Committee of the Whole Meeting of the Park Ridge City Council - July 6, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The council addressed a range of items including public safety equipment renewal, school zone speed limit, water leak survey extension, parking policy revisions, common area maintenance fees, and a weed nuisance ordinance amendment. Votes were taken on multiple action items, and the council discussed a proposed revision to residential parking permit policy without reaching consensus.

Consent Calendar

• School Zone Speed Limit Ordinance (Action Item): Approved an ordinance amending 13-2-11 to establish a school zone speed limit on W. Talcott Road from S. Cumberland Avenue to S. Prospect Avenue near Roosevelt Elementary School. Signs had been installed with IDOT approval. Motion passed 7-0.
• Water Leak Survey Contract Extension (Action Item): Approved a one-year extension to the contract with M.E. Simpson for water leak detection of 139 miles of water main, at a cost of $39,300, with no change in pricing. Motion passed 7-0.
• Common Area Maintenance Purchase Order Increase (Action Item): Approved a $28,500 purchase order increase for Phillips Edison (dba Uptown Station LLC) for common area maintenance (CAM) fees, covering a true-up for charges above the monthly fee. Motion passed 7-0.
• Budget Transfer for CAM Charges (Action Item): Approved a budget transfer within the FY2026 General Fund from Administrative Services Contingency to Public Works Parking General Contractual Services to fund the CAM payments. Motion passed 7-0.
• Weed Nuisance Ordinance First Reading (Action Item): Approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Article 5, Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code to define and abate specific weeds as a nuisance, aligning with state law and allowing native prairie plantings. Motion passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Camille Soble (resident of 916 North Greenwood) addressed traffic congestion on Greenwood Street, citing increased development (Golf Mill redevelopment, Advocate Cancer Care Center) and expressing concern that arterial streets will not handle additional traffic.

Discussion Items

• Flock Camera Equipment and Software Renewal (Action Item): Chief Campworth presented a request to approve a $24,000 purchase order (renewal of service agreement) for Flock Safety Solutions automated license plate reader (ALPR) system. The system allows communication among surrounding departments and uses solar-powered cameras. Alderperson Moran questioned the return on investment due to apps that avoid cameras and requested data on arrests and stolen vehicle hits. Chief Campworth noted that cameras had helped solve cases (e.g., a Glenview shooting suspect located within an hour) and that stolen cars are detected daily. Alderperson Sanchez voted no. The council requested more data before the second reading. Motion passed 6-1.
• Fire Department Report: Chief Sorensen thanked staff for July 3rd fireworks, noted hydrant testing progress, and mentioned acquired structure training at Lutheran General and a house on Prospect.
• Revision to Council Policy Statement #19 – Residential Permit Parking Exceptions (Discussion Item): Director Mitchell presented a recommendation from the Uptown Parking Study to allow residents of townhomes on Morris Street and Meacham Avenue (between Northwest Highway and Busse Highway) to obtain one residential parking permit per address, overriding the current three-hour limit. Alderperson Moran opposed, arguing that residents have two-car garages and that granting permits sets a precedent. Alderperson Steinfelds supported the exception, citing increased pressure from park use, changes to Summit entrance, and elimination of parking along Busse. The council discussed alternatives such as overnight-only permits or three-hour parking until 8 p.m. Mayor Maloney cautioned about unintended consequences, referencing past commuter parking issues. No consensus was reached to bring the measure back as an action item; staff was asked to investigate current enforcement hours and report back.
• Public Works Department Head Report: Director Mitchell responded to questions about storm damage cleanup, noting that residents can call for tree limb pickup and that public works will address safety concerns on private trees if notified.
• Finance and Budget Department Head Report: The annual audit will be presented on August 3rd or 17th, with the city in a sound financial position.

Key Outcomes

• Flock Camera Renewal Approved (6-1) with a request for additional data before the second reading.
• Five action items approved unanimously (7-0): school zone speed limit, water leak survey extension, CAM fee increase, budget transfer, and weed ordinance first reading.
• Parking permit revision was discussed but not advanced; staff will provide information on current enforcement hours for further deliberation.
• The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time following a unanimous vote (7-0).