Park Ridge City Council Regular Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Park Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026. Mayor Maloney presided; Alderperson Sanchez was absent and Alderperson Muno participated remotely, so all votes were taken by roll call. The council approved minutes and the consent agenda, received the FY 2025 audit report, debated the mural-definition ordinance, approved a sign variance, and voted not to reconsider the Flock camera purchase order.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the July 20, 2026 City Council minutes and the July 20, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes, each by a 6-0 roll-call vote, with no public comments.
• Approved the consent agenda by a 6-0 roll-call vote, including:
  • Final reading of a resolution establishing the City of Park Ridge Mural Program.
  • Final reading of an ordinance amending the Park Ridge Municipal Code regarding the Building Official and Deputy Building Official.
  • Purchase order to College of DuPage for $20,662.40 for Basic Academy training of four police recruits.

Reports and Presentations

• Mayor's Report: The council received a memorandum on adding live entertainment endorsements to existing liquor licenses; no questions were raised. The Mayor and the Youth Services Commission presented the 2026 Golden Award to Mary Lynch, recognizing her community service, including youth ministry, mission outreach to Kentucky, North Dakota, and the Bahamas, and leadership of teen-led initiatives such as furniture drives, holiday assistance, and fundraisers for Lambs Farm and the local food pantry.
• Finance Director: The warrant report C073026 for the period ending July 30, 2026, in the amount of $1,004,024.10, was reviewed by Alderperson Moran.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Don Shaw of Lauterbach and Amon presented the FY 2025 ACFR. The city received a clean, unmodified audit opinion and expects the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2025. The general fund ended 2025 with a $1.3 million surplus; revenues were about 3 percent above projections and expenditures were about 1.2 percent above projections. The fund balance equaled about 8.5 months of FY 2026 expenditures, down from just over nine months, above the city's three-month policy floor. The Finance Director noted that Cook County property-tax distribution delays likely reduced expected receipts by about 3 percent, or a few hundred thousand dollars, with a larger impact on schools and the library.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joe Foss (1200 block of South Vine Avenue) expressed frustration about rat infestations and overflowing garbage near Washington, alleging inaction and asking about a city rat-prevention plan. The Mayor clarified that Oakton Pool is a Park District facility and that the city did not pay for Pride festival security.
• Daniel Arnswald, an Edison Park resident, permanent disability placard holder, and Vietnam-era veteran, said Uptown Park Ridge lacks adequate ADA spaces and veteran recognition. He said he submitted five points for review and thanked city staff for arranging his appearance.
• Missy Langan (1924 Canfield) recounted the city's 2014 rat problem, said neighbors spent thousands of dollars on mitigation, and urged the council to consider rodent-control funding and resident education during the upcoming budget process.

Board and Commission Reports

• Community Health Commission: A mobile school-based health clinic held with District 64 and Cook County Health served 16 children; services included six vaccinations, eight physicals, and eight sports physicals, with a focus on uninsured or underinsured families.
• Farmers Market Committee: National Farmers Market Week was announced; the market is halfway through its season, and the next meeting is August 19 at 6:30 p.m.
• Historic Preservation Commission: It will meet August 5 at 6:00 p.m. and is accepting nominations for its second annual historic preservation awards.
• Library Board: Summer reading has three weeks remaining; the send-off event is set for August 22 on the library lawn.
• Liquor License Review Board: Its meeting was canceled because there was no pending business.
• O'Hare Airport Commission: It reviewed flight data and noted increased air traffic over the city due to construction and Fly Quiet rotations.
• Sustainability Commission: It will meet Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
• Youth Services Commission: It is accepting applications for young leaders.

Discussion Items

• Mural definition (ZA-26-03): The final reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance to create a definition of mural was presented. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended adoption 6-0 on July 28, with no public comments. Council discussion focused on whether the definition's restriction on logos, products, or elements related to the nature of the business would prevent schools or public buildings from commissioning mascot- or activity-themed art. Staff and several council members said the definition is intended to distinguish murals from signage and that final approval remains discretionary. The ordinance was approved 4-2, with Alderpersons Moran and Lawrence voting no.
• Flock camera reconsideration: Alderperson Moran moved to reconsider the previously approved $24,000 purchase order for Flock Safety Solutions camera equipment and software. He cited contract language allowing Flock to share footage with other agencies in good faith, possible access by federal agencies, and provisions about storing deleted footage. Alderperson Steinfels opposed reconsideration, saying the concerns had been discussed and that Illinois statute governs Flock's obligations. The motion to reconsider failed 3-3, so the original approval remained in effect.
• Sign variance (VA-26-12): Staff presented the final reading of a zoning variance at 140 N. Northwest Highway for LensCrafters to install an additional wall sign facing a rear parking lot that exceeds the 16-square-foot maximum. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval 7-0 on July 23 with no public comments. The ordinance passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the July 20, 2026 minutes and the consent agenda, each with 6-0 votes.
• Received the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as an informational item.
• Approved the mural-definition ordinance (ZA-26-03) by a 4-2 vote.
• Approved the LensCrafters sign variance (VA-26-12) by a 6-0 vote.
• Rejected the motion to reconsider the Flock Safety Solutions purchase order by a 3-3 vote.
• No new business was brought forward; the meeting adjourned by a 6-0 roll-call vote.