Park Ridge City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting – June 15, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council discussed public safety updates, approved financial items, and held discussions on proposed code changes regarding native plants and a municipal mural program. All votes passed 6‑0. Council members present: Alderperson Lawrence, Repassant, Leffler, Moran, Sanchez, and Mino (remote). Alderperson Knowles was absent.

Consent Calendar

No consent calendar was used; all action items were voted on individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Who Wish to Be Heard on a Non‑Agenda Item portion. During the public hearing for Special Service Area No. 26‑112, no members of the public offered comments.

Discussion Items

• Public Safety – Police: Chief Camp presented the May 2026 monthly report, Red Speed report, and Volunteer Corps report (78 hours in May, 210 year‑to‑date). Alderperson Sanchez inquired about damaged Flock cameras; Chief Camp confirmed four of eight city cameras were cut or spray‑painted, linked to a TikTok challenge, but none were lost. Sanchez also asked about e‑bike enforcement; Chief Camp noted ongoing contacts, one incident where a passenger fell off, and that drone use is not approved for tracking e‑bike riders.
• Public Safety – Fire: No report, action, or discussion items.
• Public Works – Green Alley Special Service Area: Director Mitchell introduced the public hearing for Special Service Area No. 26‑112 (Washington/Harrison). The alley improvement includes concrete edges and brick pavers with gravel for stormwater infiltration. The city pays 50% of costs; property owners pay the remaining 50% via a special tax over five years. No objections were filed. The hearing was adjourned by vote.
• Finance & Budget – SCADA Upgrades: Director Mitchell presented two linked items: a $27,600 budget amendment for water supply account SCADA upgrades and a $27,600 purchase order increase to Gasvoda & Associates, Inc. The final invoice from the 2025 project was not accounted for in the current budget. Both were approved.
• Finance & Budget – Property Tax Update: Finance Director Lippman reported that Cook County property taxes will be two months late again; collections are far below historical levels, and some 2024 tax bills were not sent. He noted the city’s diverse revenue reduces impact, but school districts and libraries are heavily affected. Mayor asked about recourse; Lippman stated some school districts sent demand letters but no litigation has been filed, and multiple elected officials are responsible.
• Administrative Services – SWANCC Appointment: Director Gilmer presented a resolution appointing himself as Director and the Mayor as alternate to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County Board for two years. Approved.
• Administrative Services – HR Report: Director Gilmer noted recruitments, birthdays, pension board updates, and a new full‑time HR specialist starting soon.
• Procedures and Regulations – Weed vs. Native Plants Ordinance: Director Osser recommended aligning city code with the Illinois Noxious Weed Law and Illinois Exotic Weed Act to allow cultivated Illinois native prairie plants (e.g., milkweed) while maintaining enforcement on unmaintained vegetation and enforcing eight‑inch height limits on turf. After discussion, council consensus was reached to bring the ordinance for a first reading.
• Procedures and Regulations – Murals: Director Osser proposed a program for murals only on government‑owned property, managed by the city with the Appearance Commission reviewing submissions and City Council providing final approval. The city would own the murals and could maintain or remove them. Funding would be through the city budget, donations, or partnerships. Council consensus was reached to develop a formal ordinance.
• Procedures and Regulations – Upcoming Items: Director Osser promoted a community outreach event for the citywide master plan on Wednesday, June 17, 6‑8 p.m. at the O’Connor Building.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing for Special Service Area No. 26‑112 was opened, no public comments heard, and adjourned by motion (6‑0). A 60‑day objection period ends August 14, 2026; if no objections, the establishment ordinance will be considered in August.
• Budget Amendment for SCADA Upgrades ($27,600) – Approved (6‑0).
• Purchase Order Increase to Gasvoda & Associates ($27,600) – Approved (6‑0).
• Resolution Appointing Director and Alternate Director to SWANCC – Approved (6‑0).
• Consensus to Draft Native Plants Ordinance – Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance aligning city weed regulations with state law.
• Consensus to Draft Mural Ordinance – Council directed staff to draft a program for city‑owned murals on government property.
• Adjournment – Motion passed (6‑0).