelds expressed concern about staff capacity given other priorities; Aldermen Moran and Leffler supported participation, noting long-term benefits for uptown development and other projects. Consensus was in favor of applying for the program.

Public Safety – Police

Action Item – School Resource Officer MOU

• Approved a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Maine Township High School District 207 to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) to Maine South and Maine East high schools. The MOU reflects new state laws emphasizing school discipline over criminal enforcement. The district reimburses the city for 70% of the officers’ salary (nine months). Motion passed by voice vote.

Department Head Report – Police Annual Report

• Chief Campworth presented the 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a 16.5% increase in calls for service, 35.2% increase in arrests, and a 19.04% decrease in overall crime. Traffic stops rose to 7,582 from 5,982. The department achieved ILEAP accreditation, maintained zero formal citizen complaints, and saw reductions in most crime categories (criminal sexual assault down 57%, robbery down 87.5%, burglary down 48%, theft down 21.48%, motor vehicle theft down 38.8%). Private prosecution was cited as a force multiplier. Aldermen commended the department’s performance.

Monthly Report and Other Updates

• Chief reported hiring four new officers currently at the police academy, e-bike enforcement efforts (two injury accidents this year), and pending state legislation on e-bikes. The department has not yet posted for a second social worker due to space constraints.

Public Safety – Fire

Department Head Report – Fire Quarter 1 Report

• Chief Sorensen presented the Q1 2026 report, noting stable statistics. He announced acquisition of two new ambulances (total cost $88,000), fire hydrant testing starting June 1 (with public notifications via the city's alert system), and shared complimentary letters from mutual aid responses and a stroke patient recovery. No action items.

New Business

• Alderman Moran requested improved beautification of outdoor dining setups; staff will review.
• Alderman Leffler noted Memorial Day parade logistics, including participation of the 388th Army Reserve Band and potential Army Platoon detachment, subject to funding. Final numbers pending.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned by voice vote.