Park Ridge City Council Regular Meeting - July 6, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, a proclamation for the Illinois America 250 Commemoration, public comments on traffic safety and rental property concerns, and a major action item approving the expansion of Advocate Health's campus at 1700 Luther Lane. All votes were conducted by roll call with a quorum of seven alderpersons present (Alderperson Muno participated remotely).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 15, 2026): City Council and Committee of the Whole minutes approved unanimously (7-0).
• Administrative Services: Approved the final reading of a resolution appointing a director and alternate director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (passed 7-0).
• Finance & Budget: Approved a purchase order increase to Gasvoda & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $27,600 for SCADA system upgrades (passed 7-0).
• Warrant Reports: Finance Director presented two warrant reports reviewed by Alderperson Rapisand: C062526 for $2,076,102.04 (period ending June 25, 2026) and C070126 for $117,693.01 (period ending July 1, 2026). No questions were raised.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Foss (1200 block of South Vine Avenue) requested making South Vine one-way (preferably northbound) citing safety and parking congestion. He noted that the Vine Avenue apartments have only 21 indoor parking spots and 6 outdoor spots (1 handicapped) for 150 feet of street parking. He provided accident statistics obtained via FOIA: 8 accidents at Talcott and Vine, and 5 at Devon and Vine, for the period July 2024 to July 2026. He also recounted a hit-and-run incident involving a motorcyclist in December 2025, which was not reported to police.
• Camille Soble (916 North Greenwood Avenue) expressed concerns about rental properties in her neighborhood, citing absentee landlords and lack of property maintenance (e.g., uncut grass, health hazards). She suggested a landlord registry to document complaints. Her second topic was deferred to the Committee of the Whole meeting later that evening.

Discussion Items

Mayor's Report: Proclamation for Illinois America 250 Commemoration

• Mayor Maloney read a proclamation recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The proclamation expressed support for the Illinois America 250 Commission and encouraged local commemoration events. John Prochaska of the American Legion accepted the proclamation. Mayor noted that fewer than six million World War II veterans remain alive.

Reports of Boards, Commissions, and Committees

• Community Health Commission (Alderperson Rapisand): Announced a free 90-minute bike safety instruction course for children ages 8-14 on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM, at the Park Ridge Park District. Registration and waivers required on-site at 8:30 AM; parent/guardian must accompany the child.
• Farmers Market Committee (Alderperson Muno): Reported that the market is going well; next meeting is July 15 at 6:30 PM.
• Historic Preservation Commission (Alderperson Sanchez): Recognized the 100th anniversary of the William H. Malone Fountain (donated by the second mayor), with a ceremony on Friday attended by multiple clergy and the Historical Society.
• Library Board (Alderperson Rapisand): Reminded that the Taste of Park Ridge event is this weekend, with a pop-up book sale hosted by the Library Friends.
• Planning & Zoning Commission (Alderperson Steinfels): Detailed action item on the hospital expansion (see Key Outcomes).
• Youth Services Commission (Alderperson Lawrence): Announced selection of a Golden Apple Award winner, to be presented at a future council meeting; encouraged youth with leadership skills to join the commission.
• New Business: Alderperson Sanchez promoted the Taste of Park Ridge (Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11) and encouraged volunteering.

Key Outcomes

• Hospital Expansion at 1700 Luther Lane (MA-26-03 / SU-26-07 / VA-26-13): The council approved a final reading of an ordinance granting a map amendment (rezoning the block to Hospital Transition Zone 2), an amendment to the existing special use permit, and two zoning variances (relief from perimeter landscaping and parking lot island requirements) for the construction of a two-story, approximately 78,000 square foot comprehensive cancer center with adjacent surface parking. Staff identified and corrected two scrivener's errors in the ordinance (fifth whereas clause and section four) via a friendly amendment. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval 8-0 on May 26, and the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval 6-0 on June 25, both without public comment. Applicant attorney Kate Duncan confirmed that sufficient parking exists, including the recently expanded hospital garage. The motion passed 7-0.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 PM (motion passed 7-0). The next council meeting date (July 14) may be canceled; the continued hotel proposal hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Next Steps

• The Illinois America 250 proclamation will be filed and publicized.
• The Community Health Commission's bike safety course will proceed on July 18.
• Staff will issue official notice regarding the July 14 meeting cancellation.
• The Golden Apple Award will be presented at a future council meeting.