Park Ridge City Council Regular Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. All six present aldermen voted on each item (Alderperson Steinfels absent). The meeting included approval of minutes, routine consent agenda items, public comments on sidewalk repairs, e-bike safety, and the Pride and Park Ridge event, and final readings of ordinances for zoning changes and parking lot alterations.

Consent Calendar

• Final reading of an ordinance amending the passenger pickup zone on Busse Highway (two 60-foot areas between Morris and Elm Street).
• Approval of a contract for asphalt materials with Builders Asphalt LLC in the amount of $140,680.00. (Alderperson Muno confirmed the company is now cleared for IDOT work.)
• Approval of an Illinois Department of Transportation resolution for the Maine South High School Homecoming Day Parade on September 19, 2026.
• All consent items were approved by a 6-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident (name not given) raised concerns about sidewalk conditions, cement costs, and the city's new prototype signs (material and cost). He asked about the city's tracking of falls.
• Ray Nicholas, a 50-year resident, expressed safety concerns about e-bikes, noting riders going too fast, ignoring traffic rules, and being too young (age 14 vs. state's 16 for Class 3). He urged enforcement and raising the age requirement.
• Kate Karen, on behalf of the Pride and Park Ridge planning team, thanked the city for supporting the third annual Pride celebration on June 5, 2026, and highlighted the positive impact on young people and the community.
• Loretta Murphy, a 60-year resident and registered nurse, strongly opposed a drag show at the Pride event, alleging inappropriate behavior in front of children. She stated she filed a police report but the police deemed nothing criminal. She considered it contributing to the delinquency of minors.
• Tim O'Regan echoed similar concerns, calling the drag performance sexually suggestive and comparing it to grooming. He criticized the mayor's appearance at the event.
• Josh Kime supported the Pride event, stating he took his grandchildren and felt it was appropriate. He thanked the police for maintaining order.
• Carol Hill, senior minister at Park Ridge Community Church and a Pride event organizer, read a prepared statement thanking city staff for their support and defending the event as inclusive. She noted that the drag performances are part of queer culture and affirmed the event's positive impact, including raffle donations of over $1,000 to those in need.
• Another resident (name not given) supported the Pride event, noting it helps families come out.
• Stefan LaFleur expressed support for the intent of the Pride parade but opposition to sexually suggestive dancing in front of children, suggesting the city could regulate such acts.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report: Reappointment of Shaun Kelly to the Appearance Commission for a five-year term expiring May 31, 2031, approved 6-0. The mayor thanked Kelly and encouraged others to apply for vacancies.
• City Manager's Report: The June city manager report was presented with updates from all departments.
• Finance Director's Report: Warrant report C061126 for $653,981.09 (period ending June 11, 2026) was reviewed by Alderperson Steinfels.
• Planning & Zoning Commission (MA-26-02): Final reading of an ordinance granting a map amendment for 425 W. Talcott Road from R-4 to B-1. Staff noted the parcel is isolated in a B-1 area; the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6-0 on June 9. Alderperson Muno asked about parking implications. Approved 6-0.
• Zoning Board of Appeals (VA-26-10): Final reading of an ordinance granting eight variances for a parking lot alteration at 1500 Stewart Avenue (Washington Elementary). The ZBA recommended approval 5-0 on June 15. No public comments. Approved 6-0.
• Zoning Board of Appeals (VA-26-11): Final reading of an ordinance granting eight variances for a parking lot reconfiguration at 200 S. Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln Middle School). The ZBA recommended approval 5-0 on June 15. Assistant Superintendent Brian Harlan confirmed the project will provide over 100 parking spots for approximately 100 staff, and the district may implement a numbered assignment system. Approved 6-0.
• Library Board of Directors Report: Alderperson Rapisand reported an increase in the Illinois public library per capita grant from $1.47 to $1.70 per person, providing an additional $9,000 annually for Park Ridge Public Library. The 2026 grant will be used to purchase furniture to increase seating.

Key Outcomes

• Approved draft minutes of the June 1, 2026 City Council meeting (6-0).
• Approved draft minutes of the June 1, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting (6-0).
• Approved the reappointment of Shaun Kelly to the Appearance Commission (6-0).
• Approved the consent agenda (three public works items) (6-0).
• Approved the final reading of the map amendment ordinance for 425 W. Talcott Road (6-0).
• Approved the final reading of the zoning variance ordinance for 1500 Stewart Avenue (6-0).
• Approved the final reading of the zoning variance ordinance for 200 S. Lincoln Avenue (6-0).
• Motion to adjourn approved (6-0).

Note: Alderperson Steinfels was absent for the entire meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.